Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
You may not think of Just Spices as a company who produce ‘treats’ especially at Christmas time, but did you know that in addition to the spices and toppings they create, they also make sweet additions to your baking?
This autumn, Just Spices have two versatile blends to liven up your coffee, and beyond. Coffee Kiss and Pumpkin Pie Spice are as close as you can get to the barista-style toppings everyone loves to indulge in this time of year. We were sent both to try from the lovely people at Just Spices, who seem to come up with new ideas every week of how to improve cooking, baking and generally eating!
Coffee Kiss is a blend of spices which you add to coffee to enhance the flavour. Containing ground almonds, cocoa powder and cinnamon, it adds a winter spice to coffee to create a slightly sweeter, chocolatey taste to your morning brew. It can also be added to other drinks such as hot chocolate (as seen here), over ice cream, to smoothies and with fruit or muesli. It would also go very well with porridge on a cold day when you want to mix up the flavours slightly but don’t want to over do it with flavour. I like this mixture of the chocolate and cinnamon flavours because they not only complement each other, but they feel warming to taste and remind me of Christmas.
The Pumpkin Pie Spice mix is just as autumnal and so appropriate for this time of year! If you’re a lover of the pumpkin flavoured drinks in the famous coffee shop chains, then this is the spice for you. Containing cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove and nutmeg, it has that authentic autumn/winter taste to it with the mix of sweet and spicy. This is a spice not just for coffee but you can use it in hot chocolate too, or even with baking. If you’re making Thanksgiving treats such as pumpkin pie or even pumpkin soup, then the Pumpkin Pie Spice mix adds all the festive flavours without you having to gather all the ingredients yourself and try and get the right combination first time. It’s a treat for any coffee lover, or lover of autumn altogether.
Coffee Kiss currently on sale online at £3.99:
Pumpkin Pie Spice currently on sale online at £4.79:
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Whilst it looks like an ordinary soft toy this cuddly giraffe from Warmies isn’t just for children. Scented with lavender, which is well known for helping you relax and drift off to sleep, the soft toy can be warmed in the microwave which helps the beautiful fragrance intensify. The warm giraffe is then lovely and snuggly, just like a warm hug and is lovely to cuddle up to.
It is really easy to heat , place it in the microwave and turn it on, for microwaves 600 to 800W heat for 45 seconds and 850 to 1000W it needs 30 seconds.
I have been using it instead of a heat pad and found it perfect for soothing cramps and muscle pain. Our mini reviewers have been snuggling up to it at bedtime which has really helped settle then down at night and they have definitely been falling asleep much faster.
Popping a Warmies soft toy in the microwave before bed has now become one of our favourite bed time rituals, guaranteeing us all a good nights sleep.
Available from Well Pharmacy there is also a Cockapoo and the super cute Warm Hugs penguins which would make great Christmas gifts. If you are looking for gifts for older relatives then it might be worth considering the fully heatable bottle, fully heatable eye mask or the fully heatable slippers which are all available from the Well Pharmacy website.
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review but all thoughts and opinions are our own.
I don’t leave the house without putting lipstick on so was very pleased to receive a selection of Sheer Shine lipsticks in the most gorgeous shades of nude, pinks and red from Annabelle Minerals.
Available in six shades, these lipsticks are a lovely creamy consistency which glides nicely onto your lips, enhancing as well as nurturing them. The colours are lovely and last well but the main benefit to me is how moisturised my lips now feel. Enriched with a blend of natural butters, oils, waxes, and vitamin E they have the moisturising qualities of a lip balm but in a lipstick formula – a winning combination which not only makes your lips look good, keeps them lovely and soft and hydrated too.
The shape of the lipstick enables a precise application, and it was easy to adjust the intensity of colour from a subtle wash to an intense full lip. We all know the packaging of lipsticks is important and these are available in a chic golden magnetic case, with a snug fitting lid and there is also a refill option too which is a great sustainable option.
The colours available are –
APRICOT – a fresh peachy nude shade that complements both warm and cool beauty types. A very versatile everyday colour that will suit most people.
BROWN FIG – a gorgeous pink caramel colour that can easily be glammed up if you are going out straight after work.
COCONUT – a warm brown hue, great if you have a tan.
DRAGON FRUIT – this fuchsia pink lipstick teamed with smoky eyes is a winning combination for Christmas party glamour.
GUAVA – a powdery pink shade that will suit all complexions.
STRAWBERRY – a stunning red lipstick that will add a touch of drama to any outfit.
As a user of more expensive lipsticks, I can honestly say that these lipsticks could easily rival any of my normal brands so are a great choice if you are looking to save a little money but aren’t prepared to compromise on quality. The choice of shades is great and they keep your lips lovely and moisturised which is very important now we are heading into the winter months.
From daytime to evening glamour, Annabelle Minerals have a great selection of makeup and skincare products that would make amazing gifts this Christmas, so whatever your budget you will easily find the perfect gift.
RRP £11.90 and the refill is £9.90 – available here
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
If you’re popping into Aldi this Christmas to get all the party food, Christmas day meal and all the trimmings plus general festivities, then have a look at the Lacura beauty range by Aldi. Every year they have something lovely and this year is no exception. We were given the West Hollywood Eye Make-Up set and Brightening Concealer to try our as part of their extensive range. Are you feeling in the festive mood yet?
The West Hollywood Eye Make Up set is 16 shades of the gorgeous Natural Radiance range, with 8 of the shades a matt colour and finish and 8 highlighting shades to compliment them. You don’t have to use the complimentary shade with each block, and you can mix and match them (I have already!) and create a whole new look but there’s enough range there to give you a whole host of choice. From the base neutral colours which would suit various skin tones to more vibrant and sparkly golds and metallics, this pallet isn’t just for Christmas but for all year, and all day too. There’s a lovely Espresso dark charcoal colour which is great for smokey eyes, and teaming it up with either a shiny top colour like Glam or Auburn would give you great ‘party eyes’ or something more subtle like the shade Toasted would make it more of a day wear colour. Whichever shades you like to use, there is plenty of choice and it glides on beautifully with little effort and doesn’t go sticky or rub off easily.
The Lacura Brightening Concealer, which is in the palest shade Lacura produce (yes, I am that pale!) is a rich concealer that needs a minimal amount to blend in. You can see from this test patch on my hand that the colour is deep and you don’t need much to give all the coverage. Depending on what you need to cover (such as under eyes, or maybe a scar) you only need the tiniest amount as it goes so far so quickly. If you do use too much though, it has a tendency to be a tiny bit chalky so start small and build up layers if you need to. I don’t think you would need to though as it gives great coverage and don’t forget it’s just a concealer, not a foundation that give all over coverage.
The West Hollywood Eye Set and Brightening Concealer aren’t on the Aldi website yet so they won’t be in stores for a while, but when they are, get them asap! The Lacura range often sells out early!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Calling all of you who need a Secret Santa this year… or who are struggling to find that little gift for Mum or Gran! The Kind Edit Co. have this beautiful Luxury Garden Glove Set and Hand Cream in a gift set, which any garden enthusiast will both love and need.
The set includes a pair of green and pink gardening gloves with elastic fit and finger grips and 125ml hand cream of bergamot, ylang-ylang, lily and sandalwood. The hand cream formula is 95% natural, hence the Kind Edit Co endorsement. You can either put the hand cream on before the gloves when you work in the garden, or apply the cream after working in the garden although you could use it at any time. The hand cream has a lovely floral aroma which is not lost on the fact that this is part of a gardening set!
I like the gloves especially because they’re very heavy duty but made of cotton, so they’re not waterproof but they are softer on the skin. They’re hand wash, which is easier when you’re working outdoors and can just leave them to soak. The hand cream is nice and rich and has a lovely fragrance so if you do put it on under your gardening gloves, it leaves them smelling so sweet!
This is a great gift for the price of £4.99 for anyone who enjoys gardening, and I especially like it as a Secret Santa gift for someone at work.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
This lovely gift set is aimed at girls but with the ten different colours, including pinks and red, it could be a lovely gift for anyone!
Chit Chat’s Nail Varnish Colour Wheel is also vegan, which is not something you find very often in beauty products especially nail varnishes. There are 10 colours (including pink and red but also blue, green and yellow) which are 3.5ml in size each. In the centre of the wheel there’s 12 different glitter colours to add to your nail colour. Whether you use the corresponding glitter and varnish colours or do something outlandish and mix up the complimentary colours, the combinations of glitter gems and nail varnish are endless, and so much fun!
The gift set doesn’t say what age range it’s aimed at, but I would guess children aged 6-10 years old, and not much younger due to the smaller parts. The wacky colours are great to experiment with but also teach children fine motor skills with the application of the brush and then the tiny gems which go over the nail varnish and stock to the surface. To make them really secure, you can use a top coat nail varnish over the top, although that isn’t provided with this set.
Even if you don’t have children in the house, this is a great kit for the colours and nail art, especially as the varnish pots are a smaller size and you can take them on holiday with you. The quality of the varnish is good too. This kit is great as a bonding exercise with an adult and child.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
You can’t go wrong with a fragrance gift and lots of women will be thrilled to discover a Gucci perfume gift set under the tree on Christmas morning, especially if it is the gorgeous Flora Gorgeous Gardenia by Gucci. The floral fruity women’s fragrance was launched back in 2012 and is inspired by the House’s renowned Flora pattern. With fruity top notes of pear and red berries, middle notes of gardenia and frangipani and base notes of patchouli this perfume is light and feminine and perfect for everyday wear.
The Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia gift set is packaged in a stylish cream and black box, nestled inside the gift box are two bottles of perfume, a 50ml and a very handy travel sized 5ml bottle. The hexagonal glass bottles with black bows look very striking and will look good on any dressing table or bathroom shelf. The lids of both bottles fit snugly so they won’t come off in your handbag and both bottles give a good strong spray.
The perfume is very much like the bottle, chic and stylish and perfect for anything from work, a day out shopping with the girls or a date. It is a very versatile fragrance and I feel it could be worn by anyone, young, old and by both dress and heels or trainers and jeans type of girl!
I found the perfume lasts really well, I first sprayed it in the morning before work and could still smell a hint of the fragrance by the end of the day. If you are out all day and want to refresh the fragrance the handy 5ml handbag sized bottle is perfect to pop in your bag for top ups.
You can always tell if a perfume works well on your skin by the number of people asking what perfume you are wearing and since I started wearing this perfume, I have lost count of the number of people asking me what the fragrance is.
I love floral and fruity fragrances, so Flora Gorgeous Gardenia is a real winner for me. From the very first spray I loved it, the fruits and floral notes work so well together creating a beautiful fragrance that is perfect for all ages.
Currently costing £82.99 the 50ml perfume gift set is available from Perfume Direct and would make a lovely gift for any woman this Christmas.
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
There has been talk in this office this week of our annual Secret Santa and with a limit of £15 the Royale Garden Luxury Pamper Keepsake Tin Gift Set from Baylis & Harding fits the bill perfectly.
It is one of a number of gifts from the Royale Garden range that contain products scented with a beautiful Rose, Poppy & Vanilla fragrance. The products are beautifully packaged in a keepsake tin and all the products are all individually wrapped in tissue paper, making it feel like an extra special gift.
Inside the tin are
Soap 50g
Body Wash 50ml
Body Butter 50ml
Hand & Nail Cream 50ml
Body polisher
The soap and body wash lather up well and if you layer up the products it helps the beautiful fragrance linger on your skin all day. The body butter is nice and rich, melting into my skin leaving it lovely and soft and fragranced. The hand cream was a delight to use, it was just the right consistency, not too thick where you need to rub your hands a number of times to help it absorb and not too thin where it runs through your fingers. It left my hands feeling soft and smooth without any greasiness. The 50ml tube is perfect for keeping in my handbag too.
As well as being a great Secret Santa gift it is perfect as a stocking filler or a thank you gift for teachers.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Rarely do you find skincare companies who pride themselves of creating products which are solely for preventing acne, and if like me you’ve been in that vortex of severe acne, antibiotics, dermatology and all of the medical world that involves skincare, then you’ll be very grateful that Purifide is out there and has some beautiful products on offer to help.
Purifide products help treat ailment such as acne, dry skin, discolouration, redness and the side effects of some medical treatments. We were sent Purifide Post-Breakout Serum and Purifide Power Patches for acne breakouts. Thankfully my acne days are mostly behind me now but it’s still worth having these on hand for when the inevitable happens!
The Purifide Power Patches are translucent patches, much like plasters [Band Aids] which go over a spot when it appears. The technology behind the Power Patches shrinks the visible spot, protects it from the elements and sooths any redness away within 4 hours. Putting these on before bed also has the advantage of preventing a spot from developing overnight, or limiting how far it gets before it become a bigger problem. Power Patches contain Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica and Canadian Willowherb to help with all the symptoms of acne and reduce the redness and swelling we all hate.
Purifide Post-Breakout Serum reduces the damage caused by acne, which can be permanent on facial skin. This rich serum reduces dark marks, smooths skin texture and helps with skin tone overall. It’s very rich, and although it helps in the short term, a few months of using the serum will be more beneficial. It contains Bakuchiol and Niacinamide to help healing. In combination with the Purifide Power Patches and other products, your skin has a good chance of both healing and fighting off acne.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
There are a host of different skincare brands and products on the market, all aimed at different ailments or even have different objectives that we find irresistible to choose. Cetaphil are the sensitive skin experts, specialising in moisturisers for face and body plus cleansers which are all aimed at sensitive skin and the ailments around it.
We were sent a batch of different products including; Cetaphil Gently Clear Clarifying Blemish Cream Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Blemish Moisturiser, Cetaphil Pro Tinted Moisturiser Day Cream SPF30, Cetaphil Moisturising Night Cream for Redness Prone Skin and Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Acton Blemish Serum. If that’s not a full medicine cupboard full of skincare, then I don’t know what is!
The Cetaphil Gently Clear Clarifying Blemish Cream Cleanser is just what it says it is – cleans the skin gently especially after make up and when you’ve been out in polluted air. It’s cool and easy to use with white tea and aloe vera to keep pores clean but not dry them out. Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Blemish Moisturiser contains Salicylic Acid to reduce the size and appearance of pores whilst still keeping the skin fresh and moisturised. It also contains prebiotics which help keep the bacteria on the skin in balance which is important for overall health. Cetaphil Pro Tinted Moisturiser Day Cream SPF30 is probably my favourite because it’s made for sensitive skin so is ever-so-light and absorbs beautifully. The SPF 30 is a big help with day to day wear so you don’t have to think about going out in the British summer and wearing sunscreen on your face because you know that Cetaphil has the sun protection covered for you. The tinted nature of the moisturiser covers like a foundation, giving you a flawless complexion.
Cetaphil Moisturising Night Cream for Redness Prone Skin is more of a specialist product, again designed for sensitive skin but skin which is already prone to redness due to allergies, acne or general dryness. As a night cream, it’s slightly richer and takes a little while to absorb in, but also cools and calms skin thanks to the vitamin E, B3 and Pro-vitamin B5. It’s cool and gentle which can sooth any skin type regardless of whether you are prone to redness or not. Finally, the Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Acton Blemish Serum is another friend to sensitive skin especially skin which suffers from breakouts. The serum reduces post-acne scaring and sooths skin, helping it heal whilst also preventing breakouts with the added Prebiotics, PHA, BHA and succinic Acid.
In combination or as individual products, Cetaphil has you covered for all of your sensitive skin problems. Find out more here:
Disclaimer: We received these boots free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
I am a keen walker so a decent pair of walking boots is an absolute must for me, my boots have covered many miles and are starting to look a little tired, so I was really pleased to be given the opportunity to try a pair of Helly HansenMontragon HELLY TECH® Waterproof Hiking Boots which are the perfect choice for my autumn adventures.
I have a few Helly Hansen items, and I have always found them to be very comfortable and hardwearing so couldn’t wait to try the new boots which have been specifically designed for backpacking and longer hikes. Autumn isn’t my season of choice for backpacking, but with plenty of hikes planned over a mix of terrains I am looking forward to putting the boots to the test.
So a little bit about the boots – they are part of the Verglas collection which uses technical materials that are thoughtfully combined with versatile and durable design solutions to create quality outdoor pieces that can be enjoyed for years of adventures. Featuring a combination of HH® Arch-Brace TPU plates – one located between the outsole and midsole and the other positioned just underneath the arch of the foot – the Montragon HT is lightweight yet still offers lots of protection to your foot. The hybrid of TPU plates creates just the right amount of stiffness, enabling you to carry heavier packs and step over ledges or rocks without impacting the performance of the boot. The boot’s taller construction provides added ankle protection and stability, while the specifically engineered eyestay offers additional support. I’m very conscious of our impact on the environment so I was pleased to discover that more than 70% off the upper is made from recycled materials.
To keep your feet dry they have HH Quick Dry and HH Seam-Shield technologies which will keep your feet comfortable no matter what the weather and ground conditions are.
When you get a new pair of boots it is important to wear them in a little first, otherwise if you go on a long walk straight away you will invariable end up with blisters and sore feet. The best way to wear them in is to wear them in the house for a couple of days and do a few short walks in them before attempting a proper hike, doing this means I know they are comfortable, and won’t end up with blisters and sore feet on my first hike in them.
So the all important question is what are the boots like to wear? As soon as I put them on they felt very comfortable, the padded collar around the ankle offers plenty of ankle support and the HH Max-Comfort Insole is firm, even after walking all day my feet felt nice and comfortable on the last few miles. The boots have really good grip on the sole and my feet felt secure when scrambling down wet hillsides and I didn’t slip once, even when it was very wet. One of our favourite walks follows a stone path which turns into a mini stream when the weather is bad and as we’ve had more wet walks that dry ones I’ve really been able to see just how well the HellyTech® WATERPROOF performs in bad weather – I’m pleased to say that despite the dreadful weather my feet have stayed bone dry – probably the only bit of me that has!
I am really impressed with the boots, they are comfortable, supportive and look good too. Whether you are a keen walker or someone who just needs a sturdy pair of boots to walk the dog these boots are perfect for both rugged terrain and country walks.
If you want to treat your feet this Christmas then I can highly recommend these boots they are so comfortable to wear and your feet will certainly thank you for wearing them!
RRP £200 available in sizes 3.5 to 8 – available here
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I especially love the build up with all the traditional festivities like going to the pantomime, decorating the tree and counting down the days with an Advent calendar. In the last few years ‘grown up’ calendars have really taken off, offering a wide selection of daily treats to enjoy in the run up to Christmas. Beauty Advent calendars are especially popular and you often find that the combined value of the products inside is usually far greater than the price of the calendar making them excellent value for money.
The Luxury 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar from Baylis & Harding is one of the more reasonably priced calendars, the stylish purple calendar is tied with a co-ordinating ribbon and looks more expensive than the £45 price tag. Behind the 24 numbered doors are a fantastic selection of bath and body products in two of Baylis & Harding’s popular fragrances – Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit and Jojoba, Vanilla and Almond Oil. The box is sturdy and sits nicely on a mantlepiece or dressing table and I was really pleased to discover that the inside of the calendar is made from cardboard rather than plastic so it wins points for being eco-friendly too.
So on to the contents of the calendar – there are 30ml bottles of Bath Milk, Bath Bubbles, Crème Bath Bubbles, Shower Gel, Hand Cream, Body Wash, Foot Lotion, Body Lotion, Body Butter, Shower Crème as well a 25g bar of soap and 25g boxes of Foot Soak Crystals and Bath Soak Crystals. I am really pleased with the selection of products in the calendar as they are all products that I use regularly and I will enjoy having plenty of pampering nights in the lead up to Christmas. With 24 products they will last me well into the new year and the travel sized bottles will be great to pop in my washbag when we are staying with family over the Christmas period.
Overall I think this is a great Advent calendar, it’s full of products that I will use and will brighten up the dull and dark December days and if you’re quick it’s currently on offer at Ocado for £30.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
We are all aware of the effects of hyaluronic Acid on our skin to give us glowing, tightened and hydrated appearance so the Dermatologically recommended brand Cetaphil is a lovely choice as a Christmas gift this year.
We were sent both the Daily Hydrating Moisturiser and Hydrating Night Cream this week. Both fight the 5 signs of skin sensitivity, don’t clog pores and are either fragrance free or have no added fragrances.
The Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Moisturiser for sensitive skin boasts long lasting hydration that fights dryness, irritation, roughness and a weakened skin barrier. It works for 24 hours, but can be added throughout the day. The handy 88ml size is great for handbags and as it’s under 100ml, it can be taken on a flight as hand luggage to keep skin hydrated and keep away the effects of jetlag and flight dehydration. The cream itself is cool and fresh, absorbs easily and isn’t heavy at all.
Cetaphil Hydrating Night Cream is a heavier cream, designed to be absorbed into the skin during the night when the body repairs skin the most. This 50ml tub protects skin from dryness for over 24 hours, so working in combination with the Daily Hydrating Moisturiser, it will enhance the effects of each other. This cream is for normal to very dry skin, hence the richness. It’s still luxurious though, and you can feel the moisturiser seeping into your skin, and your fingers, as you apply it.
The combination of both the Daily Hydrating Moisturiser and Hydrating Night Cream give a lovely combination of daywear and nightwear creams that work together to give 24 hours of skincare. They’re so gentle on the skin as well that it’s hard not to keep them handy to just top up throughout the day to give you that silky feeling. As we go into winter, this is a lovely gift for Christmas to anyone who appreciates the change in seasons but not the changes to their skin.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Treat yourself or your teen to one of the Paulmann Malena lights from their interior lighting range this Christmas. Their selection of luminaires add a style to your room which is not like anything you can buy from a certain Swedish home store, giving a unique flair that’s timeless too.
We were sent the Malena USB wall mounted light from Paulmann to review. Available in black and this matt white, it goes with any décor. Measuring 35 centimetres high and 22 centimetres wide, the light comes with fittings to attach it to the wall, but even without attachment, the light can sit on a side table quite easily thanks to the tray shelf underneath. There’s a USB C port too, which allows you to cleverly charge your phone on the tray shelf, but you can easily charge anything else there or use the shelf for medicines, water etc.
The unit plugs into the wall with a 1.2 metre cable rather than being wired in, and it should be noted that the plug is a European style so you will need a converter plug as well – never, ever plug this type of electrical plug into a UK socket. The light doesn’t come with a bulb either, but you can buy these on the Paulmann website when you purchase the light. The Malena isn’t dimmable either, it’s an on/off switch to put the light on.
The brackets are included for installation but the instructions are not that easy to follow. This is an item for a European market so there are no language instructions at all, they’re all in illustrations. You will need to have a screwdriver and simple tools available if you are going to fix it to the wall. Without fixing it, it does sit against a wall but it’s not secure and the back of light unit looks unsightly if you turn it.
We were sent a GU10 Warm White 3.5 watt light bulb from Paulmann that fixes into the Malena light easily with a twist. Once plugged in, all you have to do is press the switch on the body of the light, and swivel the head to position it where you want. It’s ideal for reading or as a direct light in the middle of the night, right next to the bed.
The Malena is a great space saving device, with ample uses and the USB C is an added extra to its usefulness. This is a great gift to a family member who loves reading in bed, or who needs a permanent reading chair light that’s easy to access and perhaps wants to charge a phone at the same time. I personally think it’s great for a guest bedroom where you want to save space but make sure guests feel comfortable and not have to keep looking for somewhere to charge their phone or a light that won’t disturb anyone in the house. In fact, the Malena light is a great practical gift for anyone.
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Christmas has come early at The Review Studio as we’ve been trying a selection of fabulous APHRODITE gift sets that will make fantastic presents or Secret Santa gifts for loved ones this Christmas.
APHRODITE are a Greek skincare company who were founded back in the 90’s by George Zacharioudakis. George’s Greek heritage meant he was already aware of the benefits of olive oil for skincare and used this knowledge to cultivate an exceptional grade of organic extra virgin olive oil on his home island of Crete which he then used to create APHRODITE products.
When I looked at the APHRODITE website I discovered they have a fantastic selection of gift sets, so I guarantee you won’t have any problems finding the perfect gift for everyone this Christmas – these are a few of my favourites.
Happy Feet Gift Set €13.20 Containing a Sage & Lavender deodorant foot cream, Olive oil soap with lavender and a pumice stone this set contains everything you need to pamper your feet. After washing my feet with the soap and then leaving them to soak for 5 minutes I used the pumice stone to remove dry skin. The foot cream smells divine and it was a lovely relaxing self-care ritual rubbing it into my feet each night.
Donkey Milk Collection Hand & Foot Pamper Set €9.90 – Containing 30ml tubes of hand cream and foot cream this set is perfect as a stocking filler or Secret Santa gift. The hand and foot cream are lovely and hydrating and will keep hands and feet soft over the cold winter months. The handy sized tubes are perfect for travelling too.
Anti-age Face Care Treats €16.50 This set contains Day Cream, Night Cream and Face Scrub and is the perfect introduction to APHRODITE skincare. Specially formulated for mature skin types they offer round-the-clock hydration while fighting early signs of ageing such as fine lines and sagging skin. The creams absorb easily without needing to rub and the face scrub gently exfoliates leaving skin clean and refreshed.
Olive Oil & Donkey Milk Soaps €4.95 I am trying to be more sustainable and have switched liquid soap for a bar of soap so was pleased to see APHRODITE have some lovely soap gift sets. The Olive Oil & Donkey Milk soaps lather nicely creating a creamy foam that washes dirt and grime away leaving hands beautifully soft and gently fragranced.
So, if you have a friend or family member who loves beauty products, have a Secret Santa gift to buy or need a few thank you gifts for teachers then have a look at the APHRODITE website – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Last week my inbox was bombarded with Christmas gifts and whilst we’re only in September it does make sense to start shopping early as it means you can get gifts before they sell out it and it also helps spread the cost too.
I’m on a hunt for stocking fillers at the minute and when the Palmers Cocoa Butter moisturisers arrived I knew they would fit nicely in the stockings this year. Palmers are a natural cocoa butter and coconut oil skincare and haircare brand whose products are not only reasonably priced but are brilliant at caring for dry skin. I’ve used Palmers products for years as I have dry, eczema prone skin and the moisturisers really help care for my skin, leaving it lovely and soft and hydrated.
The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Daily Skin Therapy Body Lotion (RRP: £5.99 – 400ml) smells amazing and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. The pump action bottle makes it easy to dispense the lotion and it is easy to apply, absorbing effortlessly. It has really helped soothe the dry skin on my arms and legs after only a couple of applications.
When my skin is particularly bad I find a thicker product is best to help soothe the redness so the Palmer’s Original Solid Formula Jar (RRP: £7.49 – 200g) is perfect when my skin flares up. This is more of an intensive moisturiser and the balm is thicker and greasier than the lotion, but my dry skin just soaks it up and it does a brilliant job at keeping my skin soft and smooth and calming the redness. I let it warm in my hands first to make it easier to apply and find it is Incredibly soothing on my skin.
With a uniquely rich and creamy blend of Cocoa Butter, made from ethically and sustainably sourced cocoa beans, and Vitamin E these moisturisers are just what you need in the winter months to keep your skin hydrated and soft. As well as buying some for stocking fillers I will be treating myself too!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
The go-to present for my family to buy me each Christmas is the novelty slipper. I wear slippers throughout the autumn and winter and probably a long way into summer too so they get good wear but they don’t normally last that long.
Anna Elshafei, the founder of Shaffay is a similar slipper lover. A former London lawyer, Anna changed careers mid-life when she wanted to create an elegant luxury slipper that women could wear all year round, were comfortable and stylish too. Now based in Canterbury, Anna has worked with her designers to create a range of Signature slippers in different colours to appeal to all slipper wearers with names such as Cairo, Paris, Shanghai and London. Although Anna was brought up in London (hence the name) she also lived in Shanghai with her husband. So the names of the slippers are born out of Anna’s love of cities and it was a pair of London Shaffay luxury slippers that were sent to us to try.
If you’re buying Shaffay as a luxurious gift for someone this Christmas, then you won’t be disappointed. The box opens to each shoe being individually wrapped, and there’s a shoe bag to keep them clean – or perhaps it’s to prevent losing one? The slippers come in UK sizes 4-9 and each of the 4 designs has a different colour upper as well as insole. These house shoes have grey upper leather with comfy furry insides and are more or less backless so you don’t need to horn your foot into them. Easily slipped on, they’re hands free but provide support to the whole foot. In order for them not to fall off, Anna and designer Jess realised that the front of the slipper had to come up high on the foot. There’s a small wedge in the heel too, which gives a bit more overall support and I found it made it easier to transition from soft carpeted floor to a tiled floor without changing my posture to correct the friction difference.
As for the design, this has been carefully thought about. Luxury slippers don’t create themselves so there’s a lot of research been taken in order to get the Shaffay slippers just right. Firstly, you’ll notice the memory foam inner sole. This is to create a comfier walk but it also provides a little more insulation. On top of the inner sole is a contrasting insole, also in lamb leather. The sole is made of rubber to give a genuine grip and is non-slip. You’ll notice the difference when you walk on a tiled or stone floor because the grip is much stronger than other slippers.
Comfort wise, they’re very snug, warm with the pile lining and the toe is squared off to give it a contemporary look but also hugs your toes more. I love that they’re leather (this is not a gift for a vegetarian or vegan!) but then most outdoor shoes, especially hard-wearing shoes are leather and the alternative material, plastic, is far more harmful to the environment and doesn’t last as long. I know it’s not fashionable but I’m a fan of leather shoes and slippers. I have only just started wearing these so I have no idea how long they are going to last, I hope it’s longer than the 6-8 months most of my slippers last but the indications are that they will thanks to the materials used, the design and how well they’re made.
We need to talk about the price too. £95 is a lot of money for a pair of slippers. My slippers usually cost around £10-£15 for the novelty range and as I said, last about one cold season. So at £95 a pair, that means these slippers would have to last around 6-10 years for them to be cost effective. It’s not unusual for a pair of leather shoes, worn outdoors all the time and in all weather would last 5+ years. I know I have well made leather shoes and boots that are over 10 years old and need little maintenance and that’s with commuting in all terrains. Shaffay the company has not been in operation that long for us to be able to ask them, but I will say that there is no reason why someone who loves slippers wouldn’t make these last.
But then there’s people who have bad circulation who would benefit from having much warmer shoes. Those who are older or disabled and can’t put on slippers easily so the design of the Shaffay London slipper makes it easier to put on without bending down. The memory foam sole is also more comfortable for them and the design won’t fall off your feet, thereby not causing a trip hazard. The rubber soles are a better grip than most slippers too, reducing the risk of slipping on a hard floor, or worse, falling up the stairs when climbing. So although they are expensive, for some people, these could be the slippers that make life much easier, and safer for a very long time.
Aside from the practicalities, they’re most certainly a luxury to anyone who is hard to buy for and one that will be appreciated!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Anyone who knows me knows that my nails are always painted – fingers and toes! Since my teens I have always had colour on my nails and it’s very rare that I’m seen without it. I think this is why my nails are usually very strong and hardly ever break. However, if you’ve been in and out of the pool in the summer, or doing housework, gardening or anything else that puts a strain on your nails or gets them wet, it’s a different story.
Thanks to each of the above, I have had particularly weak nails for several weeks. Being in the pool doesn’t help, but I’ve also been on long term medication which has slowed the growth of my nails therefore making them difficult to condition and grow stronger. I had no idea how to go about getting advice on them or how to improve how they look.
Protein Formula For Nails works on the protein aspect of nails called Keratin. Keratin gives nails their strength and resilience and the proteins help cell turnover to provide room for newer, healthier cells. Protein Formula For Nails offer a Nail Analysis online which tells you which formula is best for you. I came out with formulae 2 and 4; (2) I Grow for thin, peeling nails and (4) I Strengthen for weak, damaged nails.
Each 15ml formulae are clear nail varnishes which are worn on clean, bare nails. You paint on the solution and reapply every other day to allow the proteins to work and build up strength over time. Every 7 days, remove all traces of the formula with non-acetone remover and repeat. Your nails should start to improve fairly quickly and just one coating leaves them with an even, nourished texture. Once you’ve worked on one formula, move onto Protein Formula 1, which maintains nourishment of nails.
It’s really easy to apply the treatments, it’s just like putting on nail varnish and the bottles are handy enough that you can take them with you on holiday and apply before you go in the pool and protect them from the chlorine or sea water. I started with the I Grow Formula 2, which built up over the week so that my nails were rock hard. The solution is clear so you can’t really see it and it doesn’t look like a varnish but it did protect my nails, nourishing the nail bed underneath. You can continue to use any of the Protein Formula For Nails until your nail condition improves enough that you can paint them again but I found a week was enough to see a difference. I will continue to keep using the formulae to see how strong I can get them especially as we go into winter and I want my nails in the best condition possible for Christmas!
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Emily is rich. Well her husband Mark is, working for an investment bank and Emily is very happy spending his money. That is, until something happens and Mark has to admit that their lifestyle has to change and Emily isn’t going to like it.
The story picks up their move to The Algarve, with frequent visits from their son Alex and several unintended adventures along the way. We see how both Mark and Emily have to adjust as well as how their social lives, bank balances, family dynamics and even Mark’s tennis game changes over time, and all because of a tiny tax problem Mark didn’t foresee.
With little hints about how the economy in the UK has been affected in the last 2 years (remember all the Prime Minister changes last year?) this light hearted holiday read really takes you out of rainy Britain and into the heart of The Algarve and the ex-pat community. Although it might be described as ‘chick lit’, the characters are well defined, the storyline flows and there’s a lovely style about it which makes each of the characters likeable; even Mark!
Throughout the novel there are some merry moments and thankfully, for a holiday read, there are no maudlin or heavy plots which get you down. Towards the end there are some great plot twists which are hinted at very subtly earlier in the book, but not obvious until the end. I found myself liking all of the characters, based on Emily and her family and friends, and the story was fun to watch unfold. If you live in London, especially in any of the Chelsea squares or work in City finance, you’ll recognise some of the characters and especially some of the tax legalities! You may well have friends or acquaintances who are in the same position as Emily and Mark and can empathise with. How will it end though? And I bet you didn’t think it would end in that way, did you?
Emily’s Algarve Escape is just that – the escape from Britain’s dreary summer this year and an adventure to sunnier climes with Emily and Mark making the mistakes for you along the way.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
We often ask for gifts at Christmas which we wouldn’t normally buy for ourselves, but an even better gifts is one which we hadn’t even thought of!
Silk pillow cases are one such present. I’d never really thought about buying them for myself, thinking that they were not what they cracked up to be or a bit cliché. Given the chance to review them though, I was pleasantly surprised. I was sent two pillow cases, one in Ivory and one in Powder Pink. Each pillow case measures 52cms by 76cms (housewife size) and is made with 100% pure mulberry silk.
Opening the delivery, I found each individual pillow case was housed in a beautiful presentation box with ‘Cocoonzzz The Secret In Silk’ elegantly detailed on the box. If you’re buying Cocoonzzz pillow cases as a gift, this is the perfect way to present them as it’s not obvious that they’re silk pillow cases at first, but they do look classy and the word ‘silk’ is very intriguing! The pillow cases inside are wrapped in paper and sealed, so when you open them, the soft fabric falls out into your lap and you immediately feel the quality.
As for putting them on the bed and sleeping with them… they’re really easy to put onto the pillows as you can imagine because the pillows just glide in so easily! When you sleep on them at night, they’re lovely and cool and stay reasonably cool all night. Just like the claims on the website, they prevent creases forming in your face and your hair doesn’t go static or lose it’s shine because the silk keeps the moisture in your skin and hair, not soaking it away like cotton fabric does. It takes 20 minutes to get used to the frictionless surface though and stopping your head falling off the pillow! I would suggest only having your top pillow as the Cocoonzzz Silk Pillow Case whilst you get used to the texture then increasing your accessories.
The pillow cases are washable by hand only, as you would imagine with silk, and only ironed on a low heat. Each case is 100% real mulberry silk and reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions.
I’d never tried real silk pillows before but these are revolutionary! They do indeed prevent the moisture from leaving your skin, and they make bedtime even more luxurious and look fantastic on the bed!
Available in various colours for £108 each (but on sale at £54 at the moment) from Belledorm at:
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
If you’re looking for a way to moisturise and at the same time a way of conditioning skin so that you don’t get blemishes, then Oxygenetix have a product which might be of help.
The Oxygenetix Blemish Control Moisturiser works as a foundation to create a smooth canvas of your skin whilst using Salicylic Acid to clear the skin. As a product it has skin care benefits as well as making you look great and reducing the need for multiple products.
Most make-up products block the skin from ‘breathing’ but not allowing oxygen to the skin surface, upset the pH of the skin and can cause pores to be blocked when either too much make-up is used or is used frequently. Oxygenetix products all contain Ceravitae™ which promotes collagen production. The aloe vera base also helps to calm, soothe and cool the skin and is the friend of those with sensitive skin. Oxygenetix Blemish Control Moisturiser also has an SPF of 25 UVA/UVB to protect against the sun and prevent skin damage.
How well does it work? The Oxygenetix Blemish Control Moisturiser is cool to the touch and glides on your skin beautifully. It’s very rich so takes a little while to absorb into your skin but once it does, it leave a lovely base for either a moisturiser to go on top, or for your make-up to be applied. I found that the moisturising effect lasted all day, and my make-up didn’t slide off after a few hours. It left my skin very dewy and soft, which is a relief when I don’t get time to reapply my skincare throughout the day.
Oxygenetix Blemish Control Foundation is available from £90 at:
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
If you’re like me and relish the thought of a new notebook to start journaling, making to do lists or sorting out your life, then Papersmiths is a brand you’ll love. If you’re returning to school or university, the colour options of both notepad and combination pen work as a lovely gift too.
Papersmiths’ A5 Notebooks are soft covered and come in 9 different colours. Unlike other notebooks, each one has numbered pages, going up to 236 pages in all and the page numbers are coloured as you progress through the book. We were sent a ruled-page version but you can also have plain pages or 5mm dot grid, depending on what you want to use it for. The notepad is bound with a thick 15mm spine and has a double contents page at the front for ease of making notes.
The cover is British made, in the Lake District and the inner pages are made especially for fountain pen ink, although you can use any pen or pencil and it’s bound together in Buckinghamshire, England by a 4thgeneration binder.
The accompanying ball point pen you can see in the photos is also part of the Papersmith range. The Primo Pen, which is new to the available stock, is aluminium made for hardiness as well as being light to hold and has brass accents. I especially liked that this ballpoint writes really finely, much finer than mass produced ballpoint pens and doesn’t leave heavy ink blobs on the page when you put the nib down to write. There’s a nice flow to your writing when the ink is constant and easy. It may be pricy for a pen, but you can buy refills from the Papersmith website so that your pen can keep going for a lifetime! If however you prefer a different thickness of line, you can swap out the refills from ballpoint to gel and change the style of ink to suit your needs. They’re available in 6 colours to match or compliment your notebook.
Papersmiths also have a range of stationery accessories available, such as pen clips, notebook bands, diaries and desk planners as well as the refills mentioned above. You can also ask for the notebooks to be personalised before it’s sent out, and gift wrapped too!
I shall be using my new Calypso notebook for journaling ideas and using the page numbers to create a content at the front for future reference. Colour coding my notebooks in the future won’t be difficult with the ample amount of colours available on the Papersmith website, and for anyone using the notebooks for school or university, you will find it easy to use these beautiful notebooks.
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
It’s holiday time again and we’re off in the motorhome. We love our road trips but living in such a compact space does have its challenges, the most difficult perhaps – clutter! It is so easy to take too much stuff and with limited space you end up constantly moving it from the table to the bed and back again!
We both love reading and before any trip stock up on a few magazines. I like tech and model making but might pick something different just for a change. My wife likes food and gardening magazines, but it does mean that wherever you try to sit there is a magazine in the way!
This time I’m going to avoid this problem entirely by not taking any magazines with me, but I won’t miss out because I have a Readly subscription that allows me to pick from a massive number of different magazines and read them on my tablet or phone.
There is a huge choice, my usual favourites are there but there are also titles that I might not normally choose and they’re all available for one monthly price.
Sometimes we struggle for internet (we do choose so out of the way places to camp) but that’s not a problem either, we can download magazines to the tablet and read them later. Once we’re done, delete the files and start again.
I wasn’t too sure how I’d take to reading on a screen, but I found it to be brilliant, the pages are rendered in a very high quality and if I needed larger text the page zooms easily. I was just as impressed with the app on my phone! Whilst the screen is not a big as my tablet, many magazines use an “Article View” that re-formats each article for better reading on a mobile device. All the content remains the same, but it is presented in a more natural scrolling experience.
With over 7000 titles available it could be easy to get lost, but each publication is categorised and once you find a magazine you like you can add it to your favourites. Not only are the current editions available but many magazines have back issues too, one of the magazines I occasionally dip into is The Magpi, looking at that the back issues are available back to August 2018 which will keep me going for a while!
At £9.99 per month, a Readly subscription isn’t much more than some magazines and allows you to read as many as you like without worrying if you’re going to enjoy them or not, just move on and download another!
There is currently an offer on the website where you can try it for a month free of charge – perfect for summer holiday reading!
Disclaimer: We received these products free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Dreaming of sunshine? July was incredibly wet and I’ve not seen much sunshine yet, so to get us in the holiday mood we’ve been using a selection of products from the Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Collection. I don’t know about you, but coconut scented products always remind me of summer holidays and as I’m not going anywhere exotic this summer these are the next best thing.
I’m sure you’ve heard of Palmers before but if not, they are a natural cocoa butter and coconut oil skincare and haircare brand who focus on delivering luxurious and naturally inspired products that are highly effective, affordable and featuring unique scents and textures, enabling all people with different skin and hair types to ehance their natural beauty.
The Coconut Oil Formula Moisture Boost Protein Pack (£2.99) is just what I needed to give my curls a much needed hydration boost I applied it after conditioner and left for 2-3 minutes before rinsing and as well as smelling amazing it worked wonders with my dry frizzy curls, leaving them shiny and bouncy and in tip top condition.
My skin tends to be quite dry so I was really pleased to be able to try the Coconut Oil Coconut Hydrate Daily Body Lotion (£6.49). The rich moisturiser contains green coffee bean extract which is known to be rich in antioxidants that help to improve the skins radiance, giving you that healthy looking summer gleam for up to 48 hours. The body lotion simply melted into my skin leaving it gently perfumed and feeling moisturised all day long.
One of my handbag essential is hand cream so the Coconut Oil Coconut Hydrate Hand Cream (£2.79) quickly found a place in my bag. This rich cream melted into my skin effortlessly leaving my hands hydrated instantly. With a beautiful scent this is a fantastic product and very reasonably priced – I am going to be stocking up on this!
In summer I wear sandals so need my feet to be in tip top condition, the Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Foot Scrub (£4.49) is just the thing for pampering your feet. With natural coconut sugar to exfoliate and buff away rough, callused skin the scrub has plenty of grains yet doesn’t feel scratchy, in fact I found it quite soothing to use. The coconut and peppermint fragrance is nice and invigorating and after the first use my feet felt instantly smoother.
These are a great selection of products and if you’re watching the pennies at the minute are very purse friendly too.
Disclaimer – We received this item free for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Hardcore fans of Yankee Candle know that the new range of Daydreaming of Autumn candles are out now, perfect for planning your autumn indoors. Who can tell what the weather will do from now on?
The collection includes 4 new candles; Autumn Daydream, Pumpkin Maple Crème Caramel, Mulled Sangria, and Evening Riverwalk. We were sent Autumn Daydream to review for you our readers and to give you a taste of what the rest of the collection has in store.
All of the scented candles have a rich, woody fragrance to compliment the season as the nights become longer and the weather (probably) turns cooler. Part of the Signature Large Jar collection, this candle has a subtle, clove scent, warm with the colours of autumn and with the rich hue of clove to go with it. There’s also lavender, balsam and eucalyptus added into the blend to give a more rounded feel to the burning candle. I can also smell rhubarb in the mix too, which is evocative of autumn for me as we always grew it at home when I was growing up. The forest feeling lingers with the eucalyptus and lavender which are also calming and reminiscent of the summer being over and winter soon approaching.
The candle weighs 567 grams and is available in large (as seen in this photo), medium and 5-wick tumbler. It has a burn time of 60-90 hours so will last a long time on those long evenings before Christmas, and the two wicks means it burns evenly. The jar and lid make it easy to store when not using and I particularly like being able to extinguish the candle by just placing the lid on top to stop the oxygen getting in.
The scent stays consistently the same throughout the whole burn time thanks to the high quality ingredients and the soy wax blend that prevents the colour and scents from separating out when burning.
Whether for yourself or as a gift this autumn, there are ample choices at Yankee Candle for that atmospheric, relaxing home candle.
The Review Studio 