Tag: pamper

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.

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.

Tolpa Dermo Face Rosacal Products

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

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

Tolpa is a Polish skincare brand and it’s now available at Boots. I’ve already used the Lipidrio range and now I’ve trying a couple of products from the Rosacal range, designed for those with sensitive skin.

The Strengthening Regenerating Cream (RRP £12.99) is a real multitasking night cream, it promises to do more than just moisturise, also helping to strengthen and seals blood vessels, making them less sensitive to external factors. It also claims to soothe erythema, calm irritation and even conceal redness thanks to its natural green colouring. On top of that it helps tackle fine lines and wrinkles. That’s quite a list of promises but with my skin in need of some extra TLC, I was hoping that it would make a difference.

The texture is lovely, it sinks in easily without that heavy, greasy feeling some night creams can leave behind. When I wake up, my skin feels soft, calm and properly hydrated. According to Tolpa’s own tests, the cream can reduce persistent redness by 10% after four weeks, even out skin tone and lessen the appearance of spider veins. Hydration levels also jump by 29% after the very first use and last a full 24 hours. After a month I’m pleased to say that my skin is looking much better, it feels plump and hydrated and I’m starting to see a small improvement in my fine lines too.

One thing I really like is the packaging. The cream comes in an aluminium tube, which not only helps keep the product fresher but is also better for the environment. Plus, it’s more hygienic than a jar – no dipping fingers in and spreading bacteria!

I’ve also been using the Rosacal Strengthening Face and Eye Area Micellar Wash Gel (RRP £8.99), which has slotted perfectly into my morning and evening routine. I massage it in gently and rinse with water, finishing with a damp flannel. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin but still effective – it removes light makeup easily, though I do reach for a stronger cleanser if I’ve gone heavier on the foundation. My skin feels clean, refreshed and never tight or dry afterwards.

Tolpa’s skincare range is exclusive to Boots, both in store or online. The Rosacal range consists of four different products so as well as the two I’ve been using there’s also a Strengthening Micellar Liquid for cleansing and a Strengthening Soothing Cream

Right now, Boots have a great offer on – buy two Tolpa products and get the second half price – so I think that’s the perfect excuse to pick up the other two products in the range and give them a go!

Oscar Charles Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30

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

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

The Review Studio team love discovering new skincare products, so I was absolutely delighted when the lovely folks at Oscar Charles sent us their Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30 (RRP £37.50). You might know them for their brilliant makeup brushes, but now they’re turning heads in the skincare world with a range that’s not only effective, but kind to your skin and the planet too. Launched in 2018, Oscar Charles has a mission to create beauty products that are kind to both skin and the planet and are setting a new standard for ethical and effective skincare.

Their new skincare range lists hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, and natural oils in the ingredient list and these key ingredients are all carefully chosen to give your skin a real boost. Think improved hydration, smoother texture, and that healthy glow we’re all after!

The Day Time Hydration Kit with SPF30 contains two great products – the Protect & Repair Day Cream with SPF30 and a Hydrating Facial Cleanser.

The day cream is a touch of luxury in a jar, it’s rich without being heavy, smells lovely, and sinks in beautifully. Hyaluronic Acid helps to plump up the skin and Vitamins C and B3 help brighten and even skin tone and provide deep hydration. I’ve been using it for a month now and I have to say, my skin feels softer, looks fresher, and even those pesky fine lines are starting to fade a bit. And with SPF30 built in, it’s great to know you’re protected, even on those overcast days when you think you don’t need it (you always do!).

The Hydrating Cleanser is just as lovely, it’s gentle, creamy, and leaves your skin feeling fresh but never tight. It contains Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera, which really help calm things down making it perfect if your skin can be a bit sensitive. I love the pump bottle too, it’s so easy to use and means you can dispense just the right amount. It takes off all my makeup and the day’s grime without any fuss and my skin feels beautifully clean and hydrated afterwards.

Another thing I really like is that all their skincare is vegan, cruelty-free, and made right here in the UK, which is fantastic. No nasties either, no sulphates, parabens or any of those harsh chemicals, so it’s suitable for all skin types. And if you’re always on the go, like most of us are, these products really fit into a busy routine without skimping on results.

I have to say, I’m genuinely impressed with these Oscar Charles products. They’ve got the luxurious feel you usually only find in much pricier skincare, but without the hefty price tag – which is amazing! It’s not often you come across products that tick all the boxes – ethical, effective, and affordable, but Oscar Charles have done it! I’ll definitely be keeping these in my skincare routine, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!

SMUG

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, REUSABLE, secret santa, Valentine's Day Gifts, Women

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

Let’s talk about SMUG –  the brand that’s making self-care simple and luxurious at the same time. Founded by Kelli, SMUG is all about helping us get a better night’s sleep and feel pampered every day. They recently sent us some goodies to try and we’re all now well and truly obsessed with their products!

Luxury Aromatherapy Shower Steamers (RRP £12)

If you love a spa experience but don’t have time for a soak in the bath, these shower steamers are the answer. Simply pop one in the shower, let the warm water work its magic, and breathe in the gorgeous scents. The Energising Set is ideal for kickstarting your day with vibrant scents of tropical coconut, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, rose, lavender, mango, and jasmine to choose from. The cool freshness of peppermint and eucalyptus clears the senses, while the tropical sweetness of mango and coconut instantly transport you to a sun-kissed paradise. The Relaxing Set is my go-to for winding down in the evening, with calming chamomile, lavender, and rosemary to help melt away stress whilst the the citrusy brightness of grapefruit is nice and refreshing. Whether you need an energizing morning boost or a peaceful evening retreat, with eight scents in every box there is a steamer for every mood!

Satin & Contoured Sleep Masks (RRP from £10)

A good sleep mask is an absolute beauty essential and SMUG have plenty to choose from. I tried both the Satin Sleep Mask and the Contoured 3D Blackout Sleep Mask, and while both are dreamy, the contoured one is my favourite because it sits so comfortably and stays put. Plus, there are loads of cute designs so there’s bound to be one that matches your pyjamas! They also come in resealable pouches, making them ideal for travel.

The masks are beautifully soft and smooth and have an elasticated strap which was very comfortable to wear. They cover my eyes really well and don’t let any light in around the edges. I found them both very comfortable to wear in bed and slept really well with them on.

Quick Dry Satin Hair Turban (RRP £16)

If you’ve got curly hair, this will be your new best friend! It’s double-sided, with a microfibre layer for drying hair and a satin side to protect your curls overnight. My usual ‘pineapple’ bedtime hairstyle has been replaced by this turban, and the difference is incredible, no more waking up to a frizz explosion and it’s much easier to refresh my hair in the morning as the curls are less crushed. Being double sided is a real bonus and is great for travelling, keeping hair sleek and smooth on the go.

Makeup & Beauty Accessories Bag (RRP £10) & Wash Bag (£16)

We love a good makeup bag at the Review Studio and the team absolutely adore the SMUG bags. Not only are they stylish, but they’re also incredibly practical, making them a must-have for beauty lovers and frequent travellers alike. The zipped beauty bag is the perfect size for keeping all your essentials in one place, from toiletries and makeup to those easy-to-lose items like lip balm and hair bobbles. It’s also a great addition to any handbag, keeping charging cables, headphones, and other small gadgets neatly stored, instead of tangled at the bottom of your bag. The waterproof wash bag is even roomier and perfect for travel, the gym, or just keeping your bathroom tidy. It comes in a range of fun and eye-catching prints, we’re obsessed with the avocado design, but there’s also a super cute duck print and a stylish green camo option that we love too. The material is durable and easy to wipe clean, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Whether you need a compact beauty pouch for daily touch-ups or a spacious bag for travel, these SMUG bags have got you covered.

Reusable Cotton Cleanse Pads with Mesh Wash Bag (RRP £12)

Switching to reusable cleansing pads is a no-brainer, they’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and feel lovely on the skin. This set includes seven ultra-soft bamboo pads that remove makeup effortlessly and wash beautifully at 30C. They come with a handy mesh bag for easy laundering and a waterproof pouch for storing used pads when you’re away from home.

Each pad is palm-size and lovely and soft and fluffy. They are made from cotton and bamboo fibres and remove makeup from your skin effortlessly. Each pad is double-sided, so there’s plenty of room to remove a full face of make-up or freshen your skin.

Lava Bead Aromatherapy Bracelet with Essential Oil (RRP £10)

Who doesn’t love a little aromatherapy on the go? The ‘Balance’ bracelet is designed to ease stress and anxiety, with a gorgeous blend of lavender, citrus, menthol, and ylang-ylang. The beads slowly diffuse the scent throughout the day – just apply a few drops of the essential oil provided to the black lava stones, and you’re good to go! Plus, it looks just like a stylish beaded bracelet, so it’s a win-win.

Overall, SMUG has well and truly won us over. Whether you’re looking for better sleep, gorgeous hair, or a little spa moment at home, their range has something for everyone. We’ll definitely be keeping these self-care essentials in our routine!

Scented Aromas

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

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

When mother and daughter duo Amanda and Lizzie struggled with psoriasis and other skin concerns, they took matters into their own hands and Scented Aromas was born. The Manchester based brand has gone from strength to strength creating luxurious, handmade bath and home products that are gentle on the skin – without the luxury price tag.

I’ve suffered from eczema for many years so I have to be very careful with what I use on my skin, so when a lovely package of Scented Aromas goodies arrived, I was really  excited and after trying them I’m now hooked!!

Flowerbomb Bath Bomb (£3.95)

There’s something wonderfully indulgent about a long soak in the bath, and the Flowerbomb bath bomb makes bath time feel even more special. A pristine white bath bomb with silver detailing and a hint of shimmer, it looked almost too lovely to use – but I’m so glad I did! As soon as it hit the water, it fizzed away, releasing the most gorgeous scent – a warm, comforting blend of jasmine sambac, cashmere, and white amber. The fragrance quickly filled the bathroom, while the water turned soft and silky. It made for such a relaxing bath, and unlike other bath bombs I’ve used, there was no residue or staining left behind – just a lingering sense of calm.

If you love a bit of self-care, the Flowerbomb bath bomb is an absolute treat and the perfect way to bring a little spa-like luxury to your routine.

Exfoliating Soap Sponge (£6.50)

If you haven’t tried an exfoliating soap sponge yet, you’re in for a treat. This clever product combines a body scrub and soap making exfoliating effortless. Whether you’re tackling dry patches, prepping for fake tan, or just want ultra-smooth skin, this does the job effortlessly. The texture is just right, not too rough and not too soft, so you get a satisfying scrub without any irritation, leaving your skin beautifully smooth.

Scented Aromas offers an impressive range of scents, from fresh citrus to floral, and even a fun “Monkey Fart” scent ( a fruity mix of pear, plum, peach, and apple)  With its dual-sided design, it cleanses and exfoliates beautifully, and used daily will last up to four weeks.

After just one use, my skin felt noticeably softer and it’s the perfect addition to any shower routine, giving that extra boost of radiance without any extra effort. Trust me – once you’ve tried one, you won’t go back.

Soy Wax Melts (£3.29)

For those who love a beautifully scented home, wax melts are the way to go. These little melts pack a real punch, melting into long-lasting fragrances that fill every corner of your space.

The Cherry Blossom & Nordic Cotton blend is fresh yet soothing, bringing an instant cosy feel to your home. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity, floral or even something a bit different like Scented Aroma’s Alien Encounter, there’s a scent for every occasion.Plus, with each segment lasting up to 18 hours, they’re great value for money too.

Whipped Soap 200g (£7.99)

This whipped soap is pure luxury in a jar. Light, fluffy, and silky smooth, it lathers easily and leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. It’s also multi-purpose and can be used as a body wash or shaving cream.

A little goes a long way, and it’s gentle enough for all skin types. Whether you prefer fruity, floral, or sweet, there’s something for everyone. We received a sample pot to try but the full sized version is 200g

These Scented Aromas products bring spa-like indulgence into your everyday routine, proving that luxury and affordability can go hand in hand. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, smooth skin, or a beautifully fragranced home, they’ve got you covered.

Steamcream – Japanese Citrus

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

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

I love citrus scented products so was really pleased to receive a tin of Japanese Citrus moisturiser from Steamcream. Founded in Japan over 15 years ago Steamcream offer a “straightforward yet effective approach to skincare.”  

Handmade in small batches the cream is made using their unique Pure STEAM process, a unique steam emulsification technique which not only makes the cream lovely and light but means it absorbed into your skin easily too.   

When you open the tin, you can’t fail to notice the beautiful citrus fragrance and it feels quite indulgent massaging it into my skin. It feels a lot thinner than my normal moisturiser, so I was quite surprised at just how much moisture it gave to my dry skin, leaving it soft and hydrated all day long. I am really impressed with this cream and started to see an improvement in my skin after about a week, it looks fresher and there is a radiance that I didn’t have before.

With key ingredients Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Sugar Squalane, Citrus Sudachi Peel Extract and essential oils Yuzu, Iyokan, Citrus Nobilis & Kabosu this is a lovely fresh, light cream and perfect for the summer months. It’s great for travelling as it can also be used as a hand cream and body moisturiser too, not only saving space in your suitcase but leaving your skin hydrated and delicately fragranced too.

All the Steamcream moisturisers come in beautiful little tins that are perfect to keep in your bag and are great for storing small bits and pieces in once empty.

RRP: £22.00

Available from Steamcream here

Grace & Stella Mother’s Day Pamper Gifts

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

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

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

Rainbow Bath Bomb £19.99

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

Lavender Foot Peel Mask (2 pairs) £20

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

Eye Mask (24 pairs) £17.50

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

Face Mask £20.95

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

Lavender Body Lotion £14.95

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

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

Available from Amazon

Baylis and Harding Luxury 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

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

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

Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I especially love the build up with all the traditional festivities like going to the pantomime, decorating the tree and counting down the days with an Advent calendar. In the last few years ‘grown up’ calendars have really taken off, offering a wide selection of daily treats to enjoy in the run up to Christmas. Beauty Advent calendars are especially popular and you often find that the combined value of the products inside is usually far greater than the price of the calendar making them excellent value for money.

The Luxury 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar from Baylis & Harding is one of the more reasonably priced calendars, the stylish purple calendar is tied with a co-ordinating ribbon and looks more expensive than the £45 price tag. Behind the 24 numbered doors are a fantastic selection of bath and body products in two of Baylis & Harding’s popular fragrances – Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit and Jojoba, Vanilla and Almond Oil. The box is sturdy and sits nicely on a mantlepiece or dressing table and I was really pleased to discover that the inside of the calendar is made from cardboard rather than plastic so it wins points for being eco-friendly too.

So on to the contents of the calendar – there are 30ml bottles of Bath Milk, Bath Bubbles, Crème Bath Bubbles, Shower Gel, Hand Cream, Body Wash, Foot Lotion, Body Lotion, Body Butter, Shower Crème as well a 25g bar of soap and 25g boxes of Foot Soak Crystals and Bath Soak Crystals. I am really pleased with the selection of products in the calendar as they are all products that I use regularly and I will enjoy having plenty of pampering nights in the lead up to Christmas. With 24 products they will last me well into the new year and the travel sized bottles will be great to pop in my washbag when we are staying with family over the Christmas period.  

Overall I think this is a great Advent calendar, it’s full of products that I will use and will brighten up the dull and dark December days and if you’re quick it’s currently on offer at Ocado for £30.

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APHRODITE Gift Sets

beauty, Birthday Gifts, Christmas, cruelty-free, eco friendly, Gifts for Her, Gifts for teachers, Mother's Day, 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 has come early at The Review Studio as we’ve been trying a selection of fabulous APHRODITE gift sets that will make fantastic presents or Secret Santa gifts for loved ones this Christmas.

APHRODITE are a Greek skincare company who were founded back in the 90’s by George Zacharioudakis. George’s Greek heritage meant he was already aware of the benefits of olive oil for skincare and used this knowledge to cultivate an exceptional grade of organic extra virgin olive oil on his home island of Crete which he then used to create APHRODITE products.

When I looked at the APHRODITE website I discovered they have a fantastic selection of gift sets, so I guarantee you won’t have any problems finding the perfect gift for everyone this Christmas – these are a few of my favourites.

Happy Feet Gift Set €13.20 Containing a Sage & Lavender deodorant foot cream, Olive oil soap with lavender and a pumice stone this set contains everything you need to pamper your feet. After washing my feet with the soap and then leaving them to soak for 5 minutes I used the pumice stone to remove dry skin. The foot cream smells divine and it was a lovely relaxing self-care ritual rubbing it into my feet each night.

Donkey Milk Collection Hand & Foot Pamper Set €9.90 – Containing 30ml tubes of hand cream and foot cream this set is perfect as a stocking filler or Secret Santa gift. The hand and foot cream are lovely and hydrating and will keep hands and feet soft over the cold winter months. The handy sized tubes are perfect for travelling too.  

Anti-age Face Care Treats €16.50 This set contains Day Cream, Night Cream and Face Scrub and is the perfect introduction to APHRODITE skincare. Specially formulated for mature skin types they offer round-the-clock hydration while fighting early signs of ageing such as fine lines and sagging skin. The creams absorb easily without needing to rub and the face scrub gently exfoliates leaving skin clean and refreshed.

Olive Oil & Donkey Milk Soaps €4.95 I am trying to be more sustainable and have switched liquid soap for a bar of soap so was pleased to see APHRODITE have some lovely soap gift sets. The Olive Oil & Donkey Milk soaps lather nicely creating a creamy foam that washes dirt and grime away leaving hands beautifully soft and gently fragranced.

So, if you have a friend or family member who loves beauty products, have a Secret Santa gift to buy or need a few thank you gifts for teachers then have a look at the APHRODITE website – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

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

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

I’m the first to admit that that I’m not the best at taking care of my hair and it’s currently not only long overdue a cut but dry and frizzy too. I was therefore really pleased to receive a pot of Philip Kingsley Elasticizer and to see if this cult product could transform my unruly mop of hair.

Originally designed for Audrey Hepburn back in 1974, this classic hair product was created to deep condition her hair after being damaged by weeks of styling on set. Fast forward almost 50 years and it is still a best seller and loved by many, including Kate Winslet, Georgia May Jagger and Cate Blanchett.

Developed by leading trichologists it can be used in a couple of different ways – as an overnight conditioner to treat very dry, brittle or damaged hair and as an intensive anti-frizz treatment. 

As it is a pre shampoo product it is really easy to use, simply wet your hair and then apply in sections to ensure all your hair is covered. You then cover your hair with a shower cap (don’t worry there’s one in the box) or a warm towel and leave it to work it’s magic for 10-20 minutes. The heat created helps open your hair’s cuticles enabling them to absorb the nutrients in the mask.

I tend to wash my hair in a morning and have found if I apply the Elasticizer just before bed I get the best results as it has all night to soak into my hair. Once applied I use a turban style towel that fastens with a button, rather than a shower cap, which also helps to protect my pillowcase overnight. In the morning all I need to do is rinse it off and then shampoo and condition my hair as normal.

I have noticed that once my hair is dry it feels much softer, smoother and the dreaded frizz has gone. My curls are now much bouncier and healthy looking and it has been so easy to fit it into my haircare routine so no more bad hair days for me!

Available in 4 sizes –  75ml, 150ml, 500ml and 1000ml starting from £19.50 from the Philip Kingsley website here

ARRAN After The Rain Bath Salts

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

Arran Sense of Scotland is based on the beautiful Isle of Arran, if you haven’t visited Arran, I recommend that you do – the island is beautiful and the breath-taking views from the summit of Goatfell are definitely worth the climb! Their skin care products and home fragrances are inspired by the unspoiled way of life on Arran and the intoxicating fragrances aim to help reconnect you with nature.

The latest addition to their iconic After the Rain collection is the After The Rain Bath Salts. A carefully crafted blend of natural sea salt and Epsom salts, they are fragranced with Lime, Rose and Sandalwood and are formulated to revitalise skin, relax the mind and aid restful sleep. As a perimenopausal woman I struggle a lot with sleep, often waking several times a night, so I was very interested to see if the salts could help.

I added a good handful of the salts to a hot running bath and the salts quickly dissolved, filling the whole bathroom with comforting scents of Lime, Rose and Sandalwood. The salts created a heavenly experience to unwind in, especially when teamed with candlelight and I was soon laying in a relaxed state feeling the warm water over my body. All my worries seemed to melt away and when I finally dragged myself out of the bath I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I even slept all night, waking up feeling energised and rested which was amazing.

If getting a good night’s sleep is top of your list of priorities, this product is definitely worth trying. Using the salts and following a simple sleep routine has worked wonders for me and has enabled me to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep and soothed my aching body and tired mind.

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching why not treat your loved one to a bottle of these amazing bath salts?

RRP £16