Beauty, Bargains and Beyond

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. Its nearly that time of year again where its time to start thinking about buying Christmas gifts (does it come round quicker every year).  I'm not one of those super organised people that buys them in the Christmas sales so I start looking for gifts around about October onwards.  The Geomag Glitter 60 Piece Construction Set* contains 28 spheres, 28 magnetic rods and 4 bases in a variety of glittery colours. It also comes with 3 storage boxes and an instruction booklet. This is the perfect gift for the budding engineer who loves to build and create things. You can connect the magnetic rods to the metal spheres to build a variety of 3D magnetic structures. This set helps with fine motor skills, engages creativity and imaginations and you learn by playing which is perfect for kids. The set is made of 100% recycled plastic and is suitable for ages 3 and up. The set is currently available for £29.99  here (usually...

*I received these products for free but the opinions are my own. I was kindly sent a selection of The Humble Co. products* to review recently. The Humble Co. is one of my go-to brands for sustainable dental products especially when I am travelling, so I'm not adding to the disposable plastic that ends up in oceans and landfill. Humble Brush Plant Based Toothbrush 2 Pack * - The Humble Co. have created a plant based Humble brush which has a handle made from a mix of plant based materials & Polypropylene (PP). The products inner and outer packaging is made from paper and is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable. Its vegan, cruelty-free and verified Bisphenol A (BPA) free. These are for sensitive teeth and are very soft and as someone who has sensitive teeth I didn't have any problems using this toothbrush at all. It comes in a pack of 2 brushes and there are 2 colour options - purple & blue brush heads or black & white brush heads. These toothbrushes are available at Hol...

*I received these products for free but the opinions are my own. I am a big fan of BondiBoost Hair products so when I was kindly sent a couple of hair masks I couldn't wait to try them out.  As someone who has dry, frizzy, curly hair that's not as thick as it used to be I need any help I can get with my hair.     BondiBoost Miracle Mask* costs £27.99 and is available from sephora.co.uk . Its a weekly treatment mask which includes nutritious oils including Argan Oil (a potent natural moisturiser), Abyssinian Oil (intensely hydrating), Macadamia (strengthening), Castor Oil (gold standard of hair oils) and Jojoba Oil (fights frizz).  Its suitable for thinning hair types supporting the appearance of thicker, fuller and healthier hair and doesn't leave the hair feeling heavy or oily.  As someone who has reached a stage in life where my hair is not as thick as it used to be this is a great product to use in the bath after shampooing and just lie back and relax le...

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I have to admit that when I was younger I didn't realise how important sun cream was and most of the time I would be outside with no sun protection. Obviously I regret that now and sun cream has become a big part of my daily skincare routine.  HADO LABO is a great skincare brand that includes sun protection in their skincare range. Light Hydrator Sun Face Cream SPF50 * is a water resistant moisturising face cream which is perfect to use all year round to protect against sunburn and signs of ageing. It features 3 different UV filters and is packed with anti-ageing ingredients and 3 forms of hyaluronic acid. It uses top-quality, photostable filters to shield the skin against harmful UVA and UVB radiation which can be the main cause of skin spots or discolouration. This cream includes Panthenol, which helps to regenerate collagen and elastin. It also includes the HADA LABO Tokyo signature ingredient, Super Hyaluronic Aci...

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. Now that its the summer holidays finding things to keep you or your kids happy without spending a fortune is key. Cheatwell Games Travel Gabble* is a fun game that requires 2 teams to play and is suitable for anyone age 12+. Its a quick fire game where you have to describe people, places and things which your team have to try and guess. Its a race against the clock to try and guess as many as possible. The more you describe the more you will score. Just slip a card out of the dispenser and then as people guess, you snap the little poppers on either side of the game to keep track. This is a perfect game to take anywhere - on holiday, airports, trains or just staying at home. It doesn't take up much room, is quick to set up and keeps you giggling throughout. Are you good at describing people or places under pressure? Try this game and find out. There's a timer included to keep you on your toes. This game is ...

  *I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. Connetix is a new company to me but I was excited to try out their Magnetic Tiles Rainbow Starter Pack*.   The pack includes a variety of different shapes in different colours and you can build whatever you want just let your imagination run free.  Even if you are not sure where to start the pack includes an Inspiration Book as well, which gives you loads of ideas. Its truly amazing what you can build including houses, small castles, farms, zoos, rocket ships, car parks, towers, puzzles. The list goes on and on.     You and your kids can explore the concepts of magnetism, learn about shapes, patterns and colours, develop fine motor and problem solving skills and so much more. If I'm honest, I was hooked straight away as soon as I opened the pack as I couldn't stop connecting pieces together. It was just so satisfying. Its recommended age is 3+ as it contains magnets and small parts. The...

  *I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I always love trying out new brands (or brands that are new to me anyway) so when I was sent Ella & Jo The Glow Up Enzyme Mask* I couldn't wait to try it out. The Ella & Jo Glow Up Enzyme Mask* is formulated with gentle exfoliating fruit acids, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and brightening Vitamin C.  This helps to brighten and rejuvenate the skin, unblock pores and accelerate cell renewal, leaving your skin feeling fresh, smooth and naturally radiant. Its suitable for all skin types as well as being Pregnancy, Vegan & Travel Friendly. You can read more on the brands sustainability here . All you need to do is apply a coin sized amount to your cleansed face, neck and chest and leave on for 5-20 minutes.  I love that you can choose how long you leave it on for so if you are in a rush, you still benefit from using this product.  You then remove with a damp cloth.  You can use it 1-2 times a w...

  *I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. The Mnched Collapsible Lunchbox* is perfect for taking your lunch to work or school. Its reusable and eco-friendly and when you have finished your lunch or you are storing the lunchbox when its not in use it can be compacted down to 3cm helping you to save space. Its airtight when closed which helps keep your food fresher for longer and there is no risk of leakage when you are carrying it in your bag. With everyone trying to reduce their use of plastic this is perfect reusable container for lunch or snacks. Its microwave and dishwasher friendly so easy to clean and use to heat up food. This is useful for me as we have kitchens with microwaves at work, so I can heat up my food in the lunchbox. Its also perfect for bringing home any unwanted food as well to help prevent waste. Spec Capacity: 1065 ml Height(expanded): 8.1cm Height collapsed: 3.3cm Lid Diameter: 18cm No nasties: BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free Dishwashe...

  *I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I am always on the look out for great hair products as I've been blessed with curly unmanagable frizzy dry hair that has always been the bane of my life. I also straighten and colour my hair on a regular basis which has resulted in some breakage recently so I need all the help I can get. Luckily I was sent BondiBoost Rapid Repair Shampoo* & Conditioner* to try out which looks like it will help with a few of my hair problems. BondiBoost is a brand I hadn't heard of before, but I always love to try out new brands. BondiBoost Rapid Repair Shampoo* is suitable for dry and damaged hair, Its formulated with an innovative technology to rapidly repair damaged hair, seal the cuticles, reduce breakage and banish split ends by up to 60% if used regularly and is ideal if you are hoping to grow your hair. I definitely have long hair aspirations. BondiBoost Rapid Repair Conditioner* works in a similar way to the shamp...

  *I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. Its that time of year when I barely go outside when its light.  I wake up and start work when its dark and I finish work when its already dark, so to say I am a bit pale is an understatement.  I'm giving Wednesday Addams a run for her money in terms of who is paler.    Luckily I was sent the St Moriz 1 Hour Fast Tan Mousse & Tanning Mitt Set* to try out which was perfect timing. St Moriz 1 Hour Fast Tan Mousse* is great if you like a quick fix tan (which I do) as it allows you to control your shade. It contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E which helps leave your skin super soft. You can choose to have a light sunkissed glow by leaving the product on for 1 hour, or for a golden glow leave on 2 hours, or for a deep bronzed look leave on for 3 hours. Get the glow you want by leaving it on for the appropriate amount of time. Its as simple as that. To apply make sure that you exfoliate and shave ...

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. If you have someone that's difficult to buy for and want something different to use as a stocking filler then the Phone Telescope* from Kikkerland definitely fits the bill. The telescope has 8x magnification from 9' to 800' and clips on to any smartphone.  It's easy to use just centre the clip over the phone lens, screw the lens to the clip and then adjust the focus ring until the screen is sharp.  It comes with a lens cover and microfiber cleaning cloth. The product is 7.6 x 5.6 cms.   It can be purchased for €14 from Kikkerland .   Leigh 💜

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I have already reviewed the ZeroWater 12 Cup Pitcher*  here . I use this jug constantly, but the only drawback is that it is too big to put in my fridge. The ZeroWater 7 Cup Pitcher* has been specifically designed to fit in standard UK fridge doors. This jug also has a sealed lid and reservoir, making it possible to pour water that has already been filtered, without spilling the water that is still filtering. The ZeroWater pitchers feature a 5-stage ion exchange filter which works to remove virtually all dissolved solids from your water. It's the only pour through filter pitcher in the market that's certified by the NSF to remove both lead and chromium. It also removes the chlorine taste that you get from tap water. One of the features that I love about ZeroWater pitchers is that they come with a water quality meter which provides a digital measurement of dissolved solids in your water. The reading from the filtered...

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. Beautify your bike with this cute little Bike Vase* from Kikkerland. This mini plastic vase wraps around the handlebar of your bike with the attached elastic band. Add flowers (of the fresh or fake variety) whenever you ride your bike. This is a perfect little stocking filler for bike riders and it costs just £8 from Kikkerland .   Leigh 💜

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I am always on the lookout for sustainable products so I couldn't wait to try out the Tooth Be Told Natural Toothpaste* that I was recently sent. This product is certified by the Vegan Society and helps to reduce the tonnes of plastic waste created every year by millions of discarded toothpaste tubes (more than 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are discarded every year) as it comes in a container made from sustainably sourced bamboo with a small amount of recycled aluminium. The product itself is not your normal synthetic white toothpaste its midnight black, which when you first see it you wonder if its going to stain your teeth, but it does a really good job cleaning them and there's no staining. The colour comes from the natural charcoal that is more effective at removing stains and plaque than normal pastes, while strong odours and smells are neutralised by coconut oil. I tried the mint version and you can taste t...

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I am a big movie fan so when I received the Kikkerland Movies Trivia Game* I couldn't wait to try it out and see how good my movie knowledge really is. There are 50 trivia cards with questions about movies included in the tin and it's a chance to see how much you really know about the big screen and if your movie knowledge isn't that great then luckily the answers are multiple choice. These questions will trigger some great movie memories. The Movies Trivia Game cost £6.50 from Kikkerland . It's also a great stocking filler for that movie buff in your life and a great game to play with the family on Christmas Day.   Leigh 💜

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. If you are looking for a great stocking filler for the dog lover in your life then the Kikkerland Dog Birthday Kit* is perfect. The Dog Birthday Kit* is a fun gift to celebrate the birthday of your best friend in style and make him feel special. The tin includes a dog treat recipe book, a bone shaped cookie cutter, a Happy Birthday banner and a party hat. You can bake a cookie, put on the party hat and decorate the room just for your dog's birthday. It costs £10 from Kikkerland .   Leigh 💜

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I'm a big fan of The Hair Boss range and have tried out a number of the products so when I was sent The Hair Boss The Scalp Scrub* I couldn't wait to try it out.  The Scalp Scrub* is a pre-shampoo scrub which removes build up from your scalp and hairline.  It helps to reduce dandruff, stimulates hair follicles and helps to improve scalp health.  I must admit that I haven't tried out this type of product before, but I do get an itchy scalp with all the buildup so its a perfect product for me as its an exfoliator which helps to remove dirt and oil from the hair follicle leaving the scalp free from the buildup of styling products. You can use this product weekly and start by sectioning damp hair with fingers so you can see the scalp and just squeeze a small amount of product onto your fingers and gently massage into your scalp.  Then just repeat until your scalp is fully covered and make sure you includ...

*I received these products for free but the opinions are my own. To mark World Mental Health Day I was kindly sent a box full of goodies to try out. World Mental Health Day is an international event that took place on 10th October 2022 to raise awareness about mental health and to encourage people to prioritise their wellbeing. One of the ways I like to take care of myself is to have a long, luxurious bath to help me relax every Sunday night (I usually have a quick shower most days) to prepare myself for the working week ahead. It gives me some precious me-time to get away from it all and settle down for the night and helps to ensure a good nights sleep. I will happily take a book to read, light a candle and lock the door for an hour for some pure relaxation. One of the products I received to try out was Fenjal Creme Bath Oil*.  This is a really great product to use when you want to have a long relaxing bath.  You just add 1-3 capfuls into running warm bath water and then sit ...

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I was recently sent the Kikkerland DIY Bird House A-Frame House* to try out. There are no tools necessary to build this house you just follow the instructions on the back of the packaging which are easy to follow and you don't need anything other than your hands. Its made of a sturdy eco-friendly cardboard with a water-resistant wax coating and a dowel for the front perch. Once its assembled you can also decorate it if you want to. Even better it only costs  € 6.50. Its also available in 2 other styles - a Japanese Tea House and Log Cabin so you can put up a set in the garden to encourage birds to visit, providing them with shelter and warmth and hopefully help build their populations in the wild.  Its a great idea for a gift for someone who loves wildlife and is such a great price as well. When assembled the Bird House is 6" x 7.5" x 5.5" so you don't need a lot of space to put one up. You can purcha...

*I received this product for free but the opinions are my own. I was kindly sent the GLO32 Advanced Whitening Strips* to try out.  The pack includes 28 pre-dosed strips for the upper and lower teeth which is enough for 14 days of treatment. They are easy to use you simply apply the long strip to your upper front teeth and the smaller strip to your bottom front teeth making sure that its the gel side that is facing your teeth. You then fold any excess to the back of your teeth. Leave on for 20-30 minutes and then remove and rinse your month with water or brush away any excess gel with a toothbrush immediately. GLO32 Advanced Whitening Strips* are formulated with coconut oil and they help to whiten teeth by gently reducing stains and discolouration. This product is not recommended for people with gum disease, gingivitis or dental braces. I like the fact that you can pop the strips on your teeth and carry on doing whatever you want around the house or even just relax wi...