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Air conditioning is an essential part of any home. During the summer, it has the crucial job of maintaining the temperature throughout the house and keeps you comfortable through a cooling agent that removes heat. But can constant air conditioning indoors affect your skin? And if so, how? Here, you’ll learn all about the effects of air conditioning on your skin. Thankfully, you can still have a perfect complexion even when you run your AC throughout the day, but a poorly maintained air conditioner causes a variety of issues. Find out how poor-quality air conditioning can affect your skin.

Routine maintenance for your AC prevents dry skin.

A few times a year, it’s important to contact the best AC repair Melbourne, FL, offers within the area. That way, you can get routine maintenance for your air conditioner. Without regular upkeep, you’ll have poor indoor air quality. When you turn on your AC, it removes humidity from the room. The lack of humidity can dry out your skin and make it feel tight or cause fine lines and redness. Scheduling an AC service in the springtime and in the fall is a great way to ensure that your air conditioner doesn’t cause any skin issues. This ensures that your air conditioning doesn’t pull too much humidity from the air. You can even have your AC repair technician install a thermostat that monitors humidity indoors.

Poor indoor air quality can cause premature aging.

There are several causes that contribute to premature aging, but one of them is dry skin due to poor indoor air quality. It’s important to find San Antonio dermatologists who can help you restore moisture and hydration for beautiful skin. With the help of the latest technology, a dermatologist can come up with a treatment plan to prevent premature aging. Together, you can target fine lines and wrinkles. They’ll also recommend the best skincare practices. Make sure that you schedule routine maintenance for your air conditioner to ensure that it doesn’t result in bad air quality, which can easily affect the texture and elasticity of your skin.

Dirty filters aggravate and worsen skin conditions.

When was the last time you changed your air filters? If they’re not changed frequently, the dirt, pollen, and dust trapped in the filters can easily worsen any existing skin problems. If you struggle with eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or other skin issues, it’s best to switch them out every four to six weeks. Replacing them or cleaning them regularly ensures that you aren’t coming into contact with any allergens indoors. It’s also great for your utility bills! Keep in mind that filters tend to get clogged with fabric fibers, pet dander, mold, dust, and other pollutants, all of which can be harmful to your skin, especially when you already have an existing condition. So, don’t skip on this step. If you find that you’re already following your skincare routine to a T but still having skin problems, it may be time to switch out your filters and have your HVAC system checked by expert technicians.

Your AC system provides you with relief and comfort throughout the year. But if it isn’t properly maintained, it can cause several issues with your skin. This can result in premature aging and dry skin, or it can exacerbate the symptoms of other skin conditions. That’s why it’s important to schedule maintenance several times a year to make sure everything is running efficiently. Air conditioning technicians can ensure the safety of your heating and cooling system through a proper maintenance plan. That way, you can feel right at home knowing your air quality is at its best and won’t affect your skin.

Shine bright this winter with nourishing and hydrating makeup essentials by cosmetics brand Studio10 Beauty. Made specifically for mature skin.

When we reach a certain age, usually mid to late 30s and into early 40s we can start to feel unattractive, under-valued or even invisible. This is because we start to see small changes in our skin pigmentation.

There may be a few wrinkles starting to appear, dark circles may become more visible, dry skin around the forehead or cheeks, or perhaps a little sag around the eyelids.

Aside from adapting our skincare routine to meet our skin’s ever-changing needs we should also look at changing our makeup. What worked at age 18 make-up wise really won’t be working very well at 35 or 40.

Studio10 Beauty produces cosmetics that work with ageing and mature skin, from foundations and concealers, eyeshadows and mascaras, to blush and gloss.

Make-Up

6-in-1 Perfect Lash Mascara, £24

Lip Perfecting Plumping Gloss, £20

Liquid Foil I-Radiance, £22

Age Reverse Perfecting Lipliner, £22

Brow Lift Perfecting Brow Pencil, £22

Hydra-Lift I-Corrector, £24

Grace Fodor is the woman behind Studio10, and she offers all kinds of advice on the magazine page of her website. She can answer most questions about #agelessbeauty and the correct skincare and makeup to use post menopause and beyond. She gives a real sense of who she is, what her skin regimen is, and the products she uses from the Studio10 Beauty collections in Grace’s Musings on her website. So if you are looking for a real insight into anything mature skin related Grace is the ‘go to’ expert.

To find out more about mature skin, how to make the right changes for you, and to look into new makeup that is pro-age, visit Studio10 Beauty. Shine Bright with Studio10 Beauty.

Want to know about vegan beauty with House of Coco Magazine?

It has been said that you’re never fully dressed without perfume. But choosing the final touch to your outfit is a difficult task.

There are so many fragrances on the market today from big-name brands like Dior and Chanel to unique niche fragrances such as Penhaligon’s and Marc Jacobs perfume. Narrowing down your options can seem like a completely overwhelming task.

Luckily for you, we’re here to help! We have some tips and tricks that can help you find your perfect perfume.

  1. Understand the Terms

The fragrance world is full of words and phrases that can seem confusing and intimidating at first glance. However, being able to understand the fragrant language will allow you to understand the perfume itself.

The first thing you’ll need to get to grips with is the notes. In perfumery, notes refer to the different levels of scent that you smell. In a way, they are comparable with music notes. Individually they’re nice enough but when put together they create a symphony.

There are three different notes to a perfume.

The top note is also sometimes called the head note. This will be the strongest scent immediately after you spray. The top notes don’t last very long. They linger for about 15 minutes to an hour before giving out to the mid notes.

Top notes are the salespeople of the perfume. They are the first impression we get of a scent and are usually quite fresh or sharp. They need to be attention-grabbing and pleasant.

Mid notes are also sometimes called heart notes. These notes make up the main body of the scent. Often these smells are more mellow and rounded. They provide a bit more substance to the fragrance.

Mid notes last for an hour or two depending on the strength of the fragrance. They overlap slightly with the base notes. This helps to mask the base notes initially.

Base notes are the longest lasting of all the notes. They are heavier, richer smells that linger for hours after application.

Base notes can, initially, be quite off-putting which is why the mid notes tend to bleed into the base notes until they mellow.

Typical base notes include musk and woody smells.

The other terminology you’ll come across is contained in the fragrance wheel. The fragrance wheel was developed to help stores and perfumers describe the scent to us laymen.

Although the wheel has had a few iterations, it currently has 4 quarters that are further divided into more specific scents.

The quarters and their subsections are:

  • Floral
    • Floral
    • Soft Floral
    • Oriental Floral
  • Oriental
    • Soft Oriental
    • Oriental
    • Woody Oriental
  • Woody
    • Woods
    • Mossy Woods
    • Dry Woods
    • Aromatics
  • Fresh
    • Citrus
    • Fruity
    • Green
    • Water

In general, fresh scents tend to be used for top notes, of you want further understanding about these scents, check out Blu Atlas Atlantis.

  1. Think About Your Personality

There are lots of different quizzes and tests out there that claim to be able to match a perfume to your personality.

The science is scant at best but there is a lot of psychological reasoning behind perfume and personality. It’s not a mystical connection. Instead, it’s to do with the association we have with particular smells.

Florals have long been seen as a feminine smell and woody smells as masculine. Musks tend to be associated with driven, powerful people.

Those associations are not set in stone. The rise of unisex fragrances shows us that as society changes its perceptions and priorities, so too do our fragrance associations.

More important than matching a scent to some mystical personality type is matching your perfume to your ideals.

Many brands are diversifying into ethical and responsible fragrances. These tend to use responsibly sourced ingredients, ethical farming or growing techniques, and non-animal testers.

Vegan fragrances are also becoming increasingly common. These will be cruelty-free and void of any animal-based ingredients including beeswax and honey.

When choosing a perfumes based on your personal ideals, you might want to consider brands that make donations or contributions to charities when you purchase. You might as well do some good while you smell good!

  1. Choose the Right Strength

Not all perfumes are created equal. In fact, not all perfumes are even, strictly speaking, perfumes.

You’ve probably come across terms like Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum, but do you really understand the difference?

Ultimately, the difference is in the concentration of the perfume oil. This determines how long-lasting the fragrance is.

There are 5 different strengths.

  • Eau Fraiche – Has an oil content of about 1-3% and lasts about an hour.
  • Eau de Cologne – Has an oil content of about 2-5% and lasts about 2 hours.
  • Eau de Toilette – Has an oil content of 4-15% and lasts between 3-4 hours.
  • Eau de Parfum – Has an oil content of 15-20% and lasts between 4-5 hours.
  • Perfume – Has an oil content of 20-40% and can last up to 24 hours.

When you’re choosing a perfume you’ll want to think about how long you need it to last. You’ll also need to balance that with the cost. The stronger the fragrance the more expensive it is.

Every day fragrances that you wear to work should probably be Eau de Toilette. They last fairly long but they won’t tank your bank account.

  1. Leave the Store

Perfume stores are an assault on the senses. All those bright lights, beautiful models, and the heady mix of smells can really get to you.

More importantly, they can cloud your olfactory receptors. How on earth are you supposed to decide which perfume you like when dozens of different smells are clogging the air?

Don’t be tempted or pressurized to buy a perfume just because you’ve gone into the store or because you’ve spritzed it on yourself.

The best way to choose your perfume is to spray a couple of samples onto those little smelling sticks and take them outside.

Out in the fresh air, your nose can reset and get a better sense of the fragrance. This also lets you experience the fragrance in real life.

Fragrances interact differently with different environments. You might think a scent is super overpowering in the store but outside you might realize that it’s a lot more chill.

If you have the time, try to live with the scent for a while. Take those sticks with you as you go about your business. Smell them throughout the day to get a sense of the mid and base notes.

  1. Price

Perfumes can get expensive. There are no two ways about it. You can mitigate the cost by making some smart choices.

Firstly, if you like a designer fragrance, check whether they have it in an Eau Fraîche or Eau de Cologne. These are cheaper than Eau de Parfums and won’t last as long but they smell the same.

Secondly, if you wear perfume every day to work or wherever, don’t drop hundreds of dollars on it. Unless you have lots of disposable income, you’ll never be able to keep paying for it every month.

Everyday perfume can be a bit cheaper because you’re not necessarily trying to stand out. Most of the time we become a bit nose blind to the perfume we wear every day so what’s the point of spending hundreds on it?

Another way to lower the price of your perfume is to buy the accompanying body lotions or washes. I know it seems counter-intuitive, but these sets tend to be cheaper than the perfume itself but have the same or similar fragrance.

If you wash with the scented body wash and apply the lotion later, you won’t need as much perfume to give yourself that scent. It’s already on your body.

Final Thoughts

Perfume is an intensely personal choice. It comes down to the smells we like, the image we are trying to portray and the ideals we want to uphold.

Perfume is a memory maker and a memory trigger. It can bring to mind all the wonderful things that make us happy, comfortable, and powerful. We all deserve that.

Are you trying to conquer Veganuary this year or just fancy a more sustainable start to 2021? All tried and tested, here are our favourite vegan beauty buys for the new year. Not only is every product 100% vegan but each will help your skin and nails recover from the harsh winter air too.

Saint Iris Adriatica Serenity Salve

Nourishing and totally vegan, this salve will soothe and hydrate winter skin. Pea peptide will give you a glow, seaweed adds suppleness and ten essential wildplant oils provide much-needed vitamins and fatty acids.

As well as being vegan, all ingredients are from responsible suppliers and upcycled from the food, juicing and confectionery industries. It smells good enough to eat too. Siadriatica.com.

Cienna Rose The Shield nail treatment

Did you know that a lot of nail products are not vegan? But Cienna Rose The Shield will nourish and strengthen nails without harming any animals in the process. Full of vitamins B5 and vitamin E as well as fresh lemongrass oil, this one is perfect to help nails recover from the winter cold.

Cienna Rose offers a full set of vegan nail varnishes and treatments. All are non-toxic and come in gorgeous colours: our favourites for winter are Merlot, Under the Stars and Rainbow Snow. Ciennarose.com.

Q&A Super Food Facial Oil

I have been using Q&A Super Food Facial Oil every night for a month now and I can see the results. Filled with jojoba seeds, prickly pear and over 12 nourishing fruit oils, the oil calms redness and improves skin buoyancy too. The feeling of smoothing the oil over your face before sinking into a deep sleep is divine too.

Q&A’s mission is to demystify skincare and everything is 100% vegan. Our other favourite Q&A vegan beauty buys are the activated charcoal face mask and the collagen face cream. qandaskin.com.

Brought to you from the laboratories of Aromatherapy Associates are Aroma Active Laboratories enticing new launches.

Brand new mind, body and skincare brand, Aroma Active Laboratories has been created to resilience-proof your day. Products unite the powerful and therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy with natural active ingredients to enhance physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

Are you feeling unwell, unable to sleep, have a headache, an achy body, sensitive skin, sore over washed hands, or chapped lips? Aroma Active Laboratories has a product designed to meet your daily needs fast, effectively and naturally.

THE NOURISHING SOOTHE COLLECTION

PERFECT FOR WHEN YOUR SKIN IS FREAKING OUT AND FLARING UP. ITS SORE, PAINFUL, INFLAMMED, RED AND NEEDS SOME TLC.

PURPOSE: Five nourishing and hydrating skincare saviours created for irritated or sensitised skin. Each product works to repair the natural barrier function of the skin whilst soothing sore, uncomfortable, inflamed skin, bringing it back into balance.

THE AROMATHERAPY OILS: A soothing and calming blend of blue tansy, immortelle, known for its antiseptic properties, adaptogenic lavender and patchouli. Combined for their moisturising & cooling effects and to relax both mind and body.

THE NATURAL ACTIVES: A soothing complex of Lactococcus ferment probiotic that promotes skin renewal, and oat kernel oil, containing natural ceramides. Plus, glycolipids for low foam cleansing, and anti-inflammatory Bisabolol. Most importantly, this combination helps build the skin barrier, restore its microbiome and promote calm, smooth and healthy skin.

INCLUDES: Body & Face Cleanser, Universal Repair Cream – Light, Universal Repair Cream – Rich, Solid Lip Oil, and Overnight Face Balm.

THE STIMULATING MUSCLE HELPERS

Aroma Active Laboratories

FOR EVERYDAY ACHES, PAINS, TWINGES AND STRAINS. AS WELL AS FOR WHEN YOU’VE OVERDONE IT WITH THE HOME WORKOUT!

PURPOSE: three performance-led products expertly blended to relax, restore and revive a tired, achy body and to aid its safe and comfortable recovery. Mind and body are re-energised and back in the game!

THE AROMATHERAPY OILS: A cooling & easing blend of anti-inflammatory turmeric, rosemary known for its soothing & easing effects, with apoptogenic lavender and marjoram combined for their cooling & calming effects. Plus cinnamon & ginger known to ease discomfort and tension.

THE NATURAL ACTIVES: A relieving complex of arnica known for its healing properties, instantly cooling menthol, antioxidant rosemary to invigorate body & mind. Patchouli leaf extract which contains natural Phyto cannabinoids that calm and relax, having a similar effect on the skin as CBD.

INCLUDES: Recovery Soak, Cooling Gel, and Recovery Balm.

THE IMPRESSIVE SOS RANGE

NATURE’S PHARMACY. FOR TIMES WHEN YOU’RE RUNDOWN AND NEED A FAST PROBLEM SOLVER AND EFFECTIVE PICK-ME-UP.

PURPOSE: Three natural and effective remedies that help alleviate everyday ailments such as tension headaches, cold symptoms and feeling sluggish. Consequently, providing comfort and relief in times of need.

THE AROMATHERAPY OILS: Including a restorative blend of clearing eucalyptus, anti-inflammatory palmarosa, and cooling peppermint to aid digestive wellbeing. With lemon to energise and uplift to promote overall emotional wellbeing.

THE NATURAL ACTIVES: A supportive complex of instantly cooling menthol, centella asiatica (CICA) an adaptogen historically used for its healing and soothing benefits and camomile to soothe and calm.

INCLUDES: Stomach Massage Oil, Forehead Balm, and Chest Rub.

THE ENCHANTING SLEEP COLLECTION

FOR WHEN YOUR BRAIN WON’T STOP WHIRRING AT NIGHT OR WHEN STRESS WAKES YOU UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. SO, YOU WAKE RESTED AND READY FOR YOUR DAY.

PURPOSE: Four sleep fixers that exist to calm the mind, tune out the stresses of the day and prepare your body for a restful and uninterrupted night’s sleep.

THE AROMATHERAPY OILS: A relaxing blend of lavandin, valerian, known for its calming effect on the mind & body, ylang ylang & balancing buddhawood. Above all, they are combined for their calming, centring & relaxing effects.

THE NATURAL ACTIVES: A calming complex of Hops and Valerian which are traditionally used to improve sleep as both have a natural sedative effect. In addition, the potent scent of hops also helps to lengthen sleep time. Subsequently, Plankton (in the face oil) regulates the skin’s circadian rhythm and protects it from damaged caused by insufficient sleep.

INCLUDES: Salt Soak, Mist, Overnight Recovery Facial Oil, and Pulsepoint Rollerball.

In conclusion, all the Aroma Active Laboratories enticing new launches are available in 47 Boots stores across the UK, also available on Boots.com. Individual items priced between £6 – £15 each.

Want to read about more beauty?

Brand new At Home Hair Treatment by GENi Hair.

No, you are not dreaming you really can say goodbye to those straighteners and expensive blow-dries once and for all. From revolutionary hair and beauty company GENi Hair comes a brand new, world exclusive frizz-free do-at-home hair kit.

With just one incredibly simple application in your own home you can eliminate frizz and dryness, whilst achieving long-lasting volume and incredible silkiness for up to 12 washes. All without the need for straighteners or a trip to the salon. Put simply, It’s a game changer!

The GENi hair kit includes a Shampoo, Smoother, and a Leave-In Treatment which transforms hair and extensions in only 20 minutes for a salon-quality finish on all hair types.

– Eliminates frizz instantly for silky, shiny, straight hair
– Sulphate free, safe for natural hair extensions
– Cuts blow-dry and styling time in half
– No straighteners required reducing heat damage
– Save £100s on expensive salon treatments
– Lasts up to 12 washes
– Cruelty free, vegan friendly
– Botanical ingredients including exotic Brazilian fruits

Shampoo

Suitable for sensitive scalp and hair that is damaged by excessive heat and repetitive brushing. Its formula provides soft cleansing and strengthens the hair fibres.

Smoother

This genius formula – applied after washing to damp hair – eliminates the frizz from your locks leaving them extra silky while pumping up the volume and shine with no nasty side effects.

Leave-In Treatment

Moisturises, strengthens and reinforces the anti-frizz effect. Provides cuticle sealing, conditioning and extends the treatment results. This luxe cream smells delicious and applied to dry and damp hair will also protect your new locks from heat treatments.

The Science Info

GENi Hair Active Technology:

This is a world-first original and unique formula, an innovative use of raw materials and brand new application system exclusive to GENi Hair. The active, L-Cysteine, is absorbed by the hair and because it is in an acidic mean (ph 2.00-3.00) it acts on the hydrogen and salt bridges breaking the structure. With the application of heat from a hair-dryer the connection is restructured with a new configuration. The transformation of the bonds are not permanent since the hydrogen and saline bonds are the weakest bonds in the hair strand, meaning, the results will last up to 12 washes.

GENi Hair is the only frizz-eliminating hair treatment kit you will ever need. So what are you waiting for? Wave bye-bye to that Brazilian blow dry! Or why not gift the luxe pink and gold Christmas brand new At Home Hair Treatment by GENi Hair pack to someone special.

RRP is £100, available from GENi Hair

Wanna know more about beauty from House of Coco?

Age takes its toll on everyone, but some people wear their years more obviously than others. Have you ever seen people who look a lot older than they are? The primary signs of such premature aging are usually graying hair and wrinkles.

Wrinkles are so prevalent among middle-aged adults, and they’re caused by a variety of factors. Some things that affect your skin and cause wrinkles include your age, lifestyle and even your sex. Unless you want to look far older than you really are, there are several ways you can delay the first wrinkles from appearing.

Below are seven effective tips for preventing premature wrinkles and retaining the youthful appearance of your skin without cosmetic surgery.

Stop Smoking

Smoking already has a laundry list of negative health impacts but premature wrinkles is just the cherry on top of the carcinogenic sundae. Many health experts have connected smoking with increased wrinkles. Nicotine restricts your blood vessels and reduces your skin’s ability to replenish blood and nutrients. This leads to cellular degeneration that in turn leads to wrinkles. Quitting your nicotine habit can greatly improve the quality of your skin.

Relax

Stress can run your body ragged, from your cardiovascular system to your mental health. However, it can also wreak havoc on your skin. The many hormonal imbalances and bodily chemicals released by your body when its stressed can prematurely age your skin and make you develop wrinkles before your time. You can avoid this by managing your stress and relaxing. For example, you can take some time off every day to sip some yogi detox tea and listen to smooth jazz. Such relaxation techniques can help rejuvenate your skin.

Stay Away from the Sun

The sun is one of the most powerful aging factors in the environment. Medical experts have proven ultraviolet radiation dries out the skin and causes damage on a cellular level to your skin. This is particularly true when it comes to paler skin.

Whenever you leave your home to go under the sun, you should take every precaution to avoid ultraviolet radiation. Start by covering yourself up, whether with long-sleeved clothing or with large hats. If you want to expose some skin, be sure to cover it withplenty of sunscreen.

Keep Moist

Wrinkles are basically the dermal equivalent of cracks on a painting. And this type of cracking stems from your skin drying out. Without proper moisturizing, your skin will become brittle and less elastic, leading to wrinkles.

Aside from investing in the proper skin moisturizer, you should also avoid exposing your skin to conditions that would dry it out faster. Both blistering heat and freezing cold can lead to wrinkles.

Drink Water

Your skin needs moisture from the inside and the outside if you want it to stay supple and youthful. Dehydration can be just as damaging to your skin as staying outdoors without sunscreen. No matter where you are, you should always remember to drink plenty of water, especially if you’ve been sweating a lot. A glass of water every hour is ideal and will help keep your skin fresh and smooth. Water helps replenish your body’s electrolytes and prevent it from cracking.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is probably one of the least appreciated factors in health but your body runs down quickly if you don’t get enough of it. Your skin suffers just like the rest of your body when you don’t rest for long. Lack of sleep contributes to stress and can cause pimple outbreaks as well as additional wrinkles. Be sure to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night, if you can afford it. Sleep helps your body rejuvenate its cells and relaxes, preventing stress form deteriorating your skin further.

Sleep on Your Back

It’s not just how long you sleep that affects your skin but also what your sleep position is. Skin is sort of like fabric and sleeping on your face stretches and warps it. Depending on how long you sleep, the skin on your face can be stretched and scrunched up for hours before you wake up. Instead of sleeping on your back and increasing the risk of developing wrinkles, sleep on your back as often as you could. This not only protects your face from wrinkles.

Premature aging is a concern for plenty of Americans of both sexes. Although there are plenty of cosmetic and surgical options available to retain your youthful appearance, your primary method should be changing a few things in your lifestyle. These small sacrifices will help you retain your youthful appearance for years.

From the farthest tip of Scotland to the most southerly beach towns in England, we have rounded up twelve best of British gifts to give your loved ones this Christmas. 2020 is all about supporting local businesses – think small-batch spirit brands, local foodie hampers, beautiful British books and Union Jack products in abundance, we have got you covered this festive season.

(1) Rock Rose Gin Winter Edition: This spectacular spirit is made with spruce tips – yes, you heard it correctly… Christmas tree gin! The multi-award-winning Dunnet Bay Distillers from the far north of Scotland have created the perfect winter tipple. Making for a truly festive flavour profile the hero botanical in this limited edition release was collected by the in-house gardener last December, with original Rock Rose elements scaled down to allow the delightful earthy and citrusy notes from the spruce tips to shine through. The stunning gin has been crafted with thoughts of bracing walks, roaring fires and cosy nights in mind. The signature ceramic bottle has also been given a festive snowy feel, making it a gorgeous gift this festive season. Priced from £37.50.

(2) NHS Heroes Knitted Christmas Jumper: The NHS has made the whole of Britain proud this year. These blue knits are emblazoned with a bold motif in celebration of our National Health Service. Each jumper, which will be discounted to NHS workers, comes with a free limited-edition NHS bauble, handcrafted and designed in the UK. 50% of profits from every sale will be donated to NHS Charities Together, a membership organisation representing, supporting and championing the work of the NHS’ official charities. Priced from £34.99.

(3) The Folio Society – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: What could be more British than James Bond? The Folio Society offer the world’s most extensive selection of beautifully illustrated books including an exquisite volume of Ian Fleming’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, illustrated by Fay Dalton. Artist Fay Dalton continues her brilliant work on the extremely popular James Bond collection, bringing readers a vision of Bond that captures all the glamour and the grit of Fleming’s world with seven beautiful full-page colour illustrations. Tracy, the woman who wins Bond’s heart by recklessly outdriving him, sizzles on the page, while the sinister Blofeld oozes menace. Truly the perfect gift for any 007 fan and a lovely ode to the late Sean Connery this Christmas. A treasure to keep forever. Priced from £37.50.

(4) Arran Aromatics Handcare Duo Set: This gorgeous set is the perfect gift for 2020 when hand washing has been the order of the day. Treat your tired paws to a foaming hand wash which is gently formulated to deeply cleanse and a moisturising hand cream which contains shea butter, natural oils and actives of aloe vera leaf juice, which are known to soothe. The product was created in a Home Farm factory, an old dairy farm for the historic Brodick Castle in the heart of Arran, in Scotland and can be bought at Hayes Garden World. Priced from £28.

(5) The Cheese Geek – The Frankie: The Cheese Geek offer bespoke subscription services or scrumptious one-off boxes for special occasions. This Christmas they have created The Goldie, The Frank-ie and the Myrrh-ie – a feast fit for a king. The cheese is the best that Britain has to offer alongside a handful of European heavyweights and each box offers a fun fact file to accompany each delicious morsel. The team source directly from award-winning makers meaning the contents found in each box will not be found in the supermarket. This is the perfect gift for every cheese lover or a great treat to order straight to your door for the festive season allowing all the family to get involved. Cheesy jokes obligatory. Priced from £50.00.

(6) Ohelo 500ml Water Bottles: Ohelo is a London based brand designing everything right here in the UK. Ohelo makes and designs high-quality reusable 500ml water bottles perfect for a gym bunny, eco-warrior or adventurous traveller (post lockdown, of course). The products are all 100% leak proof, great for hot and cold drinks (keeps drinks hot for 12 hours, cold for 24 hours), easily portable and have sleek, colourful designs – they are good for the planet too! Priced from £29.00.

(7) Limited Edition Worstead Wagyu Christmas box: December is all about amazing food. Spoil the foodie in your life with a Christmas Wagyu box from the Worstead Estate, filled to the brim with the highest quality, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef – there is enough included in the box for you to get in on the action too! The Christmas wagyu box comes with two sensational fillet steaks, two ribeye steaks, four-second cut steaks, one roasting joint and six delicious burgers. Worstead Estate is the first in Norfolk to rear and sell premium wagyu beef, adhering to the highest ethical rearing and sustainable farming methods. The ultimate treat for any meat-lover this Christmas. Priced from £90.00.

(8) No Secrets Mini Home Spa: No Secrets is a British beauty brand with a difference. The company makes pure, luxury, plant-based skincare that is cruelty-free. No Secrets only uses the finest natural ingredients, especially chosen for their purity, safety and affinity with skin avoiding any unnecessary chemicals such as parabens, phthalates and sulphates. The Mini Home Spa is letterbox size, perfect for sending to friends and family as a surprise over Christmas now that less people can gather than normal. This kit is just what is needed as 2020 draws to a close. It includes skin softening and smoothing Bath Jelly, a jar of the brand new nourishing, moisturising Hand and Body Butter and a stunning hand-poured soy wax votive candle. Available in both signature scents: ‘One’ – Fresh & Uplifting and ‘Four’ – Sensual & Calming. Priced from £22.00.

(9) Hattiers Egremont Premium Reserve Rum: The perfect gift for any rum lover or cocktail connoisseur. Established in Devon in 2017, Hattiers is looking to shake up the rum industry. Hattiers Premium Reserve Rum is a blend of four rums hand-picked from across the Caribbean and Central American and gently paired with pure soft water from the hills of Dartmoor, England. Delicious, warming, and the perfect tipple to enjoy at Christmas. Hattiers even has the recipe for a Breakfast Old Fashioned for cocktail experts to follow along in order to put together the perfect drink to enjoy over the festive period. Priced from £37.50.

(10) Lava Spirits Co Coffee Orange Gin: Lava Spirits Co has launched its debut range in the UK that includes the UK’s first Coffee Orange Gin. Utterly fabulous in decadent cocktails, great as a refreshing long drink with tonic or ginger beer, as well as served as a ‘sipper’, neat or on the rocks – this is the warming drink for an indulgent Christmas with notes of strong, fresh espresso and roasted coffee beans, expertly balanced by sweet citrus. Founded by Laura Bridge, Lava Spirits are distilled and handcrafted in the heart of the English countryside, using the finest quality, expertly roasted Arabica coffee beans. We’ll drink to that. Priced from £29.00.

(11) Willy’s Wellness Box: The perfect antidote for 2020 and an ideal gift for any wellness lover. Willy’s is a 100% naturally plant-based range of products each containing the 300-year-old LIVE Mother from Willy’s farm in Herefordshire which helps to boost immunity and improve gut health. Founded by Tyrell’s Crisps founder, William Chase, Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar is the latest venture from his farm. This Christmas, Willys have created a wellness subscription box, perfect for a delivered-to-door health kick, all grown in the UK. The box contains easy to use recipes cards to incorporate the product into different meals and drinks as well as Apple Cider Vinegar Kombucha Cans and a Beetroot Health Shot, to name a few. Priced from £21.00.

(12) Hattingley Valley English Sparkling Wine: For someone special in your life, why not treat them to a bubbly bottle of premium English sparkling wine from family-owned Hampshire winery, Hattingley Valley. The perfect gift to add a touch of sparkle to the celebrations this festive season, Hattingley’s core range features a selection of award-winning bottles including the Classic Reserve (£30), Blanc de Blancs (£47.50) and the Rosé (£36). For those who prefer something extra lavish, opt for a bottle of the 2014 Kings Cuvée (£80) – a very limited release that recently won best sparkling wine in the UK. The Classic Reserve is also available in a stylish Union Jack gift box. Cheers! Prices vary.

Most of us are working from home right now, which has resulted in increased working hours and screen time as well as having to turn our living space into a makeshift office. If you and your workspace are in need of a wellbeing boost then try these quick wellness hacks.‍

Protect from screen effects

ilapothecary Digital Face Mist (£29/50ml) Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and anti-viral properties to help treat skin screen inflammation (Active Soy Extract is known to protect from screen effects)

‍Soothe sore eyes

Hayo’u Method Beauty Restorer (£38) Hold the cooling jade crystal over the eyes to relieve fatigue, alleviate puffy eyes or twitching eye muscles

Lift the room

ilapothecary Beat the Blues Room Spray (£10 for 15ml) This transformative blend helps to clear the atmosphere and creates an uplifting space in which to work

Relieve tension

Hayo’u Method Body Restorer (£38) Body gua sha is a quick and easy way to release tension after sitting for long periods. Press stroking across the neck and chest also boosts the immune system and circulation

The time has come to write a Christmas list, buy gifts for friends and family, and prepare plans for the much-anticipated festive season.

We have all been eager to get some form of normality into full swing recently, and what better way than by writing a gift guide that covers all your gifting needs, and all price points. Lounge on your sofa, sip a mulled wine, turn up the volume of your favourite Christmas tunes, and enjoy the stocking filler ideas below.

Under £5

The Natural Deodorant Co., Lemon & Geranium Deodorant, £4 (10g)

Gift a mini deodorant made with natural fruit oils and botanicals. Vegan, chemical free, and plastic free. Available from The Natural Deodorant Co

Body Collection England, Peach Blusher, £2.00

Add a pop of peach colour with this powder blush gift. Available from Wilko

OSMO, Mini Deep Moisture Mask, £2.99

Treat their stocking with the gift of hydrated hair with this mini deep moisture mask. Available from Feel Unique

So…?, Kiss Off Pout Balm, £4

Give kissable lips with this balm, enriched with sweet almond oil to leave the lips soft and moisturised. Available from So…? Fragrance

Lush, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas Bath Bomb, £2.95

This fun bath bomb gift fizzes around the bath leaving popping candy and a raspberry scent in its trail. Available from Lush UK

Under £10

Cienna Rose, Under The Stars Nail Lacquer, £9

This festive midnight blue polish both sparkles and shines and is infused with nourishing botanical oils to protect the nails. Available from Cienna Rose

Q+A, Liquorice Lip Oil Cracker, £5.50 (usually £6.50)

Gifting a Christmas cracker is such a treat especially when it holds a lip oil blended with liquorice root extract, soyabean extract, and prickly pear seed oil. Available from Q+A Skin

St Moriz, Ultra Finish Instant Tan, £7.99 (usually £9.99)

Give the gift of glowing skin this winter by blurring imperfections with an airbrushed look and an ultra finished tan. Available from Boots High Street Stores and Online

Revlon, ColourStay Brow Creator, £8.99

Share the brow love this xmas with an eyebrow pencil that glides on effortlessly to define and perfect a groomed brow. Available from Feel Unique

BeYou, CBD Lavender & Chamomile Bath Bomb, £9.99

Handmade in the UK, this bath bomb gift is infused with 100mg of CBD, plus chamomile and lavender to stimulate your senses. Available from Be You Online

Under £20

My Beauty Squad, Lashes for Everyone, Boss Lashes, £10

Why not gift lashes to complete the party season look. The Lashes for Everyone Collection are glamourous, lightweight and reusable. Available from My Beauty Squad

Electric, C-8 Invisible Volume Chalk, £19.50

A great gift for him, this styling product with its magnesium free formulation, and chalk from the white cliffs of Sussex. Available from Electric Hair

Aromatherapy Associates, Toiletry Bag, £12

Gift this pretty toiletry bag to someone who travels, as it’s the perfect luxury cosmetics travel bag. Available from Aromatherapy Associates

Angela Langford, Angel Eyes Nourishing Eye Oil, £19.50

Cooling cucumber is blended with argan and rosehip to create an oil that repairs and smoothes the delicate skin around the eye. A glorious gift. Available from Angela Langford

Soak Sunday, Rose Utopia Botanical Bath Soak, £14 (280g)

Transform someone’s bath time into pure relaxation with this indulgent bath soak. Contains Himalayan salt, lavender, rose petals, sage and jasmine. Available from Soak Sunday

Under £50

Percy Nobleman, 1806 Fragrance EDT, £37

This classy, masculine fragrance is an excellent gift for a man. Blended with bergamot, lemon, neroli, orange blossom, amber and musk. Available from Percy Nobleman

Smelly Trees, Unisex Fragrance Mist, £25

This unisex fragrance is sustainable and ethical. Made with responsibly harvested tree oils, pure distilled water and organic food grade alcohol. Available from Smelly Trees

Rubis, Tweezer Pointer Swiss Cross, £23.95

Celebrity-favourite tweezers by Rubis make the ideal gift for someone who likes precise plucking. Available from Look Fantastic

Guinot, Love Your Body Gift Set, £45

A gift like no other, the Douche Soin Hydrazone Moisturising Shower Cream, and Lait Hydrazone Corps Body Lotion help to calm and soothe the skin. Available from Guinot

Look Fabulous Forever, Christmas Collection Cool Edition, £44 (usually £55)

For a mature lady in your life; soft cool tone blusher, no shimmer eye shade, lipstick and makeup bag. Available from Look Fabulous Forever