Gifts for Her – The Review Studio

Flexilight Classic Book Light

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stationery, Stocking Fillers, Tech

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

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

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

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

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

Penmark Ruler Bookmark

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stationery, Stocking Fillers

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

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

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

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

Plusheez Phone Holder

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Toys

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

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

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

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

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

Tile Wireless Phone Charger

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Tech

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

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

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

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

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

Napiers

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Family Life, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, secret santa, Summer

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

Summer is made for getting outside, whether that means hiking over hills, cycling along country lanes or spending weekends under canvas. After a few hours of walking, hauling kit around and generally expecting my legs to perform as though I’m still 21, though, a bit of recovery is definitely required. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been putting a selection of products from Scottish herbalists Napiers through their paces.

Napiers has been around since Duncan Napier founded the brand back in 1860. Scotland’s oldest herbal apothecary combines traditional herbal remedies with natural skincare and wellbeing products, all with that unmistakable old-school apothecary feel. There’s plenty to choose from, whether you’re looking for something to soothe tired muscles, deal with summer bites or simply give your bathroom shelf a bit of herbal sophistication.

The company still operates from Bristo Place in Edinburgh, where it all began, and Duncan’s great-granddaughter, Lynda Napier, continues the family legacy with her husband Eric. Hstorian, Eric has even written a biography of Duncan Napier’s life and work, so this is very much a family business with some serious history behind it.

The heritage doesn’t stop with the ingredients. Napiers’ packaging is very traditional, with dark glass bottles and classic apothecary-style labels that give the products a rather lovely old-world feel.

The Napiers Magnesium Body Gel (RRP £19.99) is just what you need after a long day cycling or walking. The gel contains high-strength magnesium (500mg per 5ml), aloe vera, lavender and vitamin E and the lightweight, non-greasy gel is designed to be massaged into tired muscles. I found spending a few minutes massaging it into my tired legs in the evening made a real difference to my tired legs. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave my legs feeling sticky, while the gentle herbal fragrance is very relaxing.

There are plenty of things I love about camping, but midges definitely aren’t one of them! Fortunately, Napiers also sent me their Bugbuster Outdoor Body Spray (RRP £9.99) and I made sure that was in my bag on our recent camping trip to Brecon Beacons.

The water-based herbal spray combines citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and Highland bog myrtle and the fresh botanical scent is a lot nicer than the harsh chemical aroma of many traditional insect repellents. It’s quick and easy to apply, a few sprays before heading out for an evening around the campsite or setting off on an evening walk was enough to keep the evening bugs at bay. The bottle is small enough to slip into a pocket or rucksack, so it’s always close at hand when the insects start making an appearance.

Of course, even the best outdoor preparation doesn’t guarantee an entirely bite-free adventure and when I received a bite from a horsefly, the Napiers Bite Ease Post Bite Comfort Serum (RRP £12.99) proved its worth. Made with calendula flower extract alongside tea tree, lavender and peppermint essential oils, it is designed to soothe skin after an insect bite. The 50ml bottle fits nicely in my rucksack pocket and is a very useful addition to our walking and camping kit. It will definitely be coming on our annual Scout camp, which, being beside a river, always attracts plenty of hungry bugs!!

Our summers involve plenty of walking, so the Napiers Foot Recovery Skin Cream (RRP £19.99) has had plenty of opportunity to prove itself this year. My feet always need plenty of attention after spending a day in walking boots, and this rich cream was a real treat for them. Coconut and jojoba oils are combined with cooling chickweed, comfrey and calendula, alongside lavender, peppermint and rose geranium and the foot cream smells lovely and fresh and herbal, while the rich texture feels particularly comforting after covering many miles. I’ve been applying a generous layer in the evening before popping a pair of cotton socks on and then leaving it to soak in overnight. When I wake up my feet are lovely and soft ready for another day of walking over the hills and dales.

These four products are all you need to care for your skin when you’re spending lots of time outdoors, The Magnesium Body Gel takes care of tired muscles, Bugbuster helps tackle the flying brigade, Bite Ease deals with the aftermath and Foot Recovery gives hardworking feet some much-needed TLC. What I particularly like is that they don’t feel like products designed to be hidden away in a bathroom cabinet. They’re practical enough for a rucksack, but with the botanical ingredients, beautiful fragrances and traditional apothecary feel, they bring a touch of beauty-editor luxury to outdoor life. Because spending time in nature is one thing, but there’s no reason you can’t come back from the hills smelling fabulous and feeling considerably less battered.

Osprey Daylite Hanging Toiletry Kit

camping, Father's Day, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, National Walking Month, Stocking Fillers, travel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why we like it

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

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

JLab JBuds Mini Wireless Ear Buds

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Family Life, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Tech

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

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

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

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

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

JLab Pop Party Ultra-Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Birthday Gifts, Children, Christmas, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, Summer, Tech

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

Here’s a great gift for the teenagers or when you’re travelling – a portable Bluetooth speaker that lights up and connect to other JLab speakers to create a wall of sound!

Imagine being out on a picnic, or camping, and having a team of these JLab Pop Party Bluetooth speakers all playing the same music at the same time from the same device. Each of the speakers lights up so that not only can you find them easily amongst all your stuff, but as night falls, you can see each other in the glow or red, green and blue lights. They each have 8 hours of power in them; enough for a whole day outside or a night time party. The JLab Pop Party Ultra-Portable Bluetooth speakers are only £24.99, and make excellent birthday gifts, stocking fillers or gifts for children and teenagers.

With 5 watts power and a 2 year warranty, the speaker is only 7.55 inches tall and has a 2 inch driver and 2 inch woofer. It has various mounting options and a detachable magnetic loop, which you can hold in one hand or mount on a bicycle handle or in the backseat of a car. It has IP55 waterproofing so you can take it outside (it’s rain protective, not water protective so you can’t submerge it!) It’s lightweight so you can carry it in hand luggage or just over your wrist.

Charging is with a C to C cable in the USB-C port and takes around 3 hours to fully charge. Syncing is with Bluetooth 5.3. There’s approximately 30 foot range of connectivity. You get the most out of t he RGB lights if you use the JLab App to control the frequency, pattern and create the light show from it.

This is the first time I’ve seen these ‘Pop Party’ speakers and ever got to use them. They’re really useful for just taking out for the day and for children to play with in the garden or for teenagers to take out with them. The sound quality is excellent and connection to my phone was super easy one I turned on the speaker and it was ‘findable’. The JLab Pop Part Ultra-Portable Bluetooth speaker is ultra-easy to get along with and use, making it a perfect gift for anyone!

JLab Pop Party UltraPortable Bluetooth Speaker for £24.99 at: https://www.jlab.com/en-gb/products/pop-party-ultra-portable-bluetooth-speaker-black?srsltid=AfmBOoqK6kuF00xfCjWpXLHOKF0Unr3Tr9WJdnI1K9qK1ksBeALP11zW

Eyeam Daily SPF NoTox Daily Face Cream

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Stocking Fillers, Summer, Women

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TrueStart Ground Coffee Cafetière & Coffee Gift Set

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, coffee, Family Life, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Home, secret santa

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

There are some sacred things in this life, and the first cup of coffee in the morning is probably high up on most people’s wish list! What better gift to buy a caffeine lover than a whole set of coffee and a cafetière too, all in this pretty presentation box, ready to wrap and hand over.

TrueStart have a range of coffees available by both strength (strong, smooth, decaf, half cafe) and type (instant, coffee bags, ground, beans etc). They also have a starter packs, gifts packs and accessories, so a natural progression at Christmas time is to have a Coffee Starter Pack. You can create your own starter pack too, which is what we were sent when we received this cafetière (in grey but blue is available too) and two coffees. I chose the TrueStart Super Blend coffee with a strength of 8, and the TrueStart Energising Colombian ground coffee with a strength of 7. I can’t stress how cute it is to have the box arrive with the handle of the cafetière as the handle to the gift box, making it easier to carry!

The glass cafetière has 1 litre capacity, which is enough for 8 cups of coffee and has a stainless steel finish. It needs to be hand washed because the glass is delicate, so not suitable for the dishwasher nor the oven. It’s a lovely, classic design which comes in both grey and dark blue so suits many kitchens. I have a pet peeve with cafetières that they’re either too small and you can’t get enough cups out of them, or they’re too big and therefore just functional and don’t look pretty enough for modern kitchens. This one looks lovely though, and would sit nicely on any worktop.

We tried both coffees (multiple times!) in our house. We chose stronger coffees with more aromatic tastes so the Super Blend and Energising Colombian were perfect for us. They both had a strong, bold taste which lasted throughout the whole cup of coffee, and because you can make up to 8 cups in one cafetière, we were able to drink a second cup quite quickly afterwards and each cup kept it’s integrity. Delicious!

If your’e not used to a cafetière, this is a great starter pack, and they’re really easy to use and keep clean. In fact, I would say it’s the most fun way of making coffee, and you can alter the strength of the coffee easily depending on how much you add to the jug. I loved the coffee, which is carefully selected and curated by the TrueStart coffee company since 2015 who take coffee very seriously. It’s a great size for a gift as well, or for students going off to university and needing the whole kit that’s the right size for their room. The ability to choose which coffee you want also makes it perfect for gifting and I will be looking at these as gifts at Christmas too!

Available from £30.00 at:

https://www.truestartcoffee.com/products/ground-coffee-starter-pack

Aldi Lacura Make Up

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

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

Aldi’s Summer Beauty Collection arrived in the middle aisle this week and is packed with glow-boosting skincare, sun-kissed essentials and trend-led treats. Aldi’s popular purse-friendly line proves you don’t need a supermodel’s budget to look the part this summer.

We had a sneak peak of some of the products and it’s fair to say the Review Studio team were really impressed with the new collection which includes the iconic La cura Cashmere Glow Luminous Foundation (£5.99, 30ml) and Concealer (£3.99, 10ml) which offer price savings of over 80% compared to luxury brand Giorgio Armani. There’s also a fantastic selection of blushers, highlighters and serums so you can have a go at the viral ‘pilates glow’ trend that has been taking social media by storm.

The Lacura Watermelon Serum (RRP £4.99) is going to be one of the hardest working products in your summer make up bag. Available in two versions – Brightening and Bronzing, the serums are designed to give your skin a natural glow. The Brightening Serum leaves skin looking fresh and radiant while the Bronzing Serum adds a touch of sun-kissed warmth that’s perfect for holiday skin.

The Lacura Cashmere Glow Luminous concealer (RRP £3.99) proves that good make up doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. The concealer is available in six different shades and the lightweight, formula blends nicely and gives long-lasting coverage. It is great at hiding the dark circles under my eye whilst leaving the under eye area looking fresher and brighter.

The Lacura Sweet Blusher (£3.49 ) is available in two different shades – Pink Lace and Peachy Pink and it looks great layered with the Radiant Rose or Champagne Lacura Stay Illuminated Highlighter (£3.49). The blushers and highlighters have a silky, lightweight texture which makes them easy to apply and blend on your skin, giving a fresh, healthy glow, just like you’ve spent a weekend in the sun.

Mascara is the one item in my make up bag that I can’t live without and the Lacura Dramatic Lash Mascara (£4.99) is proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great lashes. After applying a couple of coats, I could see an instant boost in both length and volume while the brush did a fantastic job of separating my lashes without clumping.

I was very impressed with the staying power of this mascara – it stayed on all day without smudging and even survived a sweaty aerobics class! It was easy to remove too with my usual eye make-up remover.

We often think about protecting our skin during the summer months, but our lips need just as much attention. The Lacura Collagen Lip Oil (£2.99) is a real beach bag essential, enriched with Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Collagen to help keep lips feeling soft, smooth and hydrated throughout the day. The rollerball applicator makes it easy to apply and the handy sized 8ml tube is perfect for keeping in your handbag so you can reapply during the day. The colourless formula leaves my lips with a subtle shine and can be worn alone or layered over lipstick.

To finish, a quick mist of Lacura Illuminate Setting Spray (£4.49) helps keep your makeup exactly where you put it. The lightweight formula feels refreshing on the skin and helps everything stay looking fresh, polished and put together, even when the summer weather decides to turn up the heat.

Aldi’s Summer Beauty Collection proves that achieving a fresh, glowing summer look doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With affordable products you can easily pick up as part of your weekly shop, it’s well worth taking a detour down the middle aisle before they’re gone.

Charles Worthington Scalp Restore Range

beauty, Gifts for Her, haircare, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Women

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

When it comes to holiday beauty prep, most of us have our skincare routine down to a fine art. Vitamin C? Packed. SPF? Non-negotiable. Hydrating sheet masks? Already in the suitcase. But while we’re diligent about looking after our skin it’s surprising at just how often our hair gets overlooked.

From chlorine-filled pools and salty sea swims to long days in the sun, holidays can put a surprising amount of stress on our hair and scalp. The result? Hair that feels greasy more quickly, product build-up, visible flakes and an overall lack of freshness, just when you’re trying to look your best

A healthy scalp is the secret behind great-looking hair, think of it as the haircare equivalent of a good primer or facial serum, so if you want to have glossy, healthy-looking hair this summer, then it’s time to start looking after your scalp. In preparation for my holidays I’ve started using the new Scalp Restore range from Charles Worthington. The three-step routine is now available in Boots and includes Shampoo (£9.99), Conditioner (£9.99) and a Reviving Scalp Scrub (£14.99). All three products contain niacinamide and a sustainable biotech microalgae active and are designed to gently cleanse, refresh and rebalance the scalp while helping hair stay fresher for longer between washes.

The Reviving Scalp Scrub is particularly satisfying after a day spent in the sun, it gently removes excess oil, flakes and product build-up, leaving your scalp feeling refreshed and cared for. The shampoo lathers very easily, lifting away all the dirt, oil and product build up and the conditioner is rich and hydrating and my curls loved it.

Whether you’re jetting off on a city break, lounging on the beach or embarking on a far flung adventure these are the haircare essentials you need to have in your suitcase.

Glowing skin may get all the attention, but great holiday hair starts at the root.

Stabilo Pens

Birthday Gifts, Children, eco friendly, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Stationery, Sustainable

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

We are heading into revision season and for many students (and parents) it can feel a bit overwhelming, so anything that brings a little spark of motivation is worth its weight in gold. When it comes to choosing stationery STABILIO is a name I trust and gravitate towards as they have such a fantastic selection of stationery in a rainbow of colours, which are perfect for making students feel in control of their revision.

A set of highlighters is essential when revising and the STABILO Boss Original highlighters, which are available in bright, vibrant colours, make key points easy to spot. Their special anti-drying technology gives you up to four hours cap-off time, which is ideal for those slightly chaotic study sessions. The wedge tip gives you flexibility for both neat underlining and broader highlighting, and the fact they’re refillable is a great bonus for reducing waste. With 30 shades available, from neon to pastel to nature tones, there’s plenty of scope to colour-code your notes in a way that works for you.

Writing in different colours can help highlight information and help students remember information and the STABILO Point 88 pens with a 4mm tip are great for note taking, report writing, and even a spot of doodling! With a metal-enclosed tip and excellent dry-out protection these pens are a particular favourite of mine. They can be purchased in a variety of different sized packs from individual pens right up to a fantastic set of 65! The pens are the distinctive orange hexagonal design and have caps the colour of the ink for easy identification. The colours are bright and vibrant the ink flows very smoothly, they also dry really quickly so you don’t get any smudges on your work.

When you’ve a lot of writing to do then the STABILO 4 Pointball pen is the one to choose. With a rubberised grip they’re designed to be used for longer periods of time without your hand complaining! The pens are smooth to write with and are also eco friendly with the pen body made from 87 % ISCC PLUS-certified bio-based plastic (mass balance), reducing CO₂ consumption compared with fossil-based plastic. Once the ink has run out it can be replaced with a STABILO Ballpoint Refill. There’s six different colours to choose from so you can make your notes stand out.

Whilst new stationery won’t do the revision for you, it will make the process feel more organised, more enjoyable, and a little less daunting. And with the right tools in hand, there’s every chance that all the hard work will have paid off when results day arrives!

JLab JBuds Open Sport Earbuds

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Father's Day, Fitness, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, National Walking Month, Tech

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

May is National Walking Month so I’m taking every opportunity I can to get outdoors and walk as much as I can. When I’m walking alone, I quite often catch up on podcasts or listen to music and wear a pair of open-ear headphones rather than standard ones so that I am still aware of my surroundings. I do prefer earbuds to earphones so was really pleased when I received the JLab JBuds Open Sport Earbuds which fit over the ear with a flexible earhook and I have to say I’m really impressed with them. They are very comfortable to wear and are surprisingly light and as they are sweat and dustproof they’re ideal for sporty people. As a glasses wearer, I wasn’t sure if the hook would interfere with my glasses but there was no problem, even when I wore them for a full day.

Setting up the earbuds was simple, my Android phone automatically offered to pair with them and the Bluetooth Multipoint feature allowed me to pair with my Laptop at the same time. The JLab app has all the usual options, I can setup different equaliser configurations or change the touch controls (or turn them off) and check for updates for the firmware. Once setup though there is little need for the app and they could be used without ever opening it.

Because they don’t block outside sounds, they are also perfect to wear at work. Ordinarily I wear a headset for Teams meetings and phone calls, but it can get uncomfortable after a few hours so wearing these is a lot better. I can hear what the callers are saying and still pick up the chat from the rest of the office. My only criticism is that the clarity of my voice isn’t quite as clear as with my normal headphones and a couple of colleagues have mentioned that my voice sounds a little tinny, but they are more comfortable to wear and hopefully this is something that can be addressed in a future firmware update.

The battery life on them is good, I’ve been wearing them all morning, putting them into the charging case over my lunch break and then wearing them all afternoon but they do have an impressive 26 hour battery life so if I’m out on a long walk I don’t need to worry about the battery running out.

The JLab JBuds Open Sport wireless earbuds are perfect for those with active lifestyles, offering a whole new way to tune into your favourite music whilst exercising.

RRP £79.99

Lee Stafford Hyaluronic Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner

Gifts for Her, beauty, Women, haircare

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

I have curly hair which is currently very dry and frizzy and in desperate need of some TLC, so I was really pleased when a parcel containing the new Lee Stafford Hyaluronic Hydration shampoo and conditioner arrived on my doorstep.

In celebration of 25 years in the hair game, Lee Stafford London has recently launched this new ultra-hydrating range and they are just what my curls have been crying out for. There are four products in the range – shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and scalp water and they are all designed to be used on dry, hydrated hair, promising to boost hydration by a whopping 92%.

Like a lot of curly haired people, I use a lot of styling products on my hair so need a good, deep cleansing shampoo to bring my curls back to life. This shampoo is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 & Aloe Vera and lathers very easily, lifting away all the dirt, oil and product build up and and after only one use I could see an improvement in my curls. It also has a lovely fragrance which lingers nicely on my hair.

Conditioner is where things get serious for curly hair, and this one is fantastic. Like the shampoo it is enriched with is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Vitamin B5 & Aloe Vera and the rich, creamy conditioner is very easy to smooth through my hair and I found detangling was much less of a battle than normal.

After using these products for a couple of weeks I am hooked, my curls are shinier, feel nourished and look more defined. I’ve also found that when I blow-dry my hair my curls last longer and look far better on day 2 and 3 than usual.

I’m really impressed with these products which have taken my curls from dry and unruly to glossy and defined in only a couple of washes. If your hair is crying out for hydration but you still want something affordable and beautifully scented, this range is definitely worth trying.

RRP £12.99 but the range is currently on offer at half price at Boots

Sponge Cake Cards & The Legends Brownie Box from Sponge

beauty, camping, eco friendly, Fashion, Fitness, Food & Drink, Gifts for children, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, Gluten Free, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts, Vegan, Vegetarian

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

Cakes for all occasions! Sponge send cakes that are, “Brilliant cake. Bold flavour. A little bit cheeky” and we couldn’t agree more. Why send just a card when a piece of cake and a card will make them feel more special? If you’re anything like me, Father’s Day is an especially difficult day to buy for so Sponge make it easier!

Sponge.co.uk have a selection of cake pieces, whole cakes, brownies and cupcakes that can be delivered to your recipient’s door. All cakes come with a card which in some cases, are a little bit cheeky! You can customize each card to suit the receiver. We were sent The Legends Brownies box and a Sponge Cake Card which are both brilliant for Father’s Day. If you order before 2pm, it can be delivered the next day.

The Sponge Cake Cards are literally cards with pockets that house 2 slices of cake which you can choose from a range including chocolate, carrot, white chocolate & raspberry, Red Velvet and several of the same cakes but in vegan or gluten free versions. You also get to choose the design of the card and if you want to, you can upload a video too which can be viewed online. The card can be personalised with any greeting and then you can choose up to 2 extras, including items like tea bags, face mask, balloons or even a candle.

Once you’ve made your choices, you can choose to have the Sponge Cake Card delivered or you can even pick up from their warehouse in Holt, Norfolk. The same process works whether you’re sending a Cake Card or any of the other cakes and items which the company stocks.

As for the cakes…. The Sponge Cake Card came with a chocolate and a Victoria slice, both of which were obviously freshly made and not processed or frozen. They were light and fluffy with ample amounts of buttercream filling and a light topping, but not enough to make a sticky mess in the cellophane! The brownies were obviously very densely made, with 8 pieces in total and all of them delicious. I haven’t worked my way through all of them yet, but there are 4 flavours in all and again, they were freshly made.

An interesting idea of having cake delivered as well as a card, Sponge.co.uk execute it very well and make it easy to send any type of celebration to a loved one.

Sponge Cake Cards from £9.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cake-card

The Legends Brownie Box from £18.99: https://www.sponge.co.uk/cakes/brownies/the-legends-brownie-box

Faith In Nature

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

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

If you’re looking for affordable, natural and eco-friendly skin and haircare products , then Faith In Nature is a brand that deserves a place in your bathroom. Founded in 1974 by Rivka Rose, long before natural, cruelty free and vegan products were a thing! Today, Faith In Nature products are stocked in over 40 countries and all their product are still made with as few ingredients as possible and free from silicones, parabens and SLS.

I’ve been recycling long before the council started the colour coded bins, and I’ve always tried to use eco-conscious beauty products where I can. Faith In Nature makes this commitment even easier with their refillable 5-litre and 20-litre bottles which mean less waste, fewer trips to the shop, and the feeling that you’re doing your bit for the environment.

I’ve used Faith In Nature shower gels for many years, but until recently, hadn’t ventured into their haircare range. With my curly hair feeling particularly dry and resembling a ball of frizz most days the arrival of their Shea & Argan Shampoo, Conditioner, and Nourishing Hair Mask was most welcome.Blended with organic shea butter and nourishing argan oil, the range is designed to hydrate, boost shine, and reduce breakage. And does it works – absolutely! The shampoo lathers nicely and cleans my hair without stripping moisture from it, while the conditioner glides through my hair leaving every strand silky and tangle free. The hair mask, meanwhile, is a weekly treat for my hair, restoring softness and definition to unruly curls with impressive efficiency.

Each formula also contains a blend of organic rosemary, nettle, and chamomile which soothe the scalp, enhance shine, and nourish the hair. Since using them, my curls have become softer, bouncier, and significantly less frizzy. Whether I leave them to air dry or dry with a diffuser, they hold their shape much better than before.

Not a morning person? You will be if you start using the Grapefruit & Orange Body Wash, it is not just a shower gel- it’s a citrus-fuelled wake-up call! Powered by 99.5% natural-origin ingredients and a 100% natural aroma, it leaves my skin feeling soft, refreshed, and delicately scented long after the steam has cleared. This shower gel is proof that you don’t have to spend loads of money to get a quality body wash.

if you’re looking to upgrade your hair and skincare routine and indulge in some expertly crafted natural products, Faith In Nature is the brand to try. With shower gels from £6.49 and haircare from just £7.99, these brilliantly formulated essentials are as kind to your bank balance as they are to the planet.

MYKI Bio-Cellulose Sheet Face Masks

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, health, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

Korean skincare is all the rage now and MYKI Beauty have brought their Bio-Cellulose face masks to the UK along with some other beauty products such as LED light masks. We were sent a few masks to test this month, and I can tell you, testing beauty and skincare is one of the better perks of the job!

Each mask is folded with mesh each side to keep them hydrated in the packaging. The masks are designed to completely hydrate the skin when they’re worn for a period of time, which is recommended to be around 30 minutes but some people recommend that you keep them on your face longer, or until they dry out. The masks work by hydrating the skin and allowing the LED light masks to work better, reducing fine lines and cooling your skin.

I put this on whilst I was in the bath to take advantage of the steam as well as to be able to relax. The only downside was that the mask was huge and it doesn’t seem to come in different sizes. I had to cut the top of the lip and around the eyes a bit because it didn’t lie flat on my face for long enough without having to keep pressure on it to be able to stick. Once I knew where to cut the mask to make it lie flat, that was all I needed.

I left the mask on for about 35 minutes. It didn’t dry out completely and that was with getting out of the bath too. When I took off the mask, my skin was hydrated and I could feel that the products had had a chance to work because my face felt more hydrated. I could see in the mirror that the mask had left my skin hydrated and shiny, but not looking like plastic. Going to bed, the hydrating lasted until the next morning but the shininess wore off within about 12 hours. The mask is great for relaxing and giving you your hydration back, and if you’re going out one night and want to do the full pamper and glam, MYKI’s Bio-Cellulose Sheet Face Masks have you covered.

Available from £16.95: https://mykibeauty.com/product/bio-cellulose-sheet-mask/

SMUG

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Christmas, Easter, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, travel, Women

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

The Easter holidays are in full swing, and whether you’re hopping on a plane, train or jumping into the car one thing’s for sure… we all want to look and feel our best when we’re away.

I always hate sleeping in a strange bed, different pillows, unfamiliar noises, a lumpy mattress they all affect my sleep. So when a parcel from SMUG landed on my doorstep, I thought these could be a game changer for my Easter travels. And honestly? They really are.

Cloud Padded Satin Sleep Mask (RRP £20)

This sleep mask blocks out every bit of light, feels unbelievably soft, and crucially… stays put all night. It’s nicely padded and being made of satin is great for your skin. The gently curved shape sits nicely on my face and it really seems to help prevent sleep creases. There’s lots of different designs to choose from, so you can pick one that matches your pyjamas. It also comes in a little pouch, making it perfect to pop in your hand luggage. An essential for your Easter getaway? Definitely

Satin Sleep Turban (RRP £15)

If you have curls, this is the sleep aid you didn’t know you needed! Say goodbye to the pineapple bun that never quite survives the night. This satin turban keeps your hair smooth, protected, and hydrated while you sleep. When I wake up, I no longer look like I’ve had my fingers in a socket and my normal mop of frizz is history. The turban is comfortable and stays on all night, whether you’re in a hotel, on a plane, or in a friend’s spare room. It can be washed, ideally by hand but it can be put in the washing machine on a delicate 30 °C cycle and I’d advise popping it in a mesh bag to protect it.

Soft Satin Pillowcases (RRP £15)

Now, we’ve all heard about the benefits of silk pillowcases, but they can be eye-wateringly expensive. These give you that same luxe feel without the splurge, which is great. They’re brilliant for both skin and hair and I’ve found since I started using them that my skin stays hydrated, and my hair is less likely to turn into a mop of frizz overnight.

The pillowcases were a good fit on my pillow, well-fitting but loose enough to easily take on and off. They wash well on a delicate 30 °C wash and I’ve been drying them outdoors which helps reduce creasing.

With a good choice of colours and designs you should easily find one to match your bedding. I’m going to be taking one away with me this Easter as they’re easy to pack, and will instantly make any bed feel a bit more like home.

Bamboo Scalp Massager (RRP £12)

Small and easy to hold, this scalp massager fits nicely in my hand and gives a gentle, soothing massage that helps boost circulation to help keep my scalp in good condition. I have been using it in the shower to work conditioner through my hair and I’ve noticed an immediate improvement in how well my hair is conditioned over the comb I normally use and it moisturises my hair without pulling the curls. The rubber nubs give a really good massage and exfoliate my scalp, removing dry flakes and reducing itchiness.

Crafted from high quality bamboo it comes with its own bag, so it’s perfect for popping into your suitcase when you’re travelling.

Pillow Mist & Shower Mist Set (RRP £24)

Mornings now start with the shower mist, which wake me up gently with gorgeous essential oil vibes, perfect when you’re dragging yourself out of bed on holiday. Then in the evening, a quick spritz of the pillow mist transforms even the most basic hotel room into a calm, cosy sleep haven.

All these SMUG products are ideal for Easter getaways when your routine is all over the place and will help you reset, relax, and actually switch off.

Helly Hansen Women’s Aden Insulated Coat

Autumn, Birthday Gifts, camping, Days Out, Family Life, Fitness, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, Women

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

As the days grow longer and we step into Spring there is still quite a nip in the air so it’s not quite time to hang up the coat just yet. The Helly Hansen Aden Insulated Coat is the perfect choice for this in-between season as it is warm without being bulky, and and it’s waterproof, which is always a very good thing, particularly if you live in the North West where rain is less of an occasional inconvenience and more of a recurring theme!

As I’m 6ft tall with long arms, finding a coat that fits properly is often a challenge, and I frequently end up buying men’s coats just to get the sleeve and body length I need. Buying online can be risky but I found Helly Hansen’s online size guide really helpful. By entering your measurements it recommends the best size and suggested Large for me, which fits well, although next time I would probably size up to allow for a thicker jumper underneath, as it does feel a bit snug with one on. The cost is a good length, covering my bottom nicely, so on someone shorter it would likely sit around mid-thigh. The adjustable hood is a good size and stayed firmly on my head even on a blustery coastal walk.

The coat features HELLY TECH® Protection, meaning it’s waterproof, windproof and breathable, along with PrimaLoft® insulation which makes a real difference on those colder spring days. Despite not being overly padded, it feels surprisingly warm and cosy. There are two zipped hand pockets and a generous inside zipped pocket that easily fits my phone, which is always useful for keeping it dry in wet weather.

The coat can be washed at 30° and it is recommended that it is tumble dried on a low heat to reactive the water repellent treatment.

Overall, I really like the Helly Hansen Aden Insulated Coat. It’s comfortable, practical, and has been doing a brilliant job of keeping out the wind and rain in the unpredictable Spring weather that we’ve been exposed to over the last few weeks. With its tailored fit and waterproof protection, it’s a great choice for walking or everyday wear.

Available in a choice of four different colours, (Black Grape, White, Black and Navy) it is priced at £150.

MINISO Nail Polish

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

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

Treat yourself to some glamorous nail care this spring with the new range of nail varnishes from MINISO. With a range that’s being updated in the coming months, we were sent two colours to try; Shiny Pink and Starlight Gold. Both were from the Golden Cap range, which you can see in the photo is part of their packaging branding too!

These oil-based nail varnishes (or nail polish to give them their American titles) are a steal at just £3.99 for the bottles at 11ml. They’re full size, but not anywhere as expensive as some of the other nail varnishes on the market. I am wearing the Shiny Pink colour in this photo and it’s only 2 layers (I did have a clear base layer on underneath these layers though.) The colours both glide on with ease, the oil base makes it easy for them to fill out to the corners and gives a shiny finish. As with most oil based varnishes, they take longer to dry but they are very stable and harder to chip when they are fully dry. I would recommend waiting 30 minutes between each layer of colour to allow the varnish to dry properly and last longer.

Each of the colours is deep and builds up to a lovely finish. Shiny Pink is a hint away from red towards pink so you’d be mistaken for thinking it was a primary colour, but there’s a splattering of glitter in the colour which gives it a reflection. The Starlight Gold colour is just as vibrant and works up to a deep colour too. As the name suggests, there’s tiny starlight flecks of gold in the colour too, reflecting back in a disco theme. This colour is more for the weekend or going out, whereas I felt comfortable wearing the Shiny Pink all week, but there’s no reason why you can’t paint your nails gold for work too!

Available soon from £3.99 here:

https://minisoshop.co.uk/beauty/nail-care

The Blooming Mama Crystal Kit

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

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

Whether you know about crystals already or are starting your journey, Blooming Mama’s Crystal Kit is a great tool for you, or to gift to someone else.

Comprising of seven crystals, the set comes in a gift pouch and has instructions too. The crystals are:

Smoky Quartz (clear quartz with a black colouring)
Peach Moonstone (peach, solid colour with flecks of white)
Citrine (clear, with a touch of orange/yellow colouring)
Kunzite (icy lilac)
Amazonite (turquoise blue with black flecks)
Lepidolite ( white and purple marbling)
Clear Quartz (clear)

Each crystal relates to a different chakra point in the body and releases energy that is not needed. The instruction card with the kit explains which crystals work where and how they benefit women in different stages of life. The Blooming Mama Kit is especially good for new mothers who need rebalancing after birth or newborn care, with the instructions explaining that they can be used for meditation and rest, keeping close (ie emotional needs) and bonding time such as with a new baby.

The crystals can be used throughout life though and not just by new mums. For example, Clear Quartz can be used for spiritual connection at any time and many people find it a comforting or helpful when they have an illness. You can also use the kit to see which stone you are drawn to when they are all laid out in front of you, and meditate with it or keep it close for healing.

The Blooming Mama Crystal Kit has been well thought out by Natasha at Always Believe in Miracles, who is a crystal spiritual healer and Reiki practitioner. The crystals are a descent size to use on yourself or to gift to someone else but the sizes do differ considerably due to the nature of harvested stones. As an all-round kit, this is perfect for getting started with crystals as they cover all the bases (literally, all the chakras are covered!) and the 7 stones are enough to start you on either a crystal or healing journey. At £15.50 for the whole set, it’s a very reasonable way of getting started too, or treating a new mum to some recuperation.

Available from £15.50 at: https://www.alwaysbelieveinmiracles.com/product-page/the-blooming-mama

Helly Hansen Wanderer Shoulder Bag

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, National Walking Month, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Summer, travel, Women

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

Whilst Helly Hansen are perhaps better known for their outdoor clothing, they do also have a great range of accessories like the Helly Hansen Wanderer Shoulder bag. This compact bag is a brilliant for travelling and has a good selection of pockets, both zipped and open which are ideal for keeping everything organised when navigating airport or train station queues.

The main compartment is zipped and inside are two mesh pockets. The larger pocket is the perfect size for a phone, while the smaller one will hold smaller essentials, I’ve currently got a lipbalm and a tube of sweets in it but it would also be perfect for a pen or a folded up shopping bag. Inside the bag is a handy key clip, a simple feature but incredibly useful and I no longer find myself rummaging around at the bottom of the bag searching for my keys. The bag is plenty large enough for my purse, phone and everyday essentials and the design means I can keep everything nice and organised. There’s also a couple of pockets on the front of the bag, one zipped and one open, which are perfect for items that I need quick access to.

The bag also has an incredibly useful feature – there’s a zip that runs around the bottom of the bag and this can be unzipped, expanding the capacity to 2.6L. It’s like having my very own Mary Poppins bag and kowing what my family are like when travelling, this is going to come in very handy on our next trip!!

The strap is made from rope and it’s easy to adjust the length by retying the end knots. I also like that the rope can also be removed, turning the bag into a handy travel wallet that’s ideal for storing tickets, passports, electronics and charging cables and can be popped inside a rucksack or larger bag while travelling to keep all your essentials together and easy to grab when needed.

If you don’t pack the bag too full, it’s slim enough to tuck discreetly under a coat or jumper which makes it very handy for travelling, giving an extra layer of security in busy places.

Made from lightweight 70D nylon with a TPU backing, it feels durable enough to cope with travelling, whether that’s by plane, train or car and whilst it isn’t fully waterproof, the taped seams help keep water out, so it can handle an occasional rain shower without any problem.

Overall, it’s a well designed and practical bag that will be perfect for summer adventures.

RRP £35

JOMO Club

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Drinks and Mixers, Family Life, Father's Day, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Subscription Boxes, Winter

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

JOMO Club was founded by Richard and Gemma after they grew bored of the limited alcohol-free options found in supermarkets. Wanting something more interesting and better tasting, they left the corporate world behind and created JOMO Club with the aim of making high-quality artisan alcohol-free brands easier to discover. Run as a subscription service, there is the choice of monthly, two monthly or quarterly deliveries which can be paused, skipped or the frequency changed at any time. You’re also not tied into a set period, meaning your subscription can be cancelled at any time.

Each box contains a hand-curated selection of alcohol-free treats designed to introduce members to drinks they’re unlikely to stumble across in the supermarket. The focus is on quality and flavour, with artisan brands that feel and taste completely different to all the supermarket alcohol free drinks available. Each box typically includes one full-sized bottle of an alcohol-free spirit, five or more drinks such as mixers or ready-to-drink cocktails, plus snacks, garnishes and a members’ magazine filled with recipes, serving suggestions and the stories behind the brands.

The boxes are all very well packaged in a sturdy cardboard box an the box I received was the one that was sent out to subscribers in January and included the following products –

• Wilfred’s Aperitivo
• Navas Ginger Beer
• MONTY Lightly Sparkling Elderflower with Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Maitake
• LA Brewery Citrus Kombucha
• MATCH Tonic Water
• Naked Life Ready to Drink Margarita
• Popcorn Shed Chocolate Orange Gourmet Popcorn
• Delicious Pig Snacking Pickles
• The Zest Orange, Cinnamon and Star Anise garnish

The main drink in my box was the full-sized bottle of Wilfred’s Aperitivo. Now this is the sort of drink that tries, quite bravely, to capture that lovely bittersweet magic you normally associate with a proper Italian aperitivo. And it’s fair to say it does a very respectable job indeed, first you taste the sharp bitter orange flavour, then a hint of rhubarb comes through, and there’s a touch of rosemary floating about as well. Right at the end there’s a tiny bit of clove which makes it feel a bit more sophisticated than your average fizzy drink. Splash it over ice, add tonic and a wedge of orange, and suddenly you’ve got something that actually feels like a proper drink rather than just something you’re having because you can’t have the real thing. It’s fresh, a bit sharp, and quite refreshing really. So yes, it turns out you can have something that feels a bit fancy… without ending up with a headache the next morning. Which, if you’ve got work to do the next day, is probably for the best.

The Navas Ginger Beer has a proper ginger kick, warming and slightly spicy rather than overly sweet, which made it ideal with the Wilfred’s Aperitivo. The MATCH Tonic Water is wonderfully crisp and clean and doesn’t try to steal the spotlight but instead lets the flavours of the other drinks shine through, which is exactly what a good tonic should do.

One of the more intriguing discoveries in the box was the MONTY lightly sparkling elderflower drink. Now, I’ll admit that when I saw the ingredient list including Lion’s Mane, Reishi and Maitake mushrooms, I did raise an eyebrow. It sounds slightly like something you’d find in a very enthusiastic health food shop. Not being a fan of mushrooms I was unsure about this one but was actually quite surprised at how nice it tasted, it’s light, floral and delicately sweet with that familiar elderflower freshness and a gentle sparkle.

Another one I really enjoyed was the LA Brewery Citrus Kombucha. Now if you’ve ever had kombucha before you’ll know it’s got a tangy kick to it straight away, and this one’s no different. But the citrus in it really lifts the whole thing. It’s sharp, fresh and properly refreshing, without being overly sweet or heavy like a lot of soft drinks can be. It’s the sort of drink that wakes your taste buds up a bit and actually feels like you’re drinking something interesting rather than just fizzy pop.

Now, I’m quite partial to a Margarita, so when I spotted the Naked Life ready-to-drink Margarita in the box I was pretty pleased about that. And I’ve got to say, it does a surprisingly good job. You get that proper limey sharpness straight away, with a bit of that salty citrus edge you expect from a Margarita. Somehow it manages to taste very close to the real thing, which is quite impressive considering there’s no alcohol in it at all. It’s one of those drinks where you take a sip and think, “Right, yeah… that actually works.”

The snacks were delcious too and the perfect accompaniment to the drinks, the Popcorn Shed chocolate orange popcorn was a real grown up treat – rich, crunchy and indulgent, while the Delicious Pig snacking pickles added a sharp, tangy contrast that paired nicely with the drinks.

There are lots of occasions where alcohol-free drinks just make a lot more sense. Pregnancy, medication, being the one driving everyone home, or simply not fancying a fuzzy head the next morning. For me it’s often a practical thing. I’m usually the one behind the wheel or I know I’ve got an early start the next morning, so having something interesting to pour into a glass makes all the difference. You still get the flavour, the little ritual of mixing a drink, and that feeling that you’re having something a bit celebratory… just without regretting it the next day.

Another bonus is that they’re low in calories too. A quick glance at the labels showed most of the drinks sit at around 60 calories per 250ml, which is quite a bit less than your average glass of wine. So you get all the enjoyment without quite so much of the guilt either.

All in all, JOMO Club is a cracking way to explore the growing world of alcohol-free drinks. It takes the guesswork out of finding the good ones and delivers a box full of interesting things to try – proving you don’t need alcohol to raise a proper toast.

The JOMO box costs £46 for a one off box with discouts of up to 20% available for regular subscriptions. Wine drinkers may prefer the Wine Club box at £43 which contains three bottles of wine along with a tasting card.

Superdrug B. Complete Base Make up Brush Set

beauty, Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, Women

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

Make up brushes are every bit as important as the products you apply so it is well worth investing in decent ones. That said, you don’t have to spend a fortune as there are some really good quality brushes available on the High Street like these Superdrug B make up brushes which strike that rare balance between affordability and quality. I’ve been a fan of them for a while now and they certainly give some of the more expensive brands a run for their money! If you haven’t tried the Superdrug B brushes before then The Complete Base Make up Brush Set is a great starter set as it contains four essential make up brushes – a Concealer Brush, Contour Brush, Blending Foundation Brush and a Powder Brush.

I’ll start with the foundation brush because that one really impressed me. It’s beautifully dense but still lovely and soft, packed with plenty of bristles so it buffs foundation into my skin rather than just pushing it around giving a really smooth, flawless finish with no streaks in sight.

The concealer brush is another winner, it picks up just the right amount of product and allows for a really precise, delicate application, particularly around the eyes. I usually rely on my fingers but I might just be converted to a concealer brush now as it blended the concealer beautifully, leaving the skin looking smoother and more even.

The contour brush is just as versatile, it sweeps blusher or bronzer across the cheeks with a soft, natural touch giving a subtle glow to lifts my complexion. Finally, the powder brush is wonderfully soft and fluffy and picks up just the right amount of powder to dust across my face to help set my make-up.

I am really impressed with these brushes, they glide easily across the skin, making my make-up application quick and easy. The bristles stay firmly in place and I’ve not noticed any falling out which is good. The handles are also very comfortable to hold and the brushes are a nice size and fit nicely in my make-up bag.

All the brushes have a 100% recycled plastic handle and 100% recycled plastic bristles, so they’re a more sustainable choice as well.

Whether you’re just starting to build your brush collection or looking to upgrade the brushes in your make-up bag the Superdrug B.Base Make Up Brush set is a great choice. It has a RRP of £15 but is currently on offer at £12 so it’s a great time to buy.