We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication
Christmas is almost here, and if you have left buying presents to the last minute, you can’t really go wrong with some lush beauty products. But you need to think beyond the usual gift set.
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Luxury beauty brand Shiseido has heard our cries for last minute gift ideas, with a selection of its skincare saviours available for under £30 from Boots – from stocking fillers at purse friendly prices, to blow-the-budget gifts, whether for a friend, relative, partner, or maybe even yourself.
Shiseido’s popular skincare ranges, such as the Benefiance, Ultimune, Vital Perfection lines, as well as the new WASO collection, are all available to shop at Boots now, with products suitable for all skin types and needs, whether you’re shopping for a seasoned skincare pro or someone dabbling for the first time. ]
From SPF protection, gel cleansers and make-up removers to nourishing eye creams,and moisturisers, as well as expertly curated bundles and make-up cosmetics, Shiseido has all bases covered this Christmas.
Most importantly, Boots customers do not have to spend a fortune, as some of Shiseido’s bestsellers are available to shop for as little as £7.50. But which products make the best presents? Let us take you through our picks.
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One of Shiseido’s must-haves is the Clear Suncare Stick, which has gone viral on TikTok for its failsafe UV protection, nourishing the skin and preventing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. This water-resistant creation uses SynchroShieldTM to protect against harmful UV rays, without leaving a white cast like some sun creams, or stickiness. Retailing for £28, it makes for a perfect stocking filler or main pressie, depending on budget,
We should all be using a good quality cleanser to remove makeup, pollutants or dirt from our skin if we want to avoid clogging our pores and triggering a breakout. Shiseido has the solution in the form of the Waso Shikulime Gel-to-Oil Cleanser. This hybrid cleanser is easy to use, gentle on the skin, and removes stubborn eye makeup, as well as dirt and grime – a cleansing regime for £24.50.
With a price tag of £32, Shiseido’s award-winning Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate serum may be over the £30, but it’s also a worthwhile investment. This multi-purpose moisturiser, which has garnered over 3,000 glowing reviews from Boots shoppers, is a beauty bag staple, as it works to hydrate, brighten and tighten the skin for a youthful complexion. Considering one serum is sold every seconds, it’s a stocking filler guaranteed to impress.
And let’s not forget bundles, too. The Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Set has our piqued as it features the iconic Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream, Wrinkle Smoothing Cream and Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, to help you complete a simple three-step beauty routine for morning and night. While the trio may come in at £66, it contains almost £100 worth of products, which means you save a hefty £28.40.
Boots shoppers are eligible for free delivery on orders over £25, as well as next day or named day delivery at a fee – as well the option to collect in store. But be quick – the deal on all theseShiseido bestsellers ends on Christmas Eve.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Picture this: it’s the Christmas break and you’ve finished work or studies for the holidays – or maybe just the weekend. It’s finally snowing (yep, we might get actually get a White Christmas this year) and you’re sprawled out at one end of the sofa enjoying a festive movie marathon with your BFF or partner curled up on the other, with no intention of moving for hours, unless it’s to dip your hand into a new chocolate selection box.
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Perfection? Almost. There’s just one thing missing – an Oodie (or two).
If you’ve not heard of Oodie – aka “the world’s leading wearable blanket” – it’s the ultimate wardrobe must-have this winter. Ok, ok, so it might not be high fashion, but as our heating bills skyrocket, there’s a reason this brilliant hybrid of fleece, blanket, jumper and dressing gown is proving quite so popular.
Essentially, it’s a wearable hug, and perfect for anyone looking for a practical and comfy way to keep snug and warm this winter. And here’s the best part: Oodie is currently offering shoppers the chance to buy an Oodie for you and your favourite person – in the form of the discounted Oodie Twin Pack.
An Oodie comes in just one, oversized size – based on a 6XL – which not only makes for the ultimate comfort and coverage, but also super simple shopping.
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It boasts an insulating sherpa fleece lining, as well as an ultra soft exterior of Toastyek flannel fleece, and it’s this magic combo that will give you the warm and fuzzies. This design also features a giant front pocket to protect your hands from the chill, not to mention store your valuables and snacks, and an all important hood to keep your head and neck protected from any draughts. It’s also cruelty free and machine washable, making light work of laundry day.
The Oodie is available in over 40 colourways, including a variety of patterns from foodie to pet prints, tie dye, even your starsign – as well as plain block colours if that’s more your thing.
Not all patterns are included in the deal, fyi, so do double check before you buy. But whether you wear your Oodie to run errands, on a duvet day, working from home, or on winter walks, it’s the one. And now’s your chance to buy two!
Oodie twin pack
The Oodie Twin Pack has been reduced from £178 to just £98, meaning you’ll be spending just £44 per Oodie in this deal. A single Oodie usually retails for £89 (or £69 on sale) so you’re practically getting two for the price of one here.
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What we also love about this bundle is that you can select two different Oodie designs – allowing you to mix or match depending on your vibe. Personally, we’re going for pizzas and koalas in our bundle, but that’s how we roll.
The deal coincides with Oodie’s Holiday Sale, with select other items on site reduced by £25, as well as great deals on family bundles and six-pack sets if you want to co-ordinate your entire friendship group or family, including your pets. The Kid’s Oodie is also on sale for just £52 in the run up to Christmas!
Fans of the brand can also shop its weighted blanket to warm the cockles this season, as well as the Oodie Robe, pyjamas, hair wraps, slippers and more. As always, these deals won’t last forever, so move quickly to bag a bargain.
Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
It’s likely you’ve never heard of acrochordons, but you’ve probably dealt with them. In fact, they’re so common that over 50% of adults will experience them at least once in their lifetime. Better known as skin tags, acrochordons are small growths of extra skin that, while harmless, are no one’s favourite feature.
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Health care costs are higher than ever and skin tag removal typically isn’t covered by insurance, since it’s an unnecessary procedure. These days, there are a wide array of skin tag removal products you can purchase to cut these costs considerably ― but, ew? Is that such a great idea? Just how safe are these treatments, and is skin tag removal better left to the professionals?
Doctors’ thoughts on skin tag removal may surprise you
“Do you need to go to your doctor every time you have a skin tag you want removed? Not always,” says Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founder of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston. “When I was little, I remember my dad (who was a doctor) pulling his skin tags and snipping them off.”
Thankfully, there are less extreme at-home treatment options today. While none of the medical professionals love the idea of at-home skin tag removal, they do have some safer at-home ideas to try. However, there was one caveat.
“If the lesion is large or is causing pain, bleeding or discomfort, it should be removed by a healthcare provider,” says Dr. Alexander Zuriarrain, a board-certified plastic surgeon with Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami. When in doubt, he stresses, please see your doctor.
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Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images
For an idea of what skin tags look like, think about the growths on these potatoes.
If these characteristics do not apply to your skin tags, then you can consider trying these DIY recommendations below.
The household remedies that people often try
First, let’s address some of the household remedies that friends may have suggested to you. While the ones listed here are safe to try, keep in mind there are no studies that prove they actually work.
“A natural remedy that a patient introduced to me is using banana peel on skin tags. It is unknown what chemicals are in the banana peel that helps with skin tags,” says Dr. Elaine F. Kung, a board-certified dermatologist based out of New York City and founder of Future Bright Dermatology. “It has been postulated that there are antioxidants and enzymes that may be helpful.”
Nandi Wagner, the lead aesthetician at Gilded Ritual, a high-end salon in New York City, is familiar with this method, too. “Some homeopathic remedies for skin tags include applying small amounts of diluted tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar or even banana peels to the skin tag,” Wagner says.
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DeRosa had similar advice and also suggested crushed garlic may work. She explains how to try this remedy at home: “For any of these topical treatments, wash the skin tag and surrounding area, then apply the topical of your choice to the tag, and cover with a bandage overnight. Repeat this treatment until the skin tag dries out and falls off, and stop its use if the area becomes irritated.”
But if you want a solution that’s more proven, keep reading.
Lotions with acid
“For tiny, just barely noticeable skin tags, you can try using a lotion with keratolytic ingredients over several months. In other words, lotions with AHA, BHA (salicylic acid), or lactic acid may help chemically ‘exfoliate’ the tiny little tags,” Kung suggested.
Check your medicine cabinet, as it’s possible you have products with these ingredients at home.
At-home ligation
A somewhat scarier option is to cut off the skin tag’s blood source by tying up the base of your skin tag, a process known as ligation. This will take a few days, but it’s a common method for at-home removal. While this procedure may be somewhat uncomfortable, it should not be painful. If it is, that’s a good sign to visit your doctor for removal instead.
“Ligation is another method to remove unwanted skin tags. Ligation works by cutting off the blood flow to the skin tag, causing it to fall off,” Wagner says. ”There are several [over-the-counter] ligation pens that deploy a small silicone band around the base of the skin tag, cutting off its circulation. After about five days, the skin tag generally will dry up and fall off.”
There are numerous ligation tools available online. One of the highest-rated ligation kits on Amazon is this Tag Band Micro Skin Tag Removal Kit, with a rating of 4 stars from more than 12,000 reviews.
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Freezing them off
The “most effective and safest way” to remove skin tags, in DeRosa’s opinion, is with cryotherapy. “Cryotherapy is the use of a super-cold gas (nitrogen is the most commonly used) to essentially shrink and kill the blood supply to the skin tag. At-home cryotherapy kits vary, so just look for those that can get you the coldest settings,” DeRosa explains. This means around -15 to -50°C
DeRosa suggests Compound W Nitrofreeze, even though its original intended for wart removal. She said it gets cold enough for skin tag removal. And she means cold – the freezing temps this pen produces can lead to some initial stinging and burning during treatment. Also available on Amazon is Cryotag Skin Tag Remover, which has 11,457 reviews and a 4 star rating.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
So, you pride yourself on being a savvy shopper when it comes to deals and discounts. You’re a Prime Day pro, you can bosh Black Friday, and you’re all over the hidden savings to be found in Ebay’s refurbished section.
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But you’re missing a trick if you’re not also mining Way Day – Wayfair’s annual 48-hour sale, a great time to nab some big savings on even bigger ticket items for your home and garden.
When Is Way Day 2022?
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Wayfair’s biggest sale of the year is actually a two-day affair, running from 12am the morning of Wednesday April 27 through to midnight on Thursday April 28.
That adds up to 48 hours of discounts on a huge range of items across Wayfair.co.uk, with free delivery on orders over £40 to most UK addresses.
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What are the best Way Day deals?
Way Day is a great time to pick up those tick list items you’ve been wanting for your home and garden, whether that’s kitting out your bedroom, sitting room, home office, nursery or outdoor space. And there’s also a wealth of soft furnishings and accessories to be snapped up on site.
Among this year’s deals, the home retailer is selling beds for at little as £99.99, garden furniture sets under £200, and sofas for a bargainous £249.99. The discounts have even started early with 70% already off some items.
Categories on sale will include:
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We’ll be rounding up the best savings to be made on home and outdoor ware in this year’s sale right here on HuffPost Shopping as Way Day progresses.
Stay tuned as we update our shopping guides on this page and you can also sign up for alerts on a range of homeware categories on the Wayfair site.
Finally, we’re allowed out and about to celebrate Valentine’s Day but dine-at-home meals are still very much on the menu. The HuffPost UK Life team snuggled up with our better halves and friends to find the best meal for the big day.
We’ve reviewed them for taste, ease and value for money and ranked them by hearts out of five. Here are our favourites.
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Waitrose’s £20 dinner for two
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Harry Slater
Waitrose’s sea bass fillets with greens.
Everything in Waitrose’s £20 dinner for two was perfectly fine and that’s sort of the problem. A Valentine’s meal should be special and pre-prepared food, no matter how fancy, doesn’t exactly say “I love you”. Granted, you could say this about every meal in our taste test, so let’s talk about the food.
Simple and satisfying, our two smoked and poached salmon terrines were close to the perfect starter. Along with a couple of glasses of San Leo Nerello Mascalese Rosato, they made for the best part the meal. (If you prefer a very dry fizz, go for the Calle d’Oro prosecco.)
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Harry Slater
Waitrose’s salmon terrines.
The main required a bit more effort. With only buttered greens as a side, the sea bass fillets with a roasted tomato and olive filling needed some company and the addition of a bed of brown packet rice made the dish look prettier and fuller. Finally, gooey chocolate puddings from Waitrose’s luxury No.1 range were an indulgent but slightly floury end to our meal. They need a scoop of real vanilla ice cream with them.
Despite these shortcomings, it’s hard to knock the value for money from Waitrose’s extensive range. Treat yourself. Harry Slater, Deputy Editor.
Co-op’s £15 meal with alcohol (or £12 with a soft drink)
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Faima Bakar
Co-op’s Irresistible range for Valentine’s Day.
Co-op’s Irresistible range for Valentine’s Day is fantastic and extensive. We started with a drool-worthy portion of their Camembert with garlic and parsley sharing bread. Although we found the bread a little dry, the cheese is so rich and creamy we didn’t mind. x
Their standout main is the steak and scotch eggs, which is sure to be a partner pleaser. I can’t eat meat, so instead tried the sea bass with a side of steak chips and Mediterranean-style veggies, and of course cute heart-shaped butter pieces on top.
Lastly, the melt in the middle puddings could melt your heart. They were a truly indulgent chocolatey, gooey bite heaven – but a 500 calories a pop, I can’t imagine having them often. And the prosecco didn’t disappoint. Faima Bakar, Life Reporter.
Tesco’s £15 meal with Prosecco
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Rachel Moss
The starter, main with two sides, and dessert from Tesco. Comes with Prosecco.
Tesco’s deal has an impressive 32 products (including a number of vegan items), allowing shoppers to choose from more than 76,000 combinations, so you’re bound to find something you like.
We opt for the feta and red pepper tartlets to start, which are surprisingly light and moreish, but do look a little plain on the plate without the addition of some rocket (which I bought separately).
The main of duck breast with a raspberry hoisin sauce, alongside a trio of greens and heart-shaped herby potato croquette, feels like a real treat and something I wouldn’t usually cook. The duck is fairly small and does shrink quite considerably, though, so I graciously give my husband the larger portion and settle for a piece resembling a large, red slug. Still, it tastes delicious.
The chocolate and orange pots are the real stars, though, with the bottom layer reminiscent of the world’s most delicious Calippo. We practically lick the sides clean. For 15 quid – with a bottle of very quaffable fizz – this meal is great value. Rachel Moss, Life Editor.
Asda’s £15 meal for two
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Melanie Grant
Asda’s sirloin steak with honeyed baby parsnips and triple-cooked chips.
Asda’s Valentine’s meal offers plenty of choice with meat, fish and vegan options, and hearts thrown-in for good measure (reader, you’ll see).
We for the tempura prawns followed by the sirloin steak, triple-cooked chips with honey baby parsnips and Chantenay carrots. It’s all relatively easy to put together, even if the starter and both sides all go in the oven at different times. But thanks to the bang-on cooking instructions – especially for the steak – you’ll end up serving a meal that looks restaurant-quality.
The tempura prawns, with its chilli-by-name-not-necessarily-by-heat dip are nice enough but not memorable. The juicy steak is notable though. It’s made all the more succulent swimming in the melted (originally heart-shaped) peppercorn butter and complemented with the dreamy, soft and crispy chips. For that added crunch, I suggest a few extra mins in the oven.
The honeyed baby parsnips are worth fighting anyone for, less so with the chantenay carrots. Even after 40 mins oven-baking, some were still hard.
Melanie Grant
Asda’s gooey chocolate pudding.
It’s much relief that the sticky toffee pudding isn’t another oven job. After 90 seconds of microwaving you’re pouring sweet toffee sauce onto its chocolate-embossed heart (yes, another one). Our rosé pinot grigio helps cut through the saccharine flavours (or you could add a dollop of crème fraîche or cream).
The box of Lily O’Brien’s chocolates is perhaps best saved for after you’ve had your other dessert…Melanie Grant, Audience Editor.
Morrison’s £15 meal for two
Morrison’s
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With a starter, a main, two sides, a dessert and a drink for just £15, the Valentine’s deal from Morrisons is a real steal. The range of options is impressive and includes plenty of veggie and vegan delights, which impresses my newly vegetarian fiancé.
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We go for the garlic and cream cheese mushrooms to start, which looks a little underwhelming, but once I taste the whipped, velvety garlic topping, I realise looks can be deceiving. It’s the perfect combination of decadent cheese and earthy mushroom.
Next, it’s the slow cooked ‘Coq au Vin’ for me and a vegan beef-lees Wellington for my partner (each extra main comes at an additional cost). Both are quick and easy to prepare.
Served in a red wine and beechwood smoked bacon sauce and topped with mushrooms and onions, the chicken delicately falls off the bone. It’s succulent, warming, and absolutely delicious. The beef-less Wellington also goes down well. My partner describes the pastry as unexpectedly buttery and wonderfully flakey. We share an uneventful side of carrots and kale in an orange dressing and a creamy, garlic-spiked portion of dauphinoise potatoes.
For dessert, my partner tries the Belgium chocolate pudding, but I’m unable to take part as it seems each dessert option “may contain nuts”, and I have a serious allergy. The pud smells absolutely divine. I assume, from the fact my partner demolishes his dessert in about three seconds flat, that it’s just as tasty.
We finish our meal feeling full and satisfied and wash it down with the crisp, satisfying prosecco.
Sainsbury’s £15 meal for two
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I love a good supermarket meal so I’m excited Sainsbury’s Valentines offering. Their options include a starter, main, dessert and bottle of fizz for £15.
We start with the the Scottish mussels in white wine, which were creamy and filling. Next, we tuck into Higgidy’s spinach, red pepper and feta quiche. It’s well seasoned and the feta is delicious. Sainsbury’s doesn’t include a side in their meal, but we can’t resisted their truffle mash. It’s rich and buttery and pairs well with the quiche. Finally, Gü’s salted caramel cheesecake makes for a fantastic finish. Can you ever go wrong with salted caramel? Our sparkling rosé is the only let down. It’s too dry for my taste. Habiba Katsha, Jnr. Life Reporter.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way since the days of one or two beer choices – and nothing else.
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Today, you’ll find non-alcoholic gin, rum, vodka, prosecco and espresso martini alternatives available to buy. And the beers have come on a bit, too.
It’s no surprise that businesses are investing in alcohol-free drinks. Almost one in three (32%) UK drinkers now “semi-regularly” consume low and no alcohol products, according to research by mindful drinking movement Club Soda.
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And interestingly, alcohol drinkers are the main buyers of non-alcoholic products, rather than people who are 100% teetotal.
Whether you avoid booze all year round, you’re trying Dry January, or you just want to cut down a little, there’s plenty of options to fill your drinks cabinet. To help you stock up on the best ones, we’ve reviewed some of the more intriguing options out there.
“An espresso martini might not be the most obvious drink of choice when you’re not drinking, but hear me out. Picture this: you’re at a gathering and it’s getting late. You’re not drinking but your friends have been on the sauce all day (or night) and it’s starting to get loud. Very loud. Your energy levels are starting to wane; their voices start to grate. You need a miracle to stay up any longer. This is where the espresso martini comes in.
“Lyre’s espresso martini set features Coffee Originale (to replace the coffee liquor) and White Cane Spirit (a non-alcoholic rum alternative which has been chosen to replace the vodka). An interesting choice, but it works. The Coffee Orginale is rich with a gorgeous mix of spice and caramel, perfectly offset by the orange and coconut in the cane spirit. The recipe is simple to follow too: you need to add your own espresso or cold-drip coffee and vanilla syrup (but I leave the latter out as I don’t have any in the house). Delicious.
“For me, this may not be the non-alcoholic drink I have on tap, but for the right occasion and moment it would be a life saver.” – Brogan Driscoll, senior editor, commercial partnerships
“The Nozeco has the same sleek look as a bottle of prosecco, making it a great alcohol-free option to bring out at parties where people aren’t drinking.
“The first time I tried this was at a bridal party where none of the attendees were drinkers and it went down a treat. It still tastes good, like you’re drinking the real thing, but without the kick. I would definitely use in future for parties and gatherings.” – Faima Bakar, Life reporter
“Call me basic, but I’ve got a soft spot for pink gin, though I usually consume it via a tinny in the park on a warm summer’s day, instead of at my desk in January. Still, the Everleaf version is low calorie and vegan – as well as non-alcoholic – so I decide that’s acceptable.
“When I take a swig to try it neat, I’m a little alarmed by how soapy it tastes. But when mixed with tonic and garnished with berries as recommended, the gin is transformed. Flavours of cherry blossom, rosehip and strawberry come through, but they’re perfectly balanced with piney juniper, and avoid being too sweet. I would never guess it’s alcohol-free.
“The classy bottle gets extra points from me, and I can imagine offering it to teetotal pals with hors d’oeuvres on the patio, or taking it along to a baby shower. I drain the glass and am dreaming of summer for the remainder of the afternoon.” – Rachel Moss, Life editor
“As someone who loves tequila based drinks – margaritas are my summer go-to – I feel unsure as I pour my first glass of this clean tequila alternative, drizzling the clear liquid over ice.
“However, when I catch a whiff of the agave-based ‘blanco tequila’, I feel I’ve judged too quickly and my first sip confirms it’s a real treat that closely mimics alcoholic tequila. I didn’t imagine an alcohol-free spirit could have such a similar taste.
“The green agave combines with aromas of oak and olive, sweet melon and subtle mixed fruits, all with a dry, peppery finish that catches in the throat just like my favourite tequila. It’s not only low calorie and free from sugar and sweetener, but vegan, and lactose and gluten free. For an alcohol-free margarita – or other tequila-based drink – this alternative works perfectly.” – Beth Mahoney, HuffPost Shopping reporter
“Rum is by far my favourite alcoholic beverage. White rum and pineapple juice? That’s a bit of me. While I planned to do Dry January this year, I failed on the first day, but I’m still intrigued to see what a non-alcoholic version tastes like.
“The Dark and Spicy alcohol-free spirit from Caleno has a very rum-ish smell to it. If I closed my eyes and opened the bottle, I would have sworn it was alcohol. And there’s an almost alcoholic kick to the taste, too. I drink it with apple juice and it’s almost as good as the real deal. Overall, I’m very impressed and would drink this again.” – Habiba Katsha, Life reporter
“I adore spiced rum and have high hopes for this ‘clean’ spiced rum alternative. Boy, am I impressed (as is my spiced rum loving fiancé who can be rather picky). When I unscrew the lid, we’re both note how warming and spicy it smells – much like a traditional Caribbean spiced rum.
“When poured over ice, the flavours of golden caramel, cayenne pepper and other (apparently secretly guarded) spices pack a powerful punch. It’s mildly sweet and wonderfully spicy; it works well drunk neat over ice or – as I found out – mixed with Coca-Cola or ginger beer for an extra kick.
“Like other Clean.Co drinks, it’s lactose and gluten free, and made without sugar or sweetener. In fact, the only downside is that it’s too easy to drink – somehow we managed finish off the bottle in just a few days.” – Beth Mahoney, HuffPost Shopping reporter
<img class="img-sized__img portrait" loading="lazy" alt="Strykk Not V*dka” width=”720″ height=”1000″ src=”https://www.wellnessmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/best-non-alcoholic-drinks-and-spirits-that-pass-for-the-real-deal-19.jpg”>
“Who needs a real voddie when you’ve got Not V*dka? It’s got a serious kick to it! Sip this non-alcoholic vodka neat and it leaves a ferocious, fiery tingle on your tongue that lingers for an age. It’s like drinking your auntie’s homemade ginger beer, the one that burns (in a nice way!).
“Not V*dka delivers a heat akin to pepper sauce and after it’s finished with your tongue, the fire nestles deep down in your throat. For that reason I wouldn’t suggest mixing it with ginger beer. Coke, orange juice, cranberry and sprite as chasers – all of which I tried – will all add much needed flavour. With no artificial colours, no fat, no sugar it’s perfect if you’re watching your alcohol and calorie intake. And if you’re looking for subtle sweetness, Not V*dka Vanilla which has undertones of cream soda, might hit the right note too.” – Melanie Grant, audience editor HuffPost Shopping
“I have only really had Guinness when in Northern Ireland, where (according to the rumours) it tastes best. It’s never really been up to scratch when I’ve had it elsewhere. But I did find myself repeatedly sipping this low-alcoholic version, which was a surprise, especially since I am usually more of a gin ‘n’ tonic person.
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“Significantly less bitter than the more mainstream version, it really does have ‘chocolatey notes’ – as per its online description – although the honeycomb elements don’t particularly come through.
“It’s definitely not as heavy as the original beverage, and it seems like it’s somewhere in between a soft drink and an alcoholic one in taste. Despite calling itself ‘alcohol-free’, the drink is actually 0.5% ABV, (so it does have a little alcohol in). It might just about satisfy any Guinness drinkers who have opted for a slightly damp January.” – Kate Nicholson, senior trends reporter
“I’m sorry to say that this drink most definitely does not taste much like the real deal, even though it does come in a beautifully designed bottle.
“While relatively enjoyable – if you like botanical beverages – it lacks the really tasty punch I associate both with alcoholic gins and successful non-alcoholic substitutes. The unusual flavours of kemp, blood orange, coriander and cardamon do come through, but there’s nothing more substantial in the drink meaning it does end up a little too watery, in my opinion.
“If you were looking for a substitute for Dry January, this drink might just miss the mark – whereas if you’ve never really been into anything that tastes too alcoholic, this might be up your street.” – Kate Nicholson, senior trends reporter
“I am no fan of beer, the last time I tried an alcohol-free beer was nearly a decade ago and I’ve not looked back since. But I gave this one a go and was pleasantly surprised. It didn’t have the same bitter taste I remembered. It’s quite oaky and flat, the taste feels muted. So while I could keep drinking this without any unpleasantness, I’d probably choose not to. My partner who is an avid beer drinker however really enjoyed it and said he could be fooled into thinking it’s the real thing.” – Faima Bakar, Life reporter
“Just like the drink itself, trying this zero-alc Aperol alternative was a bittersweet experience. Let’s face it, sipping this on a chilly January afternoon, dressed in four layers is not what this particular beverage is made for. That said (here comes the sweet bit), it was an uncharacteristically sunny day when I tried it out – and the packaging is beautiful. The drink itself, less so.
“The instructions suggest mixing 50ml of the aperitif with 200ml of soda water or tonic. I opted for soda water but the result was way too bitter for my palette. The boozy version includes Prosecco, which brings the sweetness – so adding a dash of Nozeco might improve things. I haven’t quite given up on being transported to a sunny terrace on a hot July afternoon minus the hangover, but when that day actually does arrive, Dry Jan will be all but a distant memory. – Matt Bagwell, Head of Entertainment
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The date is probably already marked in your calendars – but for a different reason. June 21 is not only midsummer and potentially the day we get full “unlockdown” in England, but it’s also Amazon Prime Day 2021.
Here’s your need-to-know guide about the day.
What is Amazon Prime Day 2021?
You probably already know this one, but it’s basically a day to save a lot of cash. Amazon has lots of deals across the whole site, from gadgets to homeware – and even booze.
If you were about to make a big purchase, you might want to hold out to see if you can save some money by buying it on Prime Day. Thank us later.
Okay, so when exactly is it this year?
It’s actually two days. Prime Day 2021 starts at 12:01am on Monday June 21 and ends at 11:59pm on Tuesday June 22. The deals will be on the official Amazon page.
Do I have to be an Amazon Prime member?
Well, yes, but there are ways around this, too. You can sign up and pay the yearly subscription fee of £79 (this also means you’ll get access to Amazon Prime TV and super quick delivery, btw). Or it’s £7.99 a month.
Or, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and still access the sales. Just remember to cancel your membership before the 30 days are up and you won’t get charged a thing.
What else do I need to know?
In the lead-up to Prime Day, Amazon is running a campaign supporting small businesses. From Monday June 7 to Sunday June 20, Amazon will offer a £10 credit to use on Prime Day to members who spend £10 on items sold by UK small businesses, including products from Amazon Handmade and Amazon Launchpad.
To make it easier to support small businesses, Amazon has curated collections to connect shoppers with small businesses at amazon.co.uk/supportsmall. Or, Echo device owners in the UK can say “Alexa, shop small business” to discover products eligible for the spend £10, get £10 promotion.
Another bonus: Prime members will receive an additional £7 promotional credit, if they top up their Amazon account with £50 or more. (Guys, this is basically free money).
What Prime Day deals can we expect?
Well, Amazon says there are going to be more than two million deals. So there’s a lot to get excited about – but also a lot to sift through. Which is where we’re here to help. We’ll update you as soon as we know more, but at the moment, we’re told Prime Day 2021 will feature deals from top brands including LEGO, Bosch, Fitbit and Philips.
Previous years’ bestsellers in the UK included the Echo Dot, Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, the Bosch Cordless Drill and Finish Dishwasher Tablets – apparently that’s the stuff people want!
What early Prime deals are on now?
Prime members can start shopping early exclusive offers and deals, including:
Amazon Devices: Save up to 50% off popular devices from June 7 – June 22, including Echo, Fire TV and Ring.
Amazon Music: Prime members who haven’t yet tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get four months free with unlimited access to more than 70 million songs ad-free and millions of podcast episodes.
Audible: Prime members get three months of Audible membership for just 99p this Prime Day. Membership includes an unbeatable selection of new releases, best sellers and Audible Original audiobooks and podcasts.
How do I get the best Prime deals?
Start making your wish-list now, so you can see whether they’re discounted during Amazon Prime Day. The main hub of deals will be on the Amazon Prime Day homepage. Remember: blue means deal – Prime Day deals are colour-coded, so look our for blue badges to save money. You can also get early deals with Alexa – no secret password necessary. Just ask!
There’s also Treasure Truck, where you can discover hand-selected product offers at amazing prices. You can opt-in at amazon.co.uk/treasuretruck or by opening the menu in the Amazon Shopping app and finding ‘Treasure Truck’ under ‘Programmes and Features’. You will receive text notifications whenever there’s something new to share.
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