Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Going on holiday this year? Chances are you’ll be using some kind of big transport – aeroplane, ferry, train and even the car. Most children get motion sickness on new transport and especially on long journeys in the car so some kind of remedy is needed. I know when I’m on a ferry, or a cruise, the sea sickness is atrocious and even with medication it takes a long time to fade.
Sea-Band Nausea Relief Bands are not medication but a great alternative to preventing any kind of sickness. Based on acupressure points, similar to acupuncture, the bands wrap around your inner wrist and exert pressure on a particular point to relieve sickness. It sounds wacky, but the acupressure point seems to lessen the effect of sickness regardless of whether it is sea sickness, morning sickness, as a result of drug treatment, post-op recovery or even VR/gaming sickness. The bands don’t only prevent sickness from starting but they can eliminate it within 5 minutes of being put on.
There are no side effects either. You can still take anti-sickness medication whilst wearing the bands if you wish, but they are very discreet and can fit under a sleeve if you want to hide them and prevent questions!
There’s no reason not to give them a try, no matter what reason for the sickness. There’s no down side, and they might prevent that horrible feeling of moving around constantly, which is what I had on a recent cruise. The bands ramp-up your defence against any kind of nausea and anything that can help me have a good time on a cruise, or even just let me tolerate a long journey, is a friend for life!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
NecessaryGood is a portmanteau of the ideal skin cream. What does your skin need? And what is good for your skin? With thousands of skincare products on the market, NecessaryGood realised that there was no way of knowing what your skin needed, and what was available, so they decided to create a range which was just about good ingredients, mixed right, high quality and therefore the most effective. They pride themselves on not being in the top price range either. We were sent their Bright & Hydrated Moisturiser and their Protected & Hydrated SPF 50 day creams to try out.
The Necessary Good Bright & Hydrated Moisturiser prides itself on being able to hydrate, brighten and support your skin barrier all at the same time. It’s a really rich cream, much like a serum, which blends in with some work to create a deep barrier. It softened my skin first, which probably suggests that I needed more hydration by the end of the day! You can use this skincare more than once a day too, which is ideal as we go into summer. There’s no fragrance to this day cream, it can be used day and night and is ideal as an all-over base before make-up or for when you’re working from home and need some daily skin hydration.
The NecessaryGood Protected & Hydrated SPF 50 day cream is less rich than the Bright & Hydrate and takes a little more working into the skin, which is probably due to its SPF ingredients. It’s lighter too and has a tad more fragrance to it, which I put down to the cotton seed extract. There’s added vitamins E and B5 and contains both UVA and UVB advanced filters. I can’t test this one in the sun until the weather warms up, but SPF 50 is pretty high for this country, so you could use this on your summer holidays. It still hydrates your skin, even though it has the sun protection with it. With all the benefits of both day creams being the “Necessary Good”, they’re both great for taking on holiday this summer!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Award-winning Dr PawPaw have sent us their SPF Day Cream and Lip Balm to test before the summer holidays start in earnest, and based on the lovely fruity scents when opening the products, we couldn’t wait to get started!
Dr PawPaw is a British based company started in 2013 with most of the products made here too. Originally, the products were for soothing owners Pauline and Johnny Paterson’s young daughter’s eczema, but their following soon grew and they branched out into other products. The company pride themselves on using eco-friendly materials, which are recycled and biodegradable when possible.
The Dr PawPaw SPF Lip Balm and Day Cream are both vegan and cruelty-free, like all their products. The Lip Balm, which has added SPF 30, is targeted at keeping lips soft but also has the Dr PawPaw healing properties. It’s a very light application which can be used in the sun, or every day especially if you’re not wearing make-up. I like to use it at night to condition my lips as a I sleep. As you don’t need very much, it absorbs easily and has a lovely pawpaw taste to it which lingers when you put it on. It lasts enough of the night too so that your lips are still conditioned when you wake up.
The Dr PawPaw SPF 50 Day Cream is equally as fruity scented and a rich day cream, but it actually blends in very easily. My skin wasn’t oily with this day cream, but there was some light refraction to leave my skin looking like it had a glow. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for enriching the skin and the SPF 50 really helps when the sun comes out! This 45ml tube would be great for taking on holiday. I can’t wait for the day when the sun is out and I get to test out the SPF on both of these Dr PawPaw products!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
If you’ve found this review then it’s probably because you’ve been searching for Thieves Oil, or Four Thieves Oils for holistic purposes. Four Thieves Oils is used for many ailments, cleaning and natural diffusing of the home. It’s a blend of essential oils which you can make yourself (but is quite expensive) or as in this case, you can buy Four Thieves already blended and ready to use. We were sent the Optima Natura Four Thieves Oils and the Four Thieves Fragrance Mist.
Each of the products, which is part of a bigger range by Optima Natura, are made of 100% natural essential oils comprising of cloves, lemon, cinnamon bark (and leaf), eucalyptus and rosemary. If you’ve never encountered the Four Thieves scent before, then I can only describe it as the freshness of eucalyptus with the warmth of cinnamon and rosemary. The cloves smell is very strong which is probably because it’s the oil with the largest concentration. I wouldn’t describe it as a scent you’d recognise from cooking or medicine, but it is similar to something you would find in a room diffuser or candles, but without being synthetic.
The concentrated Four Thieves Oils is great for adding to cleaning products to give the antibacterial properties as well as adding the pleasant fragrance. I use it as a mild antibacterial agent when I need a cut or graze dressed, or for mild skin infections like around my nails after a manicure. It has a whole range of uses, and the concentrated Four Thieves Oils from Optima Natura is the quickest, easiest way of getting all of the essential oils together rather than having to make it yourself! It’s very potent stuff though, so be careful when using it on some surfaces or around delicate clothes.
The Four Thieves Oils Fragrance Mist can be used as a perfume, direct to the skin, or for freshening up curtains, bedding, upholstery etc. If clothes are a bit musty, or don’t have the ‘just washed’ smell any longer, it’s a great way of giving them new life and also keeping the germs away. You can have this on hand for the car too when the dogs are wet during winter!
Save yourself the hassle of having to make up Four Thieves Oils for yourself, and indulge in the whole Optima Natura range for at home. You’ll be surprised how much you grow to need it!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
With autumn here and the cold of the winter around the corner, hand creams and lotions make excellent Christmas gifts. Bare Feet & Hands have a lovely array of products this year, including this Hand Rescue Kit which includes a Buff & Shine tool, Glass Nail File, Conditioning Nail & Cuticle Serum and Conditioning Cream. You can purchase them individually but this set is for Christmas and comes in cheaper than if you were to buy them piece by piece.
Starting with the Conditioning Nail & Cuticle Cream, this smells divine because it contains sweet almond oil, ginger extract and manuka honey. The honey is for hydrating as well as antibacterial and the ginger helps with fungus and bacteria too. The combination of the fragrances is lovely though! The serum helps condition nails and skin before you apply the cream. It can be applied alone, but I like to apply it before I’m sitting down at my desk to work, so that it works in all the goodness as I type.
The Conditioning Cream is the ‘top coat’ which is a rich, sweet almond and aloe vera combination, with added cucumber. You can really smell the aroma of the cucumber when you apply it, and as it absorbs in, it leaves a softness to your skin. In combination with the serum, the two work together so that you have long lasting nourishment to help your hands last winter.
Lastly, there’s the glass file and the Buff & Shine tool. The glass file lasts forever (literally, they never smooth) so this is a really good gift or life-long apparatus to keep by your side. The Buff & Shine tool is used on naked nails to take away any ridges or unevenness on your nails, and gives them a shine before you take the paint to them.
Bare Hands Rescue Kit isn’t just for a gift, although it is a nice gesture for Christmas and works brilliantly as a stocking filler. It’s a fab gift to yourself to have available when your hands are dry or if like me, you just like to have them ‘on hand’ whist you’re working!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Sleep hygiene is so important yet it’s a fairly new revelation to most people. Blocking out light to create the perfect environment for a good night’s sleep is essential, so Dozzz have created the Luxury Momme Bulberry Silk Eye Mask.
Made with 100% Mulberry silk on both the inside and the outside, it’s incredibly soft, and light too. You can hardly feel it when you’re wearing it. It’s fastened at the back with Velcro which allows you to adjust for the size of your head as well as how tight you like the band to be whilst you sleep. It also means that the whole sleep mask is breathable and doesn’t get sticky in the summer, which is when I first started using it.
Putting the mask on, you can see from the design and the padding in the right places that it blocks out light. I tried this during the days as well as night, as my bedroom is completely dark anyway until the sun comes up, but I can confirm that with a bit of wiggling, the mask covers all light! The nose in reinforces to make it more comfortable and the eye patches are actually oversized so anyone can wear it. As there are no elasticated sides or fastenings, it doesn’t get caught in your hair or snag your skin.
In combination with other hygiene methods, the Dozzz Mulberry Silk Eye Mask helps with sleep but it can’t block out all of the annoyances. As I have pretty good sleep habits anyway, the mask really helped in the summer when the sun was up early and I would normally be woken at 5am. I’m also aware that having a silk mask on your face is also a soothing method for a lot of people who suffer with anxiety at bedtime or don’t like being in the dark. The softness of the silk is really comforting, and if you are a woman of a certain age, the silk help with pillow creases too!
I also love that this is easy to pack for travelling and great for sleeping on planes especially if you have noise cancelling headphones too. The giftbox makes it a great present for Christmas, especially for light sleepers, but travellers too!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
For the traveller, taking some home comforts with you on your journey is the perfect remedy to long distance flights or uncomfortable car rides. Levitex, the sleep posture experts, have a travel sized pillow in their customary design which can be taken on a plane as hand luggage or packed away.
Measuring approximately 30cms by 35cms when inflated, the pillow comes in 4 sizes (S-XL) and the website details how you work out what size is needed depending on your height and your sleeping position. The Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow also differs from other pillows because it is completely compressible and can deflate into a roll, secured with the enclosed strap so that you can take it with you in a rucksack or hand luggage.
To inflate the pillow to the correct pressure, you use the valve to allow air in to maximum size. Then, by literally punching the pillow with your fist to a depth of about 1cm, allow some of the air to escape then close up the valve. The firmness of the foam in the pillow give your head and neck the support needed to compose a good sleep posture to be able to sleep anywhere, and as it’s individualised to you in both pillow size and the firmness of the inflation, you can adapt it subtly to give you an even better sleep.
No more carrying bulky neck pillows at the airport and having nowhere to store them! Levitex Anywhere Travel Pillow is also great for keeping in the car on long journeys or for children needing a pillow to travel. It also comes in a drawstring bag to protect it but allows you to keep it packed in between journeys.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Most of us complain about bad sleep but we rarely do anything about it, just accepting that it’s part of life. Levitex however, have designed a sleep posture pillow that combats some of the causes of sleepless nights including the aches and pains associated with bad posture when sleeping.
I was asked to have an online consultation with founder James Leinhardt; a sleep posture expert with 15 years experience in working with patients who have complex neurological conditions. He explains that after seeing people lying in beds following operations, accidents and neurological complications, he could see why they weren’t sleeping well and waking with more pain than they should. It was all down to their sleep posture.
James started by explaining his background then asking questions about my sleep. How long does it take me to get to sleep? Did I wake up with aches and pains? Where were they? What position do I sleep in and what position was I in when I woke up? After gauging some background and no doubt looking at my posture as I spoke to him on the laptop (yes, I was hunched over and we spoke about that too!) James suggested that I try the Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow in the 8cm (small) size. This, along with sleeping with another pillow under my knees as I’m a back sleeper, would help my back relax and give a better posture when sleeping.
The Levitex Sleep Posture Pillow arrived in beautiful presentation box with some information from James about the company and how to use the pillow. It looks different to my usual fluffy feather-filled pillows because it’s made of foam and therefore has a more defined shape. It’s only 8cm high too, which is far smaller than my usual height of pillows but this was the purpose of the consultation – to find out if I was supported enough when I slept.
The Levitex pillow is a bit smaller than your usual pillow case size but it still fits so your bed aesthetics are safe! I tried out the pillow for a nap first of all because it was obvious that a change in sleep posture was going to be a jolt. Firstly, the height took a while to get used to. Having half the height of my normal pillows meant I had to completely change the way I sleep, but that is the point. I also had to get used to sleeping on foam which has a different texture and a slight scent to it which takes a while to fade.
After a trial nap, I then tried sleeping with it on the bed. Again, a full night takes a while to get used to the change in posture. As I sleep on my back, I had to adjust where the pillow meets the back of my neck to get the optimum angle to be able to sleep comfortably. It probably took one night of waking and adjusting the position before I could comfortably say that I was in the right place to be able to sleep and have my body relax into the posture needed.
In the morning, it was a gradual wake up and wiggle of the toes to find that my shoulders were more relaxed and refreshed. I also noticed that my face wasn’t as puffy as sometimes, presumably because the pillow allowed for better lymphatic drainage from my face. Over time and with the adjustments James suggested to my sleep positions, I’m hoping I will be able to continue the good nights’ sleep even more!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Sooth summer with Sudocrem’s Aloe Vera skin cream. In the long line of My Little Sudocrem range, the ever popular Sudocrem comes with the cooling effects of Aloe Vera this summer, in the same handy-sized pot that you find all the My Little Sudocrem characters.
Sudocrem is great for dry skin, relieving itches, as a barrier cream especially when in nature, and calms redness and irritations such as rashes and eczema. The aloe vera has added soothing properties, often used on sunburn and to help heal inflamed, burnt skin. Many people associate the smell of aloe vera with summer and holiday time, which is no wonder given its healing properties.
The My Little Sudocrem Aloe Vera is the same rich Sudocrem but with the added aloe vera you have a fresh and slightly fruity fragrance too. I loved using this on my knees and elbows when working from home (it’s a bit rich for hands and if you use it on the face, make sure you really rub it in). It’s also great for holidays because it’s only 22 grams so it’s well under the airport limit. I found that the Sudocrem Aloe Vera left my skin soft and hydrated with the lovely fragrance of aloe vera that lasted all day.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
I was very excited to be offered a red light mask by Sensse, having seen them on social media but knowing that I didn’t want to buy one without trying it out first. Sensse actually sent me their Elite LED mask though, which is not only a red light mask but also contains all the other colours of the spectrum which brings with it the different healing properties. So when it arrived, I was super excited!
Red light has healing properties for the skin which includes reducing fine lines and therefore slows aging. However, the other light frequencies have properties too such as cyan light for calming and white light for revitalisation. The Sensse How To Guide that comes with the mask explains the different lights and their properties, as well as showing you a pictorial of what the lights are and which modes to use.
Before using the mask, you have to set up the Velcro straps and controller which is plugged in with the included cable. There’s a tiny bit of charge already in the mask but it’s best to charge it fully and the How To Guide tells you how to charge it from a USB-C point and how to know when it’s fully charged. There’s also instructions of how to test the LED lights on your forearm just in case you’re allergic or have a reaction to the lights. The timetable builds up your resistance to the light but if you do have a reaction, stop using it and contact Sensse!
After setting up and reading the instructions (they’re not complicated so don’t worry) I had a test of 5 minutes with the NIR mode. This is Mode 8 on the controller. It is above the white light range and contains all the colours so it was a good test of my skin sensitivity. The controller sits in your pocket and makes a sound when the time is up (it defaults to 10 minutes but you can adjust it the first few times to 5 minutes). Success! No reaction, so I can leave it a few days to try the other colours for 5 minutes.
2 days later, I tried the red light (mode 2). This is the famous anti-aging frequency which over time should slow the aging of your skin. Again, I tried it for 5 minutes. Not only would I suggest shorter amounts of time to test light sensitivity, but I found this time I had to adjust the straps so that the mask fitted properly on my face. This also affected how I held my head (tip: don’t try and work on a laptop with the mask on!) and I could feel a headache coming on from the weight. Sitting back or lying down is preferable which is what I was doing the first time, so I shall be doing that most of the time I’m wearing the mask until I get used to the weight. It’s not that the mask is heavy, it’s that my head, neck and shoulders aren’t used to the forward weight or the straps around my head, which is why I had to keep adjusting it.
Wearing it around the house was easy though, and it’s not uncomfortable (the Velcro straps are easy to adjust even when you’re wearing it). The light isn’t too bright, although you shouldn’t aim the light directly into your eyes, and it doesn’t get hot or sweaty at all, even in the hot weather. I would suggest using the 10 minutes of light time to relax though, as it’s a good reminder to slow down whilst your skin rejuvenates.
This is a beauty tool which you can keep using for months in different ways. Not only the red light, but in time you’ll find the yellow light helps brighten your skin and with lymphatic drainage, blue light helps improve rough uneven skin texture and purple improves dullness, hydration and resilience. From using the red light this week, it feels nurturing even thought I won’t be able to see any long term affects for a while.
I have only been using the Sensse Elite LED Face Mask for just over a week, so long term improvements will take a while. However, after just one session of red light, I went to meet a friend who commented that my skin looked glowing, and the only reason I can put it down to is the Sensse Elite LED Face Mask! I am also aware that this is summer and the LED mask will come into its own in the autumn and winter when the natural light starts to wane and we rely on other methods to get light therapy. The versatility of this mask and the fact there are so many lights and it’s so easy to charge the mask, it makes a great companion whilst working from home or trying to relax. I can feel comfortable whilst wearing it, which is part of the process, and I’m looking forward to the long-term effects.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
We always seem to be hungry at The Review Studio, so when Jade & Joy sent us these chocolate bars, we decided to tuck in and enjoy the vast selection of bars they sent us.
Collagen is needed for skin, hair and nail growth and is often credited for keeping skin in good condition. As we get older, we lose collagen in the skin and don’t make as much of it so taking a supplement has its benefits. Jade & Joy have a range of different chocolate bars which contain collagen as well as other added vitamins and minerals. I was amazed at the range of flavours the bars were, from Salted Caramel to Cookie Crumb, Caramel Blondie and Marshmallow biscuit. They don’t taste like ‘health’ bars at all because they’re mostly chocolate and still have the sweet taste to them, with no bitterness like some alternative products have.
Jade & Joy were also kind enough to send us a selection of the plant based Yubi Bars in a Variety Pack which also includes some Christmas seasonal flavours. Great for stockings, Secret Santa as well as a daily snack, there are flavours such as Yule Log, Gingerbread and Choc Orange. All of them contain 10 grams of protein, 99 calories and 0.3 grams of sugar. These bars are pocket sized for snacks after school but as they’re high in protein, they’re also great for after the gym. The festive flavours are fabulous though, with gooey centres. The Mint Choc bar was probably my favourite but all of them were yummy with a few quiet minutes in the afternoon.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Let’s talk about something that most of us don’t know that we do – Bruxism. Grinding the teeth at night can a be a sign of stress and anxiety, blocked airways or a deformed mouth. I grind my teeth because my jaw doesn’t fit my skull properly, causing tension and grinding which in turn damaged my back teeth and causes problems. A vicious cycle! Dentist mouth guards are custom made, but what they don’t tell you is that when all your teeth are covered by a mouth guard all night, they start to stain, which is the pre-cursor to cavities.
So when DenTek showed me the Comfort-Fit Dental Guard which fits just on the back teeth, this was my chance to test the theory of why my teeth stain and what can be done about it! The pack contains 2 guards which are easy fit, and a storage case.
The DenTek Comfort-Fit Mouth Guard is BPA and Latex free. The guards have ‘bite pads’ which are attached via an adjustable band. To get the right fit, place the bite pads at the back of your teeth, on molars and the band fits around the front of your teeth on the bottom jaw. The band is adjustable though, so through trial and error you can move the band in and out so that it sits snugly on your teeth. I suggest doing this during the day when you’re not about to go to bed so that your mouth gets used to it.
During the night, the pressure of your teeth grinding helps keep the guard in place, but the shape of your mouth also keeps it in place when you open your mouth to breath, or if you need to drink. I wouldn’t recommend eating with it in. The bite pads are thick enough that you can bite on them with considerable force and not damage them, but that does mean your own teeth are protected. The rest of your teeth are available to the usual night time saliva though so the good bacteria in your mouth can help prevent staining.
The more you wear then, the less unusual they feel. They’re not uncomfortable at all, not like full mouth guards as they don’t enclose the teeth or prevent teeth from natural movement. I liked knowing that my jaw and molars were protected as well as the enamel on the rest of my teeth. They’re cheaper than the dentist made ones too!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Rio Mare have launched t heir Insalatissime Tuna Salad range in the UK, and we can understand why it’s so popular in Italy! Tuna salads got serious with their range of snacks and we were sent a ton of them to try…
From Mexican Style to Sweetcorn with Peas, Carrots & Olives and the very tasty Couscous with Chickpeas, Peas & Cherry Tomatoes, these handy snack pots were a blessing when I was hungry. They’re super easy to store in the fridge and you can just eat them straight from the can, although I added them to toast or salad! Great for picnics or a school lunchbox too, I like the way that there are so many varieties you never get bored of them. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste as well. There’s tuna in each can, but there’s also a mix of vegetables so you get a whole meal in one or an accompaniment to another dish, much like a mini-tapas serving.
We were also sent 3 varieties of tuna in cans too; Tuna with Pepper, Tuna with Lemon & Black Pepper and Tuna with Olive Oil. These cans can also be eaten on their own as a snack or part of a meal, but are more versatile as they can be added to dishes. These little cans of between 65grams and 80grams are great for sandwiches or adding to a pasta dish as they already have the oil and lots of flavour, and the cans keep them super fresh. Most of the cans are MSC too, so they’re helping the ocean wildlife.
I was a fan of tuna anyway, but I usually mix a plain can in with mayonnaise or eat it on toast but now that there are these easy to open smaller cans, and the brilliant 160grams tins that can replace a meal, I’m going to rethink how I ‘tuna’ in the future!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll hate going to the dentist and will do almost anything to prevent any work being done. So, when the hygienist suggests interdental brushes and flossing picks, I will happily spend my whole months’ salary (well, nearly!) on preventative measures. DenTek has everything you could ever need for preventative care of your teeth, including this bundle pack that was sent to us this week.
All of the items are Eco Friendly, which means they’re made of recycled plastic or plant-based materials. Less to go to landfill but what does go is biodegradable. The bundle contained a pack of 32 Slim Brushes, 40 Comfort Picks, 36 Triple Clean Floss Picks and 75 Complete Clean Floss Picks.
The DenTek Slim Brushes are 0.45mm in width with tapered bristles made from renewable castor plant. The handles are made from plant-based bio resin. Each sits comfortably in the hand and is used to brush in between teeth. They can be used for the whole set of teeth but I wouldn’t recommend using them 12 hours later when you next brush your teeth though! They’re really effective in getting the plaque and small bits of food out from between your teeth.
The DenTek Comfort Picks are similar but instead of bristles, these are sized M/L and are ideal for travel, and come with a little carry case too. Perfect for the handbag or the suitcase on holiday. They’re less abrasive than the Slim Brushes so if you’re not used to the bristles, these are a good place to start.
Dental floss is a thing of the past with the DenTek Complete Clean Floss Picks. This massive pack is great for the bathroom cabinet as the horseshoe shaped picks remove food, plaque and can reach right into the gum line, removing food and plaque from between each tooth and the gum. They’re designed to reach both the front and the back teeth and have a fresh mint flavour. These are the brushes I use every night after I brush my teeth and I swear by them!
Lastly, there’s the Triple Clean Floss Picks. They’re extra strong so you can use them more vigorously and really get into the gum line. They’re also mint flavoured and have added fluoride to help fight plaque. They’re antibacterial too so help prevent bacteria building up.
DenTek have a huge range of cleaning technology, as well as protection guards and other dental tools online at: https://dentek-eu.com/clean/
DenTek tools are available at major retailers including Boots, Superdrug, Amazon, Waitrose, Ocado and other major retailers.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Here’s a novelty Father’s Day Gift you Dad will love, without being the predictive socks, chocolate or whiskey! The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil Gift Bod is surprisingly more straightforward than its name. It’s a beautiful award winning 500ml bottle of olive oil, complete in a box that’s easy to gift.
I was taught that the best olive oils come in dark glass, to preserve it from the sunlight which destroys good olive oil. The Oro Bailen Arbequina Olive Oil is just that – high quality olive oil in the deepest of dark glass and presentation box! If you’re in any doubt about the quality or taste, just take a look at the side of the gift box where it’s earned 25 different awards from around the world. Top of the awards is the 2024 Great Taste Award (2 stars) which sits proudly on the bottle.
The Andalucian Spanish olive oil is cold pressed within 2 hours to give a 99 point score in the Flos Olei International Olive Oil Guide. The 2024/25 harvest from a single Spanish estate is a mild flavour, extra virgin green olive oil that has a multitude of uses. The slight aftertaste is not acidic at all, just a mild olive taste which is rich and smooth. I don’t like using extra virgin olive oils of this calibre to cook, but instead to use as a dressing or ingredient. I think this harvest, along with the 99 point scoring, makes the Oro Bailen an excellent gift for Dad, or anyone who enjoys really good food, especially high quality ingredients. The taste speaks for itself, and makes a unique, and usable gift.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Evoking old-fashioned, get-the-job-done memories, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser is reminiscent of the make up you remember from your youth. The fresh scent hits you as you open the blue pot, and the perfectly peaked cream entices you to stick your finger in and try out the richness.
I have a pot of Astral Original sitting on my desk. Made in the UK, it has no fancy gimmicks, just a smooth, comforting texture. Containing lanolin to lock in moisturiser and create a barrier and Glycerine to smooth and hydrate your skin, this can be used on the face or the body, and I use it on my hands as I read my emails. It absorbs super quickly and can also be used to remove make up. What’s most appealing is the fresh fragrance though – there are no harsh chemical scents and the light aroma lingers on your skin once you apply it.
Great for handbags, on the dressing table or to use at work, Astral Original Intensive Moisturiser does exactly what it says it will, and being dermatologically tested, it can be used by anyone. I love it!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Calm your skin in this sunny weather with the Kalme Daily Defence, with the added bonus of SPF40.
Most daily moisturisers are only SPF10 of SPF15 but the Kalme Daily Defence has the benefit of SPF40, which is higher than most sun creams. Giving 24 hours of moisturisation, Kalme lasts longer than most moisturisers and keeps moisturising through the night. When you apply it, you can see how nutrient dense it is from the way it sits on your skin before it’s absorbed.
Kalme’s non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog pores nor does it make your eyes sting if you accidentally touch them, although you should always rinse your eyes with water if it does occur. Tint-free, it’s also suitable for all skin tones. Kalme also works as an anti-redness aid, helping sooth skin whether sun burnt, affected by allergies or redness from an irritation. I used Kalme as a night moisturiser as it’s so effective in the long term. It’s been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, and the addition of antioxidants also helps repair skin at night.
Although a heavy cream at first, it absorbs quickly and keeps the moisture in. Use it at night or in the morning, it keeps on working a treat!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Summer brings dry lips, and not just because of the weather but hay fever is a big cause too – I know because I have it! LipQ’s Liquorice Lip Balm is not like other balms though, thanks to the liquorice which helps prevent cold sores too. Liquorice extract weakens the virus before it can take hold, effectively lessening the impact that the cold sore can have on your lips.
LipQ Liquorice Balm also protects against UV. The 30 grams tub, which is small enough to take with you anywhere or pack into a handbag, is made with almond and beeswax with added avocado and sunflower oil to create a hydrating seal. It’s free from parabens and perfumes and in trials, 83% of users reported faster recovery.
Each pot lasts for ages, even if you use it every day. It seals in moisture and prevents sunburn but also helps with hay fever. If you rub a small amount on the tip of your nose, pollen sticks to it instead of being inhaled which helps prevent pollen allergies in the first place!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
As summer approaches, trips on boats, cars and planes often get dogged by travel sickness. Medication aside, there is a natural way of preventing it that doesn’t include drugs and is safe even for morning sickness. Sea-Bands use pressure points on the inside of the wrists to alleviate the symptoms and in some cases, the sickness goes altogether. We were sent a pair to try out and we discovered they’re not just for cruises!
There are two bands in the pack, and they come in their own plastic box to keep them clean, or to have on hand in a handbag or travel luggage as and when needed. To use, just place them over your wrists (you need to use both bands for them to be effective) and have the button in the inside of your wrist, over the Nei-Kuan point. This acupressure point can be found by placing your middle three fingers on the inside of your wrist, with the third finger just below the first wrist crease. The Nei-Kuan point is found under our first (index) finger. If you’re placing the Sea-Bands on children, use their fingers to find the same point.
You can place the bands on before a journey or as you start to feel sick, although it can take 2-5 minutes to start taking effect so it’s best to place them on before travelling. Extra pressure on the buttons gives more relief so sleeping with them on and your palms faced down has a greater effect. If you’re wearing them for morning sickness, you can put them on the night before and wear them all day too.
Sea-Bands have no side-effects and can be used all day to prevent relief, just be sure to adjust them if they come out of place. They’re re-usable too, so you can take them off and store them for another day and wash them gently under water. They’re also used for the symptoms of nausea resulting from anaesthesia and chemotherapy.
We go on cruises frequently, and if you’ve ever travelled through the Bay of Biscay or the North Atlantic, then you’ll know that anti-nausea relief is a MUST! The Sea-Bands really help with the nausea feeling. They don’t always prevent all of the sickness but they do relieve it, and depending on the cause and severity, can give complete instant relief.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Sit back, enjoy summer and know that the Collagen Beauty Water from Tide is doing you good as well as being refreshing.
Tide have two flavours of collagen water; Natural Lemon & Lime and Natural Raspberry, started by Louise of Tide who wanted to make nutritional beauty an effortless part of the daily routine.
Tide Collagen Water contains 3.5g of MSC-certified marine collagen and both flavours contain only 27 calories. Collagen is great for skin, hair and nails and especially good as we get older and lose collagen naturally. Marine collagen is especially good for absorption and helps promote the structure of skin so that it doesn’t lose its elasticity. As I’ve got older, I’ve actively sought out collagen products so that I can replace some of what is naturally lost.
The Tide Collagen drinks sparkling water with a twist of flavour. The Lemon & Lime flavour is slightly bitter, but still sparkling and refreshing. For a sweeter flavour, try the Natural Raspberry, which is just as effervescent and also contains 3.5g of collagen. I think I prefer the sweeter Natural Raspberry flavour to have as a pick-me-up in the afternoon and an alternative to caffeine and snacks.
As with all supplements, collagen takes a while to see the effects so don’t expect a youthful miracle overnight! If you enjoy a fizzy can of drink anyway, then Tide Collagen Water is a great way of getting your collagen supplement in whilst still enjoying the flavoured water.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
As the years (and the miles) have added up, my knees have started to get a little… well creaky. I really notice it on those colder days out on the hills, especially when I’m heading downhill and I’ve started to think that it might be time to give them a bit of extra support, so I can keep enjoying the walks I love for many years to come. So, when PADA offered to send me a pair of their Knee Padded Leggings the timing couldn’t have been better! Now, whilst they’re technically yoga or gym leggings and I don’t do either – it didn’t put me off as with the built-in knee pads they immediately struck me as being the ideal solution to my knee issue.
Let’s start with the fit, because that’s the most important thing when buying leggings. These are high-waisted, sculpting leggings that actually reach my ankles ( for someone who is 6’ tall that is a huge plus point before we even start!) The fabric is also soft, stretchy, and super supportive in all the right places. The knee pads aren’t bulky or obvious, but they really do help, keeping my knees warm and nicely cushioned, which takes the edge off that stiff, achy feeling which is worse in colder weather. They’ve got just the right amount of hold around the tummy too, without ever feeling restrictive and the moment I popped them on, I could feel the difference – even dashing up the stairs, my knees didn’t complain like they usually do!
Outdoors, they’ve really come into their own. I’ve tested them on a few longer walks and gentle runs now, and they’re so comfortable – no chafing and no digging in. The seams are smooth and the waistband stays exactly where it should. Plus, there’s plenty of stretch in the fabric, so scrambling over rocks and striding up hills is a breeze.
They’ve even got a generously sized leg pocket (big enough for my phone, tissues and, yes, the odd snack!), and I love the reflective detailing on the back and ankle — a useful safety touch for those early morning or evening outings.
They are available in sizes XS to XXL, with a petite option too, and I found the sizing spot-on. I ordered my normal size and they fit like a glove. They also come with a handy little wash bag to protect them in the washing machine. So far,they’re washed well, no stretching or fading which is good.
These leggings have quickly become my go-to for anything outdoors – walking, running, hiking as they offer just the right blend of performance, comfort and subtle support. If your knees have started to feel the miles too, these might just be the perfect walking companion.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Lavender has long been used for medicinal purposes, not just to aid sleep but it has healing properties that help the immune system, anxiety, stress and depression. Lavender Lux are a Czech company who grow the lavender in the Lavender Valley in the Czech Republic and turn them into beautiful products to benefit health as well as happiness. We were sent the Anti Blemish Roll On and the Bio Hemp Balm with Lavender (along with some lovely lavender tea bags too!)
The Anti-Blemish Roll On can be used on acne prone skin or on areas which need some TLC. Simply shake the bottle, roll on and the lavender’s anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties sooth the skin and help reduce the bacteria that cause acne. It ca be used several times a day, and the scent of the lavender can also help with anxiety and sleep. Only a small amount is needed, it massages into the skin easily. This is a lovely alternative to a perfume too, especially if you aren’t getting dressed up to go out but need something convenient.
The Bio Hemp Balm is used on cracked or dry skin, eczema and minor skin legions. The combination of hemp and lavender nourish the skin, especially lips which can become chapped and sore. The lavender fragrance really comes through when you use it and the 30ml size is enough to take on holiday or leave in your handbag for minor cuts, grazes or dry areas. I love this for when my skin is dry during the day and for my lips at night before I go to bed. It’s hydrating and medicinal at the same time.
The lavender tea bags come in slightly different flavours (they’re written in Czech though so I can’t tell you which flavours they are!) and they give an indication of the type of other lovely products available online at Lavender Lux.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
This Mother’s Day, give a gift which is both thoughtful and useful with the Jartoo Heated Blanked.
Not just a blanket that heats up, the Jartoo Heated Blanked uses Carbon Nanotube Technology to convey heat via the blanked which is more efficient and doesn’t involve lots of wires. It also promotes blood circulation and muscle relaxation with far infrared heating, and uses 60% less energy than other heated blankets.
With the cost of heating being extortionately expensive now, the mantra in most households is ‘heat the person, not the room’ to save both money and energy. The Jartoo Heated Blanked buys into this ethos with the heated blanked that has 6 different heat settings from 35 degrees centigrade up to 55 degrees (95F to 131F) at the touch of a button.
The blanket measures 50” by 60” and has a clever mesh inside that you can’t feel through the soft fabric. To heat it, there’s a connector concealed in a corner which connects to a corded plug which goes into the wall socket. On the blanket is a Jartoo button in one corner which starts the heating process when you press it. You know which temperature you’re at because the button changes colour from blue (lowest temperature) to red (highest). Amazingly, there’s also a remote control also included which is already paired through wifi to you your blanket allowing you to turn up the heat from a distance!
The Jartoo Heated Blanket also has a timer, which can be adjusted with the remote control. Cleverly, the blanket will also turn itself off if there is no movement detected, so that it doesn’t become a hazard if you fall asleep. However, it only has an output of 24V so it is well below the safety threshold of 36V. Despite the wires, the cord can be detached and you can put the blanket in the washing machine and it’s safe for animals to use, even if they try and destroy it!
I found it very easy to set up, and the size of the blanket is well beyond what I would expect as it went from my neck right down to my feet. The material is incredibly soft and the colour, although boring, fits in with existing décor (it’s a dark grey colour) and you don’t see marks on it easily. When I fitted the plug, it started working straight away and I could feel it heating up. I timed it as taking 6 minutes before I was toasty, so I’m presuming that was including the time for it to get to its maximum temperature and warm me enough that I could feel a marked difference. Pressing the Jartoo temperature button was fun too as I cycled through the different temperatures to get to where I was comfortable.
I’m really impressed with the blanket so far and can’t find anything to improve! It’s really efficient, easy to use and safe too. You can warm yourself up with it and feel safe on a timer or simply leave it on knowing that it won’t overhead. Great for older people and children, I also thought that this would be good for pets who like to snuggle especially when it’s freezing out there!
It may be pricy (currently listed on US Amazon at $259.99 which is approximately £200) but the quality of the materials should last you a few years especially with the included warranty. Think about the amount of money you’ll be saving though when you don’t need the heating on so much!
I’m going back to snuggle down in the warm again now…
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
As hair and beauty products seem to be advancing at an exponential rate recently, there are new gadgets on the market all the time. The OneBrush takes the humble hairbrush and upgrades it to something tailored to what you need it for that day. It’s the world’s only adjustable hairbrush.
If like me, you have several hairbrushes (and combs!) for different reasons, then the OneBrush replaces all of them. With a dial on the back of the brush face, you can change the firmness of the brush in 7 iterations and anything in between. From ‘Soft’ to ‘Firm’, the dial changes the direction of the bristles on the face so that they have different effects. The brush bristles are plastic (the whole brush is recyclable and already made from recycled plastic) and shaped like aeroplane wings. They’re wider at the base than at the top and they taper towards the end. This gives the advantage of changing the firmness of the brush stroke when the dial is changed, thanks to the direction of the fin. The pattern of the bristles also causes the brush to be firmer or softer as it pulls in different directions.
Yes it sounds technical! However, when you play with the brush and try it against your scalp and hair it feels different so you start to get an idea. As it’s easy to change the dial each time you use it, you can start with the firmness in one direction for the scalp, then change again as you brush towards the ends. Likewise, you can change it when you are in the shower and might need a softer brush to run conditioner through your hair, or need a firmer brush for when you have shorter, fly away hair.
It takes a while to get used to the different settings, which is understandable as it’s a whole new concept. I’m not a fan of plastic but it does mean that this brush is more versatile and can be used in the shower, taken on holiday (it’s probably indestructible!) and kept in a handbag if you need to. I found that the firmer end of the dial was very good at massaging my scalp as well as brushing, which made me wonder if using OneBrush helps with stimulating better hair growth. It’s not just great for getting the right stroke in your hair brushing, but for massaging your pressure points after a long day too. Mum will love it!
This Mother’s Day, OneBrush have a special pink version on their website, along with the original version.
As a special deal for Review Studio readers, you can use discount code MD20 for 10% off for Mother’s Day!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
For Mums, Grans, students and anyone else who needs an all-in-one and on-the-go healing cream, SOS Serum Face & Body Healer can do it all. Containing anti-inflammatory wasabi and calming burdock leaf, this gorgeous, floral smelling serum moisturises and protect. The added peppermint and Lauromacrogols help anesthetise the skin, which helps with skin complaints such as dermatitis and eczema.
Even if you don’t have a skin condition, SOS Serum helps soothe every day complains like chapped skin, washing-up hands and acts as a barrier for elbows and knees. The mild ingredients can be used for so many reasons that it’s great to have on you at times, especially in a handbag or nappy bag! Great for taking on holiday too, the soft fragrance is useful for wearing at work when your hands are dry or if like me, you sit on calls and need something to moisturise your hands and face in a stuffy office and like to have something other than the basics.
Add this to your medicine cabinet, overnight bag or just have handy in the kitchen and SOS Serum Face & Body Healer becomes a close companion.
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