Latest news with #EveRowlands
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
The seven best beauty deals you can get in Amazon Prime day deal chosen by an expert
The seven best beauty deals you can get in Amazon Prime day deal chosen by an expert Whether you're a beauty lover or wanting to refresh your current collection, here are some of the ultimate treats you can get in the Amazon Prime day deals right now Two young woman in their twenties sit at a vanity table by a mirror surrounded by bulbs (Image: Getty ) As someone who regularly writes about beauty products, I'm always on the hunt for the best deals and standout items that can elevate anyone's skincare or makeup routine without spending hundreds, and with Amazon Prime Day just around the corner, now is the perfect moment to pick up those top beauty finds at unbeatable prices. Whether you're a dedicated beauty lover or simply looking to refresh your collection, this year's Prime Day is packed with unmissable offers. From luxurious skincare to everyday makeup must-haves, many top-rated products which are also backed by rave reviews are now available at serious discounts. After testing, reviewing, and staying up to date on the latest beauty trends, I've rounded up nine standout deals you won't want to miss. So whether you're after high-performance skincare, a new go-to hair tool, or stocking up on favourites (or future gifts), these picks are worth a look. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Of course, retailers like Boots and LookFantastic also offer excellent year-round beauty deals. But Prime Day is a unique chance to refresh your routine and save big. To access the best deals you need to be a Prime member. If you're not already signed up you can register for a free 30-day trial here. The Medik8 product has been marketed as smoothing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while promoting a plumper, more supple-looking complexion (Image: Amazon ) This is a skin serum which works to replenish, smooth and plump skin, and is said to be ideal for normal to sensitive skin types and offers an "everyday long-lasting moisture." The idea is that it naturally boosts the skin's natural moisture retention and regeneration abilities for hydration as well as smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and to me looks like the perfect skin saviour which seems to become a firm fixture of anyone's skincare collection almost as soon as they buy it. Price: reduced from £45 to £38 This has been a long-time favourite for lots of beauty lovers ever since it came out, but for me I only started using it over the last couple of years and I'm obsessed, so I'll definitely be re-stocking it now that it's on sale. It launched in 2021 and skyrocketed to the top of the charts after going viral on TikTok for delivering gravity-defying lashes, and it's safe to say it's become the secret weapon for thousands of users looking to achieve flawless, fluttery lashes that almost seem too good to be true. Price: reduced from £12.99 to £5.99 (Image: Eve Rowlands ) I have heard some brilliant things about Revlon's multi-tasking One-StepTM Blow-Dry Multi Air Styler 5-in-1, a styling gadget that is a cheaper alternative to the likes of Dyson's Airwrap (£479.99) and Shark's Flex-Style 5-in-1 (£259.99 on sale), meaning you can achieve stunning, salon-ready results for less. It comes with a patented oval brush (64mm), a round brush, paddle brush, curler, and root-drying concentrator and can help you achieve a variety of styles in less than half an hour, working for a whole range of hair types judging by the reviews. Price: reduced from £79.99 to £49.99 The en rouge edition, which comes in a large 100ml bottle, is usually priced at £21 but is now £17.55 on Amazon (Image: Amazon ) White Diamonds, the perfume launched by Elizabeth Taylor in 1991, has been crowned as the world's bestselling celebrity fragrance- and now, it could be yours for less than £20, making it the ultimate Prime Day find. The fragrance is a massive crowd pleaser, boasting top notes of raspberry and pink pepper, middle notes of rose, orange blossom, and jasmine, and base notes of patchouli, vanilla, amber, and vetiver. Additionally, the creator behind Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds is Carlos Benaim who also has popular Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, and Elizabeth Arden perfumes to his credit, making it a trusty choice which is unlikely to leave anyone disappointed given his expertise. Price: reduced from £22.99 to £19.50 One item you could nab amid Amazon's Spring Deal Days ahead of Mother's Day, is the Sanctuary Spa Lost In The Moment gift set, which is now 27% off (Image: Amazon ) I couldn't not include a body care treat in this list. For me, when I think of self care and beauty goods, I immediately think of Sanctuary and their incredible products. There's just something about their rich scents which are perfect all year round and work for just about any occasion. So one set I think everyone should definitely be adding to their basket while it's on offer is this generous set which includes Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub 60g, Signature Collection Body Butter 75ml, Signature Collection Bath Float 75ml, Signature Collection Hand Cream 30ml and Signature Collection Heel Balm 75ml. The set is also fragranced with the signature Sanctuary scent of jasmine, grapefruit and vanilla. Price: reduced from £20 to £12.64 The Laura Geller Baked Balance-n-Glow Illuminating Powder Foundation (Image: Amazon ) This is a makeup-must have as far as many beauty lovers are concerned. It seems to bring out the best in everyone's looks, which I love, as it is rare that you get a foundation which enhances your appearance rather than completely covers you up, and it's safe to say it's been delivering natural results which have been raved about by thousands of shoppers. It promises to give users a 'radiant glow on the outside and inside", and it's also infused with Vitamin C - so this gets a massive tick from me as this is an ingredient known for its ability to brighten skin. Price: reduced from £28 to £21.70 Coco & Eve's tanning mousse (Image: Amazon ) Now is a brilliant time to grab this tanning mousse as we still have plenty of summer left to enjoy. If you're like me and always worry about doing a self-tan wrong, then this might be the answer to your prayers, as it's been described by users as super easy to apply, making it an excellent option if you're slightly under-confident about doing it yourself if you haven't before. It's also a great shout if you'd rather not use harmful chemicals on your skin, as this is the world's first 100% Natural DHA self-tan body treatment with full skin care benefits, and promises to transform your skin without any of those nasty streaks or blotches you want to avoid. Price: reduced from £34 to £23.35 Article continues below
Daily Mirror
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'My water-proof jewellery is so affordable and gets compliments'
Bohomoon is a viral jewellery brand that's gained a huge following on Instagram - our shopping writer Eve Rowlands shares why she loves it Although fashion icon Coco Chanel mused 'before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory', I'm quite the opposite in that I feel more is better when it comes to jewellery. Recently, I've been on a mission to enhance my collection of earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets with staple pieces that I can wear repeatedly, safe in the knowledge they won't stain my skin a delightful shade of green after hours of wear. When I was younger, I would typically opt for the classic high street choices of Lovisa and Accessorize (they provided cheap and cheerful items that ultimately tarnish), but I recently decided to mature and place an order with a brand I'd seen all over my social media, whose golden accessories are renowned for being water, sweat and tarnish-proof: Bohomoon. Plus, they even have celebrity backing with the likes of Camila Cabello being spotted in their earrings. Now, I am a summer girl through and through and love spending my time in the sea so I needed to find some pieces that I wouldn't have to remove every time I went for a swim and wouldn't turn green after one use. And while I adore the likes of Abbott Lyon - I'm the proud owner of its 'E' initial necklace - and would love to invest in some pieces by Ateola and Astrid and Miyu at some point, their price point is just a bit too steep for me (unless it's a payday treat). However, Bohomoon appears to strike a happy balance with decent quality stainless steel jewellery that isn't likely to fade while being relatively affordable - most items are under £35 and the brand is currently offering a 3 for 2 promotion using the code 3FOR2 at checkout. Even better, its outlet has pieces for just £10 - although 'once it's gone, it's gone'. I've been wearing Bohomoon pieces non-stop since I ordered my first earrings a few months ago - since my collection has grown - and at every event I attend, whether it's a wedding, brunch or a walk with friends, my new accessories have drawn compliments, reports OK!. My simple earring stacks have barely left my ears except for a few hours to keep them properly sanitised. Wanting a bit of consistency in my jewellery, I treated myself to the brand's Spirit Hoop Earrings, Halo Opal Studs and the Amanda Opal Studs - all of which cost £10, totalling £30. While the studs are beautifully bohemian, featuring a mermaid blue lab fire opal gem encased in gold, the hoops have a crescent moon hanging from the small huggies. They hold a bit more interest thank your bog standard plain silver or gold studs for me and that's a big win. They haven't turned my ears green at all either - and I've worn them in the shower, sea and even during the recent heatwaves. They're still as fresh as the day I got them. While I've had no issues with these earrings, one shopper did note on the brand's website that the studs appear a 'little whiter than expected' rather than bright blue I found, and the hoops' clasps are 'a bit tricky to click in'. For me, this just ensures they'll stay put. When I'm attending a more glamorous event, I usually switch out the hoops for something a bit bolder, like the brand's Tamara Hoop Earrings, £26, (spotted on Camila Cabello) which have a wavy texture that makes them stand out, and a stud fastening, making them easy to put on and take off. For those willing to splurge a bit more on earring stacks, one brand - a favourite among celebrities like Molly-Mae Hague - is Astrid and Miyu. Their cosmic-inspired earrings offer a sparkling, red carpet-worthy look that doesn't overshadow or draw too much attention away from any outfit. As for rings, I find myself drawn to textures, patterns and fun, thematic styles - as well as mixing and matching silver and gold. So Bohomoon's £28 True Love Ring and £25 Aliah Ring fit perfectly into my rotation (which includes an unbranded classic holiday silver wave ring, opal stone ring with a rope style gold band and a textured hammered effect silver band - Aalto - which has waves etched into it from a Welsh jeweller called Spiral Sheep Designs). Both rings have unique hammered and moulded designs that aren't 'clean girl aesthetic' and add a bit of personality, which is something I look for in my jewels. They're lightweight too, so they don't feel overly heavy when worn, which is always a bonus. When it comes to necklaces, I do love a good bit of layering and have recently found myself attracted to necklaces featuring initials (a big trend lately), for a personal touch. Bohomoon's Luxe Initial Necklace, priced at £26, is a fantastic way to embrace this style without it being too conspicuous. The initial is welded onto a gold rectangle with sun-ray accents and a textured background. It's not overly large either, so it won't dominate the outfit, but rather adds a complimentary flair. I typically pair it with the Herringbone Choker necklace, priced at £22. Of course, for those who prefer a standalone initial necklace, Abbott Lyon's Personalised Initial Necklace can be further personalised by adding the wearer's birthstone. The necklace features the initial as a capital letter and costs £89. Choose from 14-16 inch, 18-20 inch and 22-24 inch. Edge of Ember - a brand loved by Meghan Markle - also offers a range of these style of necklaces, with its version of the initial necklace currently priced at £95. It's worth noting that the Abbott Lyon necklace is made from 18K gold plated stainless steel while Edge of Ember's version is 18K gold-plated recycled sterling silver, which explains the slightly higher prices.
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
I'm a beauty writer and Clinique's new lipstick is the perfect summer makeup staple
I'm a beauty writer and Clinique's new lipstick is the perfect summer makeup staple Clinique's new Nude Honey has recently launched and beauty writer Eve can see why it's already such a hit Clinique has introduced a new Almost Lipstick into the fold: Nude Honey and beauty writer Eve Rowlands tried it out (Image: Eve Rowlands ) When it comes to wearing lip products in the summer, I personally want something that feels lightweight and that doesn't require too much maintenance. Something that stands out as something different to my natural lip colour but doesn't need too much upkeep throughout the day (nor something that melts off in the heat). And after trying out Clinique's newest Almost Lipstick launch, Nude Honey, I think I've found the perfect summer lip product. Now, I will admit, I have never really been one for nude lipstick, I tend to favour a bold red when my skin is behaving (hello Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Vixen) in an attempt to enhance and brighten my usually quite pale complexion. On the days when I want something a little less va-va-voom, I opt for a lip balm to give my lips some much-needed nourishment. However, having tried Clinique's latest addition to its viral Black and Pink Honey Almost Lipstick empire - the new Nude Honey - I think my nude lippy days are here. Read more: Roman's go-to summer midi dress for weddings and parties now has 21% off Read more: Fashion writer's 'top picks from Ann Summers' festival collection ahead of Glastonbury Having followed the viral success of the brand's previous Almost Lipstick shades - black honey and pink honey - I had high hopes. And they were well and truly met. Firstly, the formula is silky smooth and is both shiny and creamy. It feels super nourishing and hydrating on the lips and best of all doesn't leave their dry bits with a bit of a crispy cast that my trusty lip balm hasn't quite managed to eliminate (something red lipstick tends to accentuate). Shop it here £25.00 Clinique Buy Now on Clinique Product Description Clinique's new Almost Lipstick shade Nude Honey Priced at £25 the product - which is described as somewhere between a lipstick and a lip gloss - claims to be buildable and is available at both Clinique and Boots. Of course, if £25 is a little steep, there are a number of tinted lip balms out there that'll help do the trick, for example Lanolip's pink Tinted SPF30 balm at £8.99 or KIKO Milano Coloured Lip Balm, £6.99. On first application, the colour is quite sheer and doesn't change the lip colour drastically but instead gives it depth. To add to its colour, let the lippy settle for a few minutes and then add to it - this should then create a deeper hue that is warm with brown undertones but it's too warm to wash me out. Although I will say the brand says that the colour of the lippy looks different on each wearer but is the ideal blend of warm and cool pigment. Beauty Writer Eve Rowlands wearing the Nude Honey shade in Clinique's Almost Lipstick (Image: Eve Rowlands ) As for the texture, it feels like applying lip balm thanks to smooth, shiny make up but is a tad more luxurious with its silver casing and lipstick shape. The emollient-rich formula leaves my lips looking subtly glossy - but not overly so - and without the stickiness a lip gloss delivers; a detail I love when it comes to lipsticks as it means I don't get strands of hair attached to my lips should a gust of wind blow my way. Its long and slender casing makes it convenient to carry in my handbag too as it's lightweight and slim. Plus, being relatively small - in comparison to more chunky lipstick shapes - the packaging offers elite precision during application. Now, having worn it a number of times to different occasions, one constant I noticed was that it doesn't last all day. After a few hours, I needed to reapply the product - although it wasn't too much of a bother and is typically the case with lipsticks anyway. It also may require a bit of lip liner too as I found that it bled out over my natural lip line, which needed touching up in the mirror. Article continues below I also loved that it didn't have a scent - not chemically nor sweet and sickly. While I've not yet experimented with it over or under any other lip colours, as suggested by the website, I do enjoy the boost it gives my lips when worn alone and will definitely be incorporating it into my daily beauty regimen. Get it here.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Simple M&S wedding guest dress that's less than £50 had my friends shocked over where it's from
Simple M&S wedding guest dress that's less than £50 had my friends shocked over where it's from Fashion writer Eve Rowlands wore a simple black dress to a wedding recently and, with its bubble hem, elegant high neck and open back, friends couldn't believe it was from Marks and Spencer Fashion writer Eve Rowlands wore the M&S dress to a recent wedding and received many compliments For those who are at that age where it seems everyone they know is getting married, we're in the thick of wedding season. Personally, I have eight this year, and so naturally, in a bid to find one or two new dresses (to wear on rotation), I found myself scouring the shops for the ideal wedding guest dress. Now this dress had to be versatile enough for numerous occasions, yet sleek enough for a wedding, and comfortable during the warmer months, all while maintaining an air of sophistication. And on a recent visit to my local M&S (Culverhouse Cross), I stumbled upon a dress that, despite its simplicity, took my breath away - and is less than £50. This black number was a somewhat last-minute buy for my third wedding of the season, but it proved to be a wise choice as it garnered plenty of compliments - and my friends were gobsmacked to learn it was from M&S. Priced at £49.50, the Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress is a classic and simple - yet effective - design. One that may seem unremarkable on the hanger, it truly comes to life when worn. Read more: Debenhams cuts price of luxury watch by 91% just in time for Father's Day Read more: Woman loses four stone and keeps weight off for five years without giving up ice cream Although it might not be as vibrant as your typical spring wedding guest dress, this colour block version of the classic LBD is always a safe bet. Its bold hue is striking, and its high neckline and drop-waist design allow for a plethora of accessory options. However, its silhouette, which has a hint of volume at the bottom, is the real showstopper, in my view, reports Chronicle Live. The gathered skirt features a bubble hem at the bottom, adding a delightful fullness and significant swish. An added perk is the concealed pockets - a practical feature for touching up my lippy throughout the day. Moreover, the pockets are cleverly hidden within the skirt's volume, ensuring they don't look bulky (unless overfilled...). Shop the look £49.50 Marks and Spencer Buy Now on Marks and Spencer Product Description The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress by Marks and Spencer is made from pure cotton and comes in petite, regular and tall lengths. The dress's bodice is fitted and sleeveless, and it gracefully contours the stomach area, giving a smooth and flattering finish (covering up any lumps and bumps along the way). It also incorporates darts for a structured shape and added support. The rear of the dress features a gorgeous cut-out detail, adding style while providing ample ventilation during hot weather. Crucially, the opening finishes just above the bra-line, meaning I could wear a bra without the straps being visible. Available in three different lengths, the dress accommodates a variety of body shapes and sizes, ranging from size 6 to 24. However, one tip is that it tends to run slightly small - a fact I discovered alongside other shoppers - so opting for a larger size may be a bit more comfortable. The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress costs £49.50 from Marks & Spencer (Image: Marks and Spencer ) Once I discovered my perfect size, I can vouch for its performance: it's comfortable while dancing, eating, sitting and strutting around all day. The dress also includes a lining which ensures it hangs well and feels comfortable due to its 100% cotton composition without allowing dreaded overheating. This breathable fabric proved particularly effective in warm weather, keeping me cool and dry. I recently donned this stunning dress to a black tie event, complementing it with bold red accessories like pointed court shoes and a charming red rose adorned £15 handbag from Amazon among other items. The dress was a hit. But with the right pieces, it also lends itself well to a more relaxed vibe, perfectly paired with my adored Blaire Dr Martens sandals and a denim jacket for casual days out. For those who are fond of bubble skirts yet prefer something with more of a relaxed feel, the Albaray Black Puffball Dress, retailing at £89, is has a comfy scoop neckline and ribbed jersey on the upper half. Another great option is the Nancy Bubble Hem Midi Dress by Nobody's Child, currently a bargain at £59.50 in the sale, down from the usual price tag of £85. As for the M&S dress, I'm not the only one who fell head over heels for it. With a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews, it's been well received amongst fashion fans. One person wrote: "Couldn't resist this dress despite having to try on several sizes before finding the best fit (it's on the small side). The design quality becomes apparent once on with a drop waist, great if you are tall and long in the body, and the bubble hem. It's also nicely lined, and the cut-out back still enables you to wear a bra. Please continue to provide such design quality, please, M&S." Someone else raved: "Absolutely love this dress! Super cool look. Love it!!" A third remarked: "I honestly felt beautiful in it as it really flattered my figure. It's a modest yet elegantly casual dress I feel I could wear both casually and formally." Another echoed: "Stunning dress with a beautiful skirt shape and flattering bodice. Fresh summer weight cotton." Article continues below The main gripe amongst shoppers was the sizing issue, but once sized up, for many it was the perfect fit. The Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress can be found in Marks and Spencer for £49.50.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- 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."
