Category: Women

Grace & Stella Mother’s Day Pamper Gifts

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, 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 and all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day as it is more commonly known, falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent, meaning the date varies each year and if you’re not careful it creeps up on you without you realising! With the increasingly busy lives that we all seem to lead now, and with many people watching the pennies, it’s good to know that there are plenty of affordable and easily accessible gift ideas that mum will love this Mother’s Day. Amazon is my go-to place for last minute gift ideas and I know my Mum will love this selection of pampering treats from beauty brand Grace & Stella.

Rainbow Bath Bomb £19.99

The rainbow clouds are the ultimate bath time treat, scented with lavender extract and packed with nourishing oils to help you relax and unwind. The simple white clouds aren’t very exciting at first glance but when dropped in a bath full of warm water they quickly explode into a riot of vibrant colours, creating a swirling rainbow that is quite mesmerizing to watch. The beautiful lavender fragrance is lovely and relaxing and when you get out of the bath your skin feels lovely and soft.

Lavender Foot Peel Mask (2 pairs) £20

Winner of the “Best Footcare Product” in the 2023 Marie Claire Sin Awards these foot masks are the ultimate treat for tired feet. After soaking your feet in warm water for 10 minutes put the foot booties on, securing with the supplied tape and then put on a pair of socks, which helps speed up the peeling process. They need to be left on for an hour – so the perfect opportunity to grab yourself a cup of tea and a good book and relax whilst the magical ingredients do their stuff. After an hour you remove the bootie and then wash your feet with soap and water. My feet felt incredibly soft afterwards and I found the lavender scent was very relaxing. The peeling starts in 5-7 days and it is recommended that you soak your feet for 10 minutes everyday to help loosed the skin. I found it quite satisfying peeling the dead skin off and I was really impressed with how soft it has left my feet. While the peeling process might not be for everyone, I would say that the end result is definitely worth it.

Eye Mask (24 pairs) £17.50

Eye masks are a popular choice to help reduce under eye puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. These eye masks are simple to use, adhere nicely to the skin and stay put for the 15-20 minutes recommended use. The unscented eye masks are ideal for a boost when you haven’t had enough sleep and need to look bright and alert or you can incorporate them into a pamper session and sit back whilst they do their magic. I found they have really reduced puffiness, especially after a late night and after using them I look a lot fresher.

Face Mask £20.95

The Dead Sea Mud Mask is infused with Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Aloe Vera Juice and draws impurities like dirt and oil out of your clogged pores to give a clearer  complexion. Applying the mask was nice and simple as the mud spreads easily and then you then leave it to dry for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.  It took a few minutes to remove but my skin felt lovely afterwards and I was I was really impressed with how fresh and clear my complexion looked.

Lavender Body Lotion £14.95

Containing a whopping 470ml this body lotion contains Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera and Rosehip Oil that moisturizes, nourishes and soothes skin. This body lotion smells amazing, the lavender fragrance is calming and relaxing, yet not overpowering and it lingers nicely on your skin, creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere long after it has been applied. The lotion is smooth and creamy and absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue. My skin felt instantly hydrated and is a great choice for everyday use.

I’m really impressed with the Grace & Stella products  and I am sure lots of mums would be delighted to receive a selection of pampering products this Mothers Day.

Available from Amazon

Get Waisted With Biddy Shapewear

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Summer, Women

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

New to this type of apparel I was excited to be sent some Get Waisted With Biddy (GWB) body shaping garments to help me get into shape for summer!  Make no mistake, these clothes won’t change my shape permanently or make me lose weight, but I was hoping they could make me look and feel different.

The first piece was the body suit. I am a size 16 so this suit was in XL size. Made of 85% Polyamide and 15% Elastane, it’s incredibly stretchy but also very strong.  There are no fastenings on this suit (except underneath) so you have to manoeuvre yourself into it by stretching it over your head.  This took some time the first time I wore it!  There’s some shaping there for the bust too but the lack of fastenings to the side or back give it the shape you’re looking for. Once the bodysuit is on, it gives fluid, tighter lines of sight under clothes and doesn’t give any lumps or bumps.  I would suggest trying this on and wearing it round the house before you wear it somewhere special like a wedding, so that the elastane shapes to your own curves. There’s no rigid boning so nothing sticks into you as you try and move or sit down.  Garment 1 gets a big smile!

The second shapewear were the Snatch Me Shorts.  These are pretty, high waisted shorts which fasten at the front with hook and eye fastenings.  These are impossible to get into without undoing the fastenings (trust me I’ve tried!) so you might need some help getting them on, especially the first time you wear them. The same advice applies – get used to wearing them before the big day otherwise they might not shape to you as you would like, plus it can take a long time to get them on.

The seams are constructed so that again, there are no lumps and no creases in unsightly or uncomfortable places.  There’s 3 settings on the hook and eye fastenings (like a bra would have) and you can start on the loosest setting and work your way up to something more appropriate.  I tried on a size XL which just about went over my thighs but I do have footballer’s legs!  The shaping around the tummy holds you in so that dresses especially have that clean look and the fastening at the front makes it easy to adjust and get in and out of. There’s also some engineering to make it easier to go to the toilet but I found it easier to just take it off. With time, the elastane may become more flexible for me to be able to wear it that way. I like how high waisted it is too so it can be worn under a dress or even under trousers or jeans.

I probably wouldn’t wear both garments in combination as they do the same thing and would probably be too tight together.  They are both incredibly well made, which is good to know when it comes to shapewear as you don’t want it tearing at the seams after time, or the lace fraying.  The shorts are hand wash only and I would suggest both of them are kept as hand wash to preserve the elastane and the shape of them.  

Not only are these great for creating the perfect shape but they make lovely gifts, or can be taken on holiday for the summer to give you that effortless, cool silhouette in all those vacation photos! With Get Waisted With Biddy, you’re Insta ready in no time! 

Bodysuit from £37.99: https://getwaistedwithbiddy.com/products/new-gwb-skxn-luxe-2-0-shaping-bodysuit

GWB Snatch Me Shorts from £51.99: https://getwaistedwithbiddy.com/products/gwb-snatch-me-short

Olay Protect Gift Set

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

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

Mother’s Day is a great excuse to buy Mum some luxury skincare and with the Olay Protect Gift Set, it’s not just the day cream, but a night cream and Vitamin C eye cream that’s included! This gorgeous box set contains Olay Retinol24 Night (50ml), Olay Niacinamide SPF30 Day (50ml) and Olay Vitamin C Eye Cream for Day (15ml), all in a pretty gift box.

Starting with the Olay Niacinamide SPF30 Day Cream, the hydrating, renewing, age defying cream works perfectly as day cream either under make up or just on its own, especially as it is SPF30. For British weather, it’s a must to both moisturise and have some sun protection as we’re not used to the high temperatures in the summer and like now, the biting cold and wind that the winter can bring. Your skin will love you for looking after it with a rich day moisturiser! Couple this with the Olay Vitamin B3 24 Eye Cream.  Packed with lots of vitamins to work for as long as possible, this eye cream hydrates the delicate area around the eyes and acts as a barrier too, to prevent free radical damage.

The final piece to the Olay puzzle is the Olay Retinol 24. This cream moisturises and smooths skin overnight using the powers of Retinol and helps give your skin that healthy glow.  It’s fragrance free too so you still wear a scent with it.  This is a lovely indulgence to put on at night as part of your bedtime routine because it feels so soft against the skin and gives you a luminous glow before bed and when your skin regenerates as you sleep.

Each of the creams are lightweight and don’t feel greasy at all. They’re fabulous on their own, but in combination and over time they work together to give your skin a continuous glow and make it feel hydrated and smooth.  They’re so light in fact that you can wear them under make up and it won’t matter but the vitamins help protect your skin when you’re out and about.

If Mum (or Nan!) love Olay, then this is the perfect gift for her. You know she’ll use it, love it and appreciate having it all together in one box set is a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day.

And if you don’t give it? You could just keep it for yourself!

Available from £111.00 at: https://www.boots.com/olay-project-protect-day-and-night-moisturiser-and-eye-cream-christmas-giftset-10335161

Lacura Collagen Lip Oil from Aldi

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

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

A few weeks ago, some girlfriends and I went for a makeover in a posh London department store.  After buying a ton of new products, I was hesitant about buying the lip oil they had used on me. I had never heard of lip oil before and my usual lip covering is lipstick or sometimes a matt lipstick applied with a wand, so the lip oil was a new product to me.

Well, Aldi had other ideas! They sent me this Lacura Collagen Lip Oil (8ml) with Shea butter and Vitamin E to try, so after last weekend I was very happy to oblige!  The lip oil is a tube with roller glass ball for ease of application and is only about 7 centimetres tall so can fit into a handbag or purse easily when you go out.  The added shea butter and vitamin E are to protect and moisturise the skin and you can really feel the softness of both ingredients and taste the shea butter too!

Lacura Collagen Lip Oil applies easily and doesn’t leave your lips feeling sticky like a lip gloss. It’s more like a light oil, as the name suggest and leaves a shine on the lips. It’s colourless on application but seems to enhance your natural colour, or if you apply with a lipstick underneath, brings out the lipstick colour and protects a little from the make-up transferring onto glasses etc. It’s easy to wear on its own during the day or to mix it up at night with a lipstick as well and create a different look, especially if you’re really good with lip liner and can create a blend with the oil too.

I’m loving experimenting with the Lacura Lip Oil and being able to make a new look with it for both day and night.  It’s so easy to use too and doesn’t need to be precise at all. A new staple for the make-up bag!

Available from £2.99 at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/collagen-lip-oil/p/722836778210501

Mavogel Sleep Mask

camping, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Mother's Day, Summer, Women

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

The mornings are getting lighter, which means the evenings are too and as we approach summer, the nights aren’t as deeply dark. If your circadian rhythms are affected by the daylight then you’ll appreciate some darkness in order to sleep. I know I do.

Mavogel’s Sleep Mask is a handmade mask which goes over the eyes and fits over the nose to give a completely light-tight night time.  The mask is designed with an adjustable strap at the back so that you can get a custom snug fit, and the bridge of the nose has a mouldable cartilage to fit over the nose and prevent light entering. The mask is made of black cotton with a sponge inner that makes it more comfortable to sleep in, and there’s no sharp bits that dig in or are too tight. The adjustable straps make it easy to fit and not be uncomfortable when you sleep. 

The mask itself is very deep so can accommodate most faces and prevent light seeping in at the top or over the nose, where conventional sleep masks usually struggle to keep out light. This is great for adults and for older children because of how it adjusts. I think this would be excellent for travelling with too as the mask comes with a travel pouch and clip that you can use to keep on the plane seat in front or the back of the car.  If you don’t know where you’re staying, it also makes a handy travel companion as it’s so light it can go into main luggage or hand luggage. No doubt a life saver if you need it and you won’t notice it’s there if you don’t!

It’s comfortable too. The nose clip is made of carbon steel and can adjust to nose bridge sizes but also be straightened out in case someone else needs to use it. I found the strap easy to adjust and fitted my head and nose easily. It absolutely blocks out all the light too! It was one of those moments when I woke up in the morning and didn’t know what time it was because it was so dark! If you’re a shift worker, this is also great for sleeping in the daytime.

Great as a travel companion or for anyone who finds it hard to sleep with the amount of light in the room. 

Available from £6.99 at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cotton-Sleep-Eye-Mask-Comfortable/dp/B07D3M6892/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3AB6UWQO46YBV&keywords=mavogel%2Bcotton%2Bsleep%2Beye%2Bmask&qid=1707324947&sprefix=mavogel%2Bslee%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&smid=AAJ55L688ECUI&th=1

MONPURE Hair Products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, secret santa, 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.

After years of straightening my curls, I am now embracing them and in my quest for perfect curls have tried a huge selection of curl friendly products, all with varying results. One product my hair likes is protein as it gives my curls strength, shape and structure so I was really pleased to receive the Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo and Strengthening Essence Conditioner from MONPURE.

If you’re not familiar with MONPURE they are a luxury haircare brand who know that the secret to healthy hair begins with the scalp. Their products contain retinol and lactic acid – products more familiar to us in skincare – and are effectively bridging the gap between skincare and haircare, taking haircare onto a new and exciting level.

The Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo £36 is a fantastic product, cleansing the hair and scalp without stripping it of its natural oils and moisture. The shampoo lathers easily, creating a creamy foam that lifts away dirt and debris and the vegan silk peptides in the shampoo create a breathable ‘second skin’ on both the scalp and hair to protect it from the effect of pollution, irritants and bacteria.

I love the fragrance of this shampoo, it smells fresh and luxurious and as you massage it in it instantly feels like it is doing wonders for both my scalp and hair. It rinses out easily leaving my hair clean and fresh.

The Strengthening Essence Conditioner £36 is designed to hydrate both your scalp and hair, the lightweight formula glides through my hair leaving each strand silky and free of tangles. I found a walnut sized amount was perfect for my shoulder length hair and I left it on a few minutes before scrunching it into my hair and rinsing with plenty of water. The conditioner deeply hydrates and nourishes my hair and scalp and the blend of strengthening vegan silk peptides, Argan oil and pro vitamin B5 has left my hair incredibly shiny and it definitely looks a lot healthier than it did a few weeks ago!   

The key to great curls is to keep them moisturised and hydrated and these products do just that, helping keep the dreaded frizz at bay and enhancing my curls.

Whilst the products are fabulous they aren’t the cheapest so with Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day coming up it’s time to start dropping a few hints!!


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Annabelle Minerals Lipstick, Jumbo Lip Pencil and Refill

beauty, Birthday Gifts, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Home, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

What beautiful Mother’s Day gifts!  Annabelle Minerals have been around since 2012 and founded in the UK to provide handpicked ingredients that are both minimalist and natural. The idea is that the ingredients pamper your skin so that you don’t have to suffer unnecessary layers of heavy chemicals just to look your best.  The theme of the ingredients being natural also carries across into the style of make up – natural and understated but still with a flare for style.

We were sent some lovely lip make up for Mother’s Day.  Annabelle Minerals have both lipsticks (with refills available online) and jumbo lip pencils which can be used as both lip liners and as a lipstick. There’s several colours online too, including these shades; Apricot for the lipstick you can see and Brown Fig for the refill.

The Shear Lipsticks are presented in these gorgeous gold swizzle sticks and come in Apricot, Brown Fig, Coconut, Dragon Fruit and Strawberry. The names of the colours give away the type of natural ingredients Annabelle Minerals strives for! The Apricot colour I received is a slightly darker shade of my lips, so it’s very natural and glides on superbly. The colour stays all day too, as I discovered when I went out one Friday night wearing it. Only a small amount of the middle of the lips was missing at the end of the night, and probably as a result of drinking.

Once you’ve bought one lipstick, you can buy refills in either the same colour or a different one, and saving not just the packaging but also a bit of money!  I was sent my second choice of Brown Fig, a slightly darker shade with a touch of red in it.  This was a great colour for when I was wearing a darker outfit and wanted my lips to pop.

The Annabelle Minerals Jumbo Lip Pencil is probably my favourite of all the lip products. I was sent the Marigold colour which compliments all the other lipstick colours in the range. I used it as a lip liner, then you can fill in your lips with that colour, or dab it on as a base before you add a lipstick on top to vary the colour. You can also do the opposite and put the lip liner on top of your lipstick and seal it in and also change the colour.

With each of the lipsticks and the lip liner, they glide on perfectly, don’t come off easily and keep a constant colour. I didn’t notice them on my lips as they’re not greasy at all and in fact, I didn’t even need to blot with each application. They travel really well too, with a pencil lid to the liner and magnetic locking lipstick cases.  I’ll be exploring more of the range at Annabelle Minerals, and looking at what Mum would like for Mother’s Day.

Annabelle Minerals Lipstick: £12.90 (Apricot)

https://www.annabelleminerals.com/en_gb/lips/1368-sheer-lipstick.html

Annabelle Minerals Jumbo Lip Pencil: £11.90

https://www.annabelleminerals.com/en_gb/lips/1268-1922590-jumbo-lip-pencil.html#/364-jumbo_lip_pencil-marigold

Annabelle Minerals Lipstick refill: £9.90: (Brown Fig)

https://www.annabelleminerals.com/en_gb/lips/1368-1922976-sheer-lipstick.html#/478-lipstick-brown_fig/485-options-refill

Martha Hill Anti-Ageing All Day Crème Gel

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

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

Martha Hills are one of the brands available from the Beauty Naturals team, the natural beauty company since 1980. Their extensive range of beauty items online covers everything beauty related, and this Anti-Aging All Day Crème Gel is no exception.

The new Anti-Ageing Crème Gel is new to the market, formulated with natural probiotics preBiulin FOS™ to protect and restore the skin’s natural microbiota barrier. What does that mean? Well it means that it protects the ‘good bacteria’ on the skin that is needed for your skin to be healthy and therefore keeps a balance that’s more favourable to clear, well-nourished skin.

It’s suitable for all skin types and not oil based so it absorbs in easily without a greasy shine. The Anti-Ageing All Day Crème Gel keeps your skin moist and nurtured all day to give a glowing complexion and the gel seals moisture in.  Along with the preBiulin FOS™ to protect the microbiota barrier, the All-Day Crème prevents wrinkles, protects from UV damage and acts as a buffer between pollutants and harsh chemicals. It also works wonderfully under make up to create a beautiful skin texture.  Over time, the crème will build up protection along with keeping moisturiser in to give you ongoing defence.

I have been using the Martha Hill Anti-Ageing All Day Crème Gel for a few weeks now. It’s not heavy at all, and keeps skin light and hydrated.  It works well under make up, and if you’re wearing it to bed or with exceptionally dry skin, you can still add a moisturiser over the top. It’s fragrance free too!

Available for £21.00 but currently on sale for £14.70 at: https://beautynaturals.com/product/?mh=200

Sophie Conran Lavandula 3 Bowl Tray Set

Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Plastic free, Women

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

This beautiful table set of three porcelain bowls and a tray from Sophie Conran are perfect for Mother’s Day. 

The set arrived very well packaged in a beautiful light purple gift box from Sophie Conran’s Portmeirion collection.  The bowls, which are about 5 centimetres high, sit in a similarly decorated porcelain tray which can be used on a table for snacks, nuts or dips for entertaining, or even sit on Mum’s bedside table for rings, earrings or her smartwatch.

The bowls and tray each have a delicate lavender design in lilac and green at the bottom with a glazed finish and tactile circular texture from manufacturing. The outside of the tray is completely white so you can’t see a design until you finish the snacks inside! The tray is decorated more heavily with the lavender flowers adorned at the bottom of the tray and the same concentric circles from manufacturing. The three bowls sit snugly on the tray, or you can use the bowls and the tray separately for your table.

All of the pieces are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe and can also be used to store items in the freezer. With these robust characteristics, you can tell that these exceptionally well-made porcelain pieces won’t chip or crack easily and will last a long time.  The lavender pattern won’t be for everyone but with the bowls filled you don’t see much of the flower pattern, just the outside of the bowls, only to discover the artwork on the inside.

These are a lovely set of bowls and tray that make a beautiful present, but will last a lifetime too. If not for Mother’s Day, then a birthday, wedding gift or new home gift would be ideal and the options for how you use them are endless.

Available for £53.50 at:

https://www.portmeirion.co.uk/sophie-conran-lavandula-3-bowl-tray-set

Spode Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, Sustainable, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

Mother’s Day gifts are always hard to source especially if you veer away from the chocolates, flowers and wine tradition.  Spode have a fabulous range of gifts for Mum, Nan or Aunty which are slightly unusual but very usable. Like most Spode products, they are hugely decorative and decadent and not something your Mum is ever likely to buy for herself.

Take for example this Spode Creatures of Curiosity Travel Mug.  Made of ceramic, as you would imagine a Spoke piece would be, it’s a 0.31 litre travel mug that’s decorated in a beautiful dark floral pattern with curious snakes, bugs and pink roses. The cup itself is very hardwearing and both dishwasher and microwave safe. The silicone lid needs to be hand washed, but the manufacture makes it easier to place over the mug and doesn’t spill easily when knocked about in transport. As the ceramic mug is well constructed and robust, it holds the heat of your beverage really well and for a long time.  It doesn’t burn your hands when you hold it, so no need to add a sleeve to carry it around. You can use it for cold drinks too of course!

At 15 centimetres high it fits into most car and buggy cup holders and has real longevity compared to the plastic mugs. The ‘curious’ pattern is a real talking point because it’s so beautifully detailed and very feminine, unlike most sports travel mugs that don’t have any character. This is not a mug to use whilst jogging; it’s more for long walks in the park, taking the dog out with friends or keeping warm on long car journeys. The baristas will love this too because it’s so easy to heat up and to put the silicone lid on quickly.  It’s a classy piece that Mums or Nans who love their hot tea or coffee on the go and want something with more of an occasion to drink it! 

There’s also a matching laptop sleeve and water bottle as part of the Spode Creatures of Curiosity collection.

Available from £15.50 at: https://www.spode.co.uk/creatures-of-curiosity-travel-mug

Clean Co Non-Alcoholic Botanical Spirit Gin

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Mother's Day, Women

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

Clean Co, the drinks company started by TV personality Spencer Matthews in 2019 has been going from strength to strength. No doubt lockdown helped with the sales of the company’s non-alcoholic spirits, but the increasing product range has led to people talking about all of their products. We first tried Clean Co over a year ago when few people had heard about it, but without me prompting the conversation, Clean Co (and specifically their ‘gin’ in the green bottle) has come up in conversation recently with the moniker of ‘the best non-alcoholic gin.’

To explain, the Clean Co products all mock the high alcohol volume spirits you normally find on the shelves but are made alcohol-free and retain the same taste. The whole range extends to; Clean G Gin (green bottle), Clean G Pink Rhubarb Gin (pink bottle), Clean W Whisky (dark brown), Clean R Rum (light brown), Clean T Tequila (clear), Clean V Spiced Apple (also clear). There are new flavours arriving all the time, so check out the website to see new additions soon.

The award-winning and original Clean Co drink, the Clean G works exactly like gin. You can make a cocktail with it, drink it neat, or simply add tonic and lemon to re-create your favourite tipple. It tastes so close to gin that you won’t know the difference. It’s also sugar free with just 14 calories per 50ml serving. The design of the bottle (Art Deco, 1920s) also makes it more theatrical to drink at home, making it easy to forget that it’s not got alcohol in it. Most people who don’t know the brand would assume that it’s not alcoholic either.

The Clean Co Clean G non-alcoholic gin was a hit with my friends, some of whom had already heard of the brand and one in particular who already drinks it.  It’s a winner in both worlds; non-alcoholic but with the taste of gin that allows you to enjoy your favourite tipple, guilt free.

Available from £16 at:

https://clean.co

Bruler Bergamot & Oud Luxury Soy Candle

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts, Winter, Women

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

Lighting a scented candle is a simple way to create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere in any room and with Valentine’s Day coming up, make the perfect gift for a loved one. For a special occasion it’s lovely to have a luxury candle but premium scented candles, whilst smelling amazing, can be a little pricey so I was really pleased to discover Bruler Candles whose mission is to make premium scented candles at an affordable price. With over 15 scents and a choice of candles and reed diffusers there is a great selection to choose from.

In my experience the sign of a good candle is always when you can smell the fragrance before you take it out of the packaging and the Bruler candle did not disappoint on that score! After unwrapping the Bergamot & Oud luxury soy candle l couldn’t resist lighting it straight away and within minutes the sublime fragrance was diffusing around the room.  The balance of bergamot and oud is perfect, the fragrance is noticeable but not too overpowering and it fragranced my room beautifully, lasting long after the candle had been blown out. With the 30cl candle having a burn time of 40 hours my home is going to be smelling lovely for the next few months.    

The design of the candle is nice and simple, a solid glass jar with a white label meaning it will suit any style of décor and not look out of place. The 30cl glass candle costs a very reasonable £23 and there is the option of adding a gift box for an extra £2.  Standard delivery is £3 and orders over £50 (with standard delivery) are free.

So if you want a candle to create a romantic ambience this Valentine’s Day then take a look at Bruler candles, they will add a luxurious feel to any home without an expensive price tag. And if there isn’t anyone special this year then why not treat yourself!!

Belledorm Heat Holders Luxury Fleece Duvet Set

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

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

The nights are certainly chilly at the moment and with temperatures outside regularly dropping below freezing I have been very glad of my Belledorm Heat Holders Luxury Fleece bedding.

The bedding is available in four stylish colours, Snowfall, Moonrock, Navy and Antique Silver and the velvety, inviting texture is not only lovely and cosy but has a TOG rating of 1.7, giving additional warmth on those chilly nights without sacrificing on style.

The duvet cover not only looks great it is simple to put on thanks to the hand holes at the top corners of the duvet cover which makes changing the bed a doddle. I’m sure I’m not alone in getting frustrated with the amount of hassle it is to put a duvet cover on and I was pleasantly surprised with the ease with which the Heat Holders duvet cover goes on, putting an end to my weekly fight with the duvet cover!!  

The Belledorm Heat Holders Luxury Fleece Duvet Set is made of 100% polyester which and best washed at 30 degrees. I’ve washed it a couple of times and due to the fleeciness of the fabric it needs little in the way of ironing to stay crease-free and smooth.

Being cosy and comfortable in bed is extremely important and helps you to have a good night’s sleep, this duvet cover is incredibly warm and cosy and I’ve slept really well since I started using it – it’s also great for snuggling up in on cold, snowy days too!

Available in single to super king sizes the duvet set has a RRP starting at £85 but I’ve just spotted they are currently half price so get one quick!

Avon Hydramatic Iconic Red Lip Giftset

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

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

A cheery red lipstick is just we need to bring a flash of colour to these dreary January days and Avon have come up trumps with the Hydramatic Iconic Red Lip Giftset. The set contains a lovely creamy lipstick and a matching lipliner in a vibrant red that can’t fail to set your day off on the right foot. Beautifully packaged in a striking red fabric drawstring bag this set contains everything you need to add a spot of glamour to your working day.

The Hydramatic Matte Lipstick in Siren red glides on nicely with no bleeding or feathering, leaving  my lips plumped and hydrated. The colour remains vibrant, even after eating and drinking and stays fresh and bright for about 5-6 hours.

The Glimmerstick Lip Liner in Ruby Shock complements the lipstick perfectly and the creamy texture is a dream to apply, outlining lips effortlessly. The twist up style means there’s no need for a sharpener and the fine tip allows you to line lips with total precision.

The drawstring bag is ideal for keeping the products together in your handbag or you can use it for for storing small items like hairclips or bobbles.

At £12.50 it is excellent value for money and a great way to blow away those winter blues!

Josh Wood Miracle care for Dry, Damaged Hair Set

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

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

Josh Wood is a world leading colour expert and has developed a great range of hair products to keep your hair in fantastic condition. As my curly hair is currently very dry and frizzy – a result of all this cold, wet weather and a bit too much straightening over the Christmas period – I was really pleased to receive the Josh Wood Miracle Care for Dry, Damaged Hair set with the hope that they would be able to work a few miracles on my unruly mop of curls!

The Miracle Shampoo and Conditioner are designed for dry damaged hair and being sulphate free are great for curly hair. The duo are full of natural active ingredients as well as Josh Wood’s signature Colour Shine Complex of Quinoa Extract, Green Walnut and UV filters. The products worked really well together, adding moisture to my curls and helping reduce the dreaded frizz. The shampoo lathers beautifully leaving my hair feeling lovely and clean. The conditioner is rich and creamy and easy to apply, I used a couple of pumps on my shoulder length hair, leaving it on for a couple of minutes before scrunching it into my hair and rinsing with plenty of water. It rinsed out easily, leaving my hair tangle free.

The Miracle Mask can be used once or twice a week and as well as helping to protect colour from fading it gives a much needed hydration boost to my curls. It’s easy to use, a couple of pumps were enough and after leaving it on for the recommended 5 minutes it was easy to rinse off. The creamy consistency felt like it was doing my hair the world of good and my hair felt lovely and moisturised after only one application.

I have been using these products for a couple of weeks now and I am really pleased with the results, not only does my hair look nice and shiny, but it also feels a lot more nourished. After a couple of washes my hair was noticeable less frizzy and the curls are now a lot less straw like and are defined and bouncy again. These products have transformed my dry, frizzy locks and each time I use them I feel as though I’ve just walked out of the hairdressers!

RRP £44



⁠

Mindful Extracts CBD Massage Oil

Birthday Gifts, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Women

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

Indulge yourself in 2024 with the Mindful Extracts Deep Relief CBD Massage Oil with the sweet aromas of juniper berry, Capalba and Full-Spectrum CBD.

CBD is relatively new to the market and lots of people are using it for a whole host of reasons.  It has relaxing properties, which are helped absorbed into the deeper dermal layers of your skin to bring your body back into balance. Users often report that their sleep is improved after using CBD oils and muscle conditions are relaxed with the use of CBD massage oil. Other ingredients include Copaiba Balsam, a resin found in trees in the Amazon and are believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties. Organic Black Cumin Seed Oil is thought to also contain anti-inflammatory properties for both the skin and joints whilst ginger is great for the recovery of stiff muscles and joints. Lastly, juniper berry also contains anti-inflammatory products and has been used by ancient civilisations for millennia. 

The Mindful Extracts Massage Oil has an aroma of CBD oil so if you’re not familiar with the smell, it might take a while to get used to. The oil base is sweet almond, apricot kernel and avocado oils along with the medicinal compounds. It only takes a small amount of the massage oil to rub into your hands then apply to the area that needs treating. Within a few minutes of working the oil into your skin and muscles, the ingredients are absorbed and get to work. 

The CBD oil smell takes a while to get used to but when you do, you hardly notice it. The oil absorbs in remarkably quickly and the scent from the seed and flower extracts are released and you get a completely different fragrance.  It doesn’t leave a residue on your skin either, but does leave it softer and hydrated!

The effects of the Mindful Extracts Massage Oil take a few minutes to work but I found they lasted much longer.  Before bed, it creates a relaxation that puts muscles to rest before sleep and during the day it dulled the inflammation in my back as I moved around and was walking.  As the day went on, the fragrance of the oil stayed with me and seemed to change again, presumably as the different extracts were released and at work. It may be a small bottle (50ml) and quite expensive, but it goes a long way as you only need a tiny amount at a time.  It’s a fabulous alternative to taking a pain relief tablet or having to buy the over-the-counter creams!

Available from £24.99 at: https://mindfulextracts.co.uk/product/cbd-massage-oil/

Nanogen Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioners

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Women

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

Take a few moments to think about how 2024 could be different for you. Small steps, rather than grand gestures or resolutions that won’t last are the key to improving your health, your self-esteem or wellbeing.  One way of taking a small step to make yourself feel better in 2024 is switching to more targeted products in your beauty care.  Nanogen shampoos and conditioners help thicken your hair (for both men and women) over time.  We were sent a lovely selection to try over the Christmas holidays, taking us into 2024 with luscious, healthy looking hair!

The range at Nanogen includes Shampoo for Women, Shampoo Luxe for Women, Hair Thickening Conditioner for Everyone, Shampoo for Men and Shampoo and Half-Conditioner for Men. If that sounds like a lot to choose from, don’t worry, they’re all explained on the Nanogen Shampoo & Conditioner page: https://www.nanogen.com/collections/shampoo-conditioner

Starting with the Nanogen Shampoo for Women, the 240ml tube of shampoo goes a long way with just a small 5 pence-piece sized portion which washed my shoulder-length hair perfectly. The shampoo feels luxurious and not only cleans beautifully but has a silky texture, which no doubt helps the thickening process.  After using the Shampoo for Women, I went straight to the Conditioner for Everyone to finish the nourishing process. The Conditioner for Everyone is universal, meaning anyone can use it and even children will probably find it easy to use because it’s so soft, it takes away tangles without you even knowing it. It’s very lightweight, so as well as its moisturising properties, it washes out easily and doesn’t make your hair really heavy. If you need to, you can add products afterwards but I just let my hair dry naturally.

The Shampoo Luxe for Women is super, super hydrating and probably good for when your hair is in need of some TLC long term before using the other Nanogen products as part of your daily routine. It feels amazing because it’s so rich, and again, you don’t need very much of it to make your hair feel soft. Its intensity is comforting because you know that as soon as you let the conditioner work its magic, then your hair will be softer once it dries. Over time, I found that after a few washes and letting it dry naturally, my curls were more defined and my hair smoother, as well as being less flat. I’m looking forward to seeing how my hair looks after a few months of using the Nanogen products!

Nanogen aren’t just for women, but there’s the Shampoo for Men and Shampoo and Half-Conditioner for men too. Both products work to thicken men’s hair, which obviously can be thinning for different reasons to women but men can still use Nanogen to thicken their hair as well as have a bit of luxury. Unlike other hair thickening products aimed at men, Nanogen doesn’t have a chemical fragrance and you can feel that the Shampoo and Half-Conditioner isn’t abrasive but instead, more nourishing.  The men’s products also make excellent gifts!

Taking 2024 by the horns, Nanogen shampoos and conditioners for thickening hair are a lovely treat to help improve the condition of your hair, make it fuller and allow you to enjoy healthy hair again.

Available from £7.95 at: https://www.nanogen.com/collections/shampoo-conditioner with 20% off your first order if you subscribe.

Funkin Double Shot Cocktails

alcoholic drinks, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

I love cocktails but unless you have a very well stocked drinks cabinet it can be expensive buying all the ingredients needed to make your own. It’s no surprise then that ready mixed cocktails have become increasingly popular, as they allow you to enjoy perfectly mixed cocktails in seconds.

Funkin Cocktails have a fantastic selection of ready mixed cocktails and we’ve been trying a couple from the new Double Shot range, the Passion Fruit Margarita and Pineapple Daiquiri.  Both cocktails are available in 140ml cans and have an ABV of 14%.

The Passion Fruit Margarita is nice and fruity and the combination of the delightfully sweet passion fruit, zingy lime and agave spirit is extremely refreshing.  

The Pineapple Daiquiri, made with juicy pineapple and rum has the ability to transport you to sunnier climes – a few sips bring back memories of summer holidays which is just what we need to brighten up these dull December days!

Both these cocktails taste amazing and as well as being great for parties and get togethers would also make lovely stocking fillers this Christmas.

Box of 10 £35

Darn Tough Lifestyle Socks

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

Is there such a thing as a sock snob? If there is then I’m definitely one of them! Where I used to just pick up any old socks when out shopping, I now have more discerning tastes and I’ve discovered it really is worth spending money on a decent pair of socks – I’m on my feet a lot and the difference between a good pair of socks and a bad pair is quite astounding.

If you’re not a hiker the chances are that you won’t have heard of the American sock brand Darn Tough. Made in America the seam free socks are made from merino wool and are unbelievably comfortable to wear, I have a couple of pairs that I wear when hiking and it’s no exaggeration when I say it’s like walking on air when they’re on my feet. As well as being incredibly comfy the socks are very hard wearing, in fact Darn Tough are so confident about the durability of their socks that they offer a lifetime guarantee. Yes you heard that right, if they wear out you can send them back and they will be replaced free of charge without a receipt and no questions asked!

As well as the popular hiking socks they also make everyday socks called the Lifestyle range. These crew socks are thinner than hiking socks and are the perfect choice for everyday wear, whether that’s in shoes, trainers or boots. Made from a mix of 61% merino wool, 36% nylon and 3% lycra the socks are moisture wicking and more breathable than your average pair of socks and once you’ve worn a pair, I guarantee you won’t go back to those supermarket socks! The animal designs are cute and I especially love the ones with ducks wearing blue spotted wellies.

The Darn Tough Lifestyle socks are available in small, medium and large which will fit  feet between sizes 2.5 to 9. They sit nicely above the ankle and are ideal for wearing in trainers or casual boots. The merino wool is not only soft against your feet but is also perfect for helping to regulate body temperature and won’t lead to smelly feet.

The socks are an excellent fit, sitting nicely on my foot and they don’t slip down when walking, the ribbed cuff is a comfortable fit and not too tight around my leg. I have worn these socks a few times now and they are lovely and comfortable both in trainers and casual boots, fitting snugly on my feet. They wash well, even on cooler washes and they are still soft to the touch and have not lost their shape.  

So if you’ve run out of inspiration for all those hard to buy for friends and family members then a pair of Darn Tough socks are the ideal choice. With many different designs you are bound to find a pair to suit everyone and with the lifetime guarantee it it’s gift that will last forever!

RRP £27

Avon Advent Calendars

advent calendar, beauty, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Women

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

We’re 12 days into December and I’m really enjoying opening the doors on these fantastic Avon advent calendars. December is always a crazy month and I usually find myself racing around trying to meet deadlines at work and getting ready for Christmas so it’s lovely to have an advent calendar that is packed full of treats. Whilst more expensive than a chocolate advent calendar, the products in these beauty advent calendars will certainly last a lot longer than the few seconds it takes to eat a piece of chocolate!  

I’ve used plenty of Avon products in the past so I’m familiar with this iconic brand and even though I’m an adult I must admit it’s quite exciting opening a door each morning to see what’s hiding behind it.  

The Self-Love Wellbeing Advent Calendar is a 12 day treasure trove containing all the products you need for a spot of head to toe pampering. With a nice mix of skincare and body care products it has felt like a daily indulgent treat and opening the doors has been the highlight of my day. I’m quite disappointed that it’s only a calendar with 12 days as I’ve loved all the products, especially the Planet Spa Sleep Ritual Pillow Mist which has been a godsend as I have been having difficulty sleeping recently. A couple of sprays on my pillow and I’m off to the land of nod in no time at all. The skincare products are giving my skin a real boost, I haven’t tried Avon’s skincare products before and I have to say that I’m really impressed! Not only are they lovely to use they’re also a lot cheaper than the brands I currently use I so I’ll definitely be switching to these in future.  

The calendar costs £35 and the contents are worth £81.75 so it’s well worth getting one whilst they are still in stock – you don’t just need to count down to Christmas why not use it to count down to the New Year or a birthday instead?

Self Love Wellbeing Advent Calendar contents:

• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Serum 10ml.
• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Serum 30ml.
• 1 x Anew Ultimate Night Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa Radiance Ritual 50ml.
• 1 x Anew Lifting Dual Eye System.
• 1 x Restoring Cuticle Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa Sleep Ritual Pillow Mist 100ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa Aromatherapy Beauty Sleep 30ml.
• 1 x Foot Works Clay Mask with Lavender 75ml.
• 1 x Anew Revitalising Micellar Water 50ml.

The other calendar I have been opening is the 24 Days of Beauty Advent calendar which costs £65 and the contents are worth a whopping £190.25. The majority of products are make up but there are a couple of skincare products to discover too, including the Anew Reversalist Day Cream, Anew Renewal Power Serum and Anew Renewal Power Eye Cream. I am in quite a rut with my make up so this calendar has given me the perfect opportunity to update my make up bag and try some new looks without breaking the bank. Trying products that I wouldn’t normally consider has actually been fun and after avoiding red nail varnish for years I’ve discovered that actually I do like it so will keep using Avon’s Power Stay gel Nail Enamel – The Red One.

Another new to me product I really like is the Blush Pearls which were hiding behind door number 1. They are perfect for giving my pale winter skin a gentle glow and are now a staple of my make up bag.

I’ve still 12 more days to go but in the days I’ve opened I’ve found a great mix of new products as well as a few old favourites and I’m looking forward to trying out the rest of the products over the next couple of weeks.

The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar Contents:

• 1 x Anew Reversalist Day Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Lash Genius Multitask & Multiply Mascara in Blackest Black 10ml.
• 1 x Power Stay Liquid Lip in The Red One 6ml.
• 1 x Ultra Matte Lipstick in Marvellous Mocha.
• 1 x Power Stay Gel Shine in The Red One 10ml.
• 1 x Attraction for Her Eau de Parfum Purse Spray 10ml.
• 1 x Planet Spa The Sleep Ritual Pillow Mist 100ml.
• 1 x Hydramatic Matte Lipstick in Mauve.
• 1 x Blush Pearls in Warm 28g.
• 1 x Ultra Colour 60 Second Express Nail Enamel in Mauve It 10ml.
• 1 x Skin So Soft Original Dry Oil Spray 150ml.
• 1 x Bronze & Glow Bronzing Powder in Warm Glow 13.5g.
• 1 x Ultra Shimmer Lipstick in Spring Bling.
• 1 x Anew Revitalising Micellar Water 50ml.
• 1 x Glimmerstick Eyeliner in Brown Black.
• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Serum 30ml.
• 1 x Angled Precision Lip & Eye Brush.
• 1 x Glimmerstick Diamonds Eyeliner in Twilight Sparkle.
• 1 x Brow Boost Volume in Clear.
• 1 x Glimmerstick Lip Liner in Mystery Mauve.
• 1 x Anew Renewal Power Eye Cream 15ml.
• 1 x Exxtravert Extreme Volume Mascara in Blackest Black 9.5ml.
• 1 x Advance Techniques Absolute Nourishment Treatment Serum 30ml.
• 1 x All-Over Face Brush.

I know we’re half way through December now but these calendars are such great value and will make an ideal present for any makeup-obsessed or skincare enthusiast in your life.

Buff Knitted Neckwarmer

Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, secret santa, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

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

It’s incredibly cold at the moment, but that doesn’t stop us getting out on the fells and going for a brisk walk, we just need to wrap up warmer and my Buff Evo Dahlia neck warmer has been invaluable this weekend. I always think a Buff is an essential piece of outdoor gear as they are so versatile, I not only use mine as a neck warmer, but it can be a hat and balaclava too and is just what you need to keep you warm on a chilly day.

The cotton knitted neck warmer is so comfortable to wear, it’s a good length, so there’s plenty of fabric to bunch around your neck or pull over your face to protect you from the elements and it’s lovely and warm too. It was bitterly cold up on the top of the fells and I have been very glad of it this weekend, the wind was icy and with my hood up and my mouth covered, I could enjoy the walk despite the cold weather .

The neck warmer is 28cm long with enough material to bunch up on my neck, or it can be pulled up over my ears to keep them warm. It is easy to pull over my head and is made in a single tube so there are no seams to irritate. Once you warm up you can just slip it in a pocket.

It’s the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys walking, cycling or even walking the dog and is available in 8 different colours.

RRP £28.95

Altruist Christmas Box

beauty, Christmas, Gifts for Her, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, 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.

The cold weather always plays havoc with my skin, so I was really pleased to receive a lovely selection of skincare products from Altruist. The Christmas Box contains four fantastic products, chosen to offer round the year skincare and the products are beautifully packed in red shredded paper, making them look very festive.

Altruist products have been developed by consultant dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon Dr Andrew Birnie and whilst they are suitable for all skin types, they are especially suitable for sensitive skin.

Inside the box are the following products

• Altruist SPF 30 Face Fluid – 50ml
• Altruist Moisturising Fluid – 50ml
• Altruist Primer SPF 50 – 30ml
• Altruist Moisturising Body Lotion – 200ml

It can take a month to see improvements in your skin when you change your skincare routine and I’m pleased to say I am now seeing positive results – my skin feels more hydrated and now has a radiance that definitely wasn’t there before.  

The Moisturising Fluid contains 0.5% Hyaluronic Acid and is enriched with glycerin, urea and shea butter to enhance the skin’s natural moisturising factors. It can be used as a both a day and night cream offering plenty of hydration for my dry, sensitive skin.  The cream soaked into my skin without needing to rub too much and it felt instantly hydrating.

I always use a face cream with SPF protection no matter what time of year as even a sunny day in the winter or a cloudy day in the summer can have very damaging UVA & UVB rays. I spend a lot of time outdoors, so it is very important for my skincare products to have a SPF rating so was pleased to find that both the Face Fluid and the Primer are SPF rated. The SPF30 Face Fluid is nice and light and is easily applied on top of the Moisturising Fluid. Once applied it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky like some SPF creams tend to be and is perfect for everyday protection.  

The SPF50 Primer is a light cream which is applied before foundation, as well as offering protection from UVA and UVB rays. It absorbs into my skin nicely, creating a soft, hydrated canvas for my makeup which now seems to last for longer. 

The moisturising body lotion is a lovely rich consistency and is nice and easy to apply. The skin on my arms and legs is quite dry and this body lotion is very moisturising and smoothing and I have noticed that after using it morning and night for a month a persistent patch of dry skin on the back of my arm has cleared up too.

I am really pleased with the Altruist products, my skin is looking much better and is no longer dry and problematic.  The Christmas Gift Set is a lovely set and is bound to be well received by anyone finding it underneath the Christmas Tree this year.

Altruist also donate 40p for every box sold, to charities that support children with albinism so when buying the giftset you are also helping a good cause.

AOURA Body Mist Giftset

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

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

If you are looking for reasonably priced Christmas Stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts then the Aoura Body Mist giftset is perfect, costing a very reasonable £13 it can either be given as one gift or split up for stocking fillers.

The set contains four fragrances, Paradise Bliss, Pretty Woman, Midnight Passion and Love Rush which are packaged in pretty jewel coloured 60ml octagonal bottles.

Love Rush in the deep pink bottle is a fruity and spicy scent which is perfect for day and night. It has hints of vanilla and aims to remind you of what falling in love feels like again! With notes of bergamot, blackcurrant and pear it is a fragrance designed to capture the excitement of life. It’s light and easy to wear and is a great everyday fragrance.

Pretty Woman comes in a light pink bottle and is a lighter fragrance scented with bergamot and pear. When you spray it, you initially smell the delicate rose fragrance which is followed by sweet vanilla notes with a hint of musk and patchouli. This is my favourite of the four and I receive lots of compliments when I wear it.

Midnight Passion in the purple bottle is a heavier fragrance and one I would wear in the evening when going out. The floral fragrance has top notes of bitter orange and anise, middle notes of rose and almond and base notes of tonka bean, creamy vanilla, and sandalwood.

Paradise Bliss comes in a beautiful turquoise bottle and reminds me of the sea and walks on the beach. The enticing mixture of heliotrope, orange blossom and mango combined with the closing notes of hazelnut, wood and creamy coconut milk is sweet and fresh and a lovely fragrance to wear during the day.

The pump spray is nice and powerful giving a good spray from just one pump. Obviously, the mist isn’t as strong as perfume, so it does need topping up during the day which isn’t a problem as the 60ml bottles fits nicely in my handbag.

This is a lovely giftset and anyone receiving it on Christmas Day is going to be delighted with it.  

Available at Boots ( included in the 3 for 2 Christmas offer) and Amazon

Modibodi Festive Gifting 3 Pack Briefs

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, health, Home, REUSABLE, Sustainable, Women

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

The Australian company Modibodi have been changing how women deal with periods for 10 years now, but still not everyone knows about their revolutionary products!

Sometimes known as period pants, Modibodi produce underwear that doesn’t need tampons or sanitary towels because Modibodi design in a high absorbency layer to their clothing, giving you more protection. As these are reusable feminine products, they have added layers of materials which give much higher absorbency than disposable liners etc, therefore giving you longer wear.

The Modibodi Festive Gifting 3 Pack is a set of 3 differently sized and shaped knickers all in Fiesta Red colour.  Including High Waist Bikini (light/moderate absorbency), Classic Bikini (moderate/heavy) and Full Brief (heavy/overnight), they are bundled up in an attractive draw string bag which can also be used for laundry. The packs are available in sizes 8-18.

The briefs are made of bamboo viscose for the body of the knickers and merino wool for the absorbency section, which is brilliant at absorbing moisturiser to keep you dry.  They look and feel like everyday pants, which is always a bonus and the different sizes and shapes make them adaptable for any dress or trousers. The bright red colour makes a change from the usual dark blue or black period knickers which are usually on the market and I can guarantee you have something red and Christmassy you want to wear over the Christmas season!

I have been using Modibodi pants for a while now, and they’re really innovative. If you’re a bit nervous about using them, you can always use a sanitary towel or tampon as well, before you get used to how much more absorbent they are or how they fit. I find if I am going out for the day, I use a towel or tampon as security and then rely on the pants later on. It’s more comfortable that way.  The knickers themselves fit really nicely and the bamboo viscose is cosy and fits well, especially as they’re in my dress size and not S/M/L like other period pants.

As for absorbency, you get used to not having any other products to rely on.  I found that I forgot I was wearing Modibodi pants and it really helped that I wasn’t wearing a towel at the same time when I was in jeans or certain dresses where I was more self-conscience.  The absorbency of the period pants was also much better than towels or tampons. The wool material used for the black lining is super absorbent and you can go a whole lot longer without having to need to change them, especially in the full briefs which are bigger.  If you have the 3 pack bundle and use them in conjunction with other Modibodi pants (such as the PUMA Active Period Underwear we reviewed previously), you can go your whole period and not use and disposable products at all. Modibodi saves money on using feminine products but also saves the environment with having less to throw away each month.

Even if you’re not buying the Modibodi 3 Pack gift set for anyone else, treat yourself to a pack this Christmas!

Available online now at a discounted price of £39.00:

Modibodi Holiday Gifting 3 Pack – Fiesta Red

PUMA x Modibodi Active Period Underwear

Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Fashion, Fitness, Gifts for Her, health, Home, REUSABLE, Sport, Stocking Fillers, Sustainable, Women

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

The revolution in period products started a few years ago when we saw more and more period items in the shops that gave women and girls more flexible options. One of the newer inventions are the period pants – the ability to wear underwear without having to worry about sanitary pads to protect clothes. Modibodi came up with period pants designed specifically for sport, and along with PUMA, they’ve brought out a new range of Active Period Underwear.

The PUMA x Modibodi Period and Leak-Proof Underwear we were sent (called Active Cheeky Briefs!) are already graded 2/4 for absorbency which is around 10ml or the equivalent of 2 tampons.  That’s quite a lot for just a pair of pants!  They’re made of recyclable material and are machine washable and I especially like that shape because they’re not big and bulky but have a slimmer fit to them, which is exactly what I want from a brief.  The material used is stretchy and silky too, so you won’t get a VPL.  The waist is elasticated and there were no problems overall with the fit.

When using them, I didn’t find any leakage. All the new reusable sanitary pads and knickers seem to be extra absorbent compared to the disposable towels and tampons of old.  When at the gym, I forgot that I was wearing these and even out for a run there was no problem with movement or stretching and no chafing either!  They’re very versatile, so it got me thinking that these PUMA x Modibodi pants would be great for travelling on long journeys where you weren’t sure about facilities and didn’t want to be uncomfortable. I can imagine wearing them on planes and trains to feel more secure.  

These are a brilliant idea and I feel like they’re a lifestyle change, away from the need to carry so much with you for each period but are so discreet you don’t need to worry about them. If you’re hesitant, wear them with a sanitary pad first to prevent leaks, and eventually you’ll see how much more absorbent they are, especially with all the different designs Modibodi are coming up with!

Available online from £15 (in the sale) at Modibodi