Tag: gifts for mum

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.

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

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.

AQUAPHOR Water Filter

Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, health, Home, Home & Garden, kitchen appliances, Mother's Day, REUSABLE

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 it’s reducing plastic, filtering out toxins or eliminating heavy metals, a kitchen water filter jug benefits the whole family. AQUAPHOR ‘Filters every drop’ of your home tap water to reduce limescale and help create delicious drinks and taster food when cooking.

The jugs are designed with a slimline look which fits into the shelf of the fridge door. The massive jug holds 3.2 litres and has a battery-free filter indicator in the lid, which is flip-top to make it easier to fill. The custom filter, known as the AQUALEN is made of an ion-exchange filter material containing extra fine coconut shell carbon and efficient ion-exchange beads. As with most water filters, you need to soak the filter in water for 2 minutes first, then run water through the reservoir twice before being able to drink the water safely on the third filter.

The filter, which can last for 200 litres, filters out organic compounds, iron and heavy metals, as well as removing limescale which causes hard water. The lid of the ‘Fresh’ water just that we tested has a cartridge replacement counter.  This gives an indication of the quality of the filter from 100% when it’s installed, down to zero percent when it needs changing. New cartridges can be found on the AQUAPHOR Amazon site (below).

The AQUAPHOR Fresh, which we tested, was ample size for a family, with us being able to fill it up and use about 3 times a day, and that was with cooking too.  It’s easy to pick up and easy to fill up too, and the cartridge replacement counter is really useful in a busy household.  The water tastes pure and when you hold it up to the light it certainly looks clear too. I’ve tried it in the kettle a few times after having cleaned the limescale from inside, and it hasn’t furred up the mechanism yet so the hard water must be removed during the filtering process.

No one in my house has complained about the taste of the water, which is always a bonus! If you’re not used to filling up a jug all the time then that can get a bit of getting used to, but we always have a jug of water ready to go.  The filters aren’t that expensive and you can buy them in bulk but they do last a long time so you can buy 6 at a time on Amazon and forget about buying anymore for a while.

AQUAPHOR is a great alternative to under sink filters, not least because they’re cheaper but they rival anything else on the market, and you know that you’re getting purer, cleaner water than what comes out of the tap.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/AQUAPHORWATERFILTERS/page/241D9FA6-27A6-4C44-958B-D54BE2F7453D

Rubis 4 Piece Ladies Grooming Leather Case Set

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

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

I have always been a bit embarrassed about the state of my nails. For years I was a nail biter and as a result my nails are quite weak and have a habit of snagging and tearing, usually once I’ve managed to grow them a little bit! With a couple of important events coming up this year I decided enough was enough as I want my nails to look nice for once, so my New Years resolution was to finally start looking after my nails properly.

The first step was to book a manicure and after a bit of expert advice and a gentle lecture about not nibbling them I was ready to change my ways! I’ve discovered that the secret to good nails is having decent nail tools so I was really pleased when the Rubis 4 Piece Ladies Grooming Leather Case Set arrived. Inside the neat little red leather pouch are four Swiss-engineered tools that mean serious business: Colibri cuticle scissors, nail clippers, a nail file made from the tiniest glass beads, and a rather clever Push & Clean nail cleaner. It’s essentially the Formula One pit crew of nail care, but small enough to live in your handbag.

I already own a pair of Rubis tweezers so I know first hand just how good Rubis products are so armed with my nail technicians expert advice I was, dare I say – quite excited to start trying the new nail tools on my nails. Each tool is crafted in their Switzerland factory from the best stainless, acid-resistant surgical steel, which means they are easy to clean or sterilise and will last for years.

The nail clippers are a fantastic upgrade from my previous ones, the cutting action is noticeably sharper and they cut through nails with a single, precise cut. The curved cuticle scissors are just as impressive, sitting comfortably in both hands, they are nice and sharp and give a really clean finish around the cuticles.

The glass nail file, stored in its own protective pouch, has quickly become my handbag essential. Rather than shredding the edge of the nail like traditional files, it smooths and shapes gently, leaving the nail edge tidy and sealed. Best of all, it stops me reaching for my teeth when I spot a rough edge.

Finally there’s the wonderfully practical double-ended Push & Clean nail cleaner. One end is designed to gently push the skin back from the nail, keeping everything looking neat and well-groomed, while the other end hooks neatly under the nail to remove any trapped dirt. After a day in the garden, it’s absolutely invaluable

The leather pouch is nice and compact and slips easily into my handbag, so when a rogue hangnail appears or a nail suddenly decides to split, I’m prepared. No more emergency nibbling to tidy up my nails !  

With Mother’s Day coming up, this would also make a brilliant gift. It’s practical, beautifully made and the sort of quality item that many mums would never think to buy for themselves but would use all the time. A little touch of Swiss precision that keeps nails looking their best every day.

RRP £104.71 available from allcures.com

Yankee Candle Serenity Stone Signature Large Jar Candle

Birthday Gifts, Fragrance, Gifts for Her, Home, Home & Garden, Women

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

Once upon a time candles were a necessity in all homes, with the flickering flame the only way to light a room in the evening. These days candles are no longer just practical and make an indulgent treat for ourselves (why not?) or a lovely gift for a loved one. They’re also a lot more stylish, with many in elegant glass jars that look just as lovely on a shelf or coffee table as they do when they’re lit.

When you’re buying candles it is definitely worth knowing what to look for. A good candle isn’t just about a pretty jar or fancy sounding fragrance – you need to consider the ingredients, the burn time, the scent, the design and of course the price.

When it comes to fragrance I tend to go for fresh and floral notes and Yankee Candle have plenty of fragrances that feel light, airy and perfect for this time of year. I’m currently enjoying their new Signature Large Jar Serenity Stone Candle, which has a lovely fresh fragrance making it the perfect choice for Spring. The top notes bring together Marine Accord, Dune Grass and Water Hyacinth, which immediately give you that breezy, just stepped outside sort of feeling. Then things soften slightly with Blue Chamomile, Cactus Blossom and Aloe in the middle, before settling into a base of Vetiver, Sea Moss and Wet Stone Accord.

Not only does the candle smell amazing but the Yankee Candle’s elegant glass jars look beautiful in any home. The candle itself is made from a smooth soy wax blend, which means you get a clean, even burn and the wick is made from 100% natural fibres and has been rigorously tested to make sure it burns properly.

With Mother’s Day coming up it’s a great gift for Mum. Whether she lights one to help her relax or just to make the home smell amazing, a Yankee Candle is a guaranteed winner.

The Yankee Candle Signature Large Jar candle retails at £29.99 and with an impressive burn time of between 65 and 80 hours it is excellent value for money.

Franci Toscano IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Birthday Gifts, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Mother's Day, Summer

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.

Give the chef in your life a treat to cook with in the Franci Toscano Extra Virgin olive oil from the Artisan Olive Oil Company.  We were lucky enough to be sent a sample to try this spring just in time for Easter Sunday!

Franci Toscano Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced from the 2024/2025 harvest of Tuscan olives, with the slightly spicy olive oil leaving a bitterness reminiscent of Italy’s ancient olive varieties.  The fresh taste of Franci Toscano can be used in cooking or the unique flavours are especially useful in dishes such as salads, pasta or seafood.  I used it neat over a salad and it works particularly well in a salad dressing where the full flavour can be enjoyed.  You could also use this to dip bread into, combined with the Artisan Olive Oil Company’s selection of balsamic vinegars.

The Franci Toscano IGP Extra Virgin Olive Oil has already won several awards;

  • Flos Olei 2025: Maximum score of 100 points
  • Flos Olei 2019: 99 points, named World’s Best Olive Oil Mill
  • New York International Olive Oil Competition 2020: Gold Medal winner
  • Selezione Regionale Oli extravergini DOP e IGP 2020: Awarded
  • Ercole Olivario 2019 National Competition: Finalist

The blend of olive oil comes from a variety of olives including Frantoio, Moraiolo, Leccino, and Olivastra which are grown and blended on the Frantoio Franci estate near Montalcino by Giorgio Franci, who continues growing and producing olive oil after his father Fernando Franci who started the business.

Taking into account the price of £21.95 for a litre, this is an exceptional oil, grown authentically in Italy and produced to a very high, award winning standard. Serious chefs and lovers of all things Italian will love this olive oil and add it to their collection like a fine wine.  I have already added it to my daily salad and seafood cooking and loved using it so far.

Available from £21.95: https://www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/products/franci-toscano-igp-extra-virgin-olive-oil-500ml?variant=55597487456634

MANTA Healthy Hair Brush 

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, travel, 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.

It’s time for hairbrushes to get a glow up! The MANTA Healthy Hair Brush uses FLEXGUARD technology to create a hairbrush that sits in the palm of your hand and has a heat resistance of up to 80 degrees centigrade (175 Fahrenheit).  The bristles are super gentle on hair and scalp, even flyaway hair and create shine when the hair is brushed from scalp to ends. It’s anti static and can be used on wet or dry hair. As the bristles are far apart, they don’t snag as they pull through fine hair, and if the ends are dry, you don’t rip away and break strands of hair as you brush. The MANTA Hair Brush can be used on all types of hair including hair extensions.

The MANTA sits in your hand comfortably by I found it easier to use on myself if I hold it from the handle and work my way through the length of my hair, starting at the scalp. Although this is a hair brush, it actually works perfectly as a scalp massager, taking the tension out of the scalp as you massage the brush through your hair. Taking the MANTA from the front of your scalp to the back of your neck and then to the ends of your hair, you’re also transferring the good oils to the rest of the hair and conditioning the cuticles as you do so.  It feels absolutely amazing! As the bristles aren’t really close together, it gives a good massage as well as not damaging the hair too much. I loved using it after washing my hair to distribute the styling products without disturbing my natural curls. It’s great for putting your hair back into a messy pony tail too once your hair is dry. 

This is a great investment for yourself or as a gift for someone else. It’s perfect for taking on holiday though with the travel pouch it comes with and the hand-held size that means it can even fit into your hand luggage!

Available from £30 at: https://www.boots.com/manta-original-healthy-hair-and-scalp-brush-pink-10345639

Eyeam Bi-Phase Magnesium Body Treatment Spray

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Fitness, 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.

If you’ve ever come back from the gym already aching from a workout, felt tired enough in the evening and need something to help you wind down or still feel tired when you wake up, then it could be a lack of magnesium in your diet. Thankfully, magnesium can be absorbed through the skin to boost your energy.  Eyeam have created the Bi-Phase Magnesium Body Treatment Spray to aid your magnesium absorption, but to also tone your skin and add vitamins such as C and E.

Either at bedtime, or after exercise, shake the bottle to combine both treatments and spray on your legs, torso and arms.  Massage into the skin and muscles to feel the full benefit of the magnesium and oils.  The Treatment Spray has a slight citrus scent to it, but doesn’t act like a lotion, it’s more like an oil. It absorbs into the skin easily and hydrates, giving a slight matt glow which works perfectly for after the gym when your skin is dehydrated by the blood is circulating.  The added vitamins help nourish the skin as well.  The added botanicals help calm the mind too, so it’s ideal for night time when the magnesium makes you sleepy, and the vitamins and botanicals support your sleep routine.

This is not your usual body lotion – it’s a treatment for those serious in getting healthier skin and absorbing the correct nutrients and making your skin look the best it can be, long term.

Available from £49.00 at: https://eyeamworld.com/collections/shop-all/products/magnesium-bi-phase-body-treatment-spray

11:11 Self Heating Eye Masks

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, travel, 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.

Relax this Valentines Day with some self-care, or give some love with the 11:11 Self Heating Eye Masks. These 3 single use eye masks are great for when you need some quiet time, or when trying to get to sleep and travelling thanks to their heating ability and some rose and oud scents.

The eye masks are felt-like pads with heat pouches inside. They instantly start to warm up as soon as you open the packet. The elastic ear loops allow you to wear the eye patches whilst you lie back for up to 25 minutes (I found the heat lasted for more than 30 minutes though) and the fragrance of rose and oud oozes from them.  The packet contains a complimentary audio ritual to work with the eye patches and allow them to calm you even more. The sound bath music and soothing warmth around your eyes helps you drift into slumber, or simply relax.

I wore these before bed and was pleasantly surprised by how they calmed my mind mostly. The eye patches aren’t for blocking out light, but they do warm up the area around your eye and your eyelids. Not specifically for beauty, I did find that my eyes were nicely relaxed and slightly softer thanks to the effects of the heat!

Available from £9.95: https://sensoryretreats.com/products/11-11-self-heating-eye-masks

Bow Embroidered Cotton Pyjama Set from Boux Avenue

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Fashion, Gifts for Her, 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.

Mother’s Day is notoriously difficult to buy for, but taking time to buy Mum something luxurious, which she’ll use regularly.  Boux Avenue have a range of lingerie, nightwear and swimwear that are perfect for Mother’s Day as gifts. This week, we were sent the Bow Embroidered Cotton Pyjama Set to try out from the Boux range, in size 16.

This button-up, collared pyjama set is 100% cotton with a crinkly texture to it, adorned by white bows. The pink colour is particularly flattering and the little bows add a touch of femininity.  The shirt is collared and button down the front, and the trousers are elasticated string tie.  I’m not particularly tall (5’ 5”) and the shirt is long enough to tuck into the trousers, and the leg length is just below my ankle.  There is minimal tailoring on the shirt but there is a breast pocket, and the trouser legs are wide all the way to the ankle to be more comfortable.

When wearing these pyjamas, I found them to be very warm in this weather, as the cotton material adapts to different temperatures. They wash beautifully and there was no shrinkage.  They look really good in photos and are great for holidays or sleepovers, but not only for Mother’s Day Gifts, it occurred to me that these would be great bridesmaid gifts or for a Girls Night In because they’re so photogenic!

Available for £52 at: https://www.bouxavenue.com/new-in-nightwear/bow-embroidered-cotton-pyjama-set/211950_20PX.html?cgid=1000458

Footsie Foot products

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Gifts for Her, hiking, National Walking Month, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Winter, Women

My feet do an awful lot of work and like most people I’m guilty of not showing them the care they should receive. Walking across hills, tucked into sturdy boots, squashed into heels over the Christmas period and constantly swaddled in socks and wooly tights they had become quite dry and a bit rough around the edges. So when a couple of footcare treats arrived from Footsie, a new footcare brand with a range of six new products designed to properly pamper hardworking feet, it felt like a gentle nudge to finally give mine the TLC they were desperately in need of.

First I needed to get rid of the dry skin so the Smooth Operator 2 in 1 Glass Foot File, (RRP £7) was quickly put to use. The dual-action file made light work of the hard skin on my feet, smoothing my heels and soles quickly and effectively. Made from 100% toughened glass, it feels nice and robust and being made of glass it is hygienic and will last a long time. The file can be used on both wet and dry skin and has two different textured surfaces, the coarse edge is designed to remove hard, thick skin and the finer side is used for gentle exfoliation.

Once filed and exfoliated it was time for a taste of the tropics with the Tropical Toes Coco Luscious Foot Butter (RRP £7). This rich, indulgent cream melted beautifully into my skin leaving my feet nice and hydrated and refreshed. It is also great as an overnight treatment, a generous application before bed then I pop a pair of cotton socks on and by morning my feet feel lovely and soft and ready for action. I’ve been using it every evening for the last couple of weeks and my feet are looking so much better. The dry skin on my heels has completely gone and my feet look and feel cared for again.

Now that my feet have been well and truly pampered, they’re ready to carry me across hill, dale and anywhere else I choose to wander.

The Footsie products are all available from Boots

NecessaryGood Bright & Hydrated Moisturizer and Protected & Hydrated SPF 50

beauty, Gifts for Her, health, 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.

NecessaryGood is a portmanteau of the ideal skin cream.  What does your skin need? And what is good for your skin?  With thousands of skincare products on the market, NecessaryGood realised that there was no way of knowing what your skin needed, and what was available, so they decided to create a range which was just about good ingredients, mixed right, high quality and therefore the most effective.  They pride themselves on not being in the top price range either. We were sent their Bright & Hydrated Moisturiser and their Protected & Hydrated SPF 50 day creams to try out.

The Necessary Good Bright & Hydrated Moisturiser prides itself on being able to hydrate, brighten and support your skin barrier all at the same time.  It’s a really rich cream, much like a serum, which blends in with some work to create a deep barrier. It softened my skin first, which probably suggests that I needed more hydration by the end of the day! You can use this skincare more than once a day too, which is ideal as we go into summer.  There’s no fragrance to this day cream, it can be used day and night and is ideal as an all-over base before make-up or for when you’re working from home and need some daily skin hydration.

The NecessaryGood Protected & Hydrated SPF 50 day cream is less rich than the Bright & Hydrate and takes a little more working into the skin, which is probably due to its SPF ingredients.  It’s lighter too and has a tad more fragrance to it, which I put down to the cotton seed extract. There’s added vitamins E and B5 and contains both UVA and UVB advanced filters.  I can’t test this one in the sun until the weather warms up, but SPF 50 is pretty high for this country, so you could use this on your summer holidays. It still hydrates your skin, even though it has the sun protection with it. With all the benefits of both day creams being the “Necessary Good”, they’re both great for taking on holiday this summer!

NecessaryGood Bright & Hydrated Moisturiser £27: https://necessarygood.com/collections/shop-all/products/bright-hydrated-moisturiser

NecessaryGood Protected & Hydrated SPF 50 £29:

Protected & Hydrated SPF 50

Dr PawPaw Your Gorgeous Skin SPF Day Cream and Lip Balm

beauty, Birthday Gifts, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, health, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Vegan, Vegetarian, 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.

Award-winning Dr PawPaw have sent us their SPF Day Cream and Lip Balm to test before the summer holidays start in earnest, and based on the lovely fruity scents when opening the products, we couldn’t wait to get started!

Dr PawPaw is a British based company started in 2013 with most of the products made here too. Originally, the products were for soothing owners Pauline and Johnny Paterson’s young daughter’s eczema, but their following soon grew and they branched out into other products.  The company pride themselves on using eco-friendly materials, which are recycled and biodegradable when possible.  

The Dr PawPaw SPF Lip Balm and Day Cream are both vegan and cruelty-free, like all their products. The Lip Balm, which has added SPF 30, is targeted at keeping lips soft but also has the Dr PawPaw healing properties. It’s a very light application which can be used in the sun, or every day especially if you’re not wearing make-up. I like to use it at night to condition my lips as a I sleep. As you don’t need very much, it absorbs easily and has a lovely pawpaw taste to it which lingers when you put it on. It lasts enough of the night too so that your lips are still conditioned when you wake up.

The Dr PawPaw SPF 50 Day Cream is equally as fruity scented and a rich day cream, but it actually blends in very easily. My skin wasn’t oily with this day cream, but there was some light refraction to leave my skin looking like it had a glow. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for enriching the skin and the SPF 50 really helps when the sun comes out! This 45ml tube would be great for taking on holiday.  I can’t wait for the day when the sun is out and I get to test out the SPF on both of these Dr PawPaw products!

Dr PawPaw SPF Lip Balm £4.95: https://www.drpawpaw.com/products/lip-balm-spf

Dr PawPaw SPF 50 Day Cream £18.00: https://www.drpawpaw.com/products/spf-50-pa-day-cream?selling_plan=7776010475&variant=43817267855595

Airy Home Reed Diffuser 

Birthday Gifts, Family Life, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Home, Home & Garden, Mother's Day, Stocking Fillers, Valentine's Day Gifts

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 all struggle for Valentines gifts especially if we want something that’s not mushy! Airy Fragrances were born in Japan, based on the Japanese art of Kōdō where fragrance is not a function, but a feeling. The company was started by two Japanese women in 2024 who realised that the Japanese way of scenting the home was not the same as in Europe, and so the Airy home reeds were developed.

We were sent the Airy Elegant Harmony Home Reed Diffuser to try out in White Tea scent. A beautiful presentation box arrived with a bottle of scent, five reeds and the round, glass bulb. Setting up the diffuser is easy with the lid of the bulb vase easily detached and then replaced before the reeds are inserted. The circle of the round glass represents the concept of ensō, symbolising harmony, impermanence and quiet beauty. The Elegant Harmony scent is very soft, floral, and a touch musky. I can detect the slight vanilla scent as well which is what carries most in the home. 

Although expensive, the Airy Home Reed Diffusers make a great gift and last 2-4 months each. The fragrances can be bought separately so you can replace them without having to replace the bulb vase as well. They’re also alcohol free. The website is set up to send the diffusers as gifts so you can send them straight onto the recipient.

Unlike other diffusers, the Airy Home Reed Diffuser is much lighter in fragrance and feels like there’s equally less heavy ingredients.  They make great gifts because they’re so beautiful and have a range of different scents which can be purchased online, and no doubt more scents will follow. They’re a beautiful fragrance for the house and the scent carries really quickly, making it a gift which will last.

Available from £43 at: https://www.airyfragrances.com/products/elegant-harmony-whitetea-reed-diffuser

Egg Free Cake Box – Red Velvet Dubai Chocolate Cake

Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Food & Drink, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Winter, Women

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

With Christmas just around the corner, the shops are full of festive treats. While there will always be a place for a traditional Christmas cake or pudding, it’s rather lovely to discover something a little different – and this Red Velvet Dubai Chocolate Cake from Egg Free Cake Box is just that.

The cake is a beautifully light and moist red velvet sponge, generously layered with a silky pistachio cream and Egg Free Cake Box’s signature Dubai mix, which brings a gentle nuttiness and a pleasing sweetness. The sides are neatly finished with classic red velvet crumbs there’s also the option to personalise your cake; ours simply read “Enjoy”, but you can choose your own message when ordering.

On top of the cake is delicate creamy piping, adorned with a light sprinkle of suter pheni and crunchy pistachio pieces, while fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries add a cheerful splash of colour. It’s decorative without being fussy and my husband especially enjoyed the lighter topping as he finds cakes full of buttercream much too sweet.  

I must confess I hadn’t come across Egg Free Cake Box before, so I was surprised to discover several shops within a short distance of home. With over 250 locations nationwide, their impressive Click & Collect service means you can order a cake and collect it within just an hour – perfect for last-minute get togethers.  The company started back in 2008 with a single shop in East London and has grown steadily, always placing an emphasis on quality ingredients and careful craftsmanship.

All of their cakes are completely egg free, reflecting the founders’ strict lacto-vegetarian diet. When I was eating the cake I really couldn’t tell that it was egg free – there’s certainly no compromise when it comes to flavour or texture – which also makes these cakes a reassuring choice for parties where egg allergies may be a concern.

Our cake was delivered by a man in a car and it was well packaged in a large cake box. When I opened the box, it looked even more delicious than I’d hoped! The red velvet sponge had a lovely depth of flavour and wasn’t too sweet, while the pistachio and Dubai cream brought a luxurious nuttiness that worked incredibly well and make the cake incredibly moreish!

While it’s at its best within 24 hours, we popped it in the fridge for an extra day and the sponge stayed beautifully light and soft and was just as tasty as it was on the first day.

This is the sort of cake that would sit proudly on a Christmas Day table, perfect for sharing with family, and it makes a cracking alternative to the usual Christmas pudding – or a very good excuse to have both. We all thought it was absolutely delicious and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Egg Free Cake Box. With my birthday landing at the end of December, I can already tell you where my cake will be coming from this year.

RRP from £32.99 for a 6” cake



Neve’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balms

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

Tucked away in North Oxfordshire, Neve’s Bees is a charming family run business, named after founder Julie’s daughter, Neve. Following a spot of experimentation with “lotions and potions,” – blending beeswax with pure, natural plant oils and butters, they soon realised they could create an entire range of skincare products using only genuinely natural ingredients – ones that felt far better on the skin than anything they’d bought before. And so, Neve’s Bees was born. Today, they offer a wonderful selection of natural products, including ten different lip balms, available individually for £6.50 or as a trio for £18. Whether you prefer something floral, zingy, minty or simply plain and gentle, there’s a balm to suit every taste. Each one is blended with 100% natural ingredients -organic wherever possible – bringing together nature and a touch of science to create a beautifully rich, premium product. All of the balms are made with natural beeswax from Neve’s Bees own bees along with organic apricot kernel, organic jojoba and coconut oils, plus natural vitamin E for extra nourishment. The lip balms are in little slide tins which are small enough to slip into a coat pocket or handbag to keep lips moisturised when out and about.

I always seem to get chapped lips in winter and much prefer natural lip balms as they seem to soothe my lips much better. Using them both morning and night has become second nature, so I was quite excited when the parcel of Neve’s Bees lip balms arrived  and I could tell from the minute I opened the first tin that these lip balms are much better quality than an off the shelf lip balm. They smell lovely and have a silky smooth texture which glides easily onto lips, The balm is quite solid in the tin but quickly warms up with the warmth of a finger and once on your lips it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky and it leaves my dry lips feeling soft and hydrated.

I’ve been spending a lot of time outdoors this week, so I’ve been able to really put these lip balms to the test.  My ideal lip balm is one that pampers and nourishes lips, keeping them soft and hydrated no matter what the conditions are and these lip balms definitely ticked all these boxes. Whether I’ve been out walking, cycling or when I was battling Storm Claudia, a quick application of this lip balm has helped to keep my lips protected and prevent them from drying out and I’m confident they’ll continue to keep my lips hydrated as the cold weather settles in.

The three balms I have been trying out are  –

Honey Vanilla – this is Neve’s Bees least fragranced lip balm and has just a hint of vanilla to soothe lips and allows the natural honey take centre stage.

Rosey is my favourite of the three balms, it is made from thousands of crushed rose petals and  scented with Rose Otto and Rose Geranium. It is rich in vitamins A and E and it’s really helped soothe my dry lips.

Buttermint is inspired by the classic sweets and contains a blend of vanilla and peppermint. This lip balm is great for the men in your life who need to protect their lips but don’t want a flowery or feminine fragrance. This nourishing lip balm is full of goodness and is ideal for restoring softness and moisture.

These Neve’s Bees lip balms make brilliant little gifts and are just the thing for popping into a Christmas stocking, adding to a Secret Santa bundle, or slipping into a card along with a money gift.

Neve’s Bees also donate 10% of their profits to wildlife causes, helping to restore precious wildflower meadows and providing vital habitat for bees and other pollinators so when you buy their products you’re also making a difference to the natural world.

The lip balms are available from the Neve’s Bees website here

Silk Eye Mask from The Silk Club

beauty, Birthday Gifts, camping, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, travel, 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.

A little treat for yourself before the spring sunshine sets in or some nice cosy nights early to bed, the Silk Eye Mask from The Silk Club is useful to everyone.  Made with 100% Mulberry Silk, it’s available in 5 colours and two sizes; Small- Medium and Medium-Large.  As it’s made of pure silk, it’s also environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Does it work though?

The softness of the silk means it fits most faces with just the elastic band in place and covers the whole eye area. It’s not uncomfortable to lay on the mask to sleep either, and as the elastic band is covered in silk too, it’s very delicate on the skin.  Silk means it’s kind to your skin microbiome and helps prevent pillow face. I know a lot of women who swear by silk pillowcases to help prevent wrinkles and the Silk Eye Mask is similar.

To block out light, the mask is padded to give maximum blackout.  Once you get used to having something over your face all night, it becomes comforting especially in the spring and summer when the sun comes up. It’s particularly good for travelling too, when you need to sleep on planes or in a car. Sadly, it doesn’t do anything for noise but it does help you concentrate on sleeping! The combination of noise cancelling headphones and the Silk Eye Mask is an absolute winner. They look very stylish too, with the plain block colours in pale pinks and blues.

A lovely gift for a friend who travels or for those who have trouble sleeping – but like their bed wear stylish too!

Currently on sale for Black Friday at £29.99: https://thesilkclub.co.uk/products/pink-mulberry-silk-eye-mask

Sanctuary Spa Gift Sets

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Women

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

There has been talk in this office this week of our annual Secret Santa and with a budget  of £15, these Sanctuary Spa gift sets fit the bill perfectly. Sanctuary Spa is such a well-loved high-street favourite, with plenty of gorgeous sets available at a range of retailers this Christmas. With Black Friday and Christmas offers popping up everywhere, it’s well worth keeping your eyes peeled – you might just snap up a bargain!

Now, even if you don’t know your Secret Santa recipient terribly well, you simply can’t go wrong with a beauty gift set and we would love to discover these Sanctuary Spa sets under our Christmas Tree this year.

The Sanctuary Spa Discovery Body Cleansing Collection (£15) is available from Boots (and is in the 3 for 2 deal) and includes four 75ml body washes – Aqua Serenity, Lily & Rose, Golden Sandalwood and Signature – all neatly presented in a clear, reusable wash bag. The body washes are the perfect size for travelling and they are also a great way to try some of the other fragrances in the range.

The Sanctuary Spa Signature Restoring Spa Collection (currently £10 at Tesco with a Clubcard) includes a 150ml Signature Body Wash, a 150ml Signature Body Lotion and a 100ml Body Scrub. With a fragrance blend of jasmine, grapefruit and vanilla, this trio really does bring that “spa-at-home” feeling to life. Cleanse, buff and moisturise and step out with soft, beautifully scented skin.

So whether you’re hunting for a Secret Santa surprise, a stocking filler, a gift for teachers, or simply fancy treating yourself (and why not?) a Sanctuary Spa gift set is the perfect choice.

Weleda Christmas Gift Sets

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, secret santa, Stocking Fillers, Winter, Women

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

Christmas is coming (yes, already!), and it’s the perfect excuse to treat your friends, your family…. or yourself! Beauty gift sets always feel special, especially at this time of year and at Christmas many include reusable wash bags or cosmetic pouches. I also find they are usually much better value than buying everything separately. If you’ve never dipped your toe into Weleda before, a gift set is a wonderful way to be introduced to their gorgeous natural products without committing to full sizes straightaway.

This year they have some lovely sets and here are two of my absolute favourites:

The Skin Food Essentials Gift Set (RRP £10) is a brilliant stocking filler. It contains a 10ml tube of Skin Food Original along with a Skin Food Lip Balm (8ml) which are the perfect size to keep in your handbag so you are always ready for winter emergencies. Skin Food is one of those iconic products that is loved by everyone, it’s been around since 1926 for a reason, and its fan club spans generations. I use it for soothing dry patches of skin, doubling as a rich night cream, even calming my eczema. It’s quite thick but it doesn’t  feel heavy or greasy on my skin. The nourishing plant oils, protective natural waxes and Skin Food’s signature herbal blend make it nice and hydrating and perfect for my sensitive, eczema prone skin. It also contains rosemary to boost circulation, sunflower and sweet almond oils to feed the skin, and beeswax and lanolin to lock all that goodness in. Paired with the Lip Balm, you’ve got the ultimate winter rescue duo for dry or chapped lips.

If you want something a bit more indulgent, the limited edition Very Cherry Gift Set (RRP £19.95) is a very festive treat. Tucked inside the gorgeous velvety cherry-red make-up bag are three fantastic products – Cherry Shower Cream (200ml), Hand Cream (50ml) and a Lip Balm (4.8ml).

The limited edition Weleda Very Cherry is new this year, and I do hope that they decide to keep it on a permanent basis. The fragrance is fruity and uplifting and leaves my skin delicately scented. The Shower Cream is rich and creamy, lathering beautifully and leaving my skin feeling fresh, clean, and hydrated. The Hand Cream simply melts into my hands and doesn’t leave them feeling greasy. As someone with very dry hands, I use hand cream regularly and the 50ml tube is the perfect size to pop in my bag so I can keep my hands nourished throughout the day.

The Lip Balm has that subtle cherry scent and glides on effortlessly, giving a lovely hit of moisture. It feels protective and soothing, exactly what you want when the winter wind picks up.

Every product in the Very Cherry collection is made from 100% natural origin ingredients and certified by NATRUE, which only adds to the feeling that you’re treating your skin to something honest, gentle, and genuinely good.

This is one of those Christmas sets that not only looks great but is even better to use. Perfect for anyone who loves a bit of fruity freshness, or for the friend who needs a bit of everyday pampering

If you’re hunting for great-value Christmas gifts (or just fancy treating yourself ), these Weleda sets tick every box – natural, beautiful, practical, and perfect for newcomers and long-time fans alike.

Original Source Crisp Apple Shower Gel

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

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

Every family has its Christmas traditions, and in our house the stockings always have certain gifts stuffed in them. Yes, there’s the expected chocolate, socks, and underwear  but every year, without fail, Father Christmas tucks in a bottle of shower gel. And more often than not, it’s Original Source. They slip neatly into a stocking, for one thing, and their bright, uplifting scents mean there’s a bottle to suit absolutely everyone.

I’m not what you’d call a natural morning person so I need something brisk and cheering to get me going which means my shower gel has to work hard to wake me gently but firmly. I’m a big fan of Original Source’s Zesty Lemon & Tea Tree, but this year I’ve tried their Crisp Apple Shower Gel which is fresh and crisp and is exactly the thing to nudge me into the land of the living. From the very first use my skin felt refreshed, hydrated, and – dare I say it – almost enthusiastic about the day ahead.

It’s vegan, made in the UK, and fragranced with 100% natural ingredients. The bottle itself is made entirely from recycled plastic and can go straight back into the recycling when you’re done.

A 250ml bottle is currently just £1 at Superdrug and Morrisons so at that price, it’s worth stocking up to guarantee a zingy start to Christmas morning and beyond.

Green People Christmas Gift Sets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RRP £40

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Tropez Self Tan 

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, Fashion, Gifts for Her, Spring, 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.

This whopping 200ml bottle of St Tropez is the latest formula from St Tropez to get you glowing in time for summer 2026!

The St Tropez self-tanning serum is made with 100% natural tanning active and scient backed skincare ingredients.  That sounds very scientific, but if you’ve been a self tan fan in the past and been put off because of the smell, then rest assured that the St Tropez Self Tan of today does not have that odour.  In fact, I don’t think it has any odour at all which is why I could put it on in the morning and then forget about it!

The St Tropez Self Tan is a clear serum that goes on with out streaks and then develops over 8 hours. You need to exfoliate and moisturise first, and you’re supposed to use a St Tropez mitt but I was able to put mine on in the morning and let it dry. There’s a slight shimmer to the serum that allows you to see where you’re applying it which is really helpful when you haven’t got the deep brown colour to guide you. It takes a while to blend in but once it’s dry you can neither see it nor feel it whilst it works its magic.

You can apply just once to get a week’s worth of glow or apply it over a few days to get a deeper tan. It never goes really dark though, it’s more of a gradual tan but that looks more natural. I’ve tried it for a one-off party and it gives a sin-kissed glow, much the same as you get over summer if you’re just in the garden, but building up over a few days you get a lot more depth. Could be a life saver for the Christmas period! 

If you’ve fallen out of love with self tan, now is the time to get back to St Tropez and start the glow again…

Available from £17.50: https://www.boots.com/st-tropez-self-tan-luxe-body-serum-200ml-10322771