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'Ex-Starbucks barista picks under £100 Nespresso and Tassimo coffee machines'
'Ex-Starbucks barista picks under £100 Nespresso and Tassimo coffee machines'

Daily Mirror

time26-05-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Mirror

'Ex-Starbucks barista picks under £100 Nespresso and Tassimo coffee machines'

From Tassimo, Nespesso and De'Longhi, former Starbucks barista Eve Rowlands shares three brilliant under £100 coffee machine deals to help kickstart your morning For those who need (or want) a coffee in order to feel remotely awake in the morning, be it out of ritual, placebo effect or just for the taste, having an espresso machine at home can be a total game changer. Plus, it can also prove monumental for the old bank balance, especially if the norm is picking up a take-out latte on the way to work at an average cost of £3.60 each. often, investing in a decent, well-built coffee machine costs hundreds of pounds and while the savings in the long run may be worth it, we can't all drop £500 on a kitchen gadget. Thankfully, there are a number of affordable options on the market that won't be too painful to snap up with many costing less than £100. Now of course, they aren't quite as high tech as say the £549.99 Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine, which has all the bells and whistles an ex-coffee shop barista (me) would absolutely adore in their kitchen but the De'Longhi, Nespresso, and Tassimo sales are proving worthwhile. But I have found three that do a pretty decent job of providing a good-tasting cup of coffee that's easy to make and could be mistaken for a take out flattie, and without half the hassle. Plus, they're all under £100. Taking into consideration ease of use, time efficiency and accessibility, my picks are below. As a bit of self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and home coffee making expert as an ex-Starbucks barista, I do have some good authority on the matter. De'Longhi Manual Coffee Machine Stilosa - £99 As a firm fan of De'Longhi coffee machines (my beloved Dedica Style has lasted me over 5 years and is still going strong), I can attest that this Italian company knows a thing or two about making good espresso-crafting gadgets. While this Stilosa model is on the cheaper side (on sale for £99 currently down from £126.99), it has everything needed to make great tasting coffee, whilst looking the part. Crafted with a 15 bar pressure, it 'creates a delicious espresso with a rich aroma' and requires ground coffee to work (giving it that authentic cafe-style vibe). It comes complete with a milk frother to help create silky smooth milk for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites and it only has a few simple buttons to work. Made from stainless steel, it's designed to last for a long time, plus it only requires the twist of the dial on the front of the machine to work, which is easy and fast. Just wait for the green light to signal and you're good to go. Measuring at 34.3D x 20.5W x 28.5H cm, it's a relatively compact option for smaller kitchens and spaces. A side lever also kickstarts the steam wand, which is pretty easy. With a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, the coffee machine is a hit with people who are relatively new to brewing their own coffee at home. One person raved: "I recently bought the De'Longhi Manual Coffee Machine Stilosa and it has quickly become a staple in my morning routine. This 15-bar pressure espresso machine is perfect for those who love making coffee at home but don't want to spend a fortune on a high-end machine. The Stilosa has a sleek cream design that fits nicely in my kitchen. It's compact yet feels solid and well-made. Setting it up was straightforward, and I was brewing my first cup within minutes. "The coffee quality is impressive for a machine in this price range. The 15 bar pressure ensures a good extraction, resulting in rich and flavourful espresso with a nice crema. The cappuccino system works well too, producing perfectly frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos. I've also used ESE pods with this machine, and they work seamlessly, adding convenience when I'm in a rush." They added how they enjoyed the two-tier tray (perfect for different-size cups) and the auto shut-off. The only qualm? "The only minor downside is that the machine can be a bit noisy when brewing, but this is a small trade-off considering the quality of coffee it produces." Tassimo's Finesse Friendly – Black & 'The Favourites' Coffee Bundle - £49.99 For a simpler approach to making a coffee in the morning - without half the mess that bean-to-cup machines have - a pod-style coffee machine is a great choice. Bosch's Tassimo Finesse Friendly machine has been reduced by 58% and instead of costing £119.74, it's down to £49.99. Coming with five packs of T-DISC pods, the coffee machine has a one-touch operation to help create coffee for the whole family with just one press of a big button. Doesn't get much easier than that. Despite it looking relatively plain, the coffee it delivers (as the reviews depict) is not to be snuffed at. The brand explains: "The FINESSE FRIENDLY is powered by our cutting-edge INTELLIBREW™ smart technology, which ensures that every cup is brewed to perfection. Specifically designed with a unique barcode system, this innovative coffee machine calibrates your drink for the ideal size and temperature, guaranteeing a consistently delightful experience. Craving a more robust flavour? The FINESSE FRIENDLY features our exclusive IntensityBoost function, allowing you to enjoy a stronger, more intense brew whenever you desire." Basically, for those who love a good brew but don't have the patience to measure out coffee, tamp it and then filter it through, this is a great little machine that is compact and does the job well. Of course, there's no option to froth milk, but by snapping up a separate device, like this Lavazza Easy Frother, £69, it's easy to craft a delicious latte in minutes. A keen Tassimo lover shared that this machine was the best model yet and said: "We have bought 3 Tassimo coffee machines and this one is the best. Drinks are hotter. The machine is sleeker." With this nifty little package too, shoppers will get a number of different drinks options (with pods) that include Milka Hot Chocolate, L'OR Espresso Fortissimo, Costa Cappuccino, L'OR XL Intense and L'OR Latte Macchiato. Get it here. NESPRESSO Vertuo Pop - £79 Just like the Bosch machine, this Nespresso Vertuo is another one for those who want a quick and mess-free coffee experience. Requiring coffee pods to run - the only downside being it's only compatible with Nespresso Vertuo pods - this coffee machine (which is down from £99 on the Nespresso website) is a little more high tech as it can be used in conjunction with the brand's Nespresso app which shares alerts for when it needs cleaning/descaling as well as providing tips. A compact size that looks sleek on any kitchen countertop, it's also been praised for being easy to clean and comes in an array of different colours - my personal favourite is the Mango yellow. One recommended by our own Laura Mulley, the coffee machine has been hailed as the 'best' home gadget by her (after testing out three different models). Here's what she said: " If you're a coffee connoisseur, you'll love the brews that the Vertuo makes; they are, in my opinion, far superior to the original machine. It's also handy to just have one button to press instead of selecting your size, and the machine slides the used pod back into the empties bucket in a very slick and satisfying way. "I had previously tried the smaller Vertuo Pop (currently also hugely reduced) and I initially didn't see why the bigger device could be better, but little things like the adjustable cup tray and bigger compartment for used pods did actually make a difference. "The biggest downside to the Vertuo machines is that you can only use Vertuo pods, which are currently only available through Nespresso. These are more expensive, and non-compostable – although I've bought this nifty little £12.99 device so I can recycle them at home."

'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off'
'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off'

Wales Online

time20-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Wales Online

'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off'

'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off' Dr Martens sandals are a summer must-have and fashion writer Eve Rowlands treated herself to a pair of the brand's Gryphon sandals - and they're her best buy of 2025 Shopping writer Eve Rowlands loves the Gryphon Sandals and she can attest how comfortable they are Investing in a pair of glorious, sturdy and stylish Dr Martens shoes, be it boots, Oxford shoes or sandals, is a purchase that requires mulling over - and one that might make you wince as you click 'checkout'. However, they're more often than not a worthy purchase and after coveting a pair of olive green Gryphon sandals since last year and spotting them on sale, I decided to take the leap. With a large fan base and hundreds of positive reviews, I was keen to see if they lived up to their reputation as the 'comfiest' sandals ever from the first wear. Being just under £100, I wanted to know they were worth the price, as, despite being a fashion writer, I am a self-proclaimed bargain hunter and seldom spend this much money on a pair of shoes. But after wearing them a few times since my payday splurge, I'm glad to report that I believe they're the best summer fashion buy I've made this year. Priced at £98 - a saving of £42 from their usual £140 tag - the Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals in Muted Olive arrived within days and fit like a glove on first try-on. Read more: Huge beauty deals in the Boots sale including money off No7, Versace and more Read more: Victoria's Secret swimsuit is £140 cheaper than designer version While I was confident about the quality, I had received a pair of 1460 boots as a birthday gift five years ago, which are still in excellent condition, I was surprised at just how comfortable they were on first wear. Like all Dr Marten footwear, these sandals featured the same robust, chunky sole that came adorned with mustard yellow stitching and an ankle tab, and crafted from durable leather. They were also a perfect fit. Being an awkward size 5.5, I decided to size down and it proved to be a wise decision as my feet were securely cradled in the plush footbed, with none of the dreaded toe overhang. Shop the look £140 £98 Dr Martens Buy Now on Dr Martens Product Description Dr Martens Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals are currently on sale with 30% off. Shoppers who have snapped them up say they're 's uper comfy and goes with anything'. The Nubuck leather used for the trio of straps felt remarkably soft too - akin to the feel of well-worn sandals. Although, after wearing them, I did notice tight strap marks on my skin, but this didn't worry me as I expect them to loosen up over time. This tightness appears to be a common issue among other customers, too, as one reviewer remarked: "Received very quickly. Beautiful sandal, beautiful fabric, looks exactly as the photo. However, it is just too tight across the front. Gutted." Nonetheless, this slight snugness, personally, hasn't diminished their overall comfort, and like most Dr. Martens footwear, the leather should become more supple. The straps also have adjustable buckles on two of the three straps offers some relief, which proved handy. Shopping write Eve Rowlands wearing the Gryphon Nubuck sandals in muted olive (Image: Eve Rowlands ) The muted olive hue of these Gryphon sandals is absolutely stunning. Although tan might be the default choice for summer styles, the olive/khaki shade brings a unique touch while maintaining versatility as an earth-toned neutral. And I'm not the only one who's a fan. I've spotted this same hue in the virtual shop windows of a number of retailers offering some fab alternatives. For instance, Schuh's chunky suede Tina sandals in khaki are a savvy choice if £98 seems a bit dear, as they're a bargain at £24.99 on sale from £48. These sandals feature a comparable colour but a slightly less beefy sole. For those leaning towards sliders, Next's Khaki Green Suede Buckle Slider slippers are priced at £28 and come with a lightweight sole that's perfect when platform soles aren't the right match. Dr Martens' Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals come in olive and tan (Image: Dr Martens ) As backed up by a number of reviews on the Dr Martens website, the Gryphon sandals were pretty comfortable straight away, without much need for breaking in. I managed to walk quite the distance in them right off the bat and returned home without a single blister – I only received one puny sandal wound after a number of walks in the usual heel spot, but nothing a blister plaster couldn't handle. While comfort is key in a pair of sandals that I plan on wearing the entirety of summer, the bulky platform sole is pretty flattering on the ankles and is great for adding a touch of height. However, the weight of the platform soles has been a point of contention for a few customers, leading them to return them. Article continues below One individual left a three-star review commenting: "From order to delivery was good, but for the sandals, they fit fine and are comfortable, but why are they so heavy?" This particular feature hasn't posed an issue for me. I can see me wearing these shoes with each and every outfit, whether on holiday or on home soil.

9 fashion and beauty buys we're loving including linen trousers
9 fashion and beauty buys we're loving including linen trousers

Daily Mirror

time16-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

9 fashion and beauty buys we're loving including linen trousers

Our fashion and beauty experts, Bethan Shufflebotham and Eve Rowlands, have scoured the high street for their top picks from Omnes, Selfridges and more With another Bank Holiday weekend on the horizon (so close we can almost taste it) our shopping sleuths are back with more covetable finds from the high street. From bronzed skin in a bottle to a bestselling linen dress, this week's edition of Weekend Wishlist is bursting with summer inspo. The edit is brimming with viral hits, warm weather staples, and the kind of products people whisper about in group chats. We're talking natural deodorant with a delicious scent, a cult tan mist that even pale girls can appreciate, and a hot day dress in the dreamiest colourway. From breezy trousers for beachy days to skincare must-haves, here's what we're loving now. Bethan's picks: PHLUR Father Figure Deodorant, £20 While many still believe natural deodorants are less effective than traditional ones, this one from cult-favourite brand PHLUR is free from aluminium and baking soda but still packs a punch – protecting against odour for up to 48 hours. Infused with salicylic acid and tamanu oil, it not only moisturises, but actually helps to brighten discolouration, too - a must for getting pits out in tank tops this summer. As for the scent? Think crisp, green, and understated cool. Some reviewers say it takes a moment to come into its own, but others prefer the subtle fragrance, which is great for layering. I've really enjoyed using this formula in recent weeks, not only does it smell beautiful, but it keeps my underarms feeling fresh all day, too. Beyond Nine Suki Linen Dress, £145 The Suki dress is one of Beyond Nine's most popular styles, and it's back in time for the heatwave in this gorgeous pollen stripe colourway that just screams summer. Boasting a dreamy combination of coral and pink and mustard, the dress has caused quite a stir on social media already, with fans commenting: 'Oh my word I just swooned,' and 'This dress shape looks so comfy.' However, one said they would love to see a dress with a round neckline from the brand, rather than the square Suki cut. With a floaty shape, shirred back, and pockets (praise be), it's as comfortable as it is flattering. Beyond Nine are known for their styles that can be worn throughout and post-pregnancy, so it's bump-friendly and picnic-ready, too. It's made from a breathable linen fabric and comes in at £145. Paired with chunky sandals, we think this is a dress to reach for all season long. Self Glow by James Read Tan Mist, £39 Made with 88% rosewater, this beauty buy is a hydrating gradual tanning spray that builds beautifully over time. I'm a super pale girl and have never really got along with tanning drops, but this mist is impossible to mess up and gives the most natural looking glow. It doesn't look like I'm wearing fake tan at all, but instead looks like I spent the afternoon in the garden. Ideal for those seeking a subtle yet effective tanning solution, the Sunblush Hydrating Tan Mist provides benefits such as deep hydration, skin toning, and a natural-looking glow. It can be used over or under makeup, and with consistent use, expect a beautifully enhanced complexion with a healthy, sun-kissed warmth. For those looking for something more noticeable, though, Tan-Luxe's THE FACE Light/Medium is ideal. A multi-award winning formula, these illuminating self-tan drops give a customisable, streak-free glow for £15. River Island x Atlas Cream Linen Trousers, £39 Inspired by Mediterranean coastlines and sun-drenched travels, these trousers are part of River Island's new collab with artist Adrianne Dimitrakakis. Made from a breathable linen blend with a wide-leg silhouette, they'll effortlessly take shoppers from beach walks to rooftop drinks with ease. Priced at £39, they have an elasticated waistband and are adorned with sunbursts, citrus fruits and tropical palms. They form part of the artists 45-piece collection with the high street chain, which spans women's, men's and children's clothes. Pair them with a cropped top or bikini and it's giving full summer energy. Omnes Nicolla Top in White, £35 A cute white top is a summer wardrobe must-have and can form the foundation of countless outfits and the Nicolla from Omnes is such a lovely option. With its puff sleeves, shirred bodice and peplum hem, it's romantic without trying too hard. And at £35, it's at a great price point too, especially seeing as it's made from responsibly sourced cotton. Available in sizes 4–24, it's guaranteed to elevate everyday basics, perfect for everything from denim pairings to midi skirts. Eve's picks: LookFantastic May Beauty box - £15 For beauty buffs wanting to treat themselves to some new products ahead of the summer season, Lookfantastic's latest May beauty box is a great little treat - for £15. Containing 6 full-size and deluxe sized beauty products, it's packed with brands like REN, Bondi Sands, Pixi, Bedhead and more that allow us to indulge in some TLC. As someone who regularly gets these Lookfantastic beauty boxes on its monthly subscription model, I believe this is its best offering yet. It pleasantly surprised me with its haul and includes REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel 150ml (worth £25), Bedhead After Party Smoothing Cream 100ml, and PIXI Clear Brow Tamer Brow Gel - all of which are full sizes. It also includes First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Fresh Strawberry Body Scrub with 10% AHA 28.3g in a deluxe-size, a LookFantastic Cleansing Cloth and a Bondi Sands face tanning serum. Read my full review of it here. Pour Moi swimsuit - £49 I love a swimsuit that will flatter, support and keep me covered up (in the right places) when beach days hit. Pour Moi's Square Neck Adjustable Underwired Swimsuit is comfortable and has been crafted with underwiring to give the girls some support, which is a great detail - it gives the option to order in bra sizes. I love its square neckline as opposed to scoop as it makes it versatile on holiday as it can be worn as both a swimsuit and a top, although one of my favourite aspects of the swimsuit is its adjustable ruched side. This detailing allows the wearer to have a high leg design or not with just the pull of the side string. This ruching also cinches in the waistline and is gorgeously flattering on my figure, giving it more of an hourglass shape (rather than my usual straight up and down look). HASK's new Texture Series As a curly girl, I'm always on the lookout for products that'll help tame my relatively unruly hair - especially in the summer. My typical go-to brands are Only Curls, Curlsmith and more recently HASK, and the latter has just released a new texture series which promises to bring the bounce, shine and spirals that all curly girl dreams are made of. Available at Amazon, the set consists of a Pre-Shampoo Detangler, Rice Water Rinse £9.99, Essential Moisture Recovery Mask, Extra Moisture Recovery Mask, Leave-In Conditioner and Strengthening Scalp and Hair Oil - all of which are £9.99. The products, respectively, contain nourishing ingredients like Kukui Nut Oil, shea butter, Castor Seed Oil, Black Seed and Baobab Oil, ricer water, aloe juice and more. While I've only tried the leave-in conditioner (which is made with FiberBond Technology to scientifically repair breakage), the silky smooth results that left my curls feeling lightweight, bouncy, frizz-free and lush have got me excited to try the rest of the range. H&M Linen-blend drawstring shorts - £19.99 I don't say this lightly: these shorts are possibly the best linen shorts I've ever worn. They are chic, stylish, comfortable (surprisingly so), flattering and they wash well. I bought these shorts for a holiday last year to Italy and as someone with no thigh gap, these shorts proved to be my best friend, especially in 35-degree heat, as they just sat so well. With a drawstring waist tie, they're a breeze to wear when eating out as they can be adjusted. The legs don't start too low down, causing the dreaded chaffing of thighs, nor are they too tight. The pleats at the front add lovely volume while the thick hemline gives the shorts a bit of elegance. Plus, being an off-white ivory, they go with pretty much anything and can be dressed down with sandals and a bikini top (on holiday), or down with some pumps and a swanky blouse. They also come in red, beige and black, costing £19.99.

Shoppers save £52 on REN, PIXI and more in Lookfantastic's new box
Shoppers save £52 on REN, PIXI and more in Lookfantastic's new box

Daily Mirror

time12-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mirror

Shoppers save £52 on REN, PIXI and more in Lookfantastic's new box

Beauty writer Eve Rowlands has received a number of Lookfantastic's monthly beauty boxes and she thinks May's is one of their best yet When it comes to beauty boxes, in my eyes, each haul needs to have something for every stage of the beautifying process: a product for hair, skincare, make-up and body, either pre, during or post-shower. Lookfantastic's May box has nailed it for this month, and I think it's the best box since I joined its subscription. Worth more than £65, the box costs £50 less than that for a one-off order of the May selection itself, £15. However, if you sign up to receive the Lookfantastic box each month for a 12-month period, it drops to £13. Containing six products, this month's feels like a bumper pack as it not only contains one full sized product, but three - it usually has one full sized product or two. So this felt like a bit of a lottery. This May box certainly rivals that of Glossybox's 5-product offering. Their box this month contains products to help you enjoy the sunshine, such as the e.l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 and the Anatomicals Make Your Skin Grin Mango & Papaya Body Cream. Costing £13.50 for a one-off purchase, shoppers can also get it for £12.50 when they sign up for 12 months. Although if you want a bit of a treat, Cult Beauty's The Set for Sun Edit is worth £175 and costs £40. Packed with sun-ready formulas, the box features brands like Supergoop!, Elemis, Philip Kingsley and Ultrasun. While it's more expensive, those who have snagged this set love it, stating it's 'the perfect summer set with all your favourites in it. Loads of minis so the best for your travel kit'. This month, the Lookfantastic Box has pleasantly surprised me with all of its products. The haul includes three full-size items: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel 150ml (worth £25), Bedhead After Party Smoothing Cream 100ml, and PIXI Clear Brow Tamer Brow Gel. It also included First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Fresh Strawberry Body Scrub with 10% AHA 28.3g in a deluxe-size, a LOOKFANTASTIC Cleansing Cloth and a Bondi Sands face tanning serum. Firstly, the REN cleanser is just a really good facial wash that leaves my relatively sensitive skin feeling nice (not irritated), hydrated and most importantly clean. It's quite fluid but doesn't feel slimy and lathers up enough to feel like it's nourishing. It's great if you are in a rush, as it doesn't require minutes to melt away the dirt (like my usual fave Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm). The facial cloth in the pack is also really nice and soft on the skin, making it a TLC session when taking off the day. The only thing I didn't quite enjoy about the cleanser is its scent, which is quite herbal. I'm more of a fruity or essential oil person, so that would stop me from repeat purchasing it. With that in mind, I adore the scent of the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Fresh Strawberry Body Scrub with 10% AHA because, as the name suggests, it smells like strawberries. It makes buffing the bumps on the backs of my arms, knees and other problem spots a much more enjoyable experience. I feel like I've been launched into a pool of Strawberry Laces with every use. As a scrub paste, it does feel akin to rubbing sand on my skin, but not in a harsh way as it softens when mixed with moisture. Plus, in the few times I have used it, it actually works at reducing the appearance of bumps on the skin. It's important to moisturise well after use and wear your SPF as the AHA in the solution can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It also goes without saying this isn't for use on the face - stick to the body only. The small but mighty Brow Gel from Pixi is another favourite of mine as it gives my brows a really good lift, without being sticky, hard or flaky when dried. Even when running my fingers over my brows to intentionally try and put them out of place they don't budge and easily slot back into the structure I'd created with the brush. I like the Bedhead After Party Smoothing Cream as it tamed my flyaways and gave my locks a lovely, frizz-ish-free shine. However, as someone who wears their hair curly most of the time, this cream feels more suited to someone who dries their hair smooth. It'll be great when I want a sleek look, though. The Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Sleep Mask is the product I've not yet tested but am excited to. It claims to deliver an overnight tan as you sleep, all whilst nourishing it with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Beauty buff tests Lookfantastic's Travel Edit with products worth £105 for £30
Beauty buff tests Lookfantastic's Travel Edit with products worth £105 for £30

Daily Mirror

time30-04-2025

  • Daily Mirror

Beauty buff tests Lookfantastic's Travel Edit with products worth £105 for £30

The Lookfantastic Travel Edit costs £30 and contains a whole host of holiday necessities - says beauty writer Eve Rowlands, who tried out the box to see if it was worth the money When going on holiday, one of the little stresses that can send us into a frenzy the night before is ensuring we have miniature versions of some of our favourite, or most necessary, shower bag inclusions. Thankfully, Lookfantastic has holiday-goers sorted with its Travel Edit, packed with staple products every trip needs in dainty sizes. Costing £30, the haul is worth more than £105 and contains some pretty epic beauty industry names like Philip Kingsley, La Roche Posay, Sol De Janeiro, Avene and more. This makes it a cheaper haul than Cult Beauty's £40 The Set for Sun Edit, which includes Elemis, Ultrasun, Laneige and more. For those who would rather stick to one brand, Caudalie's Summer Travel Edit costs £19 and contains four goodies. Promising to deliver everything one needs for a trip 'from hair-to-toe, to go sky-high', I got the Lookfantastic Travel Edit to see if it would be worth the money. Here's what I thought. With nine items inside the box and at £30, I do think that it's pretty good value as it means paying just over £3 for each product inside. This is pretty wild considering one of the items costs £36 alone - the Zelens 3T Complex Anti-Ageing Cream, which uses a blend of botanicals, herbal oils, and algae extracts to nourish and revive ageing looking skin. While I've not used it long enough to see results, it smells nice and feels lovely on my skin. What I've noticed is that the contents of the Travel Edit has the entire body covered with products that won't take up too much room in a bag. The Philip Kingsley shampoo and conditioner treats the hair, while the Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser, Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Serum, Biossance Amino Aloe Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Suncream SPF50+ and Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray will keep my skin in check from the plane to the sunshine to the sea. The Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist smells divine, while the L'OCCITANE Almond Shower Oil, a personal favourite of mine, makes skin soft, which is lovely post-beach. While I loved essentially all items in the pack, I did have my favourites. The Biossance Amino Aloe Cleanser is lovely to use. Although it's simple and is worth £5, it's great for sensitive skin as it feels gentle and lathers up quickly, removing dirt and impurities without stripping skin of its moisture. Personally, I didn't notice any scent, so it's a good option for those who find fragranced cleansers irritating. The Perricone MD serum and Ole Henriksen moisturiser are a lovely duo to add into any beauty arsenal. While the size of these products may look relatively miniscule, a little goes a long way with both formulas. The serum feels silky smooth and left my cheeks with a little bounce, which was enhanced with the Ole Henriksen moisturiser. The moisturiser is quite thick, which means you only need a little bit to spread around the face. On first use, it gave my skin a lovely glow, so I can't wait to see the results after a few weeks of using it. This pairing would be great after being in the sun all day, as it can be used both morning and night and doesn't feel like it's clogging pores. As a firm fan of the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Suncream SPF50+ already, this is a staple in my bag whenever I'm in the sunshine. The formula is quite watery which is great to absorb into skin and doesn't leave a sticky residue, like many other suncreams do. It doesn't have much of a scent, which is refreshing, nor does it leave me with that annoying shine. One product I'm excited to try on my next holiday (I'm saving it), is the Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray. Marketed as an anti-bacterial spray, it's said to keep skin clean, cool and refreshed, which is a must when you go on a dehydrating plane. I can see it being great at the height of the day too when you need a little cool down. As someone who has relatively thick, curly hair that needs no help when it comes to volume, especially in the heat, I slick it back as best I can to keep the humidity at bay. The shampoo and conditioner set by Philip Kingsley is probably not best suited for me, especially seeing as it's described as being ideal for 'shorter, fine hair'. I'll probably pass this on to one of my friends or family members who would find it works better for them. Those who have used it love the results, with one person saying: "I've tried several hair products that claim to add volume and have been disappointed until using this duo! This builds body without weighing down hair and I've found it really makes my fine hair look thicker." However, for others, it has made their hair 'dry'. This is a good option to try out the hair products before splurging on the usual £54 full size set. I think an improvement that would make the box even better would be making the suncream, body oil and Avene spray a little larger. They'll easily run out in just a few uses as they're deluxe sizes. Most shoppers seemed fine with the sizes of the products, one person on Lookfantastic said: "This box is amazing and has everything you need for your holidays. I am going away shortly and this will see me through my holidays. Much cheaper than buying items individually and I get to try them before buying full size. Win-Win." Meanwhile, for one person, it wasn't varied enough as they wrote alongside a three-star rating: "Great Travel Sizes don't get me wrong, but the products are unlikely for Travel. Some SPF would have been great, maybe a mini make-up item and a bit more variety! Not the best but still very good value." However another hailed the Travel Edit as a 'box of perfect little summer goodies.'

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