Green People Volumising Mascara

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

Let’s talk about volumising lashes. Great for parties, useful for quick every day make up and fabulous fun for when you want to glam it up when going out.  Green People have created this volumising mascara for the party season which contains sunflower oil, Carnauba wax and beeswax which are kinder to skin. We were sent the black mascara from Green People, but you can also buy the same product in brown.

The Green People Volumising is a buildable lash mascara which means you can put on a coat, let it dry, and build up to bigger, longer lasting lashes with extra coats on top. Perfect for when you’re out all day or at work and need to reapply. The beeswax and Carnauba wax mean that you can remove it easily with an oil based make-up remover too. The mascara formula includes vitamin E and to moisturise and protect lashes too.

At £23.50 it’s not cheap, but it is comparable to the department store brands which last just as long and work just as well. You’re also buying in the knowledge that The Green People make more environmentally friendly products which are cruelty free, vegetarian and 98% of the products are natural. How did it look? Plump! The mascara builds up nicely and creates glossy lashes that don’t clump together. Stunning for the Christmas season!

Available for £23.50 at: https://www.greenpeople.co.uk/products/volumising-mascara-black-7ml?_su_rec=CxUTIywNIFTwjVyFLsaeXmESgp9urNimAEZShwhCx-oTQ4TvqtSWmPmoAVrDpfwKEbJeyCYHIH-K2HzsqJgPxYi4BhnTz9Z1xipoxiqZeBdQL4TN_vBHq8EKE5Al84w7HizZuka05IF8-csExJUsY7ES2CocHykjR_3oL6_wMIqYBG3YWZKnUTuDqh7xwSlSukNIRwmAGD8kYFffgdE6fgiJRXH1jwEB1ZC5mgfl-4Fq_LzaRaDPZ93XgtolPAb4hBq-zOlh6LPfdUCY8bxB&_su_rec_id=03b481f7-d1e6-4a06-b614-a1f8b48d4cb8-1792931073

CHROMA Skin Tech Collagen Mask

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.

Dewy, supple skin is not only fashionable nowadays, but using collagen masks like the CHROMA Skin Tech Collagen Mask is a great way of self-care and some relaxation.  CHROMA sent us a box of collagen masks to use and I gratefully used one whilst rushing around on a Friday afternoon and took some time out to let it work some magic (magic not included in the box!)

There are 4 masks in the box, each individually sealed. If you’ve never used a collagen mask before, it’s a face mask which is infused with collagen solution and you place it on your face and let it dry over a number of hours. It penetrates the skin giving a soft, dewy glow that lasts for about 12-24 hours.  The CHROMA masks come in two parts – upper and lower face. There’s a lot of solution in the packet as well, and many influencers say to use the solution on your face as well, to give an extra boost. I struggled with getting this out of the packet though because it’s so slippery, and has a translucent plastic backing to it which doesn’t make it easy to handle. I dropped it in the sink twice!

It places over your face in two parts, and at first it can slide, so it’s easier to sit still until it starts to dry slightly. We’re talking 2 minutes whilst it fixes on you skin then you can go about your day. The mask looks white when you place it on your skin but then as it dries it goes clear. It can take up to 3 hours to dry, but with the heating on at home it took about 2 hours. It’s difficult to eat properly with the mask on though because movement makes it less adhesive, so try not to eat for first hour or drink for the first 30 minutes.

Taking the mask off is easy. It doesn’t ‘stick’ as if it’s glued to your face and instead it peels away gently, even when dry. If you take it off before it’s fully dry, it’s obviously still a bit wet so you can remove it easily too.  You can’t reuse it though, which is why there’s 4 in the pack, and I would say you could use them weekly for 4 weeks and get a good overall affect. CHROMA have a lovely LED mask as well, which helps rejuvenate skin cells and also gives you a glow, so the combination of both would help your overall winter schedule.

Was my face more dewy and softer when the mask came off? Well yes it was, and what was noticeable was that my skin moved better because it was more supple. The collagen did what it’s supposed to do and ‘fed’ into the layers of skin and nourished it.  It felt like I’d used a really rich moisturiser or had a really long facial with high-end products.  It’s amazing how one mask can make you feel so refreshed and the compliments you get on your skin are an added bonus!

Available online for £16.99 at: https://chromaskintech.com/products/chroma-collagen-mask?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Altruist Sunscreen Christmas Gift Set

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.

Finally, a gift set at Christmas that doesn’t include tiny samples! The Altruist Christmas Gift Set (29.95) includes a range of their year-round products, wrapped up in a stylish grey washbag. Included in the set is:

  • Altruist Sunscreen SPF50, 100ml
  • Altruist Face Fluid SPF50, 50ml
  • Altruist Body Lotion with 6% Urea, 200ml
  • Altruist Hand Repair Cream, 75ml
  • Altruist Moisturising Fluid 0.5% Hyaluronic Acid MF0.5, 50ml

As a skincare brand founded by dermatologist Dr Andrew Birnie, you might think that you don’t need sunscreen at this time of year. However, the whole set of products shows the range which is available to Altruist, which is not only sunscreen but skincare too.  Altruist’s non-nonsense approach to skincare includes Hand Repair Cream (great for on your desk at work) and Body Lotion with Urea, to keep skin smooth and hydrated.  The smaller tubes such as the Face Fluid and Moisturising Fluid with Hyaluronic Acid are small enough to be able to put them in your handbag or travel bag.

I’ve used Altruist sunscreens before, and thanks to the formula being SPF 50 and designed by a real life skin doctor, it’s very reliable and does what it says it does. I can wear Altruist sunscreen and not feel like it’s too greasy or heavy. There is the element of sunscreen film there, and it’s very rich, but it really works and it leaves your skin softer and more pliable. 

The set is really lovely and can be used as a gift as well as split up and used as a stocking filler or Secret Santa gifts too!

Available online for £29.95 at: https://altruistsun.com/collections/all?_su_rec=h-y8uwyPRupIdHyttaR0VnKT-jDxiddAtXx40IsIq50k3SPhVQAZ_GBR7SCfKBlgpgOpYXLZogORQnE4_vuGatA0q8DQdFk9savn_yR4XSeebgzy9_jTwttGlBdiTvDk1DqUOxdUmdI1L06rTZNx-kPqHo15VxAdQT5DZBeo3v427F1KAN-NAKHLispRPdB7_8SBqnnMENQq6O6rYF5yTOko3hxFUT21bj7KUMR-XVQFiLKnS7AMo6sWhrc&_su_rec_id=3c8df5a5-05ac-4489-ae03-9d659b0e6c48-1791715206

Stackers Jewellery Roll

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

I love wearing jewellery and when it comes to going on holiday, I like to take a few favourite pieces with me to accessorise my outfits. The big problem though is keeping everything organised. There’s nothing worse than opening your suitcase to discover your necklaces have tied themselves into an impossible knot, or finding a favourite pair of earrings rattling around at the bottom of your bag. I’ve tried individual pouches, but I still find myself spending ages untangling jewellery instead of enjoying myself! When I saw the Stackers Jewellery Roll on the Very website, I knew straight away that this would be a real gamechanger when I’m travelling. Designed with travel in mind, it’s a neat, oblong case that slips easily into hand luggage or a travel holdall without taking up too much room. The jewellery roll is available in a variety of gorgeous colours, including forest green, red, burgundy and lavender, so you can choose a shade to suit the style of either your luggage or recipient.

Open it up and you’ll find a gorgeous mushroom-coloured interior with a soft, velvety finish. It’s all about clever organisation, with dedicated spaces for different types of jewellery. There are four necklace or bracelet holders, each with a press stud to keep pieces in place, plus an elasticated band and a pocket at the bottom to keep longer necklaces secure. There’s also a zipped pocket for extra bits and pieces, an earring holder and a ring holder, so everything has its own little home. One of my favourite features is the removable velvet drawstring pouch, which I found particularly useful for storing solid bracelets.

Measuring 24.5cm deep, 10.5cm wide and just 3cm high, the jewellery roll has plenty of room without being bulky. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit inside, including my watch, which means I no longer have to leave favourite accessories behind because I can’t work out how to transport them safely. Now, everything stays together, protected and ready to wear when I arrive. Best of all, I can say goodbye to wrestling with tangled necklaces before I’ve even unpacked!

The Stackers Jewellery Roll (RRP £30) would make a lovely Christmas gift for anyone who loves travelling and wants to take their favourite accessories along for the ride. It’s also a great Secret Santa idea if you’re working to a £30 budget and want something useful and stylish that feels a little more special than the usual festive offerings.

Whether you’re shopping for a frequent flyer, a weekend-break enthusiast or someone who simply loves their jewellery, this handy little organiser could be just the ticket.

For other great gift idas take a look at the Gifts for Her section at Very where you’ll find many more fantastic gift ideas for the women in your life.

Rabanne Ladies EDP 5ml Mini Gift Set

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

If you’re anything like me, perfume is always near the top of the Christmas wish list. You can never have too many fragrances, can you? And if your other half needs a hint about what to put under the tree, I’d be more than happy to point him in the direction of the Rabanne Ladies Mini Gift Set! With four gorgeous fragrances it’s a little box of luxury that offers plenty of bang for your Christmas buck.

This gift set brings together four of Rabanne’s fragrances, each with its own personality. Lady Million arrived in 2010, bringing plenty of golden glamour, while Olympea followed in 2015, inspired by the idea of a modern-day goddess. Fame joined the party in 2022 with its contemporary, playful feel, and Million Gold for Her arrived in 2024 to add yet more golden sparkle. With four different scents to explore, there’s a good chance you’ll find one that makes you feel like the queen of the Christmas party.

The miniature bottles are little versions of their full-sized counterparts, making them lovely to display on a dressing table as well as practical for everyday life. They’re ideal for popping into your handbag for a quick refresh, tucking into your wash bag for a weekend away or taking on holiday without sacrificing precious luggage space. After all, there’s only so much room in a suitcase once you’ve packed the shoes!

They’re also a brilliant way to experiment with different fragrances without committing to a full-sized bottle. You can choose something glamorous for an evening out or a scent to suit your everyday mood. And if you discover a new favourite, you’ll know exactly what to ask for next Christmas!

Available from Very, the Rabanne Ladies Mini Gift Set would make a lovely present for a mum, sister, daughter or friend who enjoys a little pampering. Very has plenty of other Christmas gift ideas to browse in the “Gifts for her” section of their website , so you might even manage to tick a few more names off that ever-growing list. Just don’t forget to drop a few hints about what you’d like yourself!

Lee Stafford London Hair Scentsations Gift Set

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

Christmas will be here before we know it, and if you’re anything like me, the panic over finding presents for everyone will probably start somewhere around the time I realise there are only four shopping weekends to go. Luckily, we’ve found a Lee Stafford haircare bargain that could tick several names off the list in one go.

The Lee Stafford London Hair Scentsations Gift Set would make a great Secret Santa present, stocking filler or little Christmas treat for yourself. In fact, I’m seriously considering splitting the set up and putting one of the mists into three different stockings. We love a bargain here at The Review Studio, and at £17.50 for all three, this set is a real steal. With each 80ml Hair Perfume Mist usually priced at £9.99, buying them separately would cost £29.97, making the gift set an real Christmas win. Even better, it’s currently included in the Boots 3 for 2 Christmas offer, making it an even more tempting festive buy.

The set contains three of Lee Stafford’s signature hair scents: Red Idol, Caramel Brûlé and the Original Lee Stafford Hair Perfume Mist.Red Idol is probably the most sophisticated of the trio, with Jasmine, Ambergris and Woody Cedar creating a lovely fresh fragrance. The Caramel Brûlé, which smells exactly as indulgent as you would hope, has a warm salted caramel fragrance and the Original Lee Stafford Hair Perfume Mist, has the instantly recognisable Lee Stafford fragrance.

These perfume mists aren’t just about making your hair smell gorgeous , these multi-tasking mists refresh your hair, add shine and also helps tame frizz, while the star ingredient, Sunflower Extract, helps protect against the effects of heat, UV rays and environmental pollution.

They spray nice and evenly, with a light mist which doesn’t feel sticky on my hair. The fragrances last surprisingly well and I’ve received lots of compliments since I started using them.

So whether you’re looking for a Secret Santa gift, a stocking filler or simply a little Christmas present to yourself, the Lee Stafford London Hair Scentsations Gift Set is a great beauty buy.

Available from Boots

Mavala Christmas Nail Polish and Your Nail Growth Routine

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.

Marvellous Mavala Christmas gifts sent us two kits available this Christmas which make excellent Secret Santa or stocking filler gifts. If you’ve never heard of Mavala before, it’s a Swiss beauty company that specialises in precision beauty, meaning they like to produce the best quality products that ‘honour individuality and authenticity.’ They are an independent, family owned business with its roots going back 65 years. Their products are never tested on animals, are 100% Swiss engineered and have zero compromise on quality or safety. We were sent two of their Christmas range products; Your Nail Growth Routine and Ruby Christmas Duo.

Ruby Christmas Due contains two miniature colour nail polishes in shades called Las Vegas and Paris.  These vibrant colours are more for the adventurous nail polish wearer or for going out at night, so perfect for the Christmas season, or as a gift for someone who likes to make a statement with their nail art. Even though they’re miniature varnishes, they’re perfectly good to use weekly, not just for Christmas or special occasions. They are great for going on holiday with though, as they’re small enough but bright enough to wear with confidence!

The Mavala nail care kit; Your Nail Growth Routine is a two-stage treatment kit to help your nails grow. The first Mavaderma treatment is an oil based formula that helps nails grow healthily at the root, and contains wheat germ and sweet almond. The second treatment is pistachio to fortify nail growth in the long term. For best results, apply Mavaderma daily at night time, on clean, varnish free nails. Massage into the nail bed and leave on overnight to allow to work. Before a manicure the next day, apply Mava-Strong as a base before colour.

I haven’t been using Mavala for long, but I do feel that the Mava-Strong gives my nails the extra strength I need to keep the nails strong, and prevent splitting which is a problem I’ve had for a few months. The Mavaderma should help in the long run with promoting nail growth at the base, but it will take a few months for that to become evident.  These are both great gift sets for Christmas and can be used all year round, so by the time next Christmas comes around, your nails will be perfect!

Available online at: https://mavala.co.uk/

Barti Rum Gift Sets

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.

Rum isn’t generally as well known as a tipple as some other spirits nowadays, with gin, vodka and whisky normally taking top spot.  Rum is usually synonymous with the Caribbean as well, but Barti Rum is from surprisingly close to home – Wales!

A finalist in The Grocer’s New Product category for 2026, Barti Rum was started by Jonathan Williams when he moved to the Pembrokeshire coast and started The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company. His menu originally featured seaweed heavily and the company caters for the Olympic village, Glastonbury and lots of other UK events. In 2017 however, Jonathan has the idea to combine his signature seaweed and rum. From then, the brand has continued to grow and now produced straight rum, Barti Cream and a this set of cans.

The Barti Mini Duo Pack (£13.50 online) includes 5cl bottle of Barti Spiced Rum and a 5cl bottle of their award winning plant-based cream liqueur. Whilst the Barti Spiced Rum is nicely warming and just the comfort you need for winter, the the Barti Cream is decadent and rich, and just the treat you need on a cold night.

The Barti Can Triple Gift Pack (£12.50) has three flavours; Barti Ginger & Lemon Iced Tea, Barti Sea & Buckthorn Fizz and Apple & Barti.  None of them are flavours you come across every day, but they are all refreshing, with the quiet undertones of Barti Rum. All of the flavours have the subtle warming texture of rum in them, so if you’re partial to a bit of comfort rum after dinner, Barti Rum makes a nice change to some of the other spirits out there. 

The Barti Mini Duo Pack £13.50:

Barti Can Triple Gift Pack, £12.50

Miller Rose Roberts – Book by Joseph Millson

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.

They say that the body regenerates itself every 7 years. Then there’s the 7 year itch. Then there’s the Greek saying, “Give me a child for the first seven years and I will give you the man.” Miller Rose Roberts is 7 years old when the story starts in 1983, and we visit her every 7 years to see how her life has changed. Life did not start well for Miller, in small town America where she is not in a fortunate position in her family. At 7 years old, we start to see the turn of her life, and every 7 years it turns again, with milestones along the way.

Written by Joseph Millson, this novelette is only 127 pages, and an easy read. It goes into enough depth on Miller Rose’s life that you can find empathy for her and be gripped by the twists in the story (there are several) but it’s not so heavy that you either spend months reading it or having to keep up with the multiple storylines. The storylines are entertaining through. The character of Miller Rose develops over time and some characters return too. The story is one of achievement over mental health as well as a narrative of the social history of the United States over the past 40 years, but is all the same entertaining.

It’s a great read regardless of whether you’re on the work commute, on holiday or just enjoy sitting and reading for a while to unwind.  Don’t be surprised if you end up with a tear a few times, and enjoy how well written it is.

Available online for £9.49 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miller-Rose-Roberts-Joseph-Millson/dp/1066844402 or see the official Instagram page: @millerroserobertsbook

@thatjosephmillson @scorpiusbooks #MillerRoseRoberts @literallypr

Hotel Chocolat Everything 9-Piece Boxed Selection

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

We all have those friends and family members who seem to have everything, making Christmas shopping a little more challenging than we would like. When I’m stuck for ideas, I usually buy a nice box of chocolates, as you really can’t go wrong with a box of luxury chocolates.

Hotel Chocolat was originally a mail order business specialising in chocolate that was a little more exciting than the usual supermarket offering. Founded back in 1993 they have grown into one of Britain’s best-known luxury chocolate companies, with shops across the UK.  

The Hotel Chocolat Everything 9-Piece Boxed Selection costs £14 and contains a great selection of chocolates. With a mix of milk and dark chocolate and nutty, fruity and boozy chocolates there should be something to suit all tastes.  

The chocolates are beautifully presented in a stylish brown and gold box. Lift the lid and you’ll find pictures and descriptions of each chocolate, so you know exactly what you’re about to enjoy. There’s also a handy guide for anyone with specific dietary requirements.

The nine delicious flavours are Peanut Butter, Raspberry Smoothie, Passionfruit Heart, Classic Champagne, Pistachio, Billionaire’s Shortbread, Dizzy Praline 70%, Dizzy Praline 40% and Caramel Cheesecake. Ordinarily when we have a box of chocolates there are a couple that are left because nobody likes them but there wasn’t a single chocolate in this box that I didn’t like! My favourite was the Raspberry Smoothie which was very tangy whereas my husband who is a white chocolate fan preferred the Passionfruit heart.

Whether you’re looking for a special Christmas present, a Secret Santa gift or simply a ‘just in case’ box for someone who deserves a little treat, the Hotel Chocolat Everything 9-Piece Boxed Selection is a deliciously easy choice. And if you buy one for someone else, nobody says you can’t buy yourself one too – it is Christmas after all!

Very have these chocolates and many more gift ideas in the “Gifts For Her” section of their website.  

Lily O’Briens Chocolate Luxury Collection

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.

Lily O’Brien’s is an Irish chocolate company. You wouldn’t think that most of the ingredients are locally sourced but Mary Ann O’Brien, who started the company in the 1990s, wants to keep it as local and indigenous to Ireland as possible.

The Chocolate Luxury Collection box is a firm favourite of chocolate lovers and available all year round, but especially at Christmas. The box contains the flavours Zesty Lemon, Crispy Biscuit Crunch, Dart & White Duet, Gianduja, Truffle Decadence, Coffee &Almond Biscotti, Rapturous Raspberry, Sea Salted Caramel and Caramelised Biscuit Bliss. 

As a family, we can all enjoy this box because it has such a range of flavours but they’re also child friendly.  The Sea Salt Caramel flavour is a particular favourite of mine because of the flavour, but I also like the Zesty Lemon, which has the texture of the little lemon meringue pieces on top, which pop in your mouth as you eat them!  You can taste the quality of the chocolate as you eat them, they’re very more-ish and easy to eat, but not too rich that you can’t enjoy more than a few at a time.  You may find that you are fighting with other family members over them though…

Available for £12.50: https://lilyobriens.co.uk/luxury-collection-270g

Lily O Briens Chocolate Christmas Desserts Collection

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

We love having some chocolates after Christmas lunch, sitting in the living room and watching TV. It’s amazing how much chocolate you can eat even though you’ve had the biggest meal of the year…

Lily O’Brien’s bring you chocolate by the box year round, and especially at Christmas you can sample their festive range. The Lily O’Brien’s Christmas Dessert Collection contains 8 different dessert flavours in their selection which includes dark, milk and white chocolate. The flavours included are; Key Lime Pie, Lemon Posset, Hazelnut Torte, Black Forest, Orange & Cranberry Panettone, Festive Carrot Cake, Spiced Latte and Creme Brûlée.

Each flavour is subtle, with an added texture such as dried cranberries on top, or a soft flavoured centre. The Lemon Posset has crunchy meringue pieces on top whereas the creme brûlée has caramelised sugar on top, to mimic the crunch when you dive into a full sized dessert creme brûlée with the back of your spoon.

The little cup-like chocolates are easy to eat, and there’s several of each variety in the box.  These are great as presents or to add to a hamper, but I think the Lily O’Brien’s Christmas Dessert Collection is best saved for Christmas Day with the family. Which one is your favourite?

Available from £15 at: https://lilyobriens.co.uk/gifts

Lily O’Briens Chocolate Elf Berry Bites

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 lovely festive chocolate gift from Lily O’Briens.  These Chocolate Elf Berry Bites are gorgeous, individually wrapped chocolates have a berry filling, with the texture of cheesecake pieces. Each bite is both chocolatey and refreshing and reminds me of Christmas with the berry flavouring.

These would be great as after dinner chocolates, sitting on the dining table or whilst watching TV after dinner. At £5 each though for the festive looking 8 chocolate bites, they could be excellent stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts. I’m not sure how you would wrap the box though, the triangular shape makes it impossible to wrap paper round it!

Available from £5 at: https://lilyobriens.co.uk/gifts

Lonely Planet – A Kid’s Guide to Japan – book

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 don’t have to visit a place to be interested in a Lonely Planet Guide, and the Kid’s Guide to Japan is no exception. The culture in Japan is so unique, it’s worth just buying the book for children to pique their interest, but if you have Japan on your bucket list and are thinking of going, you’ll want to take a peek at this book and get some ideas. It’s not just for children!

The book is full of photos on every page, with stories, history, facts and information such as transport, art (including animé and Hello Kitty), food and geography. There’s a section on Tokyo, and details on cultural references like Geishas, snow monkeys, origami and sumo. At the back of the book, there’s some ‘What’s the Difference?’ Puzzles for children to complete, using photos relevant to Japan.

The whole book is bright and colourful with lots of photos on each page and just as much to read.  I would say that this book is aimed at children aged 7-10 years old as there’s a lot of topics to get into and a lot of interesting facts. It would take a while for a child to read the whole book, but if they’re interested in Japan, it’s something they could read over and over and learn all the facts.  I learned a lot!

The Lonely Planet Kid’s Guide series also includes books on New York City, London, Paris, Rome and Italy.

Available from £10.95 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Planet-Kids-Guide-Japan/dp/1837587736

Lonely Planet Travel Tarot

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.

Have you ever had your tarot cards read? If you have, then you’ll know that travel features highly in many of the cards.  Lonely Planet have combined the original tarot card deck with their travel destinations to give a second dimension to readings. 

The Lonely Planet Travel Tarot cards are all of the usual 78 cards you find in a tarot deck, and with the same name but the symbolism is for a place in the world which is named on the card. So the Nine of Cups is Lisbon, Portugal and has a drawing of a Portuguese street. The Justice card is The Hague, Netherlands and The World card is, predictably, Planet Earth! There seems to be a play on the cards and places – for instance, the Devil is Las Vegas and Judgement is New York City.

The set comes with an explanatory book which gives a background to tarot and how it works, how these cards work and some common spreads to do with travel. You can use the tarot cards in the conventional sense, or you can take the places and the pictures of places as a different way of reading them, with the travel theme as a background to each card.

The set is beautifully illustrated and has a very comprehensive guide book to help you understand the cards and how to read them in different spreads. I like how Lonely Planet has related a hobby like tarot cards to something as wholesome as travel, allowing users a way of reading the cards or to learn about the travel destinations. It’s a really fun way to learn the cards or to pass an afternoon reading your own cards or those of your friends.

Available from £16.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Planet-Travel-Tarot-Hinshaw/dp/1837586969/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ABYKWDKKMQX4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AsobIEq9SL3q1RV47PEj7Bn4b4_dViTTNR-2Ik4y4MTXgEbJ2tZSiPxB3ZLxp5z6E3MzY5XbkmlCROZHAoRj_GAC2Ok2ytaC3sks6LJGMb35m2t8SLNbAD0VmMl3KUAGjfJwez9bcRnTbYchzcoF-VCLP4U65avukJltSl5dSgEikS0gUvu3vwY0JWSKR9e3.P8VHaINOyGocXIENgIi-Eunef69XbOrI3j88haLVmls&dib_tag=se&keywords=lonely+planet+travel+tarot&qid=1787777549&sprefix=lonely+planet+travel+tarot,aps,179&sr=8-1

 Easymark Bookmark

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.

Do you read a lot? Or pick up a book to read and then put it down without marking the page? How about returning to chapters to re-read them? With any of these scenarios, the Easymark Bookmark can help you.  The Thinking Gifts page marker sits on the corner of a page unnoticed as you continue to read, but allows you to return to that page later, thanks to the design of the bookmark corner. This design is of a cactus, but Thinking Gifts have lots of designs to choose form, and you can purchase multiple Easymarks for lots of different reading books, or if you want to mark lots of different pages within a book. They’re easily transportable too, and if you leave them in a book and put them back on the bookshelf, they stay exactly where they are but don’t take up too much space or damage the spine of a book.

At only £3.99 they’re a great stocking filler or Secret Santa plus you can stock up on them and make up a gift from a range of items, especially if it’s for a book lover who would want a set of books and something like the Easymark Bookmark to finish it off. There are some lovely other designs for all ages too.

Available for £3.99 at: https://www.thinkinggifts.com/products/easymark-bookmark?option_values=6998825782e9b570bdbce5e0 

Flexilight Classic Book Light

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 gift for anyone who reads, and not just book lovers. The Flexilight is a bookmark and book light in one, allowing you to read anywhere thanks to the built-in light at the top of the page marker. 

The Flexilight Bookmark is ultra slim to be a bookmark, but the neck can be tilted towards the pages so that you can angle the light at the top to be able to read whatever size book you are looking at.  The LED light has 8 lumens of bright light and comes with the 2 batteries needed, but you can change the batteries in the future if you need to.

This is a great Secret Santa gift , especially as it’s only £8.99 at the moment, and it’s great for children who like to read in the back of the car, or under the bed covers at night.  Imagine having this in a sofa cushion den under a blanket and being able to read in secret? This is a great stocking filler, and any age can use it!

Available from £8.99 at: https://www.thinkinggifts.com/products/flexilight-original-book-light?option_values=6674d2bac7b00e129da33980

Penmark Ruler Bookmark

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 Penmark Ruler Bookmark caught my eye because it’s multifunctional.  Not only is it a pen, but it’s thin enough that it can be a bookmark too. Additionally, the decoration on it is that of a 10cm or 4 inch ruler. Not only that, but the Penmark comes with two refills and already comes with an ink cartridge. 

I know I would use this in the office when I’m running about and trying to find a pen for my notebook – this fits into the pages nicely and won’t get lost.  If you’re in an industry where you need a ruler too, this is an exceptionally good gift. It’s brilliant for a stocking filler or Secret Santa, or just for putting in your handbag because it’s so light and easy to carry around. 

Available for £4.99 at: https://www.thinkinggifts.com/products/penmark-pen-bookmark?option_values=6877767922f3c885a0ca472b

Plusheez Phone Holder

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I have the perfect P|usheez gift for you!  This ocean-inspired clown fish is not only a desk toy, but it is designed to prop up your phone too.  Whether you’re charging your phone, on a call or trying to read something, the Plusheez Phone Holder can prop up your phone either vertically or horizontally.

I kept the Plusheez on my desk at home, so that I could take a call on my mobile and have it facing me and the microphone could pick up my voice whilst I was on my laptop. It works just as well with video calling too, so that you’re hands free. The fact that Plusheez is a soft toy is also great for phones because it doesn’t mark or damage them in anyway with grippers or anything that secures phones in place like a tripod does. If you’re like me and need to have something on the desk to distract your hands when you’re on a long, boring call, the Plusheez toys are great for that too, and they don’t make a noise when you drop them or play with them!

The Plusheez are really great toys that have a use, anyone can use them. Fabulous Secret Santa or stocking filler gifts too.

Available from £10.99 at: https://www.thinkinggifts.com/products/plusheez?option_values=66790eb201bc075225ebaaed

Tile Wireless Phone Charger

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 pretty tile is more than just for decoration, and it’s not a coaster either! The Tile Wireless Zip Charger from www.thinking.gifts uses a USB-C cable to connect to either your laptop, a plug or any compatible device (which could even be your car if it has a USB-C plug). If you place your phon over the centre of the tile, the light changes to red and charging starts. It even works through a phone cover, depending on the material. Once fully charged, the red light turns blue.

The Tile Wireless Phone Charger works with Apple iPhones, Samsung and many major phone brands, and also works with Apple Airpods. The Tile is really light weight, and uses a normal USB-C cable so if you’re packing for work or for travel, you don’t need that many cables. It’s really lightweight too, and is only 12cms by 9cm in size. 

This is a brilliant Secret Santa gift or a Stocking filler for teenagers or anyone who spends a lot of time on a laptop and needing to charge a phone on the go. It looks so pretty too!

Available from £14.99 at: https://www.thinkinggifts.com/products/zip-charger-wireless-phone-charger?option_values=6717a072ed44ba45f5ca297b

Two Farmers Lightly Salted Crisp Drum

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 lovers of crisps, you can’t beat a drum, literally, of crisps this Christmas! Two Farmers, the Herefordshire based farmers, use local potatoes to create these local, lovely and sharp crisps in a 500 grams tin. It opens like a paint pot, with the lip having to be prised open (I used the back of a spoon) but it can be sealed up again when not in use. That’s handy, because 500 grams of crisps is a lot!  It’s the equivalent to more than 4 of the big bags of potato chips you get in the supermarket, but this isn’t a brand that you would find in the supermarket, nor the format that you’re used to.

The Two Farmers Herefordshire Crisps which we were sent from Sous Chef are lightly salted and ooze a cleaner flavour than other crisps. These are prefect for sharing, thanks to the size of the tin, plus they can be used with dips, thanks to their light flavouring. The tin also means that they don’t get crushed in transit, so I found that the crisps were bigger and there was less ‘dust’ at the bottom of the tin. They stay nice and fresh too thanks to the metal container and resealable lid.

These are great for watching TV on Christmas Day, and after the festive season, you can clean out the tin and use it for storing Christmas decorations!

Available from £15.00: https://www.souschef.co.uk/products/two-farmers-lightly-salted-potato-crisps-in-sharing-tin

Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit

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

I’m a big fan of wash bags with plenty of pockets and compartments because there’s nothing more annoying than rummaging through a dark, messy washbag looking for your toothbrush, when you’re already late for breakfast! The Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit is my kind of washbag, offering plenty of storage without turning the whole thing into an unnecessarily complicated piece of luggage.

With a 4-litre capacity, there’s enough room for everything you need for several days away, while the zipped compartments keep your toiletries neatly separated and easy to find. There’s also a washable liner, which is particularly welcome because, sooner or later, something in a wash bag will leak. It’s one of the immutable laws of travel, somewhere between forgetting your phone charger and discovering the hotel hairdryer has the power of a tired mouse.

As soon as I started filling the Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit for my holidays, it was obvious that it had been designed by people who actually travel. There are plenty of different sized pockets so that everything has its place, and there’s enough flexibility to accommodate a decent collection of toiletries without having to play Tetris every time you pack.

The hanging loop is one of my favourite features. Bathrooms in hotels, hostels and campsites aren’t always blessed with acres of useful worktop space, so being able to hang the bag from a shower rail, hook or door handle is incredibly handy. It also means you can see everything at a glance rather than balancing your toiletries precariously on the edge of the sink.

There’s a deep zipped pocket at the top, with a smaller zipped mesh pocket in front of it, while the lower section has another large zipped compartment and two open mesh pockets. These are particularly useful for shower gel and shampoo, keeping them easily accessible when the bag is hanging up in a shower cubicle.

This is also a washbag that can take some abuse. I stuffed it to the point where common sense suggested I should probably stop, then subjected it to the sort of aggressive tugging normally reserved for a stubborn tent zip. It coped brilliantly. There was no strain or fraying on the stitching or fabric, while the zips glided smoothly throughout testing.

The Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit is a simple piece of kit, but it’s one that gets the important things right. It has plenty of storage, keeps everything organised, takes up relatively little space and can be hung wherever you need it. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend camping, travelling around the country or simply escaping to a hotel for a few days, it’s a very useful addition to your travel kit.

Why we like it

  • Plenty of pockets and compartments without becoming unnecessarily bulky or complicated
  • 4-litre capacity gives you enough room for toiletries for several days
  • Hanging design is perfect when bathroom space is limited
  • Adjustable strap can be looped over hooks, shower rails, doors or drawer handles
  • Washable liner makes cleaning up inevitable leaks considerably less painful
  • Robust construction stood up well to being stuffed and tugged during testing
  • Made using bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled materials

Available in Black and Tan Concrete and has a RRP of £30

JLab JBuds Mini Wireless Ear Buds

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 smallest fit ever” is what the packaging on the JLab Mini JBuds claims and we’d have to agree! Even the casing is smaller on these diddy earbuds, which are perfect for children or those with smaller ears.  The ear buds are 30% smaller but the case is 50% smaller than other ear buds, which also makes them easier to carry, especially in pockets. They’re so small in fact, that at just 3.3 grams each and a total of 18.5 grams for the case, they make an ideal keyring or can be worn as a charm on your phone. 

The JBud ear buds pack a punch though with a 6mm dynamic driver speaker for audio and an output of 103 ± 3dB.  The battery life is around 20 hours when fully charged, which is impressive amount of play time with such small headphones. It takes between 1.5 and 2 hours to charge depending on how you charge the case, which is a USB-C port and comes with the C to C cable. The ear buds connect to Bluetooth 5.3 (the most recent version) and have approximately 30 foot range.

These are especially great for children because of their size and they also connect really easily to devices when in ‘find’ mode. There’s not very many settings on them either, and the 4.5cm length case is easy to handle and keep on children in their pockets, rather than having to hand them to someone else or carry a bag with them.  They’re a great price too, either as a gift or as a stocking filler and they’re currently on sale at £29.99 on the JLab website below!

JLab JBuds Mini Wireless Ear Buds for £39.99 at: https://www.jlab.com/en-gb/products/jbuds-mini-true-wireless-earbuds-teal

Eyeam Daily SPF NoTox Daily Face Cream

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

I’d never heard of the company Eyeam before, so when they offered to send us some SPF NoTox face cream, I had a look at their website to see what it’s all about. Turns out, this is a British company with an holistic approach to beauty through using pure products, small batches and using the body’s connections. Their Four Pillar approach bridges the mind, body, spirit and skin to bring out the best in women. Even more interesting, is that Eyeam is run almost completely by women FOR women. Their website is fascinating to find out more about the science and spirit behind their approach to wellness and skin care.

We were sent the Eyeam Daily SPF face cream. Boasting a SPF of 20+, it’s called NoTox because it has pure ingredients and is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog your pores.  As a daily cream, it can be worn under make-up, is free from fragrances and protects against UVA and UVB rays. It also gives Polyphenol-rich antioxidant peptide protection and actives. As we’ve had a lot of very sunny weather recently, it was easy to try this daily moisturiser in very direct sunlight!

The Eyeam Daily SPF 20 cream is very thin when you dispense it. It’s only slightly less thin in consistency than single cream, but it’s very rich so you don’t need too much. I found that it takes a while for it to blend into the skin. It leaves a slight white gloss over your skin until you rub it in and settle. I believe this is to do with the SFP and creating that barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. Once it’s blended into your skin, it has a tiny bit of sheen to it, which give a nice glow in the sunshine, with the knowledge that your skin is protected. It can be used as a primer though, where you can apply make-up on top and it acts as a base.

It lasted all day during the summer heat. It left my skin plumper all day, with a slightly waxy texture but not anything that meant my make-up slid off. It felt like a barrier cream that moisturised at the same time, but not like a film, more like a base.  It certainly worked as a SFP as well, with no colour getting to my face the whole time I’ve worn it, and I’ve been wearing it daily for a few weeks now.

There are lots of other items available on the Eyeam website, all of which are made in the UK in small batches to ensure quality.

Available online for £59 at: https://eyeamworld.com/products/daily-spf-notox?_pos=1&_psq=Notox&_psid=a47aaa7c1&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Benecos Natural Tinted Lip Balm and Lavera Travel Size All-Round Cream

Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As summer approaches, let’s look at some of the products out there to make your life easier. We’ve been sent the Benecos natural tinted lip balm and the Lavera Travel Size All-Round Cream for sensitive skin. Each of them are in small packaging which is easily kept in a handbag or flight luggage and both are vegan, and under 100 mL in volume.

The Benecos natural tinted lip balm has UVA and UVB protection. This sample in the ‘Coral Breeze’ colour is SPF 15 and glides on just like a lipstick. The texture of this lip balm is also very much like a lipstick and leaves a subtle tinted colour which can either be applied and blotted like a lipstick, or blended in like a lip balm. It has a lovely natural colour to it, making it easy to wear weather without make-up. When the weather is particularly good in the summer, you can wear it instead of lipstick.

The Lavera Basis Sensitive Cream is 100% vegan and contains bio aloe vera oil. It comes in this handy 25 ml tin which is small enough to fit into a handbag or an overnight toiletries bag. The cream is foil wrapped for freshness and when you open it, you can see how rich the Lavera cream is. You can see that it’s oil based because of the texture of the cream which is quite thick. It is suitable for anything from a face cream to body cream and the richness of this cream means that it can be used before applying make-up or in the evening as a night mask. It’s incredibly silky and very very moisturising when it is applied. It also has a really lovely sent to it.

I was quite surprised by both of these products in how handy they are as well as how luxurious they feel when being worn. These are great for summer because everybody needs a bit of extra help with either SPF or highly moisturised products at this time of year. These will be staying in my handbag for months to come!

Benecos Natural Tinted Lip Balm £5.95:

Lavera Travel Size Basis Sensitive All-Round Cream £2.00: https://www.lavera.co.uk/shop/p/travel-size-basis-sensitive-all-round-cream