Category: Vegan

Original Source Crisp Apple Shower Gel

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

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.

Green People Christmas Gift Sets

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Winter, Women

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

Avoid that last-minute Christmas shopping panic this year! You know the feeling – searching high and low for something special for those “difficult to buy for” friends and relatives. Well, relax, because organic skincare experts Green People have Christmas all beautifully wrapped up for you.

With over 25 years of experience in creating luxurious, gentle, and eco-friendly skincare, this pioneering British brand knows exactly how to spoil the people you love — and maybe even treat yourself too!

Green People was founded by Charlotte Vøhtz, who began her journey after struggling to find natural products kind enough for her daughter’s sensitive skin. What started as a mother’s mission has become a global success story — the world’s very first certified organic skincare brand, no less!

Now, with 300+ awards under their belt, Green People continue to shine in the world of ethical beauty. Every product is cruelty-free, vegan, and brimming with natural, fairly traded ingredients — usually between 80% and 99% organic. They’re proudly recommended by the Vegan Society, PETA, and the Soil Association, and are completely free from parabens, SLS, and gluten — perfect for anyone with sensitive or allergy-prone skin.

The Age Defy+ Pure Luxe Duo is a lovely choice for anyone over 30 who want to give their skin a real treat. Inside the sturdy gift box you’ll find two products – Pure Luxe Hand & Body Wash and Pure Luxe Hand & Body Lotion. The box has a bright orange interior and the elegant black-and-white illustrations of sliced citrus on the box and bottle gives a big hint to the zesty fragrance of the products.

The hand and body wash and lotion are both infused with an uplifting blend of Citrus, Cardamom, and May Chang and they feel really luxurious but are gentle on your skin. The  white minimalist bottles are definitely the ones style to keep on display rather than being tucked away in the bathroom cupboard!

The Pure Luxe Hand & Body Wash lathers nicely producing a rich, creamy lather whilst releasing a refreshing citrus aroma of orange and pink grapefruit which is just the thing to brighten up my morning routine. It leaves my skin feeling soft, clean, and hydrated and gently fragranced.

The Pure Luxe Hand & Body Lotion sinks in beautifully leaving my dry skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated. Layering both products helps that gorgeous fragrance linger longer – a little everyday luxury you’ll never tire of.

RRP £40

If you’re after something smaller for a Secret Santa surprise or a stocking filler, look no further than the delightful All Is Bright gift set (RRP £15)

Packaged in a festive cracker-style box, this set includes:

  • Gentle Cleanser & Make-Up Remover (30ml)
  • Vita Min Fix 24-Hour Cream (10ml)

These travel-sized treats are perfect for popping in your bag when you’re off visiting friends or family over the festive period. The Gentle Cleanser melts away makeup and impurities, leaving your skin fresh and comfortable, while the Vita Min Fix Cream delivers rich, lasting hydration and is perfect for winter skin that needs a little TLC.

Together, they make a radiant duo that keeps your complexion glowing, no matter how busy the Christmas season gets!

So whether you’re gifting to a friend, your Secret Santa recipient or simply treating yourself, Green People’s Christmas collection offers something luxurious for everyone.

LUSH! Yum! Christmas Giftset

beauty, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Vegan, Winter, Women

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.

RRP £35

Fatso Chocolate

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Vegan

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

I’m a real chocoholic and it doesn’t take much of an excuse for me to reach for a bar of chocolate, so with Christmas around the corner, I’m really enjoying “researching” the festive chocolate selection.

This year, my taste buds have been utterly spoiled by FATSO, a brand that never fails to surprise with its inventive and indulgent flavours. Their chocolate is rich, bold, and just a little bit cheeky – just what you want when the nights draw in and you fancy something comforting (and possibly a little naughty). FATSO chocolate is sourced exclusively from Luker, a family-owned, Colombian co-operative that champions ethical, sustainable cocoa farming. Their beans have earned the prestigious Fino de Aroma classification – a mark of exceptional quality and their work supports local communities, biodiversity, and better farming practices. So, every bite not only tastes good but it does good too!

Top of my Christmas list this year is FATSO’s Drunk’n Monkey (RRP £7.25), a gloriously grown-up combination of spiced rum, banana chips, and salted crackers, all covered in FATSO’s signature dark Colombian chocolate. It’s a real tipsy treat and just as delicious as it sounds.

If you haven’t tasted FATSO chocolate before then the FATSO Foursome (RRP £15) is the perfect introduction. The giftset contains four individually boxed 40g bars –

Sweet Tart – a wonderful combination of cherry, almond and shortbread that balances sweetness and crunch beautifully.

King’s Ransom – for mint chocolate lovers. It contains mint, pistachio and cocoa nib and is minty without being overpowering. The pistachio and cocoa nibs add a nice crunch.

Home Run – 60% cacao chocolate with generous chunks of salted pretzels, whole almonds and honeycomb. The saltiness of the pretzel takes away some of the bitterness of the dark chocolate and sweetness comes from the honeycomb. Nuts add a satisfying crunch to this bar making it impossible to stop at just one bite.

Nan’s Stash – this contains peanut, toffee and digestive biscuit and is incredibly moreish – I challenge anyone to stop after only one piece!!

FATSO has set the Christmas chocolate bar (quite literally) high this year, and I can honestly say it’s the best chocolate I’ve tasted in quite a while. If you’re a fellow chocoholic – or shopping for one – FATSO should definitely be making an appearance this Christmas!

BOSH! Plant Based Foods

Autumn, Food & Drink, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter

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

While my family isn’t vegetarian, we do try to have a meat free day each week. I’m a keen cook and love nothing more than making meals from scratch and experimenting with flavours but during the week, I’m afraid it’s a different story. By the time I get home from work, I’m shattered and the last thing I want to do is start cooking so all I want is something quick and easy that I can pop in the oven or microwave. So I was so delighted when BOSH! got in touch to see if we wanted to try a selection of their new plant based meals.

If you haven’t heard of them before the brand was founded back in 2016 by Henry Firth and Ian Theasby and are now one of the UK’s most influential plant-based food brands. With over a million cookbooks sold, 3.5 million social followers, and 4 billion video views they’ve inspired countless people to eat more plants, and even Gordon Ramsay has credited them with “putting vegan food on the map.”

Now, they’ve brought that same passion and creativity to supermarket shelves with a new range of eight ready meals and pizzas, launched in Tesco stores nationwide at the beginning of October. It’s one of the biggest plant-based food launches the UK has seen in years, with each dish inspired by BOSH!’s most popular recipes. The meals are packed with flavour, nutrition, and plenty of plant-based protein and start at just £3.95, which makes them great value for busy families who still want a proper meal at the end of the day.

The line-up includes:

  • N’duja Sourdough Pizza
  • Margherita Sourdough Pizza
  • Creamy No-Duja Pasta
  • Goan Chickpea Curry
  • Creamy Mac & Greens
  • Teriyaki Mushroom Noodles
  • Hearty Vegetable Lasagne
  • Ultimate Bean Chilli

So on to the important part – how do they taste?

The Hearty Vegetable Lasagne  was delicious, packed full of vegetables, and layered with a beautifully smooth béchamel sauce – proper comfort food and perfect for chilly autumn nights. My personal favourite was the Goan Chickpea Curry, rich and warmly spiced, every bit as good my homemade version. The addition of onion bhajis on the side took it up a level and was the sort of thing you’d expect from a takeaway, not a ready meal.

The Creamy No-Duja Pasta was another favourite. The sauce was rich and had plenty of flavour and the broccoli still had a bit of bite – no soggy vegetables here! My husband, a devoted meat-eater, tried the Ultimate Bean Chilli and was pleasantly surprised. He said the texture was lovely, and the seasoning spot on and he didn’t miss the meat at all.

I’m quite fussy when it comes to ready-made pizzas, all too often, the bases are tough and there’s very little toppings on them so these were a nice surprise. The Spicy No-Duja Pizza came with a sachet of hot maple drizzle that gave it a wonderful balance of sweetness and heat, while the Margherita Sourdough Pizza was lifted beautifully by a drizzle of vibrant green basil pesto. The crusts were crisp and fluffy and tasted more like a restaurant pizza than a ready made one. I really do hope they consider making these in a larger size!

We’re really impressed with the BOSH! meals we tried, they’re convenient, but more importantly taste absolutely delicious. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just want to  cut down on meat, these meals are proof that quick food doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavour or quality.

Strong Roots Cauliflower Hash Browns

Children, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

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.

Does a hash brown belong on the Christmas dinner plate? Well we think so, and after trying Strong Roots Cauliflower Hash Browns you probably will too!

Made mostly with cauliflower (42%) and with potato (13%) and onion, these delicious hash browns retain the hash brown flavour, but are lighter thanks to the cauliflower being the main ingredient. The structure is very similar to a hash brown so you can still use it for your fry-up or at dinner time.  It’s just as tasty as your potato hash brown, and I preferred it thanks to the seasoning and added flavour of the cauliflower as well as potato and onions. They’re also low in sugar and low in saturated fat, and vegan friendly.

Strong Roots Cauliflower Hash Browns aren’t just breakfast or as a side dish.  You can substitute them for break in beans on toast, east them with soup or simply with poached egg on top as a meal or as a snack.  They don’t go soggy like some hash browns do, and we found that they cooked brilliantly in the air fryer, which is an added bonus when you don’t have much time.

As for Christmas, why not try them as a side dish? They’re vegan too, so you can have them as a starter with cranberry sauce or for vegetarians you can melt some Brie on top with some cranberries to make them extra Christmassy!

Available from £6 at Ocado, Sainsburys, Morrisons and other outlets: https://www.ocado.com/products/strong-roots-cauliflower-hash-browns/657936011?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21042674809&utm_content=non-brand&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21032609502&gbraid=0AAAAADi6iHkPhWiZzLIoqmBKPVJYctUk5&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9JLHBhC-ARIsAK4PhcqlutvZ_zPVk4NezrS5E73-X5JuNIXsGkLe3I1kubbFCGCbrFQvrDUaAoA-EALw_wcB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elemay Starry Nights Luxury Refillable Ceramic Candle

Autumn, Christmas, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, REUSABLE, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Winter, Women

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

When it comes to candles, I’ve found it’s worth paying a little more for a better quality candle. While cheaper ones will flicker away quite happily, many are made with paraffin wax, which can release soot and toxins into the air. Spend a bit more, however, and you get something altogether different. Natural wax candles burn more cleanly, with a steadier flame and the scent actually smells like what it says on the box.

Which brings me to Elemay candles – they’re made from 100% natural soy wax with lead-free cotton wicks, making them just as as kind to the air as they are beautiful to look at. The brand was dreamed up by Ellie while she was on maternity leave. And you can tell – this isn’t some faceless corporation churning out identical jars of wax. Every scent has been chosen with care to bring a sense of calm, joy and a little bit of luxury into your day. And I think we can all agree, we need more of that.

With notes of jasmine, zesty citrus, sweet musk and vanilla, the Starry Nights fragrance is inspired by Steephill Cove on the Isle of Wight with Ellie wanting the candle to capture the magic of a clear summer night under a starry sky.

In my opinion candles should look as good as they smell and Elemay certainly delivers on that front. The luxury refillable ceramic candles are in handcrafted ceramic pots, made exclusively for the brand by Sussex-based artist Beth. Each pot is uniquely glazed and the Starry Nights pot has midnight blues and dusky purples to reflect the starry sky above the coast. Mine even arrived with a photograph of the cove taken by Ellie’s dad, and it’s incredible how Beth has echoed the image in her design.

I was surprised to discover that in most areas of the UK, candle jars can’t be recycled, so Elemay’s refill option is such a great idea. It’s not only a more sustainable choice but also a more cost-effective way to enjoy their candles. Refills are priced at £15, while the Starry Nights candle itself is £35.

The 220g candle has a burn time of around 40 hours comes with a care card and refill guide, and is packaged in a reusable linen gift bag, making it a perfect treat for yourself or a lovely Christmas gift.

The Popcorn Shed Vegan Advent Calendar 2025

advent calendar, Children, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

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.

Buying advent calendars for vegans is a tough gig but The Popcorn Shed have come up with a gourmet popcorn gift that everyone will love! With 24 windows and 6 flavours, the Popcorn Shed Vegan Advent Calendar is great for children, teenagers or popcorn-living adults as well!

The flavours included are: Butterscotch, Choc ‘n’ Roll (cocoa infused caramel popcorn), Cherry Pie, Gingerbread, Christmas Pudding and Chocolate Orange.  Behind each of the windows there’s a joke as well, which children will love to use at school in the run-up to Christmas.  I liked the seasonal Chocolate Orange flavour and the Gingerbread, which were enough to give me a ‘sweet hit’ rather than full on packets which I would have to eat within a day or else it goes soft.  You can tell that this is gourmet popcorn though from the way that it has been popped, with no sharp kernels or uncooked pieces. It’s delicious!

The Popcorn Shed, so called because founder Laura was banished to the outside kitchen house to experiment with flavours, was born in 2016 with her cousin Sam. They now have over 30 flavours, with gifts sold online, on Amazon and different specialty retailers.  

A Christmas twist to a different snack that’s a great alternative to chocolate or treats, and one that adults will love as much as children!

Retails online at www.popcornshed.com for £25.00.

PLAYinCHOC

Children, chocolate, Christmas, eco friendly, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gluten Free, Plastic free, secret santa, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Vegan

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

It can be hard to find delicious tasting chocolate that is suitable for people with different dietary needs so PLAYinCHOC is such a great find as it is vegan, organic, dairy free, nut free, and gluten free.

The PLAYinCHOC Christmas collection includes all six of the fun ToyChoc boxes and inside every box are two individually wrapped 10g organic chocolates, a festive 3D puzzle to build and a fun fact card to read. The 3D puzzles are all Christmassy – a snowman,  cheeky elf,  friendly ginger-bread figure, Christmas tree, reindeer and of course Father Christmas. Simply pop out the sturdy cardboard pieces and slot them together. The leftover pieces can also be used as stencils which are perfect for keeping little hands busy over the holidays.

The chocolate is smooth and creamy and is made from just three simple organic ingredients – cacao, vanilla and coconut. It also has a third less sugar than other leading brands and importantly, it tastes delicious – no bitter aftertaste, just pure chocolate deliciousness. Our mini-reviewers happily nibbled while tackling their puzzles, awarding it a resounding thumbs-up.

With its award-winning credentials – from a Great Taste Award in 2022 to Gold at the Free From Food Awards – this is a lovely stocking filler or table gift for both children and adults.

RRP £15

Curlsmith Hair Products

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

B:UNDENIABLE

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

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

We love discovering new beauty brands at The Review Studio so were really pleased when a parcel arrived from B:UNDENIABLE. Launched in July 2025 their GRNDRIIZING Collection blends high performance formulas with holistic wellness, setting a new standard in the beauty world. More than just cosmetics, these are products designed to energise your mindset and elevate your routine. For those wanting to step away from the high street brands and embrace a more ethical, mindful approach then B:UNDENIABLE is the brand to go for. The products are vegan, cruelty-free, and are made with sustainable, recyclable materials.

The five piece range – Radiant Quartz Face & Body Bronzer, GlowGem Highlighter Shaker, Radaint Quartz Melt & Glow Primer, Radinat Quartz HD Translucent Powder and HD Highlighter Shaker have been carefully crafted to deliver more than surface level sparkle. How I hear you ask – well each product is infused with clear quartz, a crystal well known for promoting clarity, confidence, and positive energy. It brings a subtle energy that elevates your beauty regime into something just a little bit magical.

The Ruby Red Hi Res Lip Lacquer (£23) is a show-stopping, high-shine gloss that delivers maximum impact in a single swipe. Think deep, classic red with a smooth, hydrating finish that feels as good as it looks. The applicator picks up just the right amount of product and it glides on like a dream leaving you with gorgeously glossy, kissable lips in seconds. Infused with Vitamin E and packed with conditioning ingredients, this gloss also helps to soften lips and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Like the rest of the collection, it’s paraben-free, perfume-free, vegan-friendly, and suitable for all skin types. Perfect for a hot date, night out with the girls or just because you fancy feeling fabulous on a wet Wednesday!

If red isn’t your colour then don’t worry as there are five other shades to choose from –  Cocoa Velvet, Ivory Kiss, Icy Diamond, Bare Elegance, and Pinky Bloom.

The GlowGem Highlighter Shaker (£26) is a silky loose powder highlighter that is infused with clear quartz for an extra dose of radiant energy. This luminous pigment blends effortlessly, giving a perfect buildable shimmer wherever you need it. Use it on  cheekbones, brow bones or collarbones where the finely milled texture creates a dewy, light-catching finish that enhances your natural glow without feeling heavy on your skin. Whether you want a subtle gleam or full-on radiance, this highlighter delivers.

My favourite product is the Radiant Quartz Face & Body Bronzer (£36). This is like sunshine in a pot – a buildable bronzer that adds warmth and luminosity to the skin while nourishing it at the same time. Infused with ultra-fine clear quartz crystals, this bronzer captures and reflects light beautifully, leaving your skin looking sun-kissed and luminous. The formula is enriched with hydrating botanical extracts and antioxidants to keep your skin feeling as good as it looks. Whether you prefer a soft wash of colour or a more sculpted, contoured look, this bronzer is designed to be layered and customised. Available in three shades, Bronze, Gold, and Pearl, it offers long-lasting wear and a natural finish and like the rest of the range it’s vegan, perfume-free, paraben-free and suitable for all skin tones.

B:UNDENIABLE is about more than surface-level beauty. It’s about embracing your individuality, radiating confidence, and choosing products that align with your values. With a focus on ethical luxury, sustainability, and skin-loving ingredients, this is beauty that doesn’t just look good—it feels good too.

So whether you’re after the perfect red lip for party season, a radiant glow to take you through summer, or simply want to elevate your daily routine, B:UNDENIABLE has you covered.

Schwartzkopf Curl Products

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

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

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

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

Both products cost £6 and are available at Boots

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

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

Both products cost £6 and are exclusive to Superdrug

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

Peppersmith Taster Box featuring Gum, Mints and Pastilles

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gluten Free, snacks, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian

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 can’t make up our minds whether this is a stocking filler, Secret Santa, gift for teenagers or a subscription box for the whole family, but Peppersmith surprised us with this tasty variety box of gum, mints and pastilles so we thought we’d try them and find out!

Featuring two boxes of six varieties (that’s 12 boxes in all), there’s both Peppermint and Spearmint gum, Extra Strong Mints, Peppermint Mints, and Strawberry and Lemon Pastilles.  Made in Britain with the mint sourced from a Hampshire farm, all the products contain no sugar, just Xylitol which is lower in calories and approved by the Oral Health Foundation. They’re also gluten free, vegan, nut oil free and free from palm oil and the boxes are made of cardboard so there’s very little litter from them, totally recyclable.

I started with the mints, which is not something I usually eat unless it’s after a posh meal at a restaurant. The Peppermint Mints (In the green box) were very strong with a peppermint taste. I crunched mine to release the flavour which I find is the best way!  On the back of the Peppermint Mints, I then tried the Extra Strong Mints (blue packet). I think both of them are particularly strong, and I only had one of each. Each time, they left my mouth unbelievably minty fresh and the freshness lasted quite some time. There’s about 25 mints in each packet, so great for a pocket or a handbag.

The Strawberry and Lemon Pastilles aren’t what I would usually buy but they were lovely none the less. The same size as the mints, they’re round gems of flavour with the lemon variety being my favourite. As the pastilles don’t contain sugar, they don’t coat your teeth after eating them and the lemon one is especially refreshing. 

Although I don’t chew gum much these days, I would only chew sugar free, so the Peppermint and Spearmint Gums were a nice change. Again, you can taste that there isn’t any sugar in them and all-natural flavours. The only downside to the gums was that the flavour and texture didn’t last that long and I found myself disposing of them after about 10 minutes. With commercial gum, I find that I can chew it for about an hour and it loses only some of its elasticity. Peppersmith’s gums had that lovely initial crunch as I bit into it, then there’s the flavour that hits you and finally the texture. It was the texture that I found particularly difficult after 10 minutes, although I don’t know how long chewing gum is meant to last – maybe 10 minutes is it’s maximum! Still, there’s plenty of pieces in the pack and there’s two packs of each flavour.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this Taster Box as much as I did, but I found that I was popping a mint or chewing some gum each time I sat down to work or after a meal. It could totally become addictive and a subscription in our house, especially as there are even more flavours to try that I haven’t even looked at yet!

Peppersmith Taster Box available from £17.99 at: https://peppersmith.co.uk/collections/bestsellers/products/taster-pack-12-x-15g-mixed-pocket-packs-2

Delph Sun Care SPF Sun Cream

beauty, camping, Family Life, hiking, Sport, Summer, Vegan, Women

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

A trip to the Welsh coast during the hottest week of the year was the perfect opportunity for us to put Delph sun care products to the test. With a campsite right by the beach and long coastal and mountain walks planned, I knew we were going to need plenty of sun protection.

Suncream can be pricey, especially when you need to keep reapplying throughout the day, but Delph offers a fantastic budget friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Both the SPF30 and SPF50 are very reasonably priced (RRP £8.99 and £9.99 respectively), and they’re also extra water resistant making them perfect for beach days, swimming and hiking. Delph sun cream are also one of only seven brands that can be prescribed by doctors for people with medical skin conditions so they’re perfect for those with sensitive skin too.

Over the course of the week, I used both the SPF30 and SPF50, applying in the morning and topping up during the day, especially on my neck and shoulders, which are prone to burning. I also reapplied after going in the sea. Despite hours of blazing sunshine (we definitely picked the right week!), my skin didn’t burn and is now looking healthy and golden.

After a day in the sun, good after sun cream is essential and the Delph After Sun Lotion (RRP £3.99) contains soothing Aloe Vera, moisturisers, and Vitamin E to help soothe and calm your skin after being in the sun. The rich, nourishing lotion helped cool and hydrate my skin, sinking in easily and leaving it feeling soft and refreshed. It is also helping my tan last a little longer with no sign of any peeling.

With its UVA, UVB, and water resistant properties, Delph sun creams offer great all-round protection, whether you are playing on the beach, walking, sailing or just out and about in the sun. Affordable, effective, and kind to skin they are summer essentials.

Available from Delph Sun, Independant Pharmacies, Amazon and Weldricks

Oscar Charles Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freddie’s Farm Fruit Snacks

Baby, Children, Easter, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gluten Free, Lunchbox Fillers, Plastic free, snacks, Vegan, Vegetarian

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 an alternative to chocolate this Easter, Freddie’s Farm have some delicious snacks made of fruit and vegetables.  We were sent some to try in flavours Apple, Raspberry and Blueberry.

The Freddie’s Farm snacks are dehydrated, 100% British fruit made which have no added sugar but all of the benefits of fruit. There’s no concentrate or puree and are made on Freddie’s Farm, packaged in paper packets.  Each pack is part of your 1-A-Day quota, and is both Dairy Free and Gluten Free. They contain more than just their fruit flavours though, with added beetroot, carrot and spinach to not only make the shapes work, but to add extra nutrition. You can’t taste the flavour of the vegetables though!

I think my favourite was the Apple flavour. Each one tastes of the fruit though, with the raspberry being the sweetest, apple being the most recognisable and the blueberry had a fruity taste at first then the flavour of the berry came through after a few seconds.  I like the idea of having these as snacks for little hands because it helps with motor skills as well to have them pick up the little shapes, which look (and taste) a lot like sweets, but are more wholesome, and of course, have no unnatural sugars.

Each pack weighs 20 grams and can fit into pockets, or are great for picnics or lunchboxes and they make great baking ingredients, especially if you’re looking for some ideas over the Easter holidays of nutritious snacks to cook with.  How about using the snacks for an Easter Egg hunt instead of chocolate? 

A box of 12 packets can be bought online for £8.49 at: https://freddiesfarmsnacks.co.uk/product/mixed-fruit-shapes-12/

PLAY in CHOC

Birthday Gifts, chocolate, eco friendly, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

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

Mother’s Day is all about treating Mum, but what if she can’t have regular chocolate? Don’t worry, PLAY in CHOC has got her covered –  and trust us, this isn’t some bland alternative. It’s creamy, dreamy, and perfect for anyone who needs to dodge dairy, gluten, or nuts. Plus, it’s vegan and organic, so you can feel extra good about gifting it!

Now, we all know that finding “free-from” chocolate that actually tastes nice can be a bit of a mission. Sometimes you bite into it and, well… it just isn’t the same. But PLAY in CHOC has cracked it. This chocolate is smooth, not bitter, and made with only three natural ingredients: cacao, vanilla, and coconut. Simple and scrumptious.

The other bonus is it has a third less sugar than your usual chocolate bars. So, if Mum likes to keep things a bit lighter, this is right up her street. The packaging is eco-friendly too, with compostable wrappers, which we absolutely love.

There’s three different sized boxes available – 30g, 60g and 100g and they all contain individually wrapped 10g pieces, making them perfect for popping in a handbag for a cheeky afternoon treat.

So, if your Mum can’t have standard chocolate, or she just fancies trying something a bit different, PLAY in CHOC is the perfect gift.

RRP From £2.49

Osmo Wonder 10 Shampoo and Conditioner

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan

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

Looking for a lovely Mother’s Day gift? Why not treat your mum to the fabulous Osmo Wonder 10 Shampoo and Conditioner! This wonderful pair from OSMO’s Wonder 10 collection is perfect for dry, damaged hair. They’re enriched with Fibre Bond Technology, which works wonders to strengthen and repair your locks, leaving them smoother, softer, and far more manageable.

The shampoo gives your hair a lovely gentle cleanse while tackling split ends and reducing breakage. How does it manage that I hear you ask – well Fibre Bond Technology is the secret weapon, helping to rebuild and strengthen strands from within. What I loved most is that it doesn’t strip away the natural oils, so my hair feels hydrated and healthy after every wash – and it isn’t just good for curly hair, it works for all hair types too.

Now onto the conditioner – and wow, what a treat! It delivers an intense boost of hydration, leaving it silky smooth and, dare I say, frizz-free. Just like the shampoo, it uses Fibre Bond Technology to strengthen and nourish each strand. The formula is beautifully rich and creamy yet somehow remains lightweight, so it nourishes without leaving any heaviness behind. My curly hair is fairly long, dry, and damaged, so I usually need a hefty dollop of conditioner to work through it. But with Wonder 10, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a little goes a long way – meaning the bottle will last much longer, which is always a bonus! I scrunched it into my curls, left it on for a couple of minutes, and it rinsed out effortlessly. The result? Hair that felt instantly smoother and easier to manage.

 After drying, my hair looked so shiny and healthy, my curls had bounce and definition, and the frizz was noticeably tamed – something I usually struggle with. After a few washes, I could see a difference, my hair was less frizzy, softer, and felt properly nourished for the first time in ages.

I’ve been using these products for a couple of weeks now, and I can confidently say my hair has been transformed. It’s gone from dry and frizzy to shiny, smooth, and full of life. My curls are no longer straw-like but defined and bouncy. If your hair needs a spot of pampering I would wholeheartedly recommend Osmo Wonder 10 – trust me, your hair (and Mum’s ) will thank you!

RRP £36.60 for the pair – available from JUSTMYLOOK but if you’re quick there’s currently 15% off.

Lamb Weston Chips

Food & Drink, Gluten Free, snacks, Vegan

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

When I was a child, both Mum and Grandma used to make proper chips in an old-fashioned chip pan, and they were always golden, crispy, and unbelievably tasty. As much as I love chips, I’ve never been a fan of the frozen ones as they always seem to come out of the oven soggy and a bit disappointing. But everything changed when I got an air fryer, suddenly frozen chips were back on the menu! The air fryer manages to make them a lot crispier, and while they’ll never quite match up to the real deal, they’re not a bad option for a quick midweek snack or sneaky late night nibble.

Lamb Weston chips are a new brand that’s been making waves in the freezer aisle so when we got the chance to try some we didn’t need asking twice!

Frozen chips might not have the nostalgia of Mum’s fried ones, but they’re certainly more convenient and a lot healthier than fried chips. Lamb Weston have catered for all tastes with eight different varieties to choose from. So far, we’ve tried the Twister Fries, Grill Fries, and Potato Dippers, and they’ve all passed The Review Studio’s taste tests with flying colours.

The Twister Fries have a brilliant spiral shape that gets even crispier in the air fryer. Each fry is cut from a whole potato, so you get unique curly shapes that are golden and crunchy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. They’re dangerously moreish and taste even better dipped in a bit of BBQ sauce!  

The Grill Fries Salt & Pepper are thick, steakhouse-style chips with rugged ridges that hold loads of flavour. Every bite is a perfect mix of crunchy outside and fluffy inside, with just the right hit of salt and pepper. We ate them with fish and mushy peas but they would work just as well with a burger.

But the real stars of the show this week have been the Potato Dippers. No two are the same and the skin has been left on for a bit more flavour and less waste. They’ve got a deliciously crispy skin and soft, fluffy inside, making them perfect for scooping up dips without falling apart. Pair them with a bit of garlic mayo or spicy ketchup, and you’re in chip heaven.

While Lamb Weston’s chips can be cooked in both the oven and air fryer, we found they’re definitely at their crispiest when air fried. With this kind of crunch and flavour, I might just need a bigger freezer!

PLAYin CHOC

Children, chocolate, Easter, Gifts for children, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Plastic free, Toys, Vegan, Vegetarian

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.

Easter is big business now, or for the children expecting chocolate it is at least!  PLAYin CHOC accommodate all children with their Great Taste Award Winning (2019) chocolate toy boxes which are all dairy, nut, gluten and plastic free.

There’s a whole range of PLAYin CHOC toys.  Most of them are boxes of self-assembly, cardboard toys that are part of a range of animals, dinosaurs or a seasonal range which children can collect and put together themselves.  With no small moving parts (unlike other toys) they are great for travelling or sitting quietly to play with.  There’s the whole box of PLAYin CHOC Organic Chocolate and Surprise Toys which comprises of 6 box toys, in this case, rabbits for Easter!  Perfect as part of an Easter Egg Hunt or to give as gifts at an Easter party or birthday favours around Easter.

We also had one each of the Dinosaur and Endangered Animals toy boxes. Inside there’s the toys, set in parts in a cardboard pop-out, an information card and two PLAYin CHOC chocolate nuggets, individual wrapped.  The boxes themselves make great building boxes to collect and play with!

Grown-ups aren’t left out with the dairy, nut and gluten free chocolates.  We were also sent some boxes of organic dark and ‘milk’ chocolate, all which are made with the same high quality ingredients as the toys.  The chocolates are individually wrapped inside the boxes so can be eaten as one big snack or as tiny mid-afternoon treats as a pick-me-up.  Can you tell I’m enjoying both types of chocolate on a rainy afternoon?  

The dark chocolate is made with Peruvian Cacao and has that dark, intense taste but unusually, isn’t bitter like other chocolates. It doesn’t have any added refined sugar, just the 70% cocoa solids, coconut sugar, creamed coconut and vanilla pods. I think it’s the vanilla pods that make it feel like it’s sweeter and the creamed coconut which gives it the creamy texture. The ‘milk’ chocolates (and the word milk is highlighted here because it doesn’t contain any milk as it’s dairy-free) is a softer chocolate flavour but sweeter than the dark chocolate. The coconut sugar really comes through in this flavour, with both the sweetness and the coconut taste. It’s also nut free and gluten free plus soy free too but has the added vanilla pods and creamed coconut to add the familiar texture and taste of chocolate.

The PLAYin CHOC range is not only great for every day treats, but the more adult selections are fabulous for those of us who like a treat as a grown-up, and even better for those with allergies.

https://playinchoc.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooBy0YYsXixbws8NH18r-zCPpSGBENxccxbeVrVbghov1STUgjC

Organic Shop Dreamy Nights Collection

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

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

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, have you found the perfect gift yet? If not, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Instead of the usual chocolates and flowers, why not treat your loved one, or even yourself, to something nice and relaxing? These Lavender & Blueberry Melatonin products from Organic Shop make a lovely gift, they’re all about self-care and relaxation, which, let’s be honest, we could all use a bit more of. Life can be so hectic at times, and if you’re anything like me, with never-ending to-do lists and constantly on the go, getting a proper night’s sleep can sometimes feel like an impossible dream.

And that’s where this gorgeous range comes in! There are six products to help you unwind: pillow mist, bath foam, body wash, body scrub, whipped body butter, and shower oil, all packed with Lavender, Blueberry & Melatonin, the ultimate ingredients for relaxation. Melatonin is a natural antioxidant that helps your skin repair itself overnight while also helping you drift off into a deep and restful sleep.

We ‘ve been trying out a couple of the products, the bath foam and pillow spray, which have really helped me drop off to sleep more easily.

For Dreamy Nights Deep Sleep Pillow and Body Mist – £5.99

A proper game-changer if you struggle to nod off. Just a couple of spritzes on your pillow and the calming mix of lavender, blueberry, and chamomile gets to work, telling your brain it’s time to chill out. It’s self-care that takes literally seconds but makes a big difference.

Unwind Your Mind Miraculous Bath Foam – £5.99

Fancy swapping a night out for a night in? Run yourself a bath, pour some of the bath in and sink into a tub full of soothing lavender bubbles. It’s designed to help your body and mind slow down, so you’ll be ready for a proper kip after. Oh, and it’s Vegan Society certified, so it’s good for the planet too.

At just £5.99 a bottle, these make brilliant gifts and they won’t break the bank either. So, if you want to give the gift of relaxation this Valentine’s, this range is a winner!

Naturtint Hair Food Hair Masks

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Home, Vegan, Vegetarian

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.

After the chaos of Christmas, and into the new year with best intentions but enough central heating to heat Battersea Power Station, Naturtint have some lovely Hair Food hair masks to replenish your locks.  We were sent the Quinoa and Chia Hair Food hair masks to try (there are also Goja and Purple Rice in the range) so we set about trying the repair the winter damage.

Starting with the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask, it not only helps protect and shine coloured hair, but it can be used on hair that hasn’t been coloured and boosts shine. With 99% naturally derived ingredients, the added milk thistle gives a smooth, glossy shine to hair and shea butter helps prevent damages by making it more flexible. Naturtint Quinoa Colour & Shine Mask is free from parabens, artificial fragrances and is cruelty free plus vegan friendly.

The Naturtint Chia Protective Hair Mask is also for both coloured and untreated hair. The chia’s proteins and amino acids promote healthy hair growth and baobab proteins give strength and vitality. The Chia Protective Hair Mask not only leaves hair silky smooth but it leaves a lasting protection on the hair, which is great if you wash your hair daily, or need to protect from the environment.

Both hair masks leave an impression, especially as they are on the hair for a minimum of 4 minutes so they give a deeper nutrient bath to your hair.  Both protected my coloured hair, and both left it softer and with subtle, fruity fragrances.  Over time, I think they will repair more of my curly hair but I found the Quinoa Colour Shine Mask kept my colour shinier and the Chia gave a more overall, defined look to my curls because it was more moisturising.  

These are only 2 masks in the whole set, there’s more to explore! They’re a lovely addition to your haircare routine to give a deeper, more moisturised shine.

Priced at £7.49: https://naturtint.co.uk/product/naturtint-hair-food-quinoa-colour-shine-mask-150ml/

Naturtint Hair Food – Chia Protective Mask (150ml)

Nourished Collagen Gummies for Hair, Skin & Nails

beauty, cruelty-free, Family Life, Fitness, health, Plastic free, Subscription Boxes, Vegan, Vegetarian, Women

Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.

As we go into 2025 with New Years’ Resolutions (that we’ll never keep!) there are some changes we can make which give long term benefits. Collagen is a relatively new idea which has become more popular in the last few years, making it more accessible too.  Nourished have a range of collagen gummies which contain collagen and benefit different areas of health. We were. Sent the Nourished Collagen + Hair, Skin and Nails to try out for a few weeks.

Nourished’s Gummie Stacks are individually wrapped gummies (much like jelly sweets) which contain both collagen and nutrients to support different areas of health. Collagen is needed in our bodies to support muscle building and which is more well known, that collagen is needed for hair, skin and nails. As someone whose hair is getting frailer as I get older, I was interested to find out how the collagen would affect my hair mostly.  The apple flavoured gummy stacks also contain Glucosamine (for joints), Elastin (for tissue and organ elasticity), Hyaluronic Acid (to retain moisture in hair, eyes and skin) and vitamins such as Vitamin C and Zinc.  The layers of different supplements are evident in the individual gummies.

The overall taste is that of sweet apple and it’s not offensive at all. Think of a Haribo, but without the sharpness of sugar and less chewy, as these gummies are sugar free.  You only take one gummy a day then continue, which may take a few weeks or months to show a difference. I’ve been taking them for 3+ weeks now, mainly to improve my hair over time but I can see that my skin is less dry already and has more suppleness to it, and is less affected by the harsh cold weather and central heating.  Over time, I hope that the effects are more prominent and ongoing!

I really like how easy it is to take these Nourished Gummies because they are in their own little packaging which means you can take them to work with you, in your handbag or even on holiday and not have to worry about finding a drink or if you find taking tablets and capsules a problem. They taste great too, which is always a bonus!

28 servings are £39.99 at: https://get-nourished.com/products/collagen-hair-skin-nails

Annabelle Minerals

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

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

The festive season is the perfect excuse to indulge in some new beauty goodies, with endless fantastic products and irresistible offers to choose from. We’ve been trying out some fabulous makeup and skincare products from Annabelle Minerals and these vegan-friendly products, made with natural ingredients have been a big hit with the Review Studio team.

Let’s start with the Sheer Shine Lipstick – available in five stunning shades, Apricot, Brown Fig, Coconut, Dragon Fruit, and Strawberry, these lipsticks are creamy, moisturizing, and packed with natural oils, butters, and vitamin E. They’re like a lipstick and lip balm rolled into one giving you a gorgeous pop of colour and soft, hydrated lips. Plus, they come in a super chic golden magnetic case, so they look as posh as they feel. Oh, and if you’re into sustainable beauty, you’ll love the refill option – what’s not to like? RRP £12.90, with refills at £9.90.

If you prefer a lip pencil then check out the Jumbo Lip Pencils, available in five fab shades – Cranberry, Clover, Marigold, Dahlia, and Maroon, they glide on like a dream. Whether you’re going for a subtle daytime vibe or full-on glam, these pencils can do it all. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a multitasking product?

Now, if you fancy adding a bit of glow (and who doesn’t this time of year?), the Pressed Powder Bronzer is a must-have. Available in five coffee-inspired shades – Café Au Lait, Cold Brew, Ginger Coffee, Latte, and Mocha, it blends beautifully for a natural, satin-matte finish.

Whether you want a soft sun-kissed look or a sharper contour, the bronzer is buildable and will last all day. Plus, with a refill option it’s as sustainable as it is gorgeous.

RRP £19.90, refills at £15.90

Skincare fans, this one’s for you! The Soft Cream Moisturiser is a game changer, especially if you’re a fan of mineral make up. This ultra light cream is the perfect base for your foundation, keeping your skin hydrated and fresh.

Made with 95% natural and 100% vegan ingredients, it’s packed with skin-loving goodies like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E. It absorbs instantly, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and perfectly prepped for makeup.

From their sustainable ethos to their high-quality, skin-friendly formulas, Annabelle Minerals is giving us serious Christmas gifting inspiration. Lipsticks, bronzers, skincare—you name it, they’ve got something for everyone.

So, whether you’re pampering yourself or spoiling someone special, these beauties are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face this Christmas.