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Global News
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Global News
7 hairstylists share their best anti-frizz products for summer
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Frizz: it's a yearly affliction. Temperatures soar and our super thirsty strands soak up every bit of moisture they can. The result? A halo of unruly hair that's enough to spoil all your summer plans. If you prefer a smoother 'do but don't know where to start, look no further. Ahead, seven pro stylists share their favourite anti-frizz products that seriously stand up to the heat. Priya Kumari Bikhu | Celebrity Makeup Artist & Hairstylist Instagram: @priyakumarihmua COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Treatment Spray for Frizzy Hair 'My favourite anti-frizz product, hands down, is the ColorWow Dream Coat. I've sworn by this product for years! It has traveled with me everywhere in my kit—from beauty campaigns on set in India to weddings in Mexico. It combats humidity by coating the hair in a safe, protective layer that prevents moisture from getting in and ruining your heat style, all while delivering a blinding shine. I also love that it's a treatment product that lasts up to three shampoos and helps your hair dry faster, reducing heat exposure in the long run. There's also a variety of regular, extra strength and naturally curly versions so that everyone can have a perfect mane in the summer heat. She's truly unlike any other!' $39 on Amazon $39 at Sephora Story continues below advertisement Natalie Basolini | Professional Hair Educator at Wella Instagram: @ Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum 'I've been using Wella's Ultimate Smooth Miracle Hair Oil Serum, and it's completely transformed how my hair handles heat, humidity, and styling. It gives me that silky, glossy finish without weighing my hair down—just smooth, touchable strands that actually stay in place. What makes it stand out? It delivers up to 96 hours of frizz control, even in humid weather—and it has built-in UV and heat protection, so I feel confident air-drying or heat-styling without worrying about damage or dullness. Whether I wear my hair natural, styled sleek, or even in a slicked-back bun, this oil serum leaves it looking polished, healthy, and super soft. I pair it with Wella's Ultimate Smooth Shampoo, Conditioner, and Mask for a complete frizz-fighting routine that lasts. It's my go-to for sleek, smooth, sun-proof summer hair!' $35 on Amazon Janine Holmes | Celebrity Hairstylist & Makeup Artist Instagram: @j9homiemakeup Marc Anthony Grow Long Anti-Frizz Shield Ultimate Blowout Spray 'To help beat summer frizz, I've been loving the Marc Anthony True Professional Grow Long Anti-Frizz Shield Ultimate Blowout Spray. I've recently added it to my hair wash routine and it's seriously a game changer. It will leave your hair smooth, shiny, and humidity-proof without breaking the bank. It creates an anti-frizz shield around each strand of hair that repels humidity and leaves a sleek polished finish. You have to activate with heat, but I find my blowouts last so much longer when I use this spray. It's also a fabulous dupe for the viral Color Wow Dream Coat that Kim K swears by. If you want sleek, glassy hair without the celebrity price tag, this is it!' $13.36 on Amazon $15.49 at Shoppers Drug Mart Story continues below advertisement Cindy Duplantis | Celebrity Stylist, Redken Ambassador & Chatters Ambassador Instagram: @cindyduplantis Redken Naked Gloss Shine Oil 'This brand new formula works well for all hair types–straight, short, long, doesn't matter. It's weightless, adds shine, protects from heat, strengthens, and boosts colour vibrancy. Styling is so easy with the Naked Gloss Oil–you can't overdo it. Because it's so lightweight and moisturizing, it helps fight frizz and keeps hair from falling flat in humidity. I use it on both wet and dry hair–it's perfect for a quick next-day refresh. And for my dry shampoo girls, this is a game-changer. It brings moisture back to the mid-lengths and ends so your hair stays smooth.' $55.99 on Amazon You may also like: Klorane Extra-Gentle Dry Shampoo – $19.29 L'Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Hair Mask – $59 Kérastase Genesis Hair Serum – $95 Willie Bailey | Celebrity Hairstylist & Co-Founder of Ladies Love Units Instagram: @ladiesloveunits Marc Anthony Bye Bye Frizz Shampoo 'My go-to anti-frizz trio is the Marc Anthony Bye Bye Frizz line–especially the Keratin Smoothing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Protecting Leave-In Conditioner. These products are game changers for taming flyaways and keeping hair smooth in summer heat and humidity. The keratin-infused formula helps lock in moisture and shine without weighing the hair down–perfect for achieving sleek, frizz-free styles that last.' $11.99 on Amazon $14.49 at Shoppers Drug Mart Story continues below advertisement Kathy Guerrero | Redken Artist & Hair Specialist Instagram: @hairbykathy.g Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Hair Serum 'One of my fave products right now is the Redken Acidic Bonding 24/7 Day & Night Serum. I use it at night and wake up to soft, frizz-free ends that feel hydrated and smooth. I love that I can reapply it in the morning too for extra shine and heat protection. It penetrates deep into the hair to help strengthen from the inside out. It's a must for keeping hair healthy and glossy this summer!' $45 at Redken Monika Lidia | Professional Colourist & Educator Instagram: @ Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Conditioner 'Say goodbye to summer frizz with the Wella Ultimate Smooth collection. This luxurious formula features plant-based squalane, which is highly effective in hot or humid conditions. The collection features a shampoo, conditioner and an optional mask. The added bonus? Up to 96 hours of anti-frizz protection, keeping hair sleek, smooth, and controlled no matter the heat with the ultimate Smooth serum. It also has added UV protection and heat protection for up to 450°F. Lightweight and non-greasy, it's the perfect polish for effortless summer hair. Just remember to let the serum sit in your hair for 30 seconds before styling. The entire collection is the summer must have.' $20 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel – $5.99 Nexxus Heat Defense Spray – $18.89 Kitsch Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap – $22.39
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
£8 hydrating body oil is the ‘best repellant' for insects and mosquito bites
If you're looking for an instantly effective way to stop insect and mosquito bites, Avon's Skin So Soft is the 'best repellant' that works immediately and keeps your skin hydrated We might look forward to the warm sunny weather every year, but one thing we're less excited about returning is the insects that come with it. Every summer it becomes a minefield of avoiding being bitten from horse flies, midges and mosquitoes, and this only gets worse when you're travelling somewhere hot and exotic. Although there's plenty of insect repellent sprays on the market, not only do they not always work effectively, but they also often have a harsh, chemical smell that's less than appealing. However, it turns out there's one beauty product that's notorious for stopping insect bites from happening – and it's less than £8 on Amazon. Yes, it turns out that Avon's Skin So Soft Dry Oil Spray, which you can pick up for £7.93, is not only great at keeping your skin soft and hydrated – it also doubles as a super effective bug spray, too. In fact it's supposedly so good at keeping insects from biting you, that the SAS are said to use it, especially whilst in the jungle. Whilst this has never been officially confirmed, anecdotal stories suggest they rely on it to keep them from getting bitten whilst in the tropical climates. However plenty of other reviewers also confirm that it works well for preventing insect bites. One Amazon shopper called it the 'Best repellent', whilst another said: 'No longer bitten to pieces! Amazing!' One happy customer wrote: 'Having suffered from some quite large mosquito bites and having tried lots of different repellants (which mostly smell awful), a friend recommended the Avon Skin So Soft Dry Oil Body Spray and having read all of the reviews, I thought I'd give it a try. The product arrived very quickly and was well packaged and since I have been using it every day, I haven't suffered with anymore mosquito bites. In addition to this, my skin is soft and the smell of the product is fresh and light and the spray is non greasy so it's quick to use. I know that this isn't advertised as a mosquito repellant, but the ingredients obviously keep the mosquitos at bay.I will definitely be ordering a further supply.' It's worth noting that whilst it does have the added bonus of being a mosquito repellent for many users, the Avon Skin So Soft is not touted as being an insect repellent. It is however also excellent for keeping your skin soft and hydrated, with the dry oil finish meaning you can apply it without leaving a greasy sheen on your skin. Others who had less success with it said: 'Nice enough as a body moisturiser, but it didn't work for me as a gnat/midge/mosquito repellent. However, it was recommended to me by someone for whom it does work, and I really do attract the nasty biting little beasties, so please don't be put off by my own experience. It certainly feels lovely on the skin – or rather the skin feels lovely with this product applied to it.' And another agreed: 'If you are buying this as an anti insect bite product then I can tell you I have been away camping for the weekend and have 15 bites, probably from horseflies. However the product smells amazing and it is great for the skin without being greasy.' If you are looking for something specifically designed to repel insects whilst also smelling great, this Mrs White's Unstung Hero Mosquito Repellent (£20) checks all the boxes. Created with a refreshing and pleasant smell, it still helps to deter any unwanted critters from biting you, giving you the best of both worlds. Another that has great reviews is Neal's Yard Remedies Citronella Formula, which is £14 for a 100ml bottle. The citronella scent is said to be great at keeping flies and insects away, without having a nasty chemical smell. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Boots launches 50% off summer sale including dry mist sun spray & moisturiser that gives you a natural-looking tan
The health and beauty retailer has slashed the price of thousands of products by up to 50% SUN KISSED Boots launches 50% off summer sale including dry mist sun spray & moisturiser that gives you a natural-looking tan Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Boot's mega summer sale includes 50% off a skincare product that promises to protect against premature skin ageing and a half price buy that gives users a natural-looking tan. The health and beauty retailer has slashed the price of over 3,000 products, including a number of "five-star" buys perfect for summer holidays. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Boots has launched a massive summer sale Credit: Getty 3 Garnier sun spray is currently 50% off Credit: Boots 3 This gradual tanner has been reduced to just £2.09 Credit: Boots 50% off Garnier Sun Spray Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Dry Mist Sun Spray has been reduced from £16 to just £8, a saving of 50%. The sun cream promises "very high protection" against sun-induced skin damage and sunburn, and the spray bottle makes it super easy to apply to hard-to-reach areas. The bargain buy is suitable for all skin types, and is hypoallergenic, so is unlikely to cause any allergic reactions. Garnier said: "This protection mist has an ultra-light texture that absorbs quickly, without leaving white marks, and gives a bare skin feeling that is non-greasy. Read more skincare stories SWEAT BET Beauty fans urged to snap up £2.49 spray that helps stop spots on hot days "The spray format allows you to protect all parts of the body quickly and easily. "This water resistant suncream offers advanced protection against immediate sun induced skin damage, caused by UVB rays, as well as protection from long-term damage and premature skin ageing caused by UVA rays." The summer essential has over 100 five-star reviews from satisfied customers, including one person who said: "I thought I'd try it out as I'm a full time wheelchair user with limited mobility and hand strength and was hoping to be able to reapply and reach awkward areas during the day. "I was able to reach most areas, it was easy to press and spray, and whilst clear, it's fairly obvious where it looks shiny." Also in the sale is Dove Summer Revived Light to Medium Gradual Tanning Lotion, which has been slashed from £4.19 to £2.09, a saving of 50%. The budget cream aims to give a natural-looking holiday glow, for hardly any effort. British skincare brand sold in Boots launches 50% off sale as it prepares to close down this month The tanning product works like a normal everyday moisturiser and creates a long-lasting natural tan. Over time, it builds up to a light to medium colour, but don't forget to add sun cream over the top to protect your skin. Dove said: " This streak-free tanning lotion is ideal for everyday use, creating a long-lasting, natural-looking self-tan. "Its moisturising power keeps your skin hydrated, while the 100% naturally derived DHA subtly adds colour for a buildable glow that you control. The importance of sun cream in your skincare routine Dermatologist and skincare enthusiast Andrea Suarez - known as Dr Dray - revealed why you should wear suncream. The one thing you can do that will make the biggest difference - and this matters for all ages - is protecting your skin from the sun, Andrea stressed. "The vast majority of external aging is due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation," she continued, not because you're "not using some jazzy serum or layering 90 different things on your face everyday". "If you're not doing in your 20s, get on that now." But she said the use of sun cream alone doesn't go far enough. Andrea urged that you also wear sun-protective clothing like broad-brimmed hats and long sleeves, on top of not staying out too long in the sun. Doing this over your lifetime - and all year, not just during the summer or on sunny days - "will reduce the visible signs of photoageing", Andrea said. Those are wrinkles, muddled pigmentation and sagging skin. "The gradual tan builds up to a light to medium colour, leaving your skin with a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow." Over 300 shoppers have given the product a five-star review, including one fan who said: "I'm using this tanning lotion for about three years. "I usually apply in the evening and can see a beautiful golden tan next morning." A second person said: 'I Was amazed by how good this is. "I've never used fake tan before, but my daughter showed me the results, and I gave it a try. "My legs take forever to tan, and usually look like two milk bottles, but not anymore." Shoppers can also snap up countless other offers on essential products, such as half price on Soap & Glory Face Soap & Clarity Facial Wash, and Oral-B Pro-Expert Professional Protection Toothpaste.
Buzz Feed
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
38 Things That'll Help You Enjoy Your Beach Vacation
Lanolips SPF 30 lip balm for a nice, light, pineapple-y treat so you don't end up with fried lips. Your lips needs sunscreen too! But with this, it doesn't taste like you're wearing sunscreen. A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply. Solarcaine Aloe Sunburn Relief Spray for anyone who's fallen victim to a scorching sunburn and has felt hot to the touch because of it. (Been there, majorly regretted that.) This soothing lidocaine formula also acts fast or irritating scrapes and bug bites, so it's sure to come in handy all summer long. Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray in SPF 30 can give you that been-outside-all-summer glow — even if the most light you've basked in has been the light of your phone three mere inches from your face as you scroll through TikTok at 3 a.m. Or a "boardwalk"-scented spray SPF 30 in case you find yourself on an actual boardwalk during a go-with-the-flow beach day. Oh, and it's in a vegan, water-resistant formula made to protect you for 80 minutes. A SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar for a K-beauty sun fix you can safely throw in your bag and then reapply on the go. It has a slightly curved bar for easier application (like in the GIF!) and matte effect, and won't leave a white cast in its wake. A set of cooling patches will work some soothing magic for a variety of uses including (perhaps most importantly), sunburn. But it'll also help with itchiness from bug bites and poison ivy. And! They're TSA friendly. So you can probably leave your aloe vera gel at home for your next vacation. A sweat-friendly, wide-brim ponytail cap to help get your hair up and off your neck while also giving you some serious face shade. And unlike other ponytail caps where you have to pull your ponytail through an opening, this one has a snag-free closure that's thick hair–friendly. La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 40 Tinted Sunscreen in case you feel straight-up naked without foundation at the beach. This is tinted enough (while blending beautifully!) to give you coverage on both fronts. I've used this in several spots, including during a July vacation in Grand Cayman when it stayed PUT even though I all but ate and slept in the saltwater pool. A TomboyX solar mesh tank that'll help keep you cool and dry thanks to its breathable UPF 50 protection material. So it'll work super well as a swim cover-up, workout top, or just a nice layer to keep you from pouring sweat while just being outside of your hotel room! A reviewer-beloved, spacious beach tent with UPF 50+ protection (the maximum sun protective rating achievable for fabrics) to give you ALL the shade at the beach because the beach CAN be great. You just gotta be prepared! Or a beach sun tent if you love the beach (same) but need some breaks from the sun and wind (same same) without obscuring your view of the ocean (same same same). A UPF 50 quick-dry long-sleeve swim top that'll cover your poor shoulders that always ALWAYS get fried on beach vacations. Pull on this cute top and it won't be an issue! And if you prefer a little more coverage, some UPF 50+ swim capris built to help you jump some waves and engage in some serious seashell-hunting activities. A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that really sticks to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation. Oh, and because it's a solid, it's carry-on–friendly! (I love to keep this in my purse all the time.) Or Kopari Sun Shield On-The-Glow Sheer Sunscreen Stick packs SPF 40 for a verrrrrrry glittery effect on your skin while keeping it from sizzling in the sun. I just used this at a Las Vegas music festival and got away (mostly) unscathed. (I got a little lazy at the end and missed a few little spots on one shoulder.) Burt's Bees after-sun soothing lotion because sometimes you get sunburned even when you think you're being great about reapplying sunblock. Or maybe you just recruited your laziest friend to help you reapply on your back. Both are highly possible! A fancy umbrella that reviewers love for their patio but *also* take along to the beach. But if you're landlocked, you still have lots of shady backyard ops to use it. A sturdy beach umbrella that reviewers say withstands the wind in case you're sick of renting an *essential* shady umbrella for every last beach day. A retro-look swim dress that, tbh, has no business being this cute. And! It has full shorts underneath so you don't have to worry about anything riding up at the least convenient time. If you wanna look beach-y without putting every last inch of your skin in the sun (bc sunburns), then this is a great bet. A packable floppy hat with a wide brim that'll provide some extra shade on your beach strolls! A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply. A zip-up one-piece with cute cap sleeves and a fun print if you can't stand on the beach 20 minutes without getting sunburned on your chest. Or, you just wanna get versatile with the amount of cleavage you show. A refillable sunscreen sponge applicator with a rollerball inside that'll make reapplication SO much easier. Even for your family members who always complain later after they avoided reapplication OR "reapplied" but somehow still have an extremely sunburnt stomach. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 beloved by reviewers with melanated skin for good reason. It rubs in (like, actually rubs in) and doesn't leave any ashy white effect. A reversible bucket hat because, well, EVERYONE looks great in a bucket hat. You just haven't found one that suits you yet. WELP, I just found it for you. Keeping the sun outta your face has never looked so cute. Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 comes in a two-pack so you can know you'll be covered without FEELING like you're covered in greasy sun protection. Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray / Primer with SPF 30 to help you combine three beauty products into make your makeup waterproof for up to 16 hours. After all, if you're going to bother putting on makeup during the blistering heat of summer, you might as well make sure it stays PUT. If you're feeling splurgey, Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Gel SPF 45 delivers on some major glitz while blocking the sun's harmful rays. In case you've always thought, "I love how people look all glowy while oiled up!" but have gone for traditional SPF for obvious reasons, here's your sign to try this. A reusable, family-friendly sand eraser that'll help you brush off the scratchy stuff when it's time to reapply your sunscreen. Exfoliation scrubbing is happening LATER in the shower, not in between SPF layers on the beach, OK? Also, it'll be fab when it's time to the leave the beach and you don't want to track a bucket's worth of sand into your car. Supergoop! Shimmershade eyeshadow, an easy-to-use SPF 30 sunscreen, makes for a super easy summertime (or any time) routine. People often forget their eyelids for SPF application! Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist to make sure that your precious hair part doesn't get burned while you're doing whatever you're doing outdoors. This also doesn't turn your roots or scalp a different color! An ultra-lightweight UPF 50+ umbrella that'll slip into your beach bag and pull out for a stroll down the beach. You might get some stares but 99% of those will be pure jealousy because you're a genius. A sun hat with a wide brim can shield your face as you ride a boat through breathtaking scenery — or just walking to your all-inclusive buffet. A cooling towel you simply soak in water and wring out to bring some chill to your days standing outside. A *universal* drink handle you can slip onto whatever water bottle keeps water the coldest for longest. THAT's the one that deserves a spot in your suitcase! A portable handheld fan that's also a power bank *and* flashlight. So you'll be sure to find all sorts of uses for it, even when you're outside of the confines of deliciously chilly AC. And finally a utility wagon that'll contain all that stuff you're taking to the beach. I see families on the subway in NYC with this all the time on the way home from a beach day. Now *that's* how you do the beach without a car. But! It'll also come in handy for folks that can drive to the beach.
Tom's Guide
25-06-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
Want an insect-free kitchen? 9 expert tips to keep them away this summer
There's something about summer that makes even the mildest smell more pungent. The heat has a natural habit of ramping up the stink stakes, and even the cleanest of homes can take on a distinct, unwanted aroma. However, while some smells are bearable and can be alleviated by opening a window or using an extractor fan, others are more deeply rooted and require long-term solutions. A smelly kitchen garbage can is among the worst household smells. A buildup of cooked and uncooked food, leftover kitchen scraps and even uneaten pet food contributes to a stink beyond all stinks. And it's all heightened in summer with the extra heat that ramps up bacterial growth and speeds up the decomposition of organic waste. What we're left with is a bad smell emitting from our kitchen garbage. However, I'm here to help save your senses, along with Nancy Emery, cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse. Together we share 9 ways to keep your kitchen garbage clean and insect-free in the summer. Because once it starts to smell and overripe fruit and vegetable waste ripens, it's also a breeding ground for pesky fruit flies. There's really nothing as valuable as staying on top of this gross household task to ensure it doesn't get out of hand. Emery says, 'Cleaning regularly is the best way to keep on top of your kitchen hygiene and limit the spread of bacteria and bad smells. Try to ensure that every spill or splatter is cleaned straight away and regularly clean the lid of your bins to ensure no unseen bacteria is left behind.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. I always use an antibacterial spray on my garbage can, such as Method's Antibacterial All Purpose Cleaner Spray, $4 at Amazon, which has a refreshing Citron scent. Emery also recommends considering the bin bags you use. Yes, you heard it, don't even attempt to fill your bin without one. 'It may seem obvious, but strong bin bags are also essential. If you're using flimsy bin bags that tear regularly, you'll have to clean the bottom of your bin more often to keep on top of smells.' I always use biodegradable recycling bags for my compost bin, such as these Airnex small compost bags designed for a countertop, currently $11 at Amazon. Superbio also sells a range of compostable trash bags, including these 4-gallon drawstring bags, for $21 at Amazon. Other than using bin liners, you could place newspaper in the bottom of your bin to absorb spills. With summer heat comes unwanted flies, who land on rotting rubbish and lay their eggs. And before you have time to swish them away, the eggs have hatched into maggots. Yuck! Emery explains, 'As the temperature increases, it's not unusual for maggots to be found among rubbish as flies become drawn to leftover waste, which rots faster in the heat.' However, she has a solution to clear away the mini-beasts. 'Cleaning your bin with a white vinegar and hot water solution is sufficient to extinguish maggots and their eggs, too,' she advises. Coffee has many uses. Apart from perking us up in the morning with a caffeine hit, this adaptable bean can be used to create a green and healthy lawn and perk up our plants. However, it's a great deodorizer, too, and apart from being reused outside, coffee grounds are a helpful indoor cleaning aid. Emery says coffee grounds can be used to neutralize bad odors, and she recommends, 'Simply sprinkle ground coffee at the base of your bin (underneath the bin bag) to eliminate lingering smells.' Apart from coffee grounds, baking soda works a treat at neutralizing smells. Sodium bicarbonate is an alkali, and when it comes in contact with an acidic odor, it eliminates the smell. It may seem a little extreme, but Emery suggests taking the cold option, 'For items that can't be immediately disposed of, consider freezing them until bin collection day to prevent them decomposing,' she says. What's more, 'the cold temperature will kill any potential fruit flies and eggs,' she adds. But apart from freezing food items that might decompose and cause a stink, be mindful of how you dispose of certain food items. I always rinse through meat and fish packaging before discarding the containers, as lurking bacteria can quickly grow and smell. And, if you have a compost heap in your yard, don't delay in moving any compostable food waste outside. Apart from freezing any particularly pungent food waste, another option is to break your waste down using an electric compost bin. My colleague, Mike Prospero, U.S. Editor, recommends Luma's Electric Kitchen Composter, and gave it a 4-star rating in his review. The benefit of using an electric composter is that is grinds up food scraps and turns them into dried-out compost, and is especially handy if you don't have an outside composter. This countertop compost bin turns food waste into nutrient-rich plant food, pulverizing and reducing the food by up to 90% with 3- 6 hours. You can monitor the progress through a clear top window. It may seem simple, but switching to a more secure kitchen bin with a secure seal, will help eliminate odors. While, it won't work on its own — you'll still need to clean your bin and empty it regularly — it can help prevent odor overspill. And apart from trapping odors, a tightly sealed lid will prevent unwanted pests, such as fruit flies, seeking out the scent and invading your kitchen and beyond. This premium kitchen bin from Joseph Joseph has an odor filter to prevent any nasty spells, and there's a separate food waste compartment with its own lid to keep food scraps extra secure and even allow you to add them to a compost heap. Fruit flies love to gather around bins, but Emery says there are a few fragrant herbs that will do the trick to keep them at bay, 'They dislike basil, mint and lavender,' she says, 'so it's recommended to store the plants close to your bins.' Apart from deterring fruit flies, the fragrant herbs will fill your kitchen with scent and can be added to your dishes for an extra culinary flavor. There's nothing that's going to make your bin stinkier than if it's placed in the hottest spot in your kitchen, with Emery adding that heat will speed up decomposition. For this reason, she recommends keeping your bin in a shaded area of your kitchen, away from direct sunlight, as 'shading helps keep the bin cooler and reduces odor buildup.' Additionally, other areas to avoid placing a bin include those near any heat sources, such as an oven or heating vent.
