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.
Looking for some summer pick-me-ups? MINISO have a raft of different beauty options on their website which act as brilliant one-time gifts for yourself, or others, to make you smile this summer. The best part is that they don’t cost the Earth either! MINISO sent us their Golden Cap Clear Nail Varnish to try out for summer and I’ve been testing it nearly every day this week…
The Golden Cap Clear Nail Varnish can be used as either a top coat, or a clear varnish on bare nails. I opted to use it as a top coat, to seal in the colour I was applying plus giving my nails a shiny finish. You can see in the photo the difference the Golden Cap Clear Nail Varnish gives when applied over an existing varnished nail. As the varnish is oil-based, it’s hard wearing and dries fairly quickly. It leaves an even coat over each nail and isn’t too thick that it is slow to dry, or creates and uncomfortable layer on the top that seeps into the surrounding nail bed and eventually peels off.
The Golden Cap Clear Nail Varnish is a steal at just £1.49, and as you look through the other items online you’ll see even more bargains. It’s a great stocking filler gift, or if you start collecting items now for the Christmas Calendar, no one is not going to want a clear nail varnish at Christmas!
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.
Yankee Candles have long been the standard for candles at home, or as gifts especially with their beautifully presented Signature range. If you’ve ever been into a Yankee Candle shop, then you’ll know that there are not only a huge range of scents available, but different sizes as well. Yankee Candle sent us this Signature edition of their scent Serenity Stone and a gift box of three tealight candles. Who wouldn’t want to give, or receive candles like these?
The Serenity Stone Yankee Candle is seen here in the large jar version, but other sizes are available. Large Jar means it’s a glass jar with lid, which is not only better for transporting but the glass lid allows you to extinguish the flame easily by just placing the lid on top and removing the source or oxygen. There are two wicks to light too; meaning it burns more evenly with a 65-80 hour, soy wax burn life. It’s quite heavy too at over half a kilo (567 grams to be precise) so I wouldn’t recommend sending this in the post!
The second set sent to us was the spa-inspired tealight set of candles with the scents Slow Bloom, Lavender Bliss and Serenity Stone. Each of the candles have their own distinct fragrance and undertone; the Lavender Bliss for instance is a Floral fragrance whereas Slow Bloom is a Woody fragrance. You don’t burn all three of these fragranced candles at once, more like one after the other to create a long term ambience. The Gift set is called Spa-Inspired for a reason, and these candles would be perfect for a relaxing bath or in a room where you want some more peace. With the burn time on each of these candles being around 7-10 hours, that’s a lot of baths, or a full day of candle time!
If you’re looking for a gift too, these are all perfect to send. The Serenity Stone Large Jar may be heavy, but it’s no lightweight in the gifting arena. The gift set is much smaller but great for posting or giving as an individual present or to add to a hamper of bigger treats.
Serenity Stone available in Large Jar size for £29.99 at:
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift isn’t always easy, especially with the cost of living still squeezing budgets. Aftershave is always a good present to buy and with so many different fragrances available it’s easy to find one that suits both your dad’s personality and your budget. Superdrug have some brilliant offers on at the moment, so whether your Dad likes something classic, fresh and clean or a little more sophisticated there’s plenty to choose from without spending a fortune. These two are a couple of my favourites and both are currently reduced – which is even better!
The Artiscent Male Gift Set (usually £10 and currently £5) contains three 20ml fragrances Cedar Blanc, Musk Dore and Vettiver Arome, all created in Paris, the home of prestige perfumery. They come in smart dark blue glass bottles and are surprisingly good dupes for Paco Rabanne Invictus, Paco Rabanne 1 Million and Bleu de Chanel. The fragrances are fresh, wearable and ideal for everyday use and while they don’t quite have the staying power of the designer versions, they’re a fraction of the price. The smaller bottles are also perfect for chucking into a washbag or gym bag, making them ideal for travelling too. Whether your dad prefers crisp and sporty scents or something slightly warmer and muskier, this set gives him a few different options to try without the designer price tag attached.
If you’d rather go for a recognisable designer fragrance, then Versace The Dreamer is a really good buy. Ordinarily the 100ml bottle retails at £78, but it is currently on offer at Superdrug for only £21.84, which is an absolute bargain. With fresh notes of juniper, tarragon and artemisia, balanced with softer floral hints of iris and lily and a warm amber and tobacco base, Versace The Dreamer is one of those really easy fragrances to wear because it feels fresh and masculine without being too heavy or overpowering. Whether Dad wears it for work, weekends or going out for dinner, it’s the kind of classic scent that never really goes out of style,
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.
Yes, Father’s Day is notoriously difficult to buy gifts for Dad! He has everything, but suddenly there are more items available in the shops but they are all either whiskey flavoured, or have some element remodelled in leather. Don’t get me started on the amount of beers on the shelves at this time too. Popcorn Shed has a massive range of popcorn all year round, so we were sent a selection of popcorn flavours which are available on the website and can be sent as a bundle. We had the Popcorn Shed flavours Pop ‘n’ Choc, Salted Caramel and Say Cheese! Sent to us to try. Before you ask, they didn’t last long…
Each ‘shed’ (ie packet of popcorn) is 80 grams of popcorn. The Salted Caramel and Say Cheese flavours are both bestsellers and winners of the Great Taste award. 80 grams doesn’t sound like a lot but if you remember that popcorn is very light, it makes sense to say that each shed is about big enough for 2 people to share for a movie night, or the equivalent of a small mixing bowl size.
My favourite of the flavours was Pop ‘n’ Choc, and not just because I love chocolate! You can taste the chocolate easily but it isn’t too sweet and the popcorn, although a bit sticky, isn’t too difficult to eat because it’s stuck together or gets stuck in your teeth. The Salted Caramel flavour was probably the easiest to eat out of all three because it had a strong flavour without being overpowering and was still sweet, as you would expect popcorn to be. Finally, the Say Cheese flavour was the last one I tried. I’m not used to savoury popcorn but this is the most popular of savoury flavours after the plain salted variety and I was surprised. It’s not a very strong flavour, thankfully, as although I love cheese I couldn’t imagine it on popcorn. However, as it’s a savoury taste, it goes better with wine or spirits rather than sugary cocktails. It’s a light, delicate cheese flavour rather than the processed type. I also noticed that all of the popcorn is ‘popped’ so there are no un-popped kernels in the bottom of the bag.
Popcorn Shed is a lovely gift for Dad, or Grandad, that they don’t have to pretend to like! With all the flavours available online you will surely be able to find something that’s delicious!
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 looking for affordable, natural and eco-friendly skin and haircare products , then Faith In Nature is a brand that deserves a place in your bathroom. Founded in 1974 by Rivka Rose, long before natural, cruelty free and vegan products were a thing! Today, Faith In Nature products are stocked in over 40 countries and all their product are still made with as few ingredients as possible and free from silicones, parabens and SLS.
I’ve been recycling long before the council started the colour coded bins, and I’ve always tried to use eco-conscious beauty products where I can. Faith In Nature makes this commitment even easier with their refillable 5-litre and 20-litre bottles which mean less waste, fewer trips to the shop, and the feeling that you’re doing your bit for the environment.
I’ve used Faith In Nature shower gels for many years, but until recently, hadn’t ventured into their haircare range. With my curly hair feeling particularly dry and resembling a ball of frizz most days the arrival of their Shea & Argan Shampoo, Conditioner, and Nourishing Hair Mask was most welcome.Blended with organic shea butter and nourishing argan oil, the range is designed to hydrate, boost shine, and reduce breakage. And does it works – absolutely! The shampoo lathers nicely and cleans my hair without stripping moisture from it, while the conditioner glides through my hair leaving every strand silky and tangle free. The hair mask, meanwhile, is a weekly treat for my hair, restoring softness and definition to unruly curls with impressive efficiency.
Each formula also contains a blend of organic rosemary, nettle, and chamomile which soothe the scalp, enhance shine, and nourish the hair. Since using them, my curls have become softer, bouncier, and significantly less frizzy. Whether I leave them to air dry or dry with a diffuser, they hold their shape much better than before.
Not a morning person? You will be if you start using the Grapefruit & Orange Body Wash, it is not just a shower gel- it’s a citrus-fuelled wake-up call! Powered by 99.5% natural-origin ingredients and a 100% natural aroma, it leaves my skin feeling soft, refreshed, and delicately scented long after the steam has cleared. This shower gel is proof that you don’t have to spend loads of money to get a quality body wash.
if you’re looking to upgrade your hair and skincare routine and indulge in some expertly crafted natural products, Faith In Nature is the brand to try. With shower gels from £6.49 and haircare from just £7.99, these brilliantly formulated essentials are as kind to your bank balance as they are to the planet.
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 treat for you! The Contouring Glow Wand from Scented Aromas combines both Gua Sha and ice therapy to give your face a glow-up like never before. What’s Gua Sha I hear you ask? And what is ice therapy? Gua Sha is a technique used to push the lymphatic fluid around the body, and in this case the face, to drain out through the lymph nodes and leave skin’s appearance smoother and less swollen-looking. Gua Sha also brightens up the skin by increasing blood flow, which along with the ice therapy also relieves headaches and tightens open pores.
The Contouring Glow Wand is made of silicone and comes in two parts. To use, you fill the inside of the wand up to 80% with water then pop it in the freezer to freeze solid. When it’s solid, it’s ready to use at any time of day but can be used anytime depending on the need. The wand defrosts slowly giving you enough time to use it and then return it to the freezer. Of course, you can let it defrost too, in case you need to store it, or travel.
How do you use it though? The frozen wand combines ice therapy with Gua Sha to give all the benefits. Examples of Gua Sha massage can be found on Instagram or YouTube but the principle is to massage away the stress, lines, underlying toxins and relax the muscles of your face by applying pressure across the contours of your face. This can be in the direction of the muscle, away from the face and into the lymphatic nodes or simply through the scalp if it’s a headache you’re trying to stave off. With time, you find more techniques, but I already carry out a lymphatic drain on my face every morning before LED red light therapy. I used the Contouring Glow Wand to massage under my eyes by applying medium pressure from the nose, out to the temples and down to the lymph nodes under the ears. I also used it across my forehead, from the middle of my face out to the edges to reduce puffiness.
How did it feel? It’s freezing at first and in warmer weather it melts a little bit too! The sharpness of the ice takes a while to get used to and probably speeds up the Gua Sha at first but once you get used to it, it’s both cooling and soothing. I’m sure the ice cold helps with inflammation too, as well as the benefits of brightening skin and reducing redness.
I would recommend taking this on holiday with you in case of sunburn or to reduce redness from hot climates. As it’s so cooling it’s great for children too, where they can play with it safely to cool down. Most hotel rooms have fridge freezers or ice machines which will allow you to keep the Contouring Glow Wand frozen in your room and handy at all times. It lasts for as long as the ice asks, so you can just fill it up again and start over as early as a few hours later.
I think this is a really good tool as well as a good gift for someone who loves beauty and especially beauty gadgets. It’s non-toxic plus it doesn’t interfere with any aesthetics such as botox or surgery.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own
Whilst Helly Hansen are perhaps better known for their outdoor clothing, they do also have a great range of accessories like the Helly Hansen Wanderer Shoulder bag. This compact bag is a brilliant for travelling and has a good selection of pockets, both zipped and open which are ideal for keeping everything organised when navigating airport or train station queues.
The main compartment is zipped and inside are two mesh pockets. The larger pocket is the perfect size for a phone, while the smaller one will hold smaller essentials, I’ve currently got a lipbalm and a tube of sweets in it but it would also be perfect for a pen or a folded up shopping bag. Inside the bag is a handy key clip, a simple feature but incredibly useful and I no longer find myself rummaging around at the bottom of the bag searching for my keys. The bag is plenty large enough for my purse, phone and everyday essentials and the design means I can keep everything nice and organised. There’s also a couple of pockets on the front of the bag, one zipped and one open, which are perfect for items that I need quick access to.
The bag also has an incredibly useful feature – there’s a zip that runs around the bottom of the bag and this can be unzipped, expanding the capacity to 2.6L. It’s like having my very own Mary Poppins bag and kowing what my family are like when travelling, this is going to come in very handy on our next trip!!
The strap is made from rope and it’s easy to adjust the length by retying the end knots. I also like that the rope can also be removed, turning the bag into a handy travel wallet that’s ideal for storing tickets, passports, electronics and charging cables and can be popped inside a rucksack or larger bag while travelling to keep all your essentials together and easy to grab when needed.
If you don’t pack the bag too full, it’s slim enough to tuck discreetly under a coat or jumper which makes it very handy for travelling, giving an extra layer of security in busy places.
Made from lightweight 70D nylon with a TPU backing, it feels durable enough to cope with travelling, whether that’s by plane, train or car and whilst it isn’t fully waterproof, the taped seams help keep water out, so it can handle an occasional rain shower without any problem.
Overall, it’s a well designed and practical bag that will be perfect for summer adventures.
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.
It’s time for hairbrushes to get a glow up! The MANTA Healthy Hair Brush uses FLEXGUARD technology to create a hairbrush that sits in the palm of your hand and has a heat resistance of up to 80 degrees centigrade (175 Fahrenheit). The bristles are super gentle on hair and scalp, even flyaway hair and create shine when the hair is brushed from scalp to ends. It’s anti static and can be used on wet or dry hair. As the bristles are far apart, they don’t snag as they pull through fine hair, and if the ends are dry, you don’t rip away and break strands of hair as you brush. The MANTA Hair Brush can be used on all types of hair including hair extensions.
The MANTA sits in your hand comfortably by I found it easier to use on myself if I hold it from the handle and work my way through the length of my hair, starting at the scalp. Although this is a hair brush, it actually works perfectly as a scalp massager, taking the tension out of the scalp as you massage the brush through your hair. Taking the MANTA from the front of your scalp to the back of your neck and then to the ends of your hair, you’re also transferring the good oils to the rest of the hair and conditioning the cuticles as you do so. It feels absolutely amazing! As the bristles aren’t really close together, it gives a good massage as well as not damaging the hair too much. I loved using it after washing my hair to distribute the styling products without disturbing my natural curls. It’s great for putting your hair back into a messy pony tail too once your hair is dry.
This is a great investment for yourself or as a gift for someone else. It’s perfect for taking on holiday though with the travel pouch it comes with and the hand-held size that means it can even fit into your hand luggage!
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.
Relax this Valentines Day with some self-care, or give some love with the 11:11 Self Heating Eye Masks. These 3 single use eye masks are great for when you need some quiet time, or when trying to get to sleep and travelling thanks to their heating ability and some rose and oud scents.
The eye masks are felt-like pads with heat pouches inside. They instantly start to warm up as soon as you open the packet. The elastic ear loops allow you to wear the eye patches whilst you lie back for up to 25 minutes (I found the heat lasted for more than 30 minutes though) and the fragrance of rose and oud oozes from them. The packet contains a complimentary audio ritual to work with the eye patches and allow them to calm you even more. The sound bath music and soothing warmth around your eyes helps you drift into slumber, or simply relax.
I wore these before bed and was pleasantly surprised by how they calmed my mind mostly. The eye patches aren’t for blocking out light, but they do warm up the area around your eye and your eyelids. Not specifically for beauty, I did find that my eyes were nicely relaxed and slightly softer thanks to the effects of the heat!
Tucked away in the rolling countryside of North Oxfordshire, Neve’s Bees is a family run business, founded by Julie Macken and named after her daughter Neve. After a bout of hands-on tinkering with beeswax, natural plant oils and rich butters, Julie realised that she could make skincare products that were kinder, richer and infinitely better for your skin than most high street brands. From those early “lotions and potions”, Neve’s Bees was born. Today, they offer a wonderful selection of natural products, including these fantastic tinted lip and cheek balms. Available in three flattering shades, Berry, Bronze and Maple, each balm costs £9.95 and comes in a handy little tin which is the perfect size for popping in my handbag or coat pocket.
Each balm is blended with 100% natural and organic plant oils, natural beeswax from Neve’s Bees’ own hives, and ethically sourced, COSMOS-approved mineral mica. The mica alone took three years to source and is fully traceable, certified by both the Soil Association and COSMOS, and guaranteed to be free from child labour. It is beauty you can feel good about, in every sense.
So on to the ingredients of the balms – Beeswax locks in moisture and provides a layer of protection, while upcycled apricot kernel oil absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling smooth. Organic jojoba oil contributes hydration whilst vitamin E helps protect the skin. Finally, mica adds a soft, civilised glow to your skin.
Like most balms they are solid in the tin and warm up with the heat of your fingertips. Use on cheeks, lips or eyelids for an instant healthy-looking freshness. The formula is breathable and non-drying and feels nourishing as well as acting as a gentle highlighter and tint. As they are a balm I was expecting them to feel greasy or sticky on my cheeks and was pleasantly surprised when they didn’t. They give just the right hint of colour for a natural glow and are great for keeping lips hydrated in the cold weather.
The shades have been created to suit all skin tones. Berry gives lips and cheeks a natural, plummy flush, not unlike the effect of a brisk walk in the fresh air. Bronze, meanwhile, adds instant warmth with a subtle golden shimmer. Maple offers a subtle golden-red tint to your skin.
Neve’s Bees also donate 10% of their profits to wildlife causes, helping to restore precious wildflower meadows and providing vital habitat for bees and other pollinators so when you buy their products this February you’re not only treating your Valentine, or yourself, but also giving something back to the natural world.
Neve’s Bees Tinted Lip & Cheek Balms would make a beautiful little Valentine’s gift for a loved one as they’re the kind of present that feels personal, pampering and full of love – and they leave lips soft, smooth and very kissable 💗🐝
Tucked away in North Oxfordshire, Neve’s Bees is a charming family run business, named after founder Julie’s daughter, Neve. Following a spot of experimentation with “lotions and potions,” – blending beeswax with pure, natural plant oils and butters, they soon realised they could create an entire range of skincare products using only genuinely natural ingredients – ones that felt far better on the skin than anything they’d bought before. And so, Neve’s Bees was born. Today, they offer a wonderful selection of natural products, including ten different lip balms, available individually for £6.50 or as a trio for £18. Whether you prefer something floral, zingy, minty or simply plain and gentle, there’s a balm to suit every taste. Each one is blended with 100% natural ingredients -organic wherever possible – bringing together nature and a touch of science to create a beautifully rich, premium product. All of the balms are made with natural beeswax from Neve’s Bees own bees along with organic apricot kernel, organic jojoba and coconut oils, plus natural vitamin E for extra nourishment. The lip balms are in little slide tins which are small enough to slip into a coat pocket or handbag to keep lips moisturised when out and about.
I always seem to get chapped lips in winter and much prefer natural lip balms as they seem to soothe my lips much better. Using them both morning and night has become second nature, so I was quite excited when the parcel of Neve’s Bees lip balms arrived and I could tell from the minute I opened the first tin that these lip balms are much better quality than an off the shelf lip balm. They smell lovely and have a silky smooth texture which glides easily onto lips, The balm is quite solid in the tin but quickly warms up with the warmth of a finger and once on your lips it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and it leaves my dry lips feeling soft and hydrated.
I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors this week, so I’ve been able to really put these lip balms to the test. My ideal lip balm is one that pampers and nourishes lips, keeping them soft and hydrated no matter what the conditions are and these lip balms definitely ticked all these boxes. Whether I’ve been out walking, cycling or when I was battling Storm Claudia, a quick application of this lip balm has helped to keep my lips protected and prevent them from drying out and I’m confident they’ll continue to keep my lips hydrated as the cold weather settles in.
The three balms I have been trying out are –
Honey Vanilla – this is Neve’s Bees least fragranced lip balm and has just a hint of vanilla to soothe lips and allows the natural honey take centre stage.
Rosey is my favourite of the three balms, it is made from thousands of crushed rose petals and scented with Rose Otto and Rose Geranium. It is rich in vitamins A and E and it’s really helped soothe my dry lips.
Buttermint is inspired by the classic sweets and contains a blend of vanilla and peppermint. This lip balm is great for the men in your life who need to protect their lips but don’t want a flowery or feminine fragrance. This nourishing lip balm is full of goodness and is ideal for restoring softness and moisture.
These Neve’s Bees lip balms make brilliant little gifts and are just the thing for popping into a Christmas stocking, adding to a Secret Santa bundle, or slipping into a card along with a money gift.
Neve’s Bees also donate 10% of their profits to wildlife causes, helping to restore precious wildflower meadows and providing vital habitat for bees and other pollinators so when you buy their products you’re also making a difference to the natural world.
The lip balms are available from the Neve’s Bees website here
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!
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.
Ultimate confidence is something which is learned, not given. You aren’t born with confidence in the way that you’re not born to be able to project your voice when public speaking or to be able to handle stress, but it is something you can actively teach yourself.
Confidence comes from knowing yourself though, not from being brave and standing in front of a room of people and giving a PowerPoint presentation. That’s the first lesson that Ant Austen is teaching you in his book, “Instant Confidence.”
Starting with a heart-wrenching back story, the book sets the scene for what confidence is. Going through some simple exercises, Ant helps you to identify your limiting beliefs and where they come from using a series of questions. There’s a long section on being truthful with yourself, which is ultimately how those questions are answered and then worked on to be able to eliminate your limiting beliefs and grow.
Following these truths, the book goes on to deal with any guilt you hold, the fear of changing these limited beliefs, and the freedom that comes when you break through. Only after reading through the book and the exercises can you find out what that freedom means to you or how you want to achieve it to get instant confidence.
The book is a self-help, short read that you can pick up and put down easily and has just 61 pages. Great for commuting, you can come back to it and do the exercises all over again and pick up a different limiting belief before you work on yourself and move on to even greater levels of confidence.
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 Christmas, Lego have a genius card game for after dinner or Boxing Day, or as a great gift for families who love constructing with LEGO.
The game is usually played in pairs where one person is the builder and the other a communicator. The communicator takes a card with a diagram of an abstract Lego design and has to describe it to their partner. The game is timed, so the team who build the LEGO model quickest gains the most points!
There are 92 models to build and 20 challenge cards to make the game more interesting, like having to communicate without speaking or building with just one hand!
The game includes 48 LEGO pieces which pertain to the designs on the cards, and the pieces are full sized LEGO pieces. It can be played with 4-8 players and is aged from 7 years upwards but you do need a stopwatch or time keeper of some kind. The small parts are not suitable for younger children either.
This is a really fun and easy to understand game for everyone. There’s nothing complicated about it and you don’t have lots of rules to memorize before you can play. The scoring is easy, but the actual building of the models is more difficult than you think so it’s really eye-opening to see how people cope with having to describe an abstract shape. The timing element of the game makes it more urgent and therefore more fun, especially at Christmas time when everyone is more jovial anyway! I loved this game and the whole concept of building with LEGO and can see us playing this as a family throughout the year.
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.
It’s time to get MIGHTY!
Mighty Wheels is based on the cartoon series of the same name and contains a world of all sorts of trucks as toys as part of their range. Not just any trucks though, an assortment of dump trucks, tow trucks, cranes, tractors and even fire engines. The best part is that they’re made of steel and hardy plastic so they’re super hard wearing and can take about as much tough love as the real things! We were sent the “Super” Dump Truck and the Mighty Man Deluxe Figure as part of the extensive range available this Christmas.
The ”Super” Dump Truck is definitely super. It’s 16” in length and certainly lives up to its name of being “Super” thanks to the massive size of it. The yellow tipper is made of steel whereas the wheels and body are made of tough plastic. The tipper literally tips up and the wheels rotate making it easier to manoeuvre. This is a beast of a dump truck and it has to be seen to be believed so make sure you have enough room for it at home! It’s great for playing with scenarios where you can actually carry something worthwhile like if you’re on the beach or in the garden.
In addition to the “Super” Dump Truck, the Mighty Man figure is also from the cartoon show. It doesn’t fit the truck though, so don’t think you can use it as part of the role play. Instead, this is a toy in itself with batteries and accessories. Press the button on the belt and it has three phrases, “It’s time to get Mighty!” and “What do you think team? Can we do it?” as well as, “I got my Mighty Tools, my Mighty Hat and my team of Mighty Wheels!” He wears his famous hat, plus has a toolbelt with a detachable hammer. This is actually a really cool toy that I enjoyed playing with the phrases!
Just a word to watch out though – these toys have small parts that aren’t suitable for children under 3 so be careful with babies. They’re fabulous toys as part of a range of equally collectable and useable toys that children will love and can interact with in different ways depending on their age.
Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
There has been talk in this office this week of our annual Secret Santa and with a budget of £15, these Sanctuary Spa gift sets fit the bill perfectly. Sanctuary Spa is such a well-loved high-street favourite, with plenty of gorgeous sets available at a range of retailers this Christmas. With Black Friday and Christmas offers popping up everywhere, it’s well worth keeping your eyes peeled – you might just snap up a bargain!
Now, even if you don’t know your Secret Santa recipient terribly well, you simply can’t go wrong with a beauty gift set and we would love to discover these Sanctuary Spa sets under our Christmas Tree this year.
The Sanctuary Spa Discovery Body Cleansing Collection(£15) is available from Boots (and is in the 3 for 2 deal) and includes four 75ml body washes – Aqua Serenity, Lily & Rose, Golden Sandalwood and Signature – all neatly presented in a clear, reusable wash bag. The body washes are the perfect size for travelling and they are also a great way to try some of the other fragrances in the range.
The Sanctuary Spa Signature Restoring Spa Collection (currently £10 at Tesco with a Clubcard) includes a 150ml Signature Body Wash, a 150ml Signature Body Lotion and a 100ml Body Scrub. With a fragrance blend of jasmine, grapefruit and vanilla, this trio really does bring that “spa-at-home” feeling to life. Cleanse, buff and moisturise and step out with soft, beautifully scented skin.
So whether you’re hunting for a Secret Santa surprise, a stocking filler, a gift for teachers, or simply fancy treating yourself (and why not?) a Sanctuary Spa gift set is the perfect choice.
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Christmas is coming (yes, already!), and it’s the perfect excuse to treat your friends, your family…. or yourself! Beauty gift sets always feel special, especially at this time of year and at Christmas many include reusable wash bags or cosmetic pouches. I also find they are usually much better value than buying everything separately. If you’ve never dipped your toe into Weleda before, a gift set is a wonderful way to be introduced to their gorgeous natural products without committing to full sizes straightaway.
This year they have some lovely sets and here are two of my absolute favourites:
The Skin Food Essentials Gift Set (RRP £10) is a brilliant stocking filler. It contains a 10ml tube of Skin Food Original along with a Skin Food Lip Balm (8ml) which are the perfect size to keep in your handbag so you are always ready for winter emergencies. Skin Food is one of those iconic products that is loved by everyone, it’s been around since 1926 for a reason, and its fan club spans generations. I use it for soothing dry patches of skin, doubling as a rich night cream, even calming my eczema. It’s quite thick but it doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on my skin. The nourishing plant oils, protective natural waxes and Skin Food’s signature herbal blend make it nice and hydrating and perfect for my sensitive, eczema prone skin. It also contains rosemary to boost circulation, sunflower and sweet almond oils to feed the skin, and beeswax and lanolin to lock all that goodness in. Paired with the Lip Balm, you’ve got the ultimate winter rescue duo for dry or chapped lips.
If you want something a bit more indulgent, the limited edition Very Cherry Gift Set (RRP £19.95) is a very festive treat. Tucked inside the gorgeous velvety cherry-red make-up bag are three fantastic products – Cherry Shower Cream (200ml), Hand Cream (50ml) and a Lip Balm (4.8ml).
The limited edition Weleda Very Cherry is new this year, and I do hope that they decide to keep it on a permanent basis. The fragrance is fruity and uplifting and leaves my skin delicately scented. The Shower Cream is rich and creamy, lathering beautifully and leaving my skin feeling fresh, clean, and hydrated. The Hand Cream simply melts into my hands and doesn’t leave them feeling greasy. As someone with very dry hands, I use hand cream regularly and the 50ml tube is the perfect size to pop in my bag so I can keep my hands nourished throughout the day.
The Lip Balm has that subtle cherry scent and glides on effortlessly, giving a lovely hit of moisture. It feels protective and soothing, exactly what you want when the winter wind picks up.
Every product in the Very Cherry collection is made from 100% natural origin ingredients and certified by NATRUE, which only adds to the feeling that you’re treating your skin to something honest, gentle, and genuinely good.
This is one of those Christmas sets that not only looks great but is even better to use. Perfect for anyone who loves a bit of fruity freshness, or for the friend who needs a bit of everyday pampering
If you’re hunting for great-value Christmas gifts (or just fancy treating yourself ), these Weleda sets tick every box – natural, beautiful, practical, and perfect for newcomers and long-time fans alike.
Disclaimer: we received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Every family has its Christmas traditions, and in our house the stockings always have certain gifts stuffed in them. Yes, there’s the expected chocolate, socks, and underwear but every year, without fail, Father Christmas tucks in a bottle of shower gel. And more often than not, it’s Original Source. They slip neatly into a stocking, for one thing, and their bright, uplifting scents mean there’s a bottle to suit absolutely everyone.
I’m not what you’d call a natural morning person so I need something brisk and cheering to get me going which means my shower gel has to work hard to wake me gently but firmly. I’m a big fan of Original Source’s Zesty Lemon & Tea Tree, but this year I’ve tried their Crisp Apple Shower Gel which is fresh and crisp and is exactly the thing to nudge me into the land of the living. From the very first use my skin felt refreshed, hydrated, and – dare I say it – almost enthusiastic about the day ahead.
It’s vegan, made in the UK, and fragranced with 100% natural ingredients. The bottle itself is made entirely from recycled plastic and can go straight back into the recycling when you’re done.
A 250ml bottle is currently just £1 at Superdrug and Morrisons so at that price, it’s worth stocking up to guarantee a zingy start to Christmas morning and beyond.
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 is a brilliant stocking filler – a ‘pen’ which can be taken anywhere thanks to the click-down selection. Yes ,you do remember these from school! With the same format as a Biro, you can click to have an eyeliner (black), lip liner (pink), brow liner (light brown) or highlighter (white). The are all inter-useable in this lightweight pen style which can be put in a handbag or on holiday in a make-up bag where space is tight. Also brilliant for a night out when you don’t want to take many items!
The liners have different textures so I wouldn’t recommend mixing them together, but the eye liner could be used as a brow liner if the light brown colour isn’t a match for you. I personally wouldn’t use the highlighter that much but the light pink lip liner would be very well used by me daily. They’re all really good quality though, and there is a good supply there in the pen.
This is the type of product that would change how you do your make-up just because it’s so convenient to carry around, and it’s really easy to use. Teenagers would particularly enjoy this as a way of carrying make-up around but I know I’ll be taking this on holiday with me!
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 Rosalique beautiful gift set of Miracle Brush and the 3 In 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF 50 combines a skincare concealer with a beautiful (and oh so soft!) brush to hide away those rosy cheeks. The 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula works by covering, treating the skin for long term redness and protects from outside irritants like pollution and the sun. The SPF 50 help protect on a UVA and UVB basis too.
Combined in this gift set, the 3 In 1 Miracle Formula has a brush for applying it daily. The two of them work together to create a long term anti-redness. The coverage works, and also feels very soft and light against your skin. It’s great for using instead of a standard foundation but also works if you’re not wearing make up at all for the day but still want some protection from the sun and elements, and something that gives you the even colour daily.
This is a great gift for Mum or Gran who might want to have some colour coverage as well as something more medicated for redness. I’d also recommend taking this on holiday with you in case you end up burnt or a bit red from alcohol 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.
By Terry have an excellent range of gifts this Christmas, including this Lip & Cheek Bliss Duo available at Sephora, Next and John Lewis for £39. The gift set contains a CC Liquid Blush and Lip Care, which is a lip repair gloss to condition lips.
The By Terry gift pack contains the 7 gram click brush liquid blush and 2.3 gram bottle of Lip Care (called Baume De Rose). The Liquid Blush clicks to reveal the colour which you can blend into your cheeks with ease, or if you’re creating a look, it can obviously blend into your contouring application too. It gives a bright, dewy look to your skin and lasts all day, although you might want to apply a second coat at night if you’re going out, just to finish off the look!
The Lip Care is a regenerating salve which cools, comforts and sooths lips. Perfect for cold weather, it hydrates rather than colours lips but works great in tandem with the liquid blush to create a look, especially if you’re on the go or on holiday, and there’s the added bonus that the Lip Care is hydrating and regenerating too.
These make great stocking fillers or gifts for teens who don’t want to be wearing too much make-up or all the time.
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.
Treat yourself at Christmas to a perfect foundation glow from McoBeauty.
Available in 10 different shades, the McoBeauty Flawless Glow is an all-coverage foundation which works like a photo filter. You don’t need a brush with this foundation either, there’s what’s called a ‘Doe Foot’ applicator which allows you to dab an exact amount of base to your skin. Once applied, I used my fingers to blend it in but you can use a brush at this point. It was a full coverage of foundation on my face which wasn’t waxy or powdery at all and didn’t take long to blend. I particularly liked how it has that ‘glow’ to it too. There’s a slight shimmer to the finish (which actually dried really quickly) that bounces the light and gives you that Christmas glow.
The McoBeauty Flawless Glow Foundation makes a great stocking filler too, it’s really versatile and suits all ages thanks to both its skin coverage and the shine to give a healthy glow instead of the winter pasty look that so many chalky foundations leave. I liked the generous size too, and it would fit perfectly in a Christmas cracker!
Disclaimer: we received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Have you started shopping for Christmas yet? If not don’t panic as we’ve some great ideas for creative minds of all ages. Stabilo pens make great stocking fillers for both children and adults and whether for school, work, or creative projects there’s such a wide variety of pens that it’s easy to find a set for everyone. Also you can add a colouring book or sketch pad to make a lovely gift for an artistic friend or relative.
With STABILO’S instantly recognisable striped pattern on the pens the pointMax Arty range is perfect for creating masterpieces. The robust nylon 0.8mm tip was designed for high volume use and makes crisp, smooth lines that glide effortlessly over paper. The bright colours are striking, and the pens are perfect for writing, doodling or colouring. The lid clicks nicely on the end when you are using it so it’s far less likely to end up on the floor. Available in over 40 brilliant colours and in multipacks of 15, 18, 24, 32 or 42 pens which will keep everyone busy over the Christmas period and beyond.
RRP from £15.90
The STABILO Cappi Arty felt tip range have clever caps with a small ring at the top which means they can be threaded onto to a ring to keep them together. You can clip them onto a bag with a carabiner which is ideal for keeping them all in one place, especially when you’re out and about. It also means no lost lids too! The triangular shape is comfy to hold and it stops them rolling about on the table too. The slighter larger 1mm fibre tip gives bold, vibrant colour and the ink holds well on different thicknesses of paper and card. These pens are great for children as they can be left uncapped for up to 24 hours without drying out. Available in packs of 12 or 18 colours.
RRP from £7.23
The moss green/oak STABILO GROWSingle pen is STABILO’s most sustainable ball pen with a shaft made from 100% FSC®-certified wood and an ergonomic grip zone made from almost 100 % renewable raw materials. It’s fully climate neutral, with all unavoidable CO₂ emissions offset through certified climate protection projects.
It’s refillable too, making it better from the environment and there are 6 different colours to choose from. The pen cap fits snugly and snapped into place with a satisfying click and it’s easy to swap the ink with the refill being easy to remove and replace. The medium weight pen is very comfortable to hold and is lovely to write with, It’s a great choice for friends and relatives that still write letters or who enjoy doing crosswords or puzzles.
RRP from £20.49
So, whether you’re shopping for a budding artist or a lifelong doodler, STABILO pens make a wonderful Christmas gift. They’re colourful, high-quality, and designed to last and will also fit nicely in a Christmas stocking.
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 woman in your life, at Christmas, there’s nothing easier than getting her a paper set, especially one from Sanctuary Spa. This year the Perfect Pamper Parcel contains all she needs for pampering in 2026 and we were sent this selection to be able to test out its contents before the holidays. Lucky us!
The Sanctuary Spa Lily & Rose Perfect Pamper Parcel contains Bath Float, Body Wash, Body Scrub and a body sponge for the pampering, plus Body Lotion and Hand Cream for the finishing touches. With the floral Lily & Rose scent in each of the bath and body products, the light fragrance carries through from bath to bed and all day long. I like how you can mix and match too by having just the bath set, or the body wash or hand cream available and it makes for a multi-use hamper of treats that can be used any time of day.
At just £20 it’s a steal too, saving money but in a lovely gift set that can be given to teenagers right up to Gran!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Why not treat a loved one, or even, treat yourself! to the Yum! Gift Set from LUSH. It’s already beautifully wrapped, which makes it perfect for last-minute gifting or as a “just-in-case” pressie under the tree for those surprise guests. The bright orange ribbon and contrasting paper look super stylish, and the packaging is all eco-friendly too, made from 100% recycled paper and board, with biodegradable “eco pops” inside.
I’ve been a LUSH fan for years and I can never resist popping in to their stores “just for a look”… which always turns into a little treat for myself! So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to get my hands on the festive Yum! Gift Set.
Inside the box are four festive treats:
✨ Yog Nog Shower Gel (120g) ✨ Catch Me If You Can Bath Bomb ✨ Humbug Scrubee Body Scrub Bar ✨ Yule Log Soap (100g)
Even though I’m use LUSH products regularly these four products were all new to me so I couldn’t wait to try them.
The Catch Me If You Can Bath Bomb is shaped like a cheeky little gingerbread man and fizzed away beautifully in the bath filling the room with a lovely Christmassy scent. The yellow and blue swirls created gorgeous golden patterns in the water before turning the water a very bright green – think the colour of Grotbags face (if you’re old enough to remember her – google her if you’re not!!) whilst the zesty lime and sweet wild orange oils smelt divine and were perfect for helping me relax after a busy day. The illipe butter and extra virgin olive oil in the bath bomb helped leave my skin feeling soft and nourished.
Next up, the Yog Nog Shower Gel and wow, this one’s a Christmas dream. It’s glittery, golden, and smells like sweet, spiced caramel. LUSH shower gels always turn a quick shower into a mini pamper session, and this limited-edition scent might just give my all-time favourite, Snow Fairy, a run for its money!
The Humbug Scrubee Body Scrub is shaped like a cute little bug and is packed with ground almonds and coconut shell for a gentle exfoliation. It also contains hydrating butters and pomegranate molasses which melted into my skin, leaving it lovely and soft. It has a double dose of peppermint and spearmint oils which gives a fresh, tingly feeling which has been perfect for waking me up now the dark winter mornings are here.
If I have to pick a favourite product from the box it has to be the Yule Log Soap. As a self-confessed chocoholic, this one was always going to win me over. It looks just like a slice of Yule log and even smells chocolatey. Made with maple syrup, cocoa butter, and macadamia nut oil, it gives a creamy lather that not only cleans my skin but soothes and hydrates it too. It looks and smells good enough to eat, though best to stick to admiring it every time you wash your hands!
There’s such a fantastic range of LUSH gift sets this year, all wrapped in vibrant, eco-friendly paper and ready to pop straight under the tree and the Yum! Gift Set is certainly one of my top picks.
The Review Studio 