Category Archives: Beauty & Grooming

Drug-Free Alternatives For Hay Fever Season

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I get the worst hay fever and I am always looking for solutions. It is not fun being allergic to summer. Always looking for drug-free solutions, I came across the following. Great help for my poor eyes.

Soothing & Natural Gel for Sore Hay Fever Eyes

Dry, inflamed skin around the eyes is a common side effect of hay fever. The constant tears coupled with frequent eye rubbing causes the skin around the eye to become dry, itchy and inflamed. Anti-histamine eye drops also have a drying effect on the skin around the eye, which can add to the problem.

While plenty of products help with hay fever symptoms, very little is offered to treat the skin around the eye. 

Hydrosil’s Dry Eye Gel is a light natural gel that contains a plant extract of Cardiospermum. 

Two UK trials and more than 12 published research trials have been carried out on cardiospermum due to its anti-inflammatory effects on skin. 

The gel delivers the anti-inflammatory anti-itching benefits of the cardiospermum extract without irritating the delicate skin around the eye.

Dry Eye Gel has been tested on dry skin sufferers and is an extremely gentle and light and non-greasy formulation suitable for very sensitive, itchy, inflamed and dry skin around the eye. 

For maximum effect, leave gel in the fridge and apply to eyes when cold. This product can also be worn under make -up.

Dry Eye Gel is vegan and FREE from SLS, MI, paraben and perfumes. £10.95 (15ml). Visit www.hydrosil.co.uk

Stay one step ahead of hay fever with hay-band

Affected by hay fever? Apply some pressure. The principles of ancient Chinese acupressure have been used for centuries to help treat the symptoms of allergy, including hay fever. 

hay-band, a family favourite, works by applying pressure to the acupressure point on either arm, called the LI-11 point. 

Acupressure is believed to increase the flow of natural energy through the stimulation of various pressure points and in doing so, help unblock energy pathways to the nose and throat, and promote wellbeing. 

The LI-11 point can be found at the end of the crease at the elbow. Once located, simply slide a hay-band into position so that the button faces inwards over the pressure point, with the bands passing either side of the elbow.

The band is fast-acting and may be worn on either arm or if symptoms are acute, one can be worn on both arms. Drug-free, natural and discreet, hay-band can also be worn as a preventative.

There is no drowsiness or other unwanted side-effects and the band is suitable for adults and children over the age of three, but not suitable for use during pregnancy.

hay-band costs £13.09 per (washable) band and is available online from hay-band.co.uk.

Stay one step ahead of your pollen-shaped foe with A.Vogel 

If you’re one of the 20% of people in the UK affected by hayfever, you’ll be aware that the season is just around the corner. 

An allergic reaction such as hayfever can be explained as an excessive reaction to a normally harmless substance. The immune system identifies the harmless substance, in this instance pollen, as dangerous, and produces an antibody called IgE, which triggers the production of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, including running nose and eyes, itching and burning in localised areas such as in the throat, nose and eyes, puffiness, swelling and mucus formation. 

Eye problems can be the most irritating symptom of hayfever. When pollen comes into contact with your eyes, they can become inflamed, itchy and watery. This can obscure your vision and cause an enormous amount of discomfort. Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops combine hyaluronic acid and chamomile for quick relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever. Suitable for vegans and preservative-free, they can be used with contact lenses and glasses, and by children from the age of seven (after consulting an optician or healthcare professional). 

£13.99 for 10ml, from local health shops nationwide and www.avogel.co.uk. 

The Pollinosan range is available from health shops nationwide, and online from www.avogel.co.uk. Stay up to date with the latest pollen information in your local area by checking your 5-day pollen forecast. 

Time to simplify your skincare routine.

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I love gentle skincare. Especially as I have sensitive skin. As lots of us reassess our skincare routines for 2026, one big trend shift is standing out. The move away from overloaded, multi-active regimes towards a ‘skin diet’ reset. Think fewer products, better formulas and healthier skin long-term.

After years of exfoliation-heavy products and 10-step routines, lots of us are suffering from compromised skin barriers, sensitivity and breakouts. Now it’s time to scale back and focus on skin comfort, hydration and balance rather than over correction.

Embryolisse perfectly embodies this approach. Rooted in French pharmacy expertise, it champions streamlined skincare that prioritises nourishment and skin health over actives overload. Its multi-tasking formulas are designed to support the skin barrier, restore hydration and keep skin calm and resilient, making them ideal for a reset.

Why Embryolisse is the perfect ‘Skin Diet’
• A minimalist, French pharmacy approach to skincare
• Focus on hydration, nourishment and comfort
• Supports long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes
• Loved by dermatologists and trusted by makeup artists for healthy, balanced skin and makeup prep

Rather than stripping skin back with harsh treatments, Embryolisse encourages a gentler reset that allows skin to recover, rebalance and perform better on its own. The result is skin that looks healthier, feels comfortable and requires less intervention.

 Perfect Beauty and Luxury Picks For Christmas

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We love new home fragrance brand – Ouverture London – with scents inspired by the flavours, moments and landscapes of the world’s great wine regions. They are gorgeous candles which smell great. Perfect for a bit of luxury.

The first collection is the Terroir Collection, with bespoke scents made in a process which can take up to a year. They are also sustainable. The wax is ProTerra certified soy, the holders are refillable, and the packaging made from FSC paper and vegetable ink dyed.

 Elle Sera’s new Liposomal Tripeptide Collagen

The perfect gift for beauty addicts. Rather than relying on generic hydrolysed collagen, Elle Sera uses defined tripeptides, ultra-small collagen fragments the body recognises, paired with a liposomal delivery system. Liposomes are microscopic, fat-like spheres that encapsulate and shield ingredients through digestion, then merge with cell membranes so more of the formula is absorbed. The goal is simple: protect the tripeptides, deliver them efficiently and increase the chance they enter the bloodstream.

Once in the bloodstream, these receptor-ready tripeptides are designed to signal fibroblasts, the skin’s collagen factories, to upregulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. The formula also includes vitamins A, C, E, biotin, zinc and lycopene to support structure and defence, moving the conversation from “more collagen” to “smarter collagen”.

The product has been formulated with Professor Mohammad Najlah, a globally recognised expert in pharmaceutical formulation who specialises in nanotechnology, liposomal drug delivery and cell-targeted absorption systems and has  focused on liposome stability in the gut and efficient delivery of the tripeptides.

NEOM.

We love NEOM and own a few of their candles. NEOM Wellbeing’s Christmas gifting collection for 2025, brought to life under the playful theme ‘Dance To Your Wellbeing Tune’, celebrating the idea that wellbeing is unique, personal, and different for everyone.

Expertly blended to fill your home with 100% natural fragrance as the winter nights darken and the festive season approaches, the collection is designed to really get them (or you) in the spirit.

Available NOW from all NEOM Wellbeing retailers, including Boots, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Liberty London and Lookfantastic

Benefit Glam-A-Grams 5-Piece Makeup Gift Set.

This is the perfect gifting set for beauty addicts. With a hit list of the best products from Benefit. Full-Size Brow Wax, Volumizing Mascara, And Tint Plus Mini Primer And Fun-Size Cleansing Oil. Perfect for looking your best this Christmas. Available here.

The Discovery Set from Subversive Scents by The Rolling Stones

A collection of five genderless Eaux de Parfums inspired by the untamed energy of rock and roll, this Discovery Set will delight rebellious souls and fragrance lovers alike. 

Each scent is a new track in a sensory album, designed for those who live loud, move free and wear their attitude on their skin. 

It includes Subversive Scents’ full collection of EDPs, crafted in London and made in France:

  • Wild Horses: Radiant and Romantic
  • Sticky Fingers: Earthy and Addictive
  • Satisfaction: Woody and seductive
  • Urban Jungle: Woody and Electric
  • Paint It Black: Earthy and Enigmatic

Discovery Set from Subversive Scents by The Rolling Stones £35.00 (5 X 5ml) available on Subversivescents.co.uk 

We love  Wild & Stone, an eco-friendly small business.

For beauty and bath lovers, the Natural Fibre Dry Body Brush (RRP £12.95) is a natural accessory for dry-brushing, helping to create softer skin and encourage skin cell renewal. It’s made from FSC certified beechwood. A great gift.

What will you be gifting this Christmas season?

The Perfect Gift For Christmas: Gorgeous Nails

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Gorgeous nails make a huge difference to our mood, and what better gift for Christmas? We love mirror nails, and this gorgeous nail kit.

Mirror nails have cemented their place as the standout nail trend of 2025, and Mylee is taking things up a level with the launch of two striking new Pressed Pigment Palettes, www.mylee.co.uk.

Designed to deliver a high-shine, mirror-like finish with effortless application, this latest innovation makes achieving pro-level chrome nails at home easier, and cleaner, than ever.  

Simply buff your chosen shade over Mylee’s No Wipe Top Coat, and watch your nails transform into a high-gloss, light-catching mirror chrome that lasts.

Available in two chic chrome colourways – the Camden and Chelsea palettes – each curated quad brings a versatile mix of chrome tones to suit every mood, season and skin tone. 

Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, travel, or at-home salon sessions, the palettes are as cute as they are practical. The formula is non-toxic and fade-resistant, making them a smart choice for trendsetters who don’t want to compromise on performance or safety.

The 3-Step Secret to Healthier, Happier Nail
Nail wellness just got a major glow-up – and who better to lead the charge than Mylee. Introducing the Treat Your Tips Care Kit – Mylee’s first-ever 3-step nail care routine that makes healthy, natural nails simple, satisfying, and seriously effective. Think of it as a mini mani makeover: salon-inspired, self-care approved and designed to keep your nails looking flawless between manis (and beyond).

Inside the beautifully boxed kit, you’ll find three nail care icons:
A Crystal Nail File to shape and seal with precision
A 3-Way Buffer to smooth, shine, and instantly boost glow
A Raspberry Ripple Nail & Cuticle Oil, a sweet-scented hydration hero packed with almond, jojoba, and coconut oils

No polish needed, no complicated steps – just naturally gorgeous nails that look as good as they feel. Whether you’re in between gel sets or indulging in a self-care moment, this kit gives your nails the TLC they deserve. Available now at mylee.co.uk, Amazon, and selected UK retailers.

The Perfect Gifts To Glow This Christmas

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With Christmas just around the corner, these Glow For It must-haves are perfect for Christmas The growth kit is perfect for the lash obsessed and the blush stick is a budget-friendly stocking filler.

The Growth Starter Kit A best-selling set featuring the viral Lash Growth Serum and Brow Growth Serum — ideal for beauty lovers looking for real results and fuller lashes this party season. Available at glowforitshop.com 

Blush Sticks A budget-friendly stocking filler infused with skin-loving ingredients for a radiant, healthy glow. Creamy, blendable and universally flattering — a festive must-have.

Perfect Christmas Gifts For The Beauty Junkie.

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Chocolate Orange gift From Lush.

So christmassy and they smell great. Indulge in chocolate orange heaven with these two popular all-year-round products – a little zesty, a little chocolatey, and all for you.

Contents: Orange shower scrub 130g, Posh Chocolate body wash 50g

A Gorgeous and Decadent Gift Set From Scientific Skin Care Brand Environ 

Advanced Skincare at its best. Love this set: stylish and decadent.

ULTIMATE YOUTH + DUO

GIFT INCLUDES:
3DSynergé™ Filler Crème 30ML

COMPLIMENTARY:

  • Revival Masque 15ML
  • “At Home Aesthetician”— Facelift in a Jar
  • Multi-award winning
  • Ageing concerns

SEPHORA COLLECTION

We love this. A mask for every part of the body. True beauty decadence. This set contains 8 masks specifically designed to target every area of your skin, from your face to your hair, hands, feet and even lips. Every mask has been formulated to provide immediate benefits, with visible results in no time at all. Whether used alone or simultaneously in different places, these quick and effective masks provide multiple benefits to meet all your skin’s needs.

A ready-to-gift Holiday present in a pretty pouch

Outrageous Ornament From Sephora.

These are gorgeous and fun. It’s a great product too. Discover the Outrageous Plump Effect gloss and its exclusive Holiday shade – hang it on your Holiday tree or use as a keyring.

An added dose of shine to hang anywhere, even on your Holiday tree

The Outrageous Plump gloss you love – with a little something extra. More stylish than ever, it comes with a keyring topped with a pink fake-fur pompom. All that’s left is to hang it anywhere you want, to keep your dose of shine within easy reach. The added surprise? You can use the sticker to stick the pompom directly on the tube of gloss. And to top it all off, its holiday packaging includes a ribbon, so you can hang it on your Holiday tree.

Ted Baker Christmas 2025 Collection – Exclusively at Boots

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We love a bit of glamour at Frost, and what could be more glamorous than Ted Baker? Gorgeous design meets high-quality cosmetics. They are the perfect gasp-worthy gifts. Buy them all, for yourself, or other people. Our favourites are below. The Ted Baker’s It’s In The Bag, The Trio of Tranquility Candles and the travel size pampering treats.

Elevate your gifting game with Ted’s elegant selection of pampering presents, exclusive to Boots! 

Renowned for its iconic festive gifting, Ted Baker returns this Christmas with a stunning collection of ladies’ toiletry gifts—designed to delight the senses and bring a touch of luxury to the season. 

Available exclusively at Boots, the 2025 range showcases Ted’s signature elegance with an opulent twist—think lavish prints, refined details, and beautifully blended fragrances.  

From indulgent stocking fillers to impressive under-the-tree treats, each gift is thoughtfully curated to surprise and spoil—whether you’re shopping for a loved one or indulging in a little self-gifting magic. 

FROM FESTIVE FAVOURITES TO NEW SEASON STARS

Ted Baker’s Christmas 2025 collection is brimming with beautifully curated gifts to suit every taste and occasion—whether you’re after compact travel companions, pamper-night must-haves, or showstopping sets that steal the spotlight. With key price points under £10, £15, and £20, festive gifting has never been easier; from charming stocking fillers to statement gifts, there’s something for everyone. Designed with all ages in mind, Ted Baker’s timeless appeal spans generations, making it the perfect choice for the whole family. 

Hero Products include:

  • Ted Baker Spritz Fix Trio (RRP£20.00) – A luxurious trio of 150ml body sprays featuring three elegant scents: Peony & Chamomile, Jasmine & Lime Blossom, and Rose & Orchid. Perfect for fragrance layering or switching up your scent to suit your mood.  
  • Travel Size Pampering Treats (RRP £12.50) – This compact set includes four essential pampering favourites in the Jasmine & Lime Blossom fragrance. Featuring bath foam, exfoliating cleanser, body spray, and body lotion, it’s ideal for gifting or enjoying a calming moment during the busy festive season. 
  • Ted Baker Bathing Bliss Gift Set (RRP £25.00) – Bring the spa experience home this Christmas with a luxurious collection of Jasmine & Lime Blossom bath and body treats. Including body cleanser, scrub, face mask, whipped body crème, body spray, and a chic claw clip, it’s the perfect way to unwind after festive celebrations.  
  • Ted Baker Style Out Your Sleep Set (RRP£28.00) – Drift off in style with this luxurious bedtime kit, featuring a soft eye mask, printed drawstring bag, and a selection of indulgent self-care products. Designed to help you rewind, relax, and recharge, it’s the ultimate evening ritual to top up your beauty sleep in Ted’s signature fashion. 
  • Ted Baker Blissful Moments Bag (£52.00) – The ultimate companion for a luxurious self-care ritual. This indulgent collection features a curated selection of Ted Baker bathing favourites—including a body wash, body spray, exfoliating body cleanser, whipped body oil crème, hand wash and body lotion—each in one of three irresistible fragrances. Beautifully presented in a stylish bag, it’s a pamper session in a pouch. 

Ted Baker’s Christmas collection brings affordable luxury to the heart of festive gifting, with each item beautifully packaged and ready to impress—no wrapping required. Whether you’re curating a cosy Christmas Eve pamper session or searching for a gift to surprise someone special, this ladies’ toiletry collection offers timeless elegance with a festive flourish.  

All products are vegan, cruelty-free and thoughtfully designed with sustainability in mind, including reusable packaging across selected lines.  

Available now, exclusively at Boots in-store and online at boots.com. 

lavera launches NEW Glow by Nature Range: For Radiantly Beautiful Skin

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We are always a sucker for good skincare. Add in the powerhouse that is vitamin C and Lavera caught our eye instantly. Great skincare with high-end ingredients. All for an affordable price. Count us in for glow-worthy skin.

lavera Natural Beauty – the certified natural and organic, award-winning skincare brand- have reformulated and relaunched the ‘Glow by Nature’ range, a skincare range specifically formulated to protect the skin from oxidative stress and reduce signs of fatigue.

Vitamin C 3in1 Cream – £19.95

Wakes up tired skin, reduces wrinkles, fights the first signs of ageing and works three times as well due to being formulated with vitamin C, 2% phyto-collagen and natural Q10. Vitamin C protects against oxidative damage and is known to promote the skin’s own collagen system, while phyto-collagen moisturises and forms a natural protective film on the skin.

Liquid Illuminating Refiner- £12.95

The Liquid Illuminating Refiner, formulated with natural AHA, BHA and glycerine, has a gentle exfoliating effect that removes dead skin cells. Improves the effect of subsequent care products and leaves the skin feeling smooth and looking radiant.

Vitamin C Boost Serum- £23.45

With a light texture and quadruple antioxidant power effect thanks to vitamin C and E, resveratrol and natural Q10. Provides reliable protection against free radicals and reduces existing pigmentation spots and pimple marks. After 7 days, fine lines are visibly reduced due to intense hydration.

Illuminating Eye Cream- £16.95

The Illuminating Eye Cream combines the highly effective, antioxidant effect of vitamin C with the revitalising, firming and decongestant effect of organic caffeine. Visibly reduces fine lines, dark circles and bags under the eyes.

About lavera – 

Since the creation of Laverana and the lavera brand in 1987, the goal of Thomas Haase, owner and founder, has always been to make natural cosmetics accessible to everyone. lavera is now one of the most successful natural cosmetics brands in Germany and continues to strive to uncover the secret ingredients nature has to offer, letting them shine in innovative and natural products. Sustainability has always been close to the heart of lavera, and the brand is involved in various local and international environmental protection projects. The natural cosmetics product manufacturer is also switching to maximise the use of recycled materials in all its packaging and is continuously working to further reduce the amount of packaging used for its products. From concept to delivery, it is all done in one place in Hanover. Currently, around 250 lavera products are available in 40 countries. Certified natural cosmetics: lavera. Nature you can feel.

lavera is available in the UK and Ireland www.lavera.co.uk and www.lavera.ie