Mother’s Day – The Review Studio

Silk Eye Mask from The Silk Club

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, travel, Women

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.

A little treat for yourself before the spring sunshine sets in or some nice cosy nights early to bed, the Silk Eye Mask from The Silk Club is useful to everyone. Made with 100% Mulberry Silk, it’s available in 5 colours and two sizes; Small- Medium and Medium-Large. As it’s made of pure silk, it’s also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Does it work though?

The softness of the silk means it fits most faces with just the elastic band in place and covers the whole eye area. It’s not uncomfortable to lay on the mask to sleep either, and as the elastic band is covered in silk too, it’s very delicate on the skin. Silk means it’s kind to your skin microbiome and helps prevent pillow face. I know a lot of women who swear by silk pillowcases to help prevent wrinkles and the Silk Eye Mask is similar.

To block out light, the mask is padded to give maximum blackout. Once you get used to having something over your face all night, it becomes comforting especially in the spring and summer when the sun comes up. It’s particularly good for travelling too, when you need to sleep on planes or in a car. Sadly, it doesn’t do anything for noise but it does help you concentrate on sleeping! The combination of noise cancelling headphones and the Silk Eye Mask is an absolute winner. They look very stylish too, with the plain block colours in pale pinks and blues.

A lovely gift for a friend who travels or for those who have trouble sleeping – but like their bed wear stylish too!

Currently on sale for Black Friday at £29.99: https://thesilkclub.co.uk/products/pink-mulberry-silk-eye-mask

Airy Fragrances Elegant Harmony Reed Diffuser

Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts are opinions are our own.

While scented candles are a lovely way to fill your home with fragrance, they do have a few drawbacks. Firstly, they only release their scent once lit, so there’s no walking into a beautifully fragranced home at the end of the day. Secondly, if you have little ones or pets, an open flame can be a fire risk, so diffusers are a great alternative as they gently scent your space around the clock. No matches, no fuss, just effortless fragrance in your home.

A good diffuser will scent the room evenly, reed diffusers do this through simple alchemy – slender reeds draw up scented oil and release it slowly into the air. They need no heat or electricity, making them one of the safest, most elegant ways to fragrance a space. And these days, they’re every bit as chic as designer candle – often more so.

There’s so much choice when it comes to diffusers, and if you’re willing to invest a little more, you can find beautifully designed pieces that also double as home décor like this Airy Fragrances Elegant Harmony Reed Diffuser. The brand was founded in 2024 by two Japanese fragrance enthusiasts and their philosophy is all about creating a scenting experience that feels intentional, atmospheric, and is essentially, mindfulness in a bottle.

The brand’s signature diffuser, is based on the Zen concept of ensō – a circle symbolising harmony and impermanence. The simple sphere shaped bottle reminds me of Christmas baubles so is the perfect choice for Christmas. Priced at £43, it’s more than I would generally spend on a diffuser but having had it in my home for a couple of weeks I’ve discovered it’s worth spending a little more as the fragrance has been consistent and hasn’t faded as fast as the cheaper brands tend to do.

The frosted glass diffuser is packaged in a lovely gift box along with 5 premium diffuser reeds and 180ml of fragrance oil which has been crafted in Japan. It’s beautifully presented, making it the perfect Christmas gift for someone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Elegant Harmony is a scent that captures the poise of Kyoto at first light – it has white tea, golden osmanthus and damask top notes unfolding into soft iris and jasmine. The base notes of musk and vanilla add a gentle warmth to the fragrance. White tea is known for its stress-relieving qualities, while osmanthus lifts the mood making this an ideal choice for bedrooms or living spaces. I’ve placed the diffuser in a few different rooms to see how the fragrance carries. In my tall, airy lounge, it fills the space beautifully and in smaller rooms, the fragrance isn’t overpowering and is noticeable the moment you step through the door. While scented candles are a lovely way to fill your home with fragrance, they do have a few drawbacks. Firstly, they only release their scent once lit, so there’s no walking into a beautifully fragranced home at the end of the day. Secondly, if you have little ones or pets, an open flame can be a fire risk, so diffusers are a great alternative as they gently scent your space around the clock. No matches, no fuss, just effortless fragrance in the air.

The brand’s signature diffuser, is based on the Zen concept of ensō – a circle symbolising harmony and impermanence. The simple sphere shaped bottle with silver collar reminds me of Christmas baubles so is the perfect choice for Christmas. Priced at £43, it’s more than I would generally spend on a diffuser but having had it in my home for a couple of weeks I’ve discovered it’s worth spending a little more as the fragrance has been consistent and hasn’t faded as fast as cheaper brands tend to do.

White tea is known for its stress-relieving qualities, while osmanthus lifts the mood making this an ideal choice for bedrooms or living spaces. I’ve placed the diffuser in a few different rooms to see how the fragrance carries. In my tall, airy lounge, it fills the space beautifully and in smaller rooms, the fragrance isn’t overpowering and it is noticeable the moment you step through the door. I’ve had so many compliments since placing this diffuser in my hall, and it’s easy to see why. The fragrance feels welcoming and refined, so it won’t be long before I’m ordering a refill – and I’ll certainly be exploring the other scents in the range too.

With its elegant design and beautiful scent, the Airy Elegant Harmony Reed Diffuser makes the perfect gift this festive season.

Tolpa Dermo Face Rosacal Products

beauty, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Tolpa is a Polish skincare brand and it’s now available at Boots. I’ve already used the Lipidrio range and now I’ve trying a couple of products from the Rosacal range, designed for those with sensitive skin.

The Strengthening Regenerating Cream (RRP £12.99) is a real multitasking night cream, it promises to do more than just moisturise, also helping to strengthen and seals blood vessels, making them less sensitive to external factors. It also claims to soothe erythema, calm irritation and even conceal redness thanks to its natural green colouring. On top of that it helps tackle fine lines and wrinkles. That’s quite a list of promises but with my skin in need of some extra TLC, I was hoping that it would make a difference.

The texture is lovely, it sinks in easily without that heavy, greasy feeling some night creams can leave behind. When I wake up, my skin feels soft, calm and properly hydrated. According to Tolpa’s own tests, the cream can reduce persistent redness by 10% after four weeks, even out skin tone and lessen the appearance of spider veins. Hydration levels also jump by 29% after the very first use and last a full 24 hours. After a month I’m pleased to say that my skin is looking much better, it feels plump and hydrated and I’m starting to see a small improvement in my fine lines too.

One thing I really like is the packaging. The cream comes in an aluminium tube, which not only helps keep the product fresher but is also better for the environment. Plus, it’s more hygienic than a jar – no dipping fingers in and spreading bacteria!

I’ve also been using the Rosacal Strengthening Face and Eye Area Micellar Wash Gel (RRP £8.99), which has slotted perfectly into my morning and evening routine. I massage it in gently and rinse with water, finishing with a damp flannel. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but still effective – it removes light makeup easily, though I do reach for a stronger cleanser if I’ve gone heavier on the foundation. My skin feels clean, refreshed and never tight or dry afterwards.

Tolpa’s skincare range is exclusive to Boots, both in store or online. The Rosacal range consists of four different products so as well as the two I’ve been using there’s also a Strengthening Micellar Liquid for cleansing and a Strengthening Soothing Cream

Right now, Boots have a great offer on – buy two Tolpa products and get the second half price – so I think that’s the perfect excuse to pick up the other two products in the range and give them a go!

Christmas Beauty Gifts -Curlsmith Hair Products, Rubis Tweezers and Wonderbalm Lips

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

I know it’s only October, but it’s the perfect time to get started on your Christmas shopping. The shops are beginning to fill with festive gifts, and by picking up a few now, you won’t be rushing around at the last minute. We’ve been trying out some brilliant beauty treats this week that are perfect as stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts – little luxuries that are bound to be well received on Christmas morning.

First up, the Rubis Tweezers – in my opinion these are the holy grail of tweezers and perfect for anyone who likes to keep their brows neat and tidy in between salon visits. Lightweight but surprisingly sturdy, they’re well made with an ergonomic design that makes them very comfortable to hold. Each pair is hand-finished in Switzerland from surgical stainless steel and they pluck even the finest hairs easily, with no pinching or snapping. They come in a neat zip-lock pouch (no more rummaging through your make-up bag) and even have a protective cap to keep the tips in perfect condition. At £27.98, they’re an investment, yes – but one that will last for years. Available from Amazon.

If you’re shopping for someone with curls then you really need to look at Curlsmith products. The Shake & Shine Curls Refreshing Mist (£24) is my go to product for refreshing my curls – a few spritzes of the lightweight mist and a quick scrunch and tired curls spring back to life looking bouncy and defined again. It locks in moisture (up to 41% more, according to Curlsmith’s tests) without weighing hair down.

The In-Shower Style Fixer (£24) is an anti-frizz styling gel designed to be used on soaking wet hair. Like the name suggests the best place to apply it is in the shower and I just smooth it down my hair using the “praying hands” method before scrunching it and drying with my diffuser.

Curlsmith products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with natural ingredients. I’m really impressed with these products – my curls are shinier, smoother, and, on most days, even cooperative. Every so often they do their own thing, but that’s curls for you!

Both products are available from Boots along with other products in the range and there’s currently 20% off – so another reason to start shopping early!!

And finally, for those who can’t be without a lip balm (and let’s face it that’s probably most of us in winter?), Wonderbalm Lip Balm is a handbag essential. Made with shea butter and infused with a blend of botanical oils, butters, and waxes, it glides on smoothly and doesn’t leave your lips feeling sticky or greasy. Whether you’re out walking, sat in an office or battling a cold December wind your lips will be lovely and soft and hydrated all day long. At £8 it’s a lovely treat for lips and the perfect size to fit in a Christmas stocking.

So, while the Christmas countdown may feel far away, now’s the time to start gathering those small and special gifts. Pop a few of these in your basket now, and by December, you’ll be feeling calm, smug, and ever so slightly festive.

Bare Hands Rescue Kit

Autumn, beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Women

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!

Available for £25.00 at

Hand Rescue Kit

Manifest Your Everything – book by Nicci Roscoe

Birthday Gifts, Books, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Learning, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers

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.

You either know about manifesting or you don’t. Manifesting is the art of being able to attract into your life whatever you want, and I realise that I have probably lost half the audience there. You might not believe that you can ‘manifest’ anything you want, or maybe you’ve tried and it hasn’t worked for you, but for the other half of the population, manifesting is an essential way of life. And yes, it does work.

Author Nicci Roscoe has written Manifest Your Everything as a step-by-step guide to using the manifesting principles to be able to guide you to your dreams. Starting with a chapter on Letting Go, it assumes you know what manifesting is and that you are immersed into the theory already. The Letting Go chapter is akin to the advanced level of a qualification, after you’ve learned all the boring stuff about how it works. The chapter gives you exercise as case studies, meditations and pages of explanation, all within beautiful illustrations.

The book, which has 5 chapters in all, then goes onto chapter 2 about giving yourself love. This is mainly the investment work into being grateful for who you are and where you are already before chapter 3, which is Let’s Start Manifesting. Chapter 4 is Your Messages to the Universe, which is still part of the manifesting climb before chapter 5 is Remembering What You Can Do Now. I always think that self-help books are only good to a point, because they are missing the final chapter on how you live with your new found talent or knowledge, and where to go next. Roscoe has created the final chapter, in quite some detail, to give you some confidence in using the skills, and to finding out if the manifesting has actually worked.

This is a great book for anyone who understands what manifesting is, or has only just heard about it but doesn’t know where to start. It’s great for youngers too, who might be starting out in life, or going to university and need a bit of light reading that will open their minds. Fabulous stocking filler too!

Available online for £10.51 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manifest-Your-Everything-yourself-create/dp/1800651929/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GRW96CXNFRMQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FT2Q-xPhDF3EyK-Wcbq7WQuKgfZ11B1e1C3KgXZd8c0yMmbsCxpG-1tOSk60bzuga3KGGFMhdZuc2gANk8axyNh_4n_bNVpvjUf_0SJbCO8jcmW9dOjui3PrmCapMSRTjuGSHl4cbml8l5BRSUnEDxSWjtil9BM_yLRvRtr55z1_xV71TevTEMli9TljeS9uEFzFNvr2LcpYj8hCkiuGmeUMy3kP8PNctE-zpuNdqyM.T4rPVpgT0GgM9Ezi67epeprOVRAPrFpOwYMeifzEcLo&dib_tag=se&keywords=manifest+your+everything&qid=1757760429&sprefix=manifest+your+everything%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1

Edifier ES850NB Headphones

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Headphones have become an everyday essential for me – whether I’m commuting, working from home or just listening to music you’ll usually see me wearing a pair. Over the years I’ve come to expect great sound quality from Edifier and their ES850NB headphones have certainly lived up to my expectations.

Listening to music is a pleasure, with Hi-Res Audio certification and 40mm titanium-coated drivers, these headphones deliver crisp, studio-grade sound and are backed by LDAC, AAC, and SBC codec support for lossless wireless performance. The sound quality, even at the highest level, is fantastic with no distortion.

The upgraded noise cancelling (up to -45dB) is brilliant too. It takes the edge off busy trains, noisy cafés, or even just background chatter at home, which makes such a big difference when I’m trying to concentrate. I’ve also noticed that calls sound sharper, the built-in AI-powered microphones filter out background noise so my voice comes across clearly, even when the world around me isn’t so quiet.

They can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, so I can switch seamlessly between my laptop and phone without fiddling with settings — really handy if I’m listening to music and a call comes through.

The headphones are really well built and comfortable to wear, the ear cups are softly padded with memory foam and the multi angle rotation and adjustable headband make it easy to get the perfect fit. I’ve worn them for hours at a time and they never feel heavy or uncomfortable, which makes them ideal for long workdays or travelling.

The battery life is excellent, an impressive 92 hours of continuous playback in normal mode and even with noise cancelling on you’ll still get 53 hours of playtime. A quick 15 minutes charge will give an additional 11.5 hours of playtime, perfect when I’m about to leave the house and realise the battery is low!

With fantastic sound quality, excellent battery life and a comfortable fit the Edifier ES850NB headphones are an impressive all rounder and will make a great Christmas gift this year.

Available in Black, Brown, Ivory and Pink from Amazon

RRP £149.99

Read some of our other Edifier reviews

Edifier ES20 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Edifier Comfo C Wireless Earbuds

Edifier W800BT Pro Cancelling Headphones

Curlsmith Hair Products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Like many people with curly hair, I’ve spent years straightening and blow drying it and it’s only in the last couple of years that I’ve ditched the straighteners and started to embrace my curls. They are currently quite dry and unruly and it’s taken a lot of trial and error (and more money than I care to admit) to find a routine that really works. I’m always on the look out for new products to try and Curlsmith has been on my radar for a while, so I was delighted when a parcel of their products arrived for me to try.

The Full Body Weightless Cleanser (RRP £22) lathers beautifully and smells gorgeous – a lovely light, flowery fragrance that makes me want to keep smelling my hair all day long! The Full Body Milk Conditioner (RRP £22), with its handy pump dispenser, is easy to work through my hair and I found I didn’t need much to hydrate my curls. I leave it on for the suggested couple of minutes before scrunching and rinsing. My curls love the hydration and it leave sthem soft, bouncy, and far less frizzy. Even after a couple of days, they still look smooth and defined, which never normally happens with my hair!

Ordinarily, unless I spend ages carefully drying my hair, I end up with a halo of frizz. But since I started using these products I’ve found my curls spring back to life with no frizz in sight and once dry are defined, bouncy and look amazing.

The Frizz Rescue Finishing Serum (RRP £25) is enriched with sweet almond oil and argan oil has really helped banish the frizz. I’ve been using a blob about the size of a 5p which I warm in my hands before smoothing over my curls, concentrating on the top where the frizz is usually the worst. It instantly tames flyaways and is also great for defining individual curls. It does take a bit of trial and error to judge the right amount so start with a small amount and build up, otherwise you may end up with greasy looking curls.

Refreshing curls has always been the hardest part of my curly journey so I was curious to see how the Shake & Shine would perform. The lightweight mist sprays easily, locking moisture into the hair – in fact in Curlsmith tests it provided up to a 41% increase in moisture. It’s been a real game changer for my curls – a few sprays, a quick scrunch, and suddenly my curls bounce back, looking defined and revived with almost no effort.

Curlsmith products are vegan, cruelty-free, and packed with natural ingredients. I’m really impressed with these four products and the results speak for themselves. My curls are shinier, smoother, and, on most days, even cooperative. Every so often they do their own thing, but that’s curls for you!

Dozzz Luxury Momme Mulberry Silk Eye Mask

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, health, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, travel

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!

Available online from £49.99 at: https://dozzz.co.uk/products/dozzz-silk-eye-mask-navy-blue?variant=55091670516056

Warmies Keyrings

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Sometimes it’s the little things that bring a smile to my face and my pink bunny Warmies® Keyring has been doing just that since it hopped onto my keys. Cute, cheerful, and surprisingly practical, it never fails to make me smile – and it also means I can find my keys a lot easier in the depths of my bag!

At just 3 inches tall, this mini bunny has a soft, squidgy body and the sweetest little ears that are impossible not to stroke. Like its bigger Warmies® friends it’s scented with lavender, so whenever I’m feeling stressed, a quick sniff is all it takes to help me relax. One thing to be aware of though, especially if you’re already a fan of Warmies® is unlike the larger toys these keyrings aren’t designed to go in the microwave.

The bunny is just one of a whole family of Warmies® Keyrings. With 11 different characters to collect – including an irresistibly sweet pink elephant, whichever character you choose, you’ll end up with a pocket-sized companion that brightens even the most ordinary of days.

At £8.99, they’re affordable and perfectly suited to those small-gift occasions: think stocking fillers, Secret Santa, or simply a treat for a friend. They’re lovely for children too, with the gentle scent making them especially soothing.

Calma Ezzence

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

I have suffered with eczema for many years, most of the time it’s under control but every now and again it flares up, with my hands and feet suffering the most. Stress seems to make it worse and when it does flare up my skin becomes very dry and itchy and can start cracking which is quite painful. So when Calma contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying a pot of their Calma Ezzence I jumped at the chance. I have been using it for the last month and I’m really impressed with the difference it has made to my skin.

Calma was founded by Janna, who understands only too well the misery eczema can bring. After years of relying on steroids, she realised there had to be a gentler approach that didn’t just mask symptoms but supported long-term healing and Calma Ezzence was born – a rich, steroid-free cream designed to restore the skin barrier and bring lasting comfort.

From the very first application, I noticed a difference. My hands, which were dry, and starting to crack felt instantly soothed. Within a few days, the redness had faded, the itching eased, and the chapped skin between my fingers has finally started to heal. The difference to my feet has been just as noticeable. The angry red patches have gone and the rough, scaly skin is at last beginning to improve and I am confident wearing sandals again.

I’ve been using the cream several times a day, the pot is small enough to pop in my handbag, which means I can reapply whenever I need to, whether I’m at work, with friends or simply pottering about at home. At night I use a more generous layer and let it soak in while I sleep, and by morning my skin feels softer and calmer. The cream feels lovely and rich and it simply melts into my skin without leaving it feeling greasy or sticky.

Calma Ezzence is free from the 26 main cosmetic allergens, as well as being fragrance free. It’s also safe for babies from six months old, and even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

For me, this cream has been a game-changer – my skin feels soothed and hydrated and looks better than it has for a long while. If you’re struggling with eczema or dry skin, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Calma Ezzence

RRP £28 but if you subscribe you can save 20% – available here

Technics AZ100 Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech, travel

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

From the moment you lift the lid on the Technics AZ100 earbuds, they make an impression. The sleek, weighty charging case feels every bit as premium as you’d hope, while the neatly laid out set of ear tip sizes hints at just how much thought has gone into comfort and fit. And the experience doesn’t stop there, the Technics Audio Connect app helps guide you to the right ear tips size to give a snug secure fit that blocks out unwanted noise.

These earbuds are clearly designed for people who really care about sound and it shows. With Hi-Res Audio Wireless support and Dolby Atmos optimisation, the AZ100s deliver an immersive high fidelity experience that’s hard to match in the wireless earbuds category. But what really sets them apart is the inclusion of magnetic fluid drivers, a high-end feature that coaxes out deep, textured bass with astonishing control. The result? Warm, full sound that feels balanced and easy to listen to.

For those who love to fine-tune their sound, the Technics app offers a range of pre-set EQ modes plus custom settings, allowing you to customise your audio experience so whether you’re into classical, rock or podcasts, the AZ100’s will make your content sound its best.

The touch controls on the AZ100 earbuds are nice and simple to use, especially as they can be customised to your own preference by using the Technics Audio Connect app. I found it really easy to assign functions like play/pause, skip tracks, volume control, switching noise-cancelling modes, or answering calls to either earbud and you can also choose the number of taps to each function making them work in a way that suits you best.

The noise cancelling on the AZ100 earbuds is seriously impressive. While other earbuds can struggle when your surroundings change, these ones automatically adjust to what’s going on around you. So whether you’re on a noisy train or walking through a quiet park, they block out just the right amount of background sound to keep your listening experience clear and consistent.

The battery life is equally impressive – with up to 10 hours listening time on a single charge, with the case adding an additional 28 hours which is perfect if you’re off on holiday this summer. USB-C charging and Qi wireless support make it easy to top up the charge wherever you are.

Connectivity, too, is another area where the AZ100 excels. With multipoint pairing for up to three devices, switching between your phone, laptop, and tablet is seamless, a real boon for multitaskers who don’t want to fiddle with settings every time they change tasks.

I’m really enjoying the Technics AZ100 earbuds, they fit comfortably, sound fantastic, offer excellent battery life, and come with an easy-to-use app that enhances the whole experience. Whether you’re after crisp detail, deep bass, or just a reliable pair of earbuds that perform across the board, these deliver on every front.

RRP £259 available in silver, black or champagne gold.

Available from Amazon here

Nope Into The Deep Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Complete Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Plastic free, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, travel, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

If you’re looking for a more sustainable way to care for your hair, then Nope shampoo and conditioner bars are the way to go. They are completely plastic-freeing, making them a much better choice for the environment and they also pack a punch when it comes to performance. One bar equals three bottles of shampoo or conditioner so not only are you cutting down on plastic, you’re also saving space in your bathroom (or suitcase if you’re heading off on holiday). And it doesn’t stop there, these bars are absolutely bursting with natural ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your hair. No nasties, no fuss, just gorgeous, shiny hair and less guilt about the planet. What’s not to love?

Behind every great brand is often a personal story, and that’s certainly true for Nope. Founded by Rosie, Nope was created following her experience with trichotillomania, a condition that causes compulsive hair pulling, which she developed after a bereavement. As her hair began to grow back, Rosie searched for gentle, natural haircare products that didn’t contain harsh chemicals, and struggled to find what she was looking for so decided to create her own. And with that, Nope was born, a brand committed to clean, sustainable, and effective haircare.

As I’m trying to cut dowm my use of plastic I was really pleased when Nope got in touch to see if I’d like to try their shampoo and conditioner bars. With a wide range of products designed for all hair types, I chose the Into The Deep range, which is specially formulated for frizzy, unruly hair, ideal for my wild, curly locks.

The cheapest way to purchase the bars is in a bundle as you can save up to 55% by purchasing in bulk, however if this is your first purchase then it’s worth buying one of the complete sets (RRP £27) which is effectively a starter set and contains the following items.

70g shampoo bar
43g conditioner bar
Two aluminium tins for storage
A sustainable drying dish (choose from hemu wood or diatomite fast-dry dish)
A handy how-to guide

The shampoo bar is packed with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, seaweed extract, pro-vitamin B5, and lavender, which not only smells lovely but also has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the scalp. The conditioner is equally impressive, made with rapeseed oil, wheatgerm oil, Abyssinian oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa seed butter. Together, they work to deliver deep hydration, reduce frizz, and leave hair feeling soft and manageable.

I love how easy the bars are to use, the circular shape fits nicely in my hand, and when wet you get a rich, creamy lather which I stroke through my hair before massaging it in. After rinsing I do the same with the conditioner which feels lovely and rich and it is easy to run my fingers through to detangle my curls. .

Since I started using the Nope bars, I’ve noticed a real improvement in my hair, it feels less dry, and my curls are more defined and hold their shape for longer. After two weeks of regular use, the bars still look almost brand new, so I expect them to last much longer than my usual shampoo and conditioner bottles.

One thing to remember after using the bars is to pop them on the drying dish so they can dry out properly before storing them back in their tins, ready for the next use.

This is my first experience with Nope, but I’ve already been browsing their website and discovered a lovely selection of hair and skincare products. I’m definitely looking forward to trying more from their range soon!

Schwartzkopf Curl Products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Winter, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Summer heat can be the ultimate test for curly hair – one moment, your curls are perfectly defined, the next, they’re overtaken by frizz and start to look a little wild! Those with curls will agree, when the weather is hot, curls require a lot more care and attention to maintain their shape and keep them hydrated to keep the dreaded frizz at bay. Fortunately, I’ve found a collection of Schwarzkopf products that that are proving indispensable for keeping my curls in check and they are working tirelessly to keep every curl controlled, moisturised, and impeccably styled.

Let’s start with my two haircare essentials – the Curl Mousse and Curl Balm. Both are vegan-friendly and formulated with innovative HAPTIQ® technology, which strengthens the hair’s micro-bonds while infusing it with a light fresh fragrance. For my shoulder-length curls, I apply a golf ball-sized amount of mousse to soaking wet hair, scrunch it in thoroughly, then follow with the balm. I then diffuse gently to create beautifully defined, soft curls that hold their shape all day – with zero frizz. These formulas deliver essential moisture to my dry curls eliminating that dreaded straw-like feel and leaving my curls soft, bouncy, and healthy-looking.

Both products cost £6 and are available at Boots

To protect my hair from heat damage, I’ve been relying on Schwarzkopf Protect and Repair Spray. The vegan-friendly formula offers protection against temperatures up to 220°C, making it ideal whether I’m diffusing my curls or reaching for the straighteners. Like the rest of the range, it’s enriched with HAPTIQ® technology, which not only creates a protective barrier between heat tools and hair but also helps to smooth strands, reduce frizz, and enhance shine. The spray itself is ultra-fine and evenly dispersed and a little goes a long way.

The final step in my haircare routine is the Schwarzkopf Caring Hairspray – a beautifully lightweight mist that delivers long-lasting hold without leaving my curls feeling stiff or crunchy. Once again, it’s infused with HAPTIQ® technology, and the vegan-friendly formula works to strengthen and smooth each strand, leaving hair with a healthy, polished finish. It’s the perfect way to lock in your style while maintaining natural bounce, softness, and shine. Whether I’m up against frizz or unpredictable weather, this hairspray keeps my curls perfectly defined and under control – all day long.

Both products cost £6 and are exclusive to Superdrug

So yes, summer heat can be a challenge, but with the right products and a little expert care, your curls can look sensational, whatever the weather.

JBuds Mini

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Tech, travel

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

If, like me, you’re forever rummaging through your handbag, coat pocket or rucksack to find your earbuds, you’ll love the JBuds Mini from JLab. The clever charging case has a built-in keyring loop, so you can clip them onto your keys or bag meaning no more “Where did I put my earbuds?” moments. It’s such a simple idea, but incredibly useful, especially when travelling. These dinky little earbuds are among the smallest on the market, but don’t let their size fool you, they pack an impressive punch when it comes to sound.

I’ve been using them for a few weeks now, including on a recent holiday, and they’ve been brilliant, compact and lightweight, yet they deliver crisp, well-balanced audio that easily rivals more expensive brands. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or catching up on a podcast during a long journey, they never miss a beat.

They come with three different tip sizes for a comfy, secure fit, and while there’s no active noise cancellation, the snug design naturally helps to block out background noise. There’s also a clever “Be Aware Mode” which lets in ambient sound. perfect when you’re out exploring and want to stay alert.

They’re splashproof (so you don’t have to panic if you get caught in a downpour), and the battery life is good – 5.5 hours of play from the earbuds, with an extra 20 hours from the compact charging case.

The JBuds Mini are also supported by the JLab mobile app, which adds an extra layer of personalisation. You can adjust touch controls, switch between EQ presets, or even create your own sound profile, all from your phone.

Available in five colours, black, sage gray, teal, mint, and my favourite, bright pink, the JBuds Mini come with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind. Cute, clever, and seriously convenient, they’re the perfect companion for holidays, commutes, and everything in between.

RRP £39.99

FIGGI Beauty products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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.

The team at FIGGI Beauty have sent us a whole hamper of lovely beauty products to try from their FIGGI range. So many products in fact, that I have had a hard time keeping up with all that there is to try! FIGGI Beauty is rooted in a philosophy that skincare should be gentle, effective and rooted in self-care. The range is produced by Jeanne, who turned her life around after a diagnosis and decided to create her own skincare range based on her favourite product – South African Rooibos!

The first set of products is the FIGGI Beauty Purify The Goddess Makeup Dissolving Balm-to-Oil Cleanser for dry/sensitive skin and Refresh The Goddess Gentle Gel Cleanser for dry/sensitive skin. Both bottles, used together, are 100ml pumps that remove make up and daily dirt. Purify The Goddess starts off as a balm and then melts into the skin nicely, to be able to wipe away make up. It’s not heavy at all but it does have the properties of an oil to be able to glide over the skin. It also dissolves any make up that it encounters! The second stage is Refresh The Goddess which is a gel. This doesn’t melt as much, and it seems more hydrating so it seems fitting that the two of them work together to combat dry skin. The lack of alcohol in these two products means your skin doesn’t dry out when they’re used and they do really work to dissolve make up effectively. I haven’t had any reactions to the products either.

Nourish The Goddess Evening Rescue Cream (also made with Rooibos) is a great follow-up to the cleansers. It’s light, with no fragrance and absorbs easily. A night cream doesn’t have to have a heavy SPF so Nourish The Goddess hydrates the skin, leaving it with that subtle dewy look. It’s certainly hydrating and doesn’t clog pores at night allowing your skin to renew.

Nurture the Goddess Antioxidant Enriched Day Cream managed to hydrate even my tough skin and although it’s fragrance-free too, it did seem to have a lovely ‘aura’ about it when I put it on. This Goddess Day Cream strengthens the barrier of the skin and defends against daily environmental factors. I used this throughout the day at my desk to hydrate my face in the ridiculously hot weather. Unlike the Evening Rescue Cream, Nurture The Goddess doesn’t leave a shininess to the skin. Instead, it’s a matt finish which allows you to wear make up on top of it. I like how light this cream is, and it goes a long way so you don’t need much. I can highly recommend leaving it on your desk to use frequently too!

The Slow Glow Gentle Retinol Renewal Serum for Dry/Sensitive Skin provides a gentle base to your FIGGI skincare. Worn under the Nourish The Goddess Evening Rescue Cream, Slow Glow needs to be used 1-3 times a week and then built up over time until it is used nightly. This is because retinol is a powerful ingredient but works with the Night Cream to make your skin more luminous. I have used this a few times but not every night so far (I’m building up to it!) and it does give a lovely base and I can feel my skin more hydrated.

Finally, FIGGI Miracle Mist is a Rooibos infused Toner-Mist which is also aimed at dry or sensitive skin. It’s also fragrance free and Essential Oil Free. This 120ml spray was a life saver during the hot weather, and I highly recommend leaving this on your desk too! The refreshing spray hydrates the skin but I also found during the heatwave that the evaporation helped loads especially in the evening. It’s no wonder that Miracle Mist won silver in the Universal Beauty Awards 2025 with the duel hydrating and antioxidant properties. It’s a great addition to your skincare bundle.

The whole FIGGI range is available to buy at: https://www.figgibeautyuk.com/collections/all with some products already in bundles. Postage is free when you spend over £30.

Yankee Candle Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Winter

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review, but as always, all thoughts and opinions are our own!

When it comes to Father’s Day, most of us tend to fall back on the usual gifts – chocolate, gadgets and beer. They’re safe bets, sure… but maybe just a little predictable. So, here’s a thought – have you ever considered buying him a candle?

It might not be the first thing that springs to mind, after all, candles have traditionally been seen as something aimed at women. But times have changed, these days, candles aren’t just for bubble baths and spa days (though let’s be honest, those are lovely too). They’re about setting a mood, creating a space that feels calm, warm, and a touch luxurious. And yes – men enjoy that too.

In fact, plenty of candle brands now cater specifically to more masculine scent preferences. Think earthy sandalwood, rich leather, smoky cedar, or even tobacco and oak. These fragrances are deep, grounding, and a far cry from anything overly sweet or floral.

One of my go-to candle brands is Yankee Candle, and their Bayside Cedar Large Jar Candle is perfect for the men in your life. It’s described as “a walk along the forest path right after the rain,” with refreshing notes of grapefruit, mandarin blossoms, and warm amber filling the air. It features top notes of bergamot, green pear and grapefruit, mid notes of mandarin blossom and water lily, and finishes with base notes of amber, cedarwood and musk. With two wicks and a premium soy-wax blend, it creates a beautiful ambiance and at 567g, it offers 65 to 80 hours of burn time.

Candles also hit the spot when it comes to dads who are hard to buy for. He might already have all the tools, ties, and tech he needs, but chances are, he hasn’t splurged on a really good candle. That’s what makes it such a thoughtful gift, it’s very unexpected, totally personal, and shows you’ve made an effort.

So this Father’s Day, maybe skip the beer multipack and pick up a candle instead. For your dad, stepdad, grandad or father figure, it could be just the gift he never knew he wanted.

Because let’s be honest — who doesn’t love a home that smells amazing? Even dads.

RRP £29.99 available here

Hair Syrup Pre-Wash Conditioner

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Summer, Women

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.

The folks at Hair Syrup are serious about hair care. With various ‘flavours’ of syrup, their aim is to treat hair to give you your best look regardless of how brittle, frizzy, oily or thin it is. We were sent the Original Hair Syrup this week to try out for ourselves.

The premise of Hair Syrup is that it’s a ridiculously thick oil which repairs damaged hair. The bottle says to leave on your hair for 1-3 hours, so not one for disobeying orders, I put the Hair Syrup on my own hair, making sure all areas were covered and set about my normal weekend routine for just over 3 hours. I made sure all areas of my hair were covered, right down to the tips, as well as the scalp. My hair had only been washed the day before, but needs a trim so the ends were a bit dry – a good test for this pre-conditioner I thought!

I only had to tie my hair up to let the Hair Syrup magic work, but I could feel over time that it was really heavy. This was partly because after about an hour you can feel the syrup drying, so in the height of summer like this, I might cover my head next time so that it doesn’t dry. It was a nutritious oil which was working on my hair.

When it came to shampooing it out (and they suggest on the bottle that it takes 2 shampoos) I was able to get most of the by now dry, brittle mixture to come out with one shampoo. The second one was to make sure it was completely clean. Conditioning as normal as I did (you can leave out the conditioner if you like) I then rinsed off to see the effect.

After just one treatment (of 3 hours) my hair was much more conditioned. I let it dry naturally, and instead of the frizziness I usually have and then have to straighten, I had my proper, big curls back. They weren’t perfect, but this was after just one treatment and with no product, drying on a hot day. It’s seriously impressive that I didn’t have to do much else, nor spend that much time or money on the result.

I think Hair Syrup is one for the long term. Once I get my hair trimmed this week, a few more Hair Syrup pre-conditionings and I’ll have some seriously slick hair!

Available for around £15.95 online and on the Hair Syrup website:

SYRUPS

Tolpa Dermo Face Creams – Lipidrio Range

beauty, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own

Since hitting the menopause, my skin has become noticeably drier, tighter, and let’s not even start on the fine lines creeping in. I’ve had to rethink my skincare entirely, moving away from my old lightweight moisturisers to something far richer and more nourishing. That’s when I came across Tolpa, a Polish skincare brand that’s just arrived in the UK and is now available at Boots. Tolpa sold over six million products in Poland last year, and now they’re starting to get glowing reviews here in the UK too. So naturally, I was curious to see if their Lipidro range, specially designed for dry skin, could give my menopausal skin the extra care it’s been crying out for.

The Nourishing Regenerating Cream is a real multitasking day cream that claims to nourish, regenerate, smooth, and generally rescue tired, parched skin. It works to repair the skin’s protective barrier and helps heal all those tiny bits of damage we might not see, but certainly feel. It also promises to soothe irritation and keep those pesky wrinkles at bay. Big claims, but my skin was certainly ready for it.

The Nourishing Regenerating Cream-Oil is Tolpa’s night treatment. Now, this one’s clever, it starts as a cream but melts into an oil as you apply it, giving your skin an overnight boost while you sleep. It’s designed to deeply hydrate, ease tightness, and leave skin feeling plump and refreshed by morning.

One thing I really like is that both creams come in aluminium tubes, not only are they better for the environment, but they also keep the product fresher and more hygienic.

Despite being rich and nourishing, the texture of both creams is surprisingly light once applied. They absorb beautifully without leaving that heavy, greasy feeling. Straight after using them, my skin feels soft, comfortable, and crucially, hydrated.

The ingredients list reads like a skincare wish list: peat (a Tolpa signature), avocado, jojoba oil, squalane, shea butter, honey extract, plus hydrating favourites like panthenol and hyaluronic acid.

After six weeks, my fine lines are definitely looking softer, but more importantly, my skin feels plumper, calmer, and back to feeling like me again. A little TLC in a tube which is just what I needed!

Tolpa’s skincare range is exclusive to Boots, so you can pick it up in store or pop it in your online basket. They’ve got a selection of ten products, with products to suit a variety of skin concerns, whether you’re dealing with acne, rosacea, or, like me, battling the dryness that comes with menopause.

RRP £8.57 available at Boots

Oscar Charles Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Vegan, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

The Review Studio team love discovering new skincare products, so I was absolutely delighted when the lovely folks at Oscar Charles sent us their Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30 (RRP £37.50). You might know them for their brilliant makeup brushes, but now they’re turning heads in the skincare world with a range that’s not only effective, but kind to your skin and the planet too. Launched in 2018, Oscar Charles has a mission to create beauty products that are kind to both skin and the planet and are setting a new standard for ethical and effective skincare.

Their new skincare range lists hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, and natural oils in the ingredient list and these key ingredients are all carefully chosen to give your skin a real boost. Think improved hydration, smoother texture, and that healthy glow we’re all after!

The Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30 contains two great products – the Protect & Repair Day Cream with SPF30 and a Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

The day cream is a touch of luxury in a jar, it’s rich without being heavy, smells lovely, and sinks in beautifully. Hyaluronic Acid helps to plump up the skin and Vitamins C and B3 help brighten and even skin tone and provide deep hydration. I’ve been using it for a month now and I have to say, my skin feels softer, looks fresher, and even those pesky fine lines are starting to fade a bit. And with SPF30 built in, it’s great to know you’re protected, even on those overcast days when you think you don’t need it (you always do!).

The Hydrating Cleanser is just as lovely, it’s gentle, creamy, and leaves your skin feeling fresh but never tight. It contains Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera, which really help calm things down making it perfect if your skin can be a bit sensitive. I love the pump bottle too, it’s so easy to use and means you can dispense just the right amount. It takes off all my makeup and the day’s grime without any fuss and my skin feels beautifully clean and hydrated afterwards.

Another thing I really like is that all their skincare is vegan, cruelty-free, and made right here in the UK, which is fantastic. No nasties either, no sulphates, parabens or any of those harsh chemicals, so it’s suitable for all skin types. And if you’re always on the go, like most of us are, these products really fit into a busy routine without skimping on results.

I have to say, I’m genuinely impressed with these Oscar Charles products. They’ve got the luxurious feel you usually only find in much pricier skincare, but without the hefty price tag – which is amazing! It’s not often you come across products that tick all the boxes – ethical, effective, and affordable, but Oscar Charles have done it! I’ll definitely be keeping these in my skincare routine, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!

Kipling ART M Bag

Birthday Gifts, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Summer, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

We love travelling, both in the UK and abroad and whether we’re on a cheeky weekend break, a whistle-stop city tour or a long-haul adventure I always carry a roomy bag. It needs to be big enough to hold all my essentials, along with a change of clothes and toiletries, just in case my suitcase decides to go on it’s own adventure! I love Kipling bags so was really pleased to be given the opportunity to try the Kipling ART M bag. It’s a brilliant multi-use medium tote bag with a handy trolley sleeve that slots over a suitcase handle and is a huge help in a busy airport or train station, especially if you’re travelling with children.

This bag is classed as a medium-sized tote, but you’d be amazed at how much it fits in. The main compartment is wonderfully spacious and I can easily fit a book, snacks, iPad, water bottle, change of clothes and toiletries inside and there’s still plenty of room for last minute airport purchases! Inside there’s a secure zipped pocket for valuables plus a handy little key chain so you’re not rummaging around looking for your keys. There are also a couple of extra pockets on the outside , one open and one zipped which are just the right size for my passport and travel documents so I can keep everything safe but easily accessible. The bag has two handles which are long enough to sling over my shoulder and I especially like the vibrant pink interior pocket and the pink base to the bag, it is so striking and a cheerful pop of colour every time I open it.

The fabric is also water-repellent, which, let’s face it, is a must if you’re travelling anywhere in the UK!

Casual enough for those who favour a low-key look, but sleek enough to make the right impression on a business trip, this bag is the perfect choice for travel so if you’re heading somewhere nice this summer then the Kipling ART M bag is the perfect choice.

The bag is available in eight colours, including the Ultimate Plum (purple) which is my favourite as it goes with everything, but if you want a more summery bag then Aqua Pool and Diluted Blue would be a great choice and would also make great beach bags too as there’s plenty of room for all your beach gear.

RRP £107

Size:H 32 x D 20 x W 58 cm

Grace & Stella Weekend Reset Edit

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Easter, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Women

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.

When it’s time for some pampering, Grace & Stella have a range of award-winning products including pamper kits like this Weekend Reset Edit (324.95) which we were sent to try. Who doesn’t like some pampering at the weekend?

The Grace & Stella Weekend Reset Edit includes Eye Masks, Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Rose Water Spray, Berry Lip Mask and the Dead Sea Mud Musk. Everything you need to relax after a week at work, or your weekend gym session, ready for going out on a Saturday night! The best thing about a kit like this Weekend Reset is that you don’t have to use all of it in one go, you can pick and choose which items you want to use depending on your weekend.

I started with the Dead Sea Mud Mask. After a run, I like a bath on a Saturday morning and a face mask is perfect for relaxing the muscles as well as letting your face relax and rejuvenate. The Dead Sea Mud Mask doesn’t need much to cover your face and dries within 10 minutes and there’s enough in the 30ml tube that you can have several face masks over time. Don’t let the ‘mud’ appearance and garden aroma put you off – this left my skin exfoliated and plump after taking it off with a damp cloth (hence being in the bath is best!)

Next, I tried the eye masks. There are two types included and three packets of each. The pink eye patches moisturise whereas the blue are for illuminating and although you could wear one after the other, I prefer to choose my times and have them work separately. Once you place them on, try and squeeze some of the liquid from the packet on them and around your eye too so that you get the full effect. They’re very soothing and great for making you slow down and relax.

Out of the bath and the Grace & Stella Say Hyaluronic Acid Serum seals in the goodness from the Mud Mask and Eye Masks. Its rich, translucent formula sits on the skin and starts off shiny until it blends in and leaves skin soft. I like to let it settle in for a while before I put make-up on top. The Rose Spray can be used on top of the Hyaluronic Acid Serum to give a fresh, dewy glow and it has a soft rose scent as well. It’s richer than you might imagine so you could wear this as a type of moisturiser if you’re not out in the sun and want to have a bit of a glow.

Lastly, I’ve been using the Berry Lip Mask at night. It has that berry flavour you remember from childhood lip gloss but don’t let that put you off. It does leave your lips soft by morning and I wear it as a balm around the house so that my lips don’t dry out with central heating.

The Grace & Stella Weekend Reset Edit works as a gift for someone else, or even a gift to yourself especially at just £24.95.

Available online at: https://www.graceandstella.com/collections/shop-all

Bespoke London Woman Jasmine & Chocolate Berries Fragrance

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Easter, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Easter’s just around the corner and the shops are currently full of Easter eggs. I’m a big fan of chocolate eggs, there’s something about the shape that makes the chocolate taste so much better! But let’s face it, they don’t last long – one minute you’re unwrapping it, and the next, it’s gone – leaving you with a sugar rush and maybe a tiny bit of guilt! This year, I’m trying to be good, so I was delighted to discover Bespoke London’s Jasmine & Chocolate Berries Eau de Parfum, the perfect way to enjoy that indulgent, chocolatey note without a single calorie!

The fragrance opens with lovely, bright top notes of mandarin, bergamot, and pink pepper, before blending beautifully into sweet jasmine and red berries followed by base notes of vanilla, sandalwood, tonka bean and a hint of dark chocolate. The jasmine adds a touch of elegance, while the chocolate berries bring a hint of indulgence. And unlike an Easter egg that vanishes in a flash this fragrance will last long after Easter.

So, why not spoil yourself or treat someone special this Easter and at just £6.99, it won’t break the bank!

Available from Superdrug

Helly Hansen Spring Outdoor Gear

Birthday Gifts, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, National Walking Month, Sport, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

If you’re after the perfect footwear to step into spring, look no further than the Women’s HP Ahiga Evo 5 Marine Lifestyle Shoes from Helly Hansen! These trainers are made for sunny days, whether you’re strolling by the sea or strutting through the city. With HH Hydro-Grip for that trusty grip on wet surfaces, HH Quick Dry to keep your feet fresh, and HH Max-Vent for unbeatable breathability, these trainers not only look great but are incredibly comfy too.

They come in six gorgeous shades, Penguin, Pink Salt, Cherry Blos, Off White, and Navy and I’ve been wearing the Cherry Blos ones for the last couple of weeks. I’ve found that the soft pink goes with everything, making them the perfect choice for holidays, especially when I’m travelling light. They can be paired with a flowy sundress for a chic, effortless look or teamed with jeans or leggings for a casual weekend vibe and strike the perfect balance between style and comfort.

The HH Max-Comfort Insole gives a springy, cushioned feel, so you can wander through forest trails or explore new cities on holiday without a second thought. I have found them so comfortable to wear and I guarantee that they’ll keep your feet happy, no matter where your spring adventures take you.

The non-marking rubber soles have good grip, making them ideal for a variety of surfaces, I’ve worn them on rocks, slippery coastal paths as well as forest trails and I’ve not had a single slip. The Helly Hansen HH Quick Dry and HH Max-Vent technology help keep your feet stay cool, dry, and ever so comfy. The mesh upper allows your feet to breathe and if they do get wet, I’ve found they dry very quickly. Whether you’re walking through the countryside or hitting the shops, you can wave goodbye to sweaty feet!

So, whether you’re heading out for a spring walk, planning a sun-soaked getaway, or just looking to spoil yourself with some new footwear, these pink trainers are an absolute must-have. Comfortable, stylish, and endlessly wearable, they’re the perfect way to step into spring with confidence, style, and comfort.

RRP £110

And while we’re on the topic of spring style, the Helly Hansen Women’s Inshore Quick Dry Hoodie is the perfect layer for those breezy spring days. The soft, lightweight fabric feels lovely and cosy, perfect for a breezy seaside stroll or layering up for a walk in the park. Plus, it’s got UPF40+ sun protection thanks to the clever S.Café® fabric technology, which uses coffee grounds to create long-lasting sun protection. It also dries quickly and resists odours, so it’s perfect for warmer climes and summer holidays.

I adore the rich cobalt blue colour, it’s so striking and adds a gorgeous pop of colour to any outfit. The fit is relaxed yet flattering, and I’ve found there’s plenty of room to move about comfortably. The sleeves are also nice and long too which is great for us tall people! The hood is a blessing when it’s a bit windy, and I know I’m going to get plenty of use out of this hoodie as it goes just as well with leggings or a pair of jeans. It’s available in five different colours, Cobalt, Heather, Miami Peach, Ebony and Navy

RRP £60

And let’s not forget a trusty headband for those chillier spring days! The Helly Hansen Light headband is perfect for keeping your ears warm without the bulk of a hat, making it a fab accessory for outdoor walks or a stylish touch to your spring look. I also find that it’s great for keeping my hair from blowing into my face on windy days. It’s got flatlock seams which don’t dig into your head, and it’s ideal for wearing under my cycling helmet to to keep my ears warm on early morning rides.

RRP £14 available in four colours – Windy Blue, Purple Clay, Light Lav and Navy

So, if you’re planning a spring getaway or just want some versatile, stylish clothing, then Helly Hansen have you covered. Their clothing is practical, comfy, and easy to wear and perfect for Spring adventures.

Wade Blue Floral Pasta Bowl Set

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show your mum just how much she means to you, and what better way to do so than by treating her to something as beautiful and practical as the Wade Blue Floral Pasta Bowl Set? Whether she loves hosting dinner parties or simply enjoys a beautiful set of crockery for family meals, she is sure to adore this elegant collection.

The bowls are a really good shape with a wide, flat base and gently curved sides, making them the perfect cross between a plate and bowl. They are the ideal shape for twirling spaghetti, tossing a salad, or even serving crisps and the 22.5cm bowls offer ample space for even the heartiest of appetites.

Inspired by vintage floral illustrations from the Wade archive, the soft blue tones lend a contemporary twist to a classic design, enhancing the beauty of natural blooms. Each bowl has a unique floral motif, creating a sense of individuality while still working together as a set. Whether they are used for a casual family supper or a more formal dinner party, these bowls have a timeless design that will look equally at home in both a traditional and modern decor.

The bowls are made in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of British pottery, from high-quality English earthenware, ensuring durability and longevity. Practical as well as beautiful, the bowls are dishwasher and microwave safe, though it is recommended that the bowls are handwashed to prevent the pattern fading over time.

This set of bowls would make a fantastic gift for anyone who enjoys cooking, entertaining, or simply appreciates beautiful tableware.

RRP £59.99