Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Christmas will be here before we know it, and if you’re anything like me, the panic over finding presents for everyone will probably start somewhere around the time I realise there are only four shopping weekends to go. Luckily, we’ve found a Lee Stafford haircare bargain that could tick several names off the list in one go.
The Lee Stafford London Hair Scentsations Gift Set would make a great Secret Santa present, stocking filler or little Christmas treat for yourself. In fact, I’m seriously considering splitting the set up and putting one of the mists into three different stockings. We love a bargain here at The Review Studio, and at £17.50 for all three, this set is a real steal. With each 80ml Hair Perfume Mist usually priced at £9.99, buying them separately would cost £29.97, making the gift set an real Christmas win. Even better, it’s currently included in the Boots 3 for 2 Christmas offer, making it an even more tempting festive buy.
The set contains three of Lee Stafford’s signature hair scents: Red Idol, Caramel Brûlé and the Original Lee Stafford Hair Perfume Mist.Red Idol is probably the most sophisticated of the trio, with Jasmine, Ambergris and Woody Cedar creating a lovely fresh fragrance. The Caramel Brûlé, which smells exactly as indulgent as you would hope, has a warm salted caramel fragrance and the Original Lee Stafford Hair Perfume Mist, has the instantly recognisable Lee Stafford fragrance.
These perfume mists aren’t just about making your hair smell gorgeous , these multi-tasking mists refresh your hair, add shine and also helps tame frizz, while the star ingredient, Sunflower Extract, helps protect against the effects of heat, UV rays and environmental pollution.
They spray nice and evenly, with a light mist which doesn’t feel sticky on my hair. The fragrances last surprisingly well and I’ve received lots of compliments since I started using them.
So whether you’re looking for a Secret Santa gift, a stocking filler or simply a little Christmas present to yourself, the Lee Stafford London Hair Scentsations Gift Set is a great beauty buy.
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Marvellous Mavala Christmas gifts sent us two kits available this Christmas which make excellent Secret Santa or stocking filler gifts. If you’ve never heard of Mavala before, it’s a Swiss beauty company that specialises in precision beauty, meaning they like to produce the best quality products that ‘honour individuality and authenticity.’ They are an independent, family owned business with its roots going back 65 years. Their products are never tested on animals, are 100% Swiss engineered and have zero compromise on quality or safety. We were sent two of their Christmas range products; Your Nail Growth Routine and Ruby Christmas Duo.
Ruby Christmas Due contains two miniature colour nail polishes in shades called Las Vegas and Paris. These vibrant colours are more for the adventurous nail polish wearer or for going out at night, so perfect for the Christmas season, or as a gift for someone who likes to make a statement with their nail art. Even though they’re miniature varnishes, they’re perfectly good to use weekly, not just for Christmas or special occasions. They are great for going on holiday with though, as they’re small enough but bright enough to wear with confidence!
The Mavala nail care kit; Your Nail Growth Routine is a two-stage treatment kit to help your nails grow. The first Mavaderma treatment is an oil based formula that helps nails grow healthily at the root, and contains wheat germ and sweet almond. The second treatment is pistachio to fortify nail growth in the long term. For best results, apply Mavaderma daily at night time, on clean, varnish free nails. Massage into the nail bed and leave on overnight to allow to work. Before a manicure the next day, apply Mava-Strong as a base before colour.
I haven’t been using Mavala for long, but I do feel that the Mava-Strong gives my nails the extra strength I need to keep the nails strong, and prevent splitting which is a problem I’ve had for a few months. The Mavaderma should help in the long run with promoting nail growth at the base, but it will take a few months for that to become evident. These are both great gift sets for Christmas and can be used all year round, so by the time next Christmas comes around, your nails will be perfect!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
Rum isn’t generally as well known as a tipple as some other spirits nowadays, with gin, vodka and whisky normally taking top spot. Rum is usually synonymous with the Caribbean as well, but Barti Rum is from surprisingly close to home – Wales!
A finalist in The Grocer’s New Product category for 2026, Barti Rum was started by Jonathan Williams when he moved to the Pembrokeshire coast and started The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company. His menu originally featured seaweed heavily and the company caters for the Olympic village, Glastonbury and lots of other UK events. In 2017 however, Jonathan has the idea to combine his signature seaweed and rum. From then, the brand has continued to grow and now produced straight rum, Barti Cream and a this set of cans.
The Barti Mini Duo Pack (£13.50 online) includes 5cl bottle of Barti Spiced Rum and a 5cl bottle of their award winning plant-based cream liqueur. Whilst the Barti Spiced Rum is nicely warming and just the comfort you need for winter, the the Barti Cream is decadent and rich, and just the treat you need on a cold night.
The Barti Can Triple Gift Pack (£12.50) has three flavours; Barti Ginger & Lemon Iced Tea, Barti Sea & Buckthorn Fizz and Apple & Barti. None of them are flavours you come across every day, but they are all refreshing, with the quiet undertones of Barti Rum. All of the flavours have the subtle warming texture of rum in them, so if you’re partial to a bit of comfort rum after dinner, Barti Rum makes a nice change to some of the other spirits out there.
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.
Sleeveless jacket, gilet, padded vest; whatever you call them from wherever you are, the sleeveless jacket is back in fashion. Versatile for both casual and sportswear, the Verglas Down Vest from Helly Hansen is made with a waterproof, toughened fabric that doesn’t tear easily. It also squashes down to almost anything so can be in the side shelf of the car, in a backpack or even condensed down into a pocket.
Speaking of pockets, there’s two zippable pockets on the chest which is great for dog walking or as an addition to sportswear because they’re incredibly deep. There’s enough room for a phone and keys in each pocket and still ample left for anything else. I wear a size 16 and this is a size XL which does up easily on the zip from top to bottom. It keeps you nice and snug too with the down filling evenly quilted throughout. The high neck is also useful in winter but you can of course wear it without being done up to the top so you have more freedom. The waist is toggled so you can draw in if it’s too big for you and need to reshape it or if it’s really cold and need the protection.
This gilet isn’t just for casual though, it can be a base layer with skiing or under winter sports gear. It only comes in black at the moment which is probably the mos versatile colour and doesn’t show up any marks. There’s also a zipped inner pocket on the chest and some deeper inner pockets too so if you’re skiing, they’re super useful.
As winter comes in, and autumn becomes cooler this is a great vest to use with layers, out running or even for commuting and around the house. I think I’m going to enjoy the freedom it gives with not having to wear a coat all the time, especially with all those pockets!
Disclaimer: We received this product free of charge for the purpose of this review and all thoughts and opinions are our own.
We all have those friends and family members who seem to have everything, making Christmas shopping a little more challenging than we would like. When I’m stuck for ideas, I usually buy a nice box of chocolates, as you really can’t go wrong with a box of luxury chocolates.
Hotel Chocolat was originally a mail order business specialising in chocolate that was a little more exciting than the usual supermarket offering. Founded back in 1993 they have grown into one of Britain’s best-known luxury chocolate companies, with shops across the UK.
The Hotel Chocolat Everything 9-Piece Boxed Selection costs £14 and contains a great selection of chocolates. With a mix of milk and dark chocolate and nutty, fruity and boozy chocolates there should be something to suit all tastes.
The chocolates are beautifully presented in a stylish brown and gold box. Lift the lid and you’ll find pictures and descriptions of each chocolate, so you know exactly what you’re about to enjoy. There’s also a handy guide for anyone with specific dietary requirements.
The nine delicious flavours are Peanut Butter, Raspberry Smoothie, Passionfruit Heart, Classic Champagne, Pistachio, Billionaire’s Shortbread, Dizzy Praline 70%, Dizzy Praline 40% and Caramel Cheesecake. Ordinarily when we have a box of chocolates there are a couple that are left because nobody likes them but there wasn’t a single chocolate in this box that I didn’t like! My favourite was the Raspberry Smoothie which was very tangy whereas my husband who is a white chocolate fan preferred the Passionfruit heart.
Whether you’re looking for a special Christmas present, a Secret Santa gift or simply a ‘just in case’ box for someone who deserves a little treat, the Hotel Chocolat Everything 9-Piece Boxed Selection is a deliciously easy choice. And if you buy one for someone else, nobody says you can’t buy yourself one too – it is Christmas after all!
Disclaimer – We have received this item for free or on a loan basis for the purpose of this review/feature but all words and opinions are our own.
We might not want to think about it yet but winter will be here, and some of us will be skiing in that time. Even if you don’t ski though, a snug pair of ski gloves goes a long way in the cold! I have had ski gloves for several winters now and I won’t be without them. Helly Hansen have a range of gloves for women including these Alphelia gloves in the colour snow.
The Aphelia glove have 4 layers of material for keeping your hands cold in extreme and prolonged lengths of time in the cold. The outer shell fabric is waterproof but also breathable thanks to the Helly Tech professional layer underneath which wicks away moisture whilst exercising. Perfect for outdoor sports where you work up a sweat in winter. There’s also insulation layers underneath and then the soft lining.
To wear these gloves, I have a size Large but my hands are really little for an adult, but these are a bit snug. I would say to go up a size at least if you want lots of room or if you have long nails! The gloves come over your wrists and are elasticated, with a snap clasp to hold them together. There’s also a lead to attach them to your ski suit. Even if you don’t ski though, these gloves will keep your hand toasty warm in winter, or if you are exposed when taking the pram out, running, driving or just walking the dog, they’re a must have for about 4 months of the year!
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 love honey. Honey has had a bad reputation in the past few years with the scandal that so many brands are using sugar syrup instead of honey, and the real honey has become really expensive with climate change making honey harvesting more unpredictable. I am delighted to say that the British honey from Black Bee Honey is homegrown, available to buy in plenty and isn’t as expensive as you might think. Black Bee Honey sent us this completely unexpected gift box of honey.
The gift box contains 4 jars of honey which weigh 227 grams each, so yes, this is a heavy gift box! The honey is sourced from the 4 seasons of the year, which explains why each jar is a different colour and a different texture. For example, spring is light cream colour, and is harvested when rapeseed, hawthorn and plum blossom are in bloom in Somerset, Yorkshire and Northamptonshire. The honey is soft and opaque so suits being used in baking to add sweetness. The summer honey, even though it’s harvested just a few months later, is transparent and resembles more like what we think of as honey. It’s sourced from all over the country in the summer so could come from any source of blossoms and flowers.
I use honey for so many meals and dishes. I make salad dressings from it, use it as a substitute for sugar and even use it for medicinal purposes. I only ever buy British honey because I have ridiculously bad hay fever and I can’t take over the counter medicine without falling asleep at the drop of a hat. So I take British honey every morning in some form, even if it’s just a teaspoonful and it gets rid of 80% of my hay fever symptoms, but can be taken as often as needed throughout the day. With this in mind, I love having honey around and I know my honey flavours! The idea of having seasonal honey is unbelievably useful to someone with hay fever who needs to have the antihistamine properties available throughout the year, depending on what causes the allergy.
As for the taste of the honey – well, it’s real honey! Each jar has a slightly different taste to it above the sweetness, whether it be a slightly more floral, or a delicate blossom flavour. I love this gift as a great idea for anyone who loves honey, or who cooks, has a family of honey lovers or likes using British homegrown products.
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.
Matcha lovers will love the range of matcha tea from The Matcha Yaad this Christmas! We were sent some strawberry and peach flavoured premium matcha to try, along with a sample sachet of chocolate (my favourite!) so how did we get on?
Premium matcha from The Matcha Yaad can be used for making matcha tea, or added to smoothies lattes, ice-cream, lemonade, cakes or much more! Try putting it over the top of a dessert like tiramisu or making a milkshake out of it. With a product like matcha, there are lots of different ways you can use it and make dishes more interesting. I first started using it as a tea but then discovered that the best way to use it was as a supplement flavour for other foods, and that’s when I discovered adding it to smoothies and ice cream!
What does it taste like though? Well matcha is usually quite sour tasting, and not easy to drink all in one go. The Matcha Yaad make premium matcha though, so it’s authentic leaves which are infused with a flavour and most of the flavours are naturally sweet so you don’t need to add any sugar or sweetener to it. The flavours of the peach and strawberry come through subtly, but I really enjoyed the chocolate flavour the most! If you’re making up a latte or drink with the matcha, then just add water to some matcha (a tablespoon amount will be enough for one mug) and then add cream, coconut milk or something similar, and blend. An espresso whisk will do the trick, then you can enjoy either on it’s own or add a shot of latte and some ice to make a summer tall drink!
The Matcha Yaad matcha is expensive, but it goes a long way and is for the matcha lover who wants the authentic taste. It has no added sugar and no dairy so it’s suitable for a wide range of matcha lovers too.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
