Adopting an active lifestyle feels like the best thing you can do for yourself, until the costs start mounting up. But building healthy habits doesn’t have to mean overpriced gym memberships, expensive gymwear, and an infinite number of supplements.

Over the past few years, I’ve embarked on my own journey to get fit without spending too much money. From walking workouts to finding the best gym leggings, I’m sharing everything I know about how to feel your best in 2026, without overspending.

Affordable ways to work out

The best, free ways to work out include at-home workouts like YouTube workout videos, walking, and lifting weights.

Best at-home workouts

Cost: £0-£20 (equipment optional)

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

Working out at home is by far one of my favourite ways to save money and still achieve fantastic results. Whether you’re following a pilates workout or lifting weights, it’s very rewarding for minimal cost.

In the past, I wasn’t quite sure how effective at-home workouts could be, so if you’re anything like me, try one of my top 10 recommendations for ways to workout at home - you won’t be disappointed.

Are walking pads worth the money?

Cost: £180 (approx.)

Potential saving: £60-£600 (compared to £240-£660/year gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

At the start of last year, I tested a walking pad to see if it was really worth the money, and the verdict is in. I love it. Not only do I use my walking pad most days, but it has drastically improved my cardiovascular fitness level too.

It’s been a game changer for getting my step goal, and is ideal for using while you’re watching the tv or working at your desk. Though the upfront cost is around £180, it’s still more affordable than a gym membership which could set you back around £240-£600 a year.

Best YouTube workout videos

Cost: £0-£20 (equipment optional)

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

I’ve relied on YouTube workouts for years now, and they’re one of my top recommendations for people wanting to get fitter. There are an abundance of fantastic workout videos on YouTube, and they’re all completely free.

Up until recently, MadFit has been my go-to for resistance training workouts, and she also has some fun dance workouts too. I recommend IsaWelly for pilates and Yoga with Adrienne is great for 30-day yoga programmes.

Best free yoga apps

Cost: Free

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, small spaces

Yoga is such an underrated workout and it’s hard work if you do it properly. I’ve been doing yoga for years and it’s one of the best options if you’re looking for affordable workout options.

If you’re doing it at home, I recommend following a yoga workout on YouTube like Yoga with Adrienne or Charlie Follows. Both have a great selection of beginner friendly and intermediate classes available for free. Alternatively, download one of the best free yoga apps for guided meditation.

How to save on your gym membership

• Ask for a trial
• Refer a friend
• Student discount
• Compare gym prices
• Complementary personal training

I’m not the first to say that lifting weights is by far one of the most effective forms of exercise you can do – I certainly won’t be the last. And if you’ve fallen in love with resistance training, you might find yourself reaching for that gym membership.

On average, gym memberships can cost anywhere from as little as £20/month to £70/month. Luckily for you, we’ve looked into the best ways to save on your gym membership so you don’t have to. Look out for student discounts, and compare different gyms to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Once you've decided on the best gym for you, it's worth browsing our latest selection of discount codes for gyms & fitness.

Fitness essentials actually worth buying

We all know the feeling of wanting to get in shape but not knowing where to start. And people online will convince you that you need anything and everything to get real results. But that is simply not the case.

As a result, it’s worth getting clued up on what’s worth your time and money, and what you can skip.

Best water bottles that stay cold

When it comes to the best water bottles that will actually keep your water cold and help you stay hydrated, I’m your girl. In the past, I reviewed a Stanley dupe with the real thing to see if it's worth the money, and even compared the Stanley Quencher with the Stanley IceFlow to find out which is best.

After years of buying cheap bottles that were a pain to clean or kept my water lukewarm at best, I can certainly say that it’s worth the money in the long run, and I haven’t looked back. If you can get a discount code, even better.

Best workout leggings

I’ve tested some of the best workout leggings at various price points and quality to find out which are actually worth the money. From Tala and Gymshark, to Amazon and Adanola, I spent years trying to find a good brand.

In my experience, I highly recommend a mid-range brand like Adanola. I’ve previously found high-end brands like Gymshark too costly for what they are, while more affordable brands like Amazon didn’t stand the test of time.

We have a fantastic selection of current sports clothing discounts and vouchers worth taking a look at to help you save.

Gym dumbbells

When I started working out at home, I made the mistake of buying random dumbbells without really thinking. If there’s one thing I would change, it’s buying adjustable dumbbells instead. They’re much higher in price point at first glance, but let me tell you – buying separate pairs of dumbbells adds up fast.

Free and low-cost wellness habits

• Sleep: This is so underrated when it comes to fitness, but it’s one of the most important things. Prioritise good sleep to help speed up your recovery.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated. If you’re after that lean, toned look, drinking water is key because it helps support your lymphatic system, which controls how puffy or bloated you appear.
• Walking: Don’t underestimate the power of walking. It’s fantastic because it’s low impact but can still create lasting results. Add a weighted vest to make it a higher impact.
• Stretching: A lot of people forget about stretching and/or warming up before they exercise. And it doesn’t seem to matter until you get injured. Injuries can set you back months, if not years. Stretching helps prevent this.
• Gut-health: The bad news is that no magic pill or supplement will sort your gut health out. But the good news is that it’s all just about what you’re eating. Aim for a whole food diet.
• Stress management: Stress can be one of the biggest reasons that your progress is slow. It can actually cause you to have weaker performance, which is why you might not see results.

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I’ve been practising Ramadan for six years now, and I’ve learnt a lot during that time. Ramadan is such a wholesome time to be thankful and to reflect, but it’s also tough on the mind and the body.

In recent years, I realised that I hadn’t prioritised self-care during Ramadan. Instead, I was spending hours scrolling through social media and buying tons of non-essential items to distract myself.

That’s why I’ve made a list of gentle ways to care for yourself throughout the holy month – and they don't involve spending a single penny.

1. Short walks

During Ramadan, you’ll want to preserve as much energy as possible, especially in the first week. It’s less about avoiding exercise and more about finding low-effort ways to keep your body moving.

I’ve been absolutely loving a rainy walk lately - especially when I’m feeling sluggish. A short afternoon walk has been great for a little pick-me-up, and it helps take my mind off my hunger without scrolling on my phone.

2. Journaling

I’ve been trying to lessen my screen time this Ramadan, and journaling has been the perfect alternative. I keep my journal on my bedside table, and every morning I take some time to write whatever I like.

Journaling would be a lovely, low-effort activity to do during iftar or suhoor to reflect on the day or to set intentions for the next one.

3. Read the Quran

I love to read, and last year I got my first English Quran. This year, I’m prioritising reading it often. Reading is such a mindful activity, and even more special if you’re reading the Holy Quran.

There are a variety of Surahs which can be read daily, as well as those which are great for guidance and reflection, and gratitude.

4. Warm bath

Instead of building a self-care routine that you can afford, pair things back with a luxurious, warm bath. During my very first Ramadan, I got into the habit of forgetting to look after myself. Now, I know how important it is to still take some time for yourself, and you can’t go wrong with a bath.

Just be sure not to run it too hot so you don’t become dehydrated.

5. Rest

We don’t often consider rest as a form of self-care, but it is – especially during Ramadan. One of the toughest parts for me is the lack of sleep. I find myself feeling drained, which only adds to the hanger.

The truth is that you never need an excuse to rest. In my first week, I typically sleep a bit more than usual, or prioritise a daily nap, and it makes such a difference.

6. Listen to an audiobook

This is another good way to lower your screen time and prevent boredom. During Ramadan, sometimes it feels like any distraction is a good distraction – trust me, I know the feeling.

This year I’ve been listening to audiobooks, and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve made an effort to choose books that help me develop my knowledge, and Ultra-Processed People by Chris Van Tulleken was a great read for Ramadan.

7. Make a Pinterest board

I’ve spoken about my love of Pinterest many times before, and if you’re anything like me and love to consume and create aspirational content, this one’s for you.

I love creating Pinterest boards - whether it’s to keep me feeling inspired throughout Ramadan, or to plan wholesome meals to try at iftar. It’s a great alternative to scrolling through TikTok, and it feels like a hobby.

8. Gentle stretching

During Ramadan, I recommend finding affordable ways to workout from home. Think minimal effort movement that you can literally roll out of bed to do. Personally, I find activities like yoga are ideal.

A gentle stretching session is a fantastic way to keep your body moving without overexerting yourself. You’ll want to opt for movement that won’t get you out of breath or burn too many calories and leave you feeling starving.

9. Gratitude & reflection

With Ramadan, the days feel slow, but the weeks go fast (even if they don’t feel like it!). Even though each day can feel tough, it’ll be done before you know it. That’s why the final way to practice self-care is by gratitude and reflection.

Whether this is in the form of journaling, meditation, or praying, it’s a really lovely thing to do.

From a straightener and Dyson Airwrap, to my ghd curve soft curl dupe from BaByliss, I’ve tried an abundance of ways to curl my hair. But after I started my haircare journey and stopped using heat, I thought my days of beautiful, bouncy curls were over.

That was until I saw the viral heatless curls trend on TikTok. This seemed like the perfect solution – no heat, seemingly easy to do, and the dreamiest, romantic curls I’ve ever seen.

Naturally, I did what I always do – and I jumped on the bandwagon. It’s been a few years since, and I’ve mastered the sock curl method. Forget the curling irons and the satin heatless curling sets, because this sock curl hack is under £10, and it works every time.

What are sock curls?

Sock curls is a heatless curl method used to create curls or waves using – you guessed it – a pair of socks.

How do sock curls work?

Sock curls create voluminous curls by wrapping sections of hair around the socks and keeping them in overnight. By the morning, all you’ll need to do is unveil your hair, give it a little shake out, and you’re bonita.

Benefits of sock curls

• Hair health: My hair actually got healthier after continuous sock curl use. This is because it prevents physical damage to the hair shafts while you toss and turn.
• Quick: It takes me less than two minutes to put my sock curls in.
• Convenient: Sock curls take minimal effort. If I’m feeling lazy, I don’t even get out of bed to put them in; I just do it there.
• Travel-friendly: Sock curls are travel-friendly and take up no space. I use them for every vacation.
• Affordable: All you need is a pair of socks, making this one of the most inexpensive curling hacks.
• Comfortable: Sock curls are fairly comfortable to sleep with, and I've never found that they disrupt my sleep.

Sock curls: What do you need?

• Hair brush
• Hair oil of choice (I recommend Argan oil)
• A pair of long socks.
• Hair hold spray of choice (I recommend L’Oreal Pli Spray)
• Two scunchies

Sock curl tutorial: How to curl hair using socks

Sock curl tutorial: How to remove sock curls

In the morning, carefully remove the scrunchies and then the socks from your hair. I like to then separate the curl clump with my fingers, twirling them around my fingers as I go. If I want a more natural look, I’ll take a comb and gently brush through.

If you find they become frizzy, don’t panic. Just add some more argan oil and/or gently separate and twirl around your fingers again.

How to make curls last longer: my top tips

• Dry or wet: Always dry. Any time I tried making my hair damp, it’d still be damp come the morning. I do my sock curls on completely dry hair and then spray my hair with the L’Oreal Pli Spray.
• Maximum hold: I use my trusty L’Oreal Pli Spray - this is a thermo moulding spray which helps the hair mould to your desired shape, making it perfect for heatless curls.
• Avoiding frizz: Using argan oil before putting your sock curls in is key to avoiding frizz. Less is always more. But if you find the next morning your hair is feeling a little dry or frizzy, add some more.
• Technique: The two biggest mistakes I see are 1) people who twist the hair while wrapping it around - it needs to be flat, and 2) people twisting the sock with the hair - the sock must stay still, and the hair wraps around it.

Best socks for sock curls

I use my partner’s long, white socks. Other people report that using fluffy socks is the way to go, but I found they slipped out of my hair overnight.

Instead, I find long, cotton socks good (especially if you have long and/or thick hair), and I’ve found they have never fallen out once.

Heatless wavy hair overnight

If curls are so last year, and waves are more your thing, I’ve got you. You can use the sock curl method to make stunning, beachy waves by simply wrapping them around loser.

Fun fact: I’ve also tried using sock curls for a bouncy blowout, which worked fantastically. All I did for this was double up my socks with a fluffy sock, making the curls bigger.

Sock curls verdict: Would I recommend them?

To anyone who wants to achieve bouncy curls with minimal effort and no heat-damage, I would highly recommend sock curls.

They’re quick and easy, super convenient, and deliver jaw-dropping results every time. I can lie in and rest assured that I’m waking up to professional-grade curls every single day. And – they’re under a tenner.

Self-care is something that should be a part of everyday life. And it would be, if it weren’t so expensive. But what if I told you that self-care doesn’t have to be costly?

I’ve written on tons of ways to unwind, reset, and feel the best version of you – and it’s all things you can actually afford. Find out how you can build a solid self-care routine that restores your body and mind without the overspending.

Self-care ideas that don’t cost a fortune

When it comes to self-care ideas, it’s not about purchasing the boujee-ist wellness products to help you glow from within. It’s about finding affordable habits that feel like luxury.

Think lighting a candle and reading a book. Establishing a proper night routine. Or going for a walk while listening to a wellness podcast. I’ve written on quick and easy self-care ideas that you can start today, as well as 14 ways to pamper yourself like a pro for when you want to go all out, minus the cost.

Mindful & affordable hobbies

One of the best ways to switch off from the world is with hobbies. I’ve tried everything from embroidery to writing to making Pinterest boards, and they’ve been perfect for adding mindful moments into my week.

Winter, especially, can be a time when we forget to make time for ourselves, which can often lead to low mood and stress. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of 10 of the best hobbies to do in the winter, and they’re all super affordable.

How to save on beauty products

If you’re anything like me and you’re easily influenced by the TikTok wellness girlies sharing their favourite products, don’t let a tight budget stop you from treating yourself.

Reward schemes really are the way to go, and we’ve got an entire piece dedicated to everything you need to know about the Boots Advantage card so that you can maximise your savings.

Free daily habits for peace of mind

Prevent stress from building up by adding a few habits to your weekly routine. Whether you’re looking for the best habits for actually staying organised, or it’s all about putting some time aside for free yoga or meditation, we’ve got you covered.

Sometimes it’s more than just the odd bit of self-care here or there, but committing to a more fulfilling lifestyle by adopting healthy habits.

Transforming your home for less

For me, my home plays a huge part in how I feel. If I’m surrounded by chaos and mess, my stress levels go through the roof, and I just cannot relax. That’s why I’ve looked into wellness home trends like cosymaxxing, which is all about creating a space in your home that invites you to unwind and de-stress.

It’s all about soft lighting, calming scents, and soft textures. And I’ve recommended some of the best places to find it all if you’re shopping on a budget.

How to build a routine that actually sticks

• Build up from the bottom up: Don’t go all in at once – chances are, it won’t stick. Instead, implement one new habit into your weekly routine at a time. Once you’ve been consistent for a few weeks, add another, and slowly build up.
• Sunday reset: Try a Sunday reset system each week to help you stay on top of those pesky chores that might otherwise get in the way of self-care. Wash bedding, wipe down the sides and restock your fridge.
• Follow wellness influencers: Follow like-minded people so you can get inspiration. I love doing this to find new ways to be mindful, and it keeps me motivated too.
• Make Pinterest boards: Use Pinterest to make vision boards. It’s all about manifesting the life that you want.

Here at MyVoucherCodes, you can explore our latest self-care discount codes and discover more money-saving wellness guides in our health and beauty page.

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It’s either too cold and rainy, or it's far too hot, and it’s taking even more willpower to get outside to go for a walk. If you’re anything like me and you’ve been prioritising getting those daily steps up, you might be feeling the struggle at this time of the year.

Lately, I've been diving into how to get summer body ready without overspending. So when I saw the TikTok girlies using walking pads to stay active, come rain or shine, I rushed to Amazon to find out for myself if this could be the next best wellness trend.

I’ve had my walking pad for over a year now, so I can confidently say whether it was just another gimmick or truly the solution I needed.

What is a walking pad?

A walking pad is a type of treadmill that is designed to enable you to increase your daily step count in the comfort of your own home. They’re typically sleeker in design and more lightweight than regular treadmills, manufactured for you to be able to store them away easily.

Is a walking pad the same as a treadmill?

While they are similar, a walking pad is not the same as a treadmill. Treadmills are typically made for higher-impact exercise like running or inclined walking, while walking pads are primarily used for low-impact, brisk walking.

How to use a walking pad

Using a walking pad is easy. Most come with a small control which enables you to control your speed. Simply plug your walking pad in, jump on, and press go. It’s as simple as that.

Benefits of a walking pad

• Convenient: you’ll be able to get your steps in no matter the weather, time of year, or time of day.
• Improves fitness levels: walking improves your cardiovascular health.
• Low impact: walking is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on joints.
• Habit stacking: can be used while reading (yes, really), using a red light mask, etc.

Can you run on a walking pad?

This all depends on which model you opt for. For most standard walking pads, the answer is no. Most only go up to a maximum speed that equates to a brisk walk.

For safety reasons, most walking pads are not designed to support running speeds. Unlike treadmills, they would need to be heavier to prevent flipping over, which would defeat the purpose of their lightweight, portable design.

Walking pads: my honest review

Which walking pad do I own?

I purchased the Sperax Walking Pad Underdesk Treadmill sold by Joyful Lee Limited via Amazon for £180.49. While it is no longer on Amazon, it is still available on other sites such as OnBuy.com.

How often did I use it?

I used my walking pad almost every day since I bought it. In 2025, I walked an average of 8.7K steps a day (in comparison to 6.2k steps a day in 2024).

How easy is it to use?

It is so easy to use. I get it out from under the sofa, plug it in, and go. The wheels make it super easy to maneouver and it’s very lightweight.

Did I actually hit my daily step goal?

Yes! My smart watch shows that I hit my step goal a grand total of 310/365 days. Some days I even hit 20k steps.

When did I use it most?

I actually used it the most in the evenings when watching TV, reading my book, or using my phone. You’d be surprised how many steps you can do while you’re distracted.

Did the novelty wear off?

No, the novelty didn’t actually wear off and it still hasn’t. It’s safe to say if I didn’t already have the walking bug, I do now.

Is it a gimmick?

No, I don’t think it’s a gimmick at all. You’re obviously going to miss out on the fresh air and vitamin D that you get from walking outside, but it’s not meant to replace your daily walks. It’s a super convenient alternative if you can’t get out and about.

Is it worth the money?

While it is more pricey than I would like, considering I’ve used my walking pad almost every day, I’d say it is worth the money.

Walking pads verdict: would I recommend one?

To everyone who is already an avid step-counter, yes I would absolutely recommend a walking pad. However, if you’re wanting to start increasing your steps and you’ve got a strict budget, I’d advise establishing a good walking routine first to make sure you’ll really use it.

Walking pads verdict: should you buy one?

Reasons to buy: If you love hitting your step goal and are fed up of the wet and wintery days getting in the way.

Reasons to give it a miss: If you’ve got a track record of spending money on fitness equipment that you’ve never consistently used. Or if your home lack storage.

Who would love it: People who want to start practising healthy habits. Definitely desk workers who struggle to hit their step goal and want to – like me!

Who should probably skip it: People who much prefer getting outdoors whatever the weather to stay active.

Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have an entire page dedicated to the best fitness discount codes to help you save. All of our offers and promotions are updated regularly to ensure that you’re getting the best deals possible.

If you decided to take the plunge and jump on this wellness trend with me, save yourself some serious cash while you do.

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The viral Stanley Cup is a fantastic way to stay hydrated and actually achieve the New Year's resolution you set every year (myself included). But since the OG Stanley became popular a few years ago, the brand has launched another tumbler, and it’s just as iconic.

As a lover of trying out the latest lifestyle trends, I’ve compared a Stanley Cup dupe to the real thing to see whether the hype was really worth it. And now, it’s time for the battle of the Stanleys: Quencher vs. IceFlow Flipstraw.

In this article, I’ll be looking at the main differences between the two tumblers so you don't have to. From price and size to whether they’re really leakproof, read on to find out which one is worth your time (and money)!

Best Stanley Cup

Stanley Quencher 2.0: Pros & Cons

Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw: Pros & cons

Stanley Cup comparison

What is the difference between the Stanley Quencher and IceFlow?

The main difference between the Stanley Quencher and the Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw is the design. While the Quencher has a rotating lid with a reusable straw and a handle on the side, the IceFlow has a flip straw (hence the name) and a flip handle on the top.

How many ml is a Stanley Cup?

The larger of the two – the Stanley Quencher 2.0 – holds up to 1900ml/1.9L (though the model I’m comparing is the 1.18L tumbler). The Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw, on the other hand, holds a maximum of 890ml/0.89L.

What is the cheapest Stanley Cup?

Of the two, the Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw is the least expensive Stanley Cup. Retailing at £43, it’s £2 cheaper than the Stanley Quencher 2.0, which is priced at £45.

Which is the best Stanley Cup?

Best value for money: Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw

Best for ease of use: Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw

Best for portability/travel/commuting: Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw

Best for spill resistance/leak-proof needs: Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw

Best for water intake: Stanley Quencher 2.0

In my experience, having tried both the Stanley Quencher 2.0 and the Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw over the last year, my favourite is the Stanley IceFlow FlipStraw.

It's much easier to carry around, keeps my drink ice-cold all day, and helps me drink more water on the go - and look good doing it.

Budget-beauty lovers across the UK will be thrilled to know that there’s another affordable beauty advent calendar up for grabs this year. It’s official – Sainsbury’s has joined the list this festive season, offering up a tempting purchase for those prioritising affordability.

There’s certainly a fair share of beauty advent calendars to choose from these days, and it can be hard to know whether something is simply too good to be true.

If you’re wondering which are the best beauty advent calendars of 2025, we’ve compared several calendars, including this one, so you’ll know whether you’re really getting value for money.

What’s included in the Sainsbury’s beauty & skincare advent calendar?

Priced at £80, the Sainsbury’s beauty & skincare Christmas advent calendar includes 24 products, making it ideal for beauty lovers with a moderate budget. With everything from moisturisers and brightening serums to lip gloss, mascara, hairspray, and more, they’ve got a fantastic range of products to try.

You’ll receive brand names, including Nivea, BeautyPro, Rimmel London, Sally Hansen, and more. So whether you want to discover new and exciting products to add to your collection, or you’re just starting, the Sainsbury’s beauty calendar is great for beginners and seasoned professionals.

We expect that the Sainsbury’s Advent calendar will be popular, so don’t wait around to purchase it.

Full list of what’s included:

NIVEA Soft Moisturising Cream 75ml, Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover 125ml, NIVEA Intense Moisture Hand Cream 100ml, Q&A Vitmain C Brightening Serum 30ml, Q&A Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum 30ml, BeautyPro Brightening Sheet Mask with Vitamin C x1, Pixi Glow Tonic Travel Size Exfoliating Toner 15ml, Biderma Sensibio H20 The Original Micellar Water 100ml, Rimmel London Oh My Gloss Crystal Clear Lip Gloss 6.5ml, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish Make it Snappy 9ml, Umberto Giannini Curl Jelly Scrunching Jelly 50ml, Maybelline Lash Sensation Mascara Sky High Black 7.2ml, Maybelline Lifter Glaze Shade Clear Crave 19g, John Frieda Miraculous Recovery Shampoo 75ml, Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Electric Raspberry Mini, L'Oreal Paris Elnett Strong Hold Hairspray 75ml, Garnier Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet Mask x1, Olay Super Serum with Vitamin C for Face, Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo 90ml, Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner 90ml, CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion for Dry Skin 88ml, Dr.Paw Paw Original Balm 10ml, Dr.PawPaw Peach Pink Balm 10ml, Opi Infinite Shine Gel 15ml.

You know that it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas when brands start launching their advent calendars. From hot chocolate and tea to jewellery and more, we all know there’s one kind of calendar that beauty lovers dream of.

Aldi has officially launched their very own beauty advent calendar, and you’ll be thrilled to know that it’s super affordable. With unbeatable prices on their groceries, it’s no surprise that their calendar is great value for money, too.

Beauty advent calendars are a wonderful way to try out new, luxury products for a fraction of the cost. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best beauty advent calendars of 2025 and worked out which are worth your time and money, and this is one of them.

What’s included in the Aldi Lacura Beauty advent calendar?

For just £19.99, you’ll get 12 doors with 12 beauty products (including 4 full-size) in the Aldi Lacura beauty advent calendar. Items vary from primers and liquid blush to hair oil, body scrub, and more, so you’ll feel pampered from head to toe, all for under £20.

The biggest perk of the Aldi Lacura Beauty advent calendar is by far the price. Considering that most beauty advent calendars retail for approximately £100+, it’s clear that Aldi’s new addition makes them more accessible for those on a budget.

It’s worth noting that you’re only getting one brand in the Aldi beauty advent calendar, while other calendars on the market offer as many as 30 different brands. What’s more, only 4 out of the 12 are full-size products. If you’re wondering how the Aldi calendar compares to others, we’ve dedicated an entire article to comparing the best beauty advent calendars of 2025.

That said, if you’re not looking for brand variety and just want to jump on the beauty advent calendar bandwagon without spending a fortune, this one is definitely a fantastic option.

The Aldi Lacura Beauty advent calendar is only available in stores, so don’t wait around.

Full list of what’s included:

Lacura Vitabase Moisturisng Primer 15g, Lacura ‘Peachy Pink’ Liquid Blush 2.1ml, Lacura Stay Illuminated ‘Champagne’ highlighter 2.1ml, Lacura Scalp & Body Scrub 50g, Lacura Honey Infused Hair Oil 25ml, Lacura Dramatic Lash Mascara 6ml, Lacura Silky Kajal ‘Matte Black’ Eyeliner 1.2g, Lacura ‘Berry Bliss’ Tinted Lip Oil 2ml, Lacura Collagen Lip Oil 8ml, Lacura Creaseless Hair Clips 2pc, Lacura 100% Silk Scrunchie, Lacura Illuminate Setting Spray 32ml

So, you’ve probably heard about the Stanley Cups that went viral on TikTok a few years back. For ages, I’ve struggled to drink water, and like most people, I wondered whether it was worth jumping on the trend to help myself stay hydrated.

I’ve had my fair share of un-aesthetic water bottles – everything from vacuum flasks that were impossible to keep clean and plastic bottles that shrunk in the dishwasher (yes, really), but I just couldn’t crack it.

Opening up my social media one day to see all of the TikTok girlies flaunting their Stanley cups, I wanted to find out which Stanley cup was the best.

Instantly, I loaded up the Stanley website to add one to my cart, but stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the price. If you're like me, being on a budget, I did what I always do when making an expensive purchase – I searched for a more affordable dupe.

If you’re anything like me and you have a bit of a shopping addiction, a key principle I like to live by is that before buying something pricey, I always try to find a cheaper dupe first. If I use it enough, I’ll upgrade – it’s a great way to test if I’ll actually use it, and that way there’s no big loss if I don’t.

I eventually settled on a Stanley Cup alternative for half the price on Amazon, and thus began trying to live a well-hydrated life.

Following through on my principle, once I’d used my dupe to the point where it was well and truly time for a new one, I decided to commit to a real Stanley and purchased the Quencher FlowState Tumbler, and then later, an IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler too.

It was time to see if they really were worth all the hype.

Stanley Cup dupe Vs. real: Which is actually worth it?

Upon first glance, my £20 Amazon Stanley dupe was a dead ringer for my friends’ real Stanleys. It was available in a neutral cream, meaning I could be just as aesthetic as the Pinterest girlies. It was sturdy, and I liked that it came with two plastic straw options – one transparent and one translucent.

The only difference was that it was slightly smaller than the Stanley Quencher, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The question you’re probably asking is whether it kept my water cold – and the answer is yes, it did. When it came to ice, however, it is worth noting that it melted almost instantly, which meant my water wasn’t freezing cold. In terms of durability, it did chip on the bottom after some time.

In comparison, my £45 Stanley Quencher was fairly impressive. It was available in a whopping 23 colour options and made with 90% recycled stainless steel. If you're wondering if the Stanley Cup is dishwasher safe, you'll be pleased to know that it is. This is the biggest tick for me, making it super easy to keep clean.

It kept my water freezing cold far longer than my more affordable dupe, which helped me drink it consistently throughout the day and kept my ice in longer, too.

The downside to the OG Stanley is that it’s large and quite bulky, making it heavy and not ideal for transportation. The Stanley Quencher is not leak-proof (which is where the Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw comes in handy), so I often found it a little tricky to take it to exercise classes in case it leaked.

Saying that, it is now available in four sizes, so you can choose what suits you best.

Final verdict: is the Stanley cup worth it?

Out of the two, I’d say if you’ve got the budget, go for the OG Stanley. It promises to keep your water cold for up to 11 hours, and I’d say it certainly delivered. But if you do, maybe opt for a smaller one if you plan to commute with it.

If you’re tight on money, it’s definitely worth looking for an affordable dupe. There are tons out there which look just as good, if not better, and do a pretty decent job at keeping your water cold, too.

I think it’s safe to say that I am certainly a hydrated girly these days.

There is no denying that I have a passion for skincare. It started when I used to pinch some of my grandmother's Oil of Ulay (or Olay, as it’s now known), and it’s known now and has never stopped. My skincare demands have understandably changed over the years. However, the beauty industry has also become saturated, with more products and advice than ever before.

As a beauty enthusiast of over 30 years and a qualified makeup artist, I’ve tried a fair few products over the years. And at every stage of my life, a moisturiser has been an essential step in my routine. And it seems that I’m not alone. According to research from MyVoucherCodes, 69% of adults use a daily moisturiser.

Now I’m in my 40s, I need more from my moisturiser than ever before. I’m not just looking for hydration; I need to protect the skin's barrier whilst using active ingredients like a retinol, I need a good base for makeup, and I need to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

How I tested moisturisers

Each moisturiser* was tested for a minimum of 14 consecutive days. All the moisturisers included in the review were applied each morning; none were used as an evening moisturiser. My morning skincare routine consisted of: a gentle cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, eye cream, moisturiser and finally, SPF.

Best Budget Moisturiser

Best Luxury Moisturiser

Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin

Best Moisturiser for Combination Skin

Best Small Brand Moisturiser

How you can save money on skincare

Skincare is an important part of making us feel and look good. But let's face it (pardon the pun), it can become very expensive.

In the UK, the average Brit spends £42.68 per month on skincare products. Here are a few of my tips to help you save those precious pennies.

• Understand your skin type before you buy. This will ensure you don't waste money on products that don't suit you. Not sure what type you are? There are lots of online quizzes you can take to find out. Or visit your local beauty counter for advice.
• Use a discount code. Discount codes save us £ 100s of pounds every year. You just have to find them! Here at MyVoucherCodes, we have discounts on the biggest retailers in beauty, such as Boots, Superdrug, LookFantastic and more.
• Look out for special offers. I love a good 3 for 2 offer, and high street chemists run those deals all the time. Another great deal is a gift with purchase, so be sure to shop around.
• Get a loyalty or rewards card. Most of the larger retailers have loyalty cards that offer discounted prices, and it's not just on groceries. Sainsbury's has a huge selection of skincare available. Take a look and use your Nectar Card for savings. The same can be said for the Tesco ClubCard and the Marks and Sparks Card.

When you click on one of our links to our discount code or retailer pages, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Here's how it works.

Over a third (38%) of Brits say they’ve experienced hygiene poverty—and 64% admit there have been times when they couldn’t clean themselves properly. Even more concerning, 80% say this is still a problem today.

Broadcaster and mum Ashley James is supporting national charity The Hygiene Bank to raise awareness of this crisis. She says,

The impact of hygiene poverty goes far beyond cleanliness. It affects confidence, mental health, job prospects and children’s wellbeing. 71% of Brits worry about the effect on children, with bullying (71%) and low self-esteem (65%) being top concerns. A third of people say their mental health has suffered, and 1 in 10 have avoided job interviews due to poor access to hygiene products.

Social lives are also affected, with 64% limiting interactions because of the shame and stigma that comes with not being able to wash properly. Over half (53%) feel ashamed, and 46% worry they smell.

To help tackle this issue, The Hygiene Bank is working with Unilever and Boots. Until 26th August, for every purchase of selected Unilever products, including Dove, TRESemmé, Sure, and Vaseline, Unilever will donate an item to The Hygiene Bank.

This long-running partnership has already delivered 1.8 million hygiene products across the UK—321,000 in the last year alone. Now, they aim to donate at least 315,000 more this summer.

To find out how you can support the campaign, visit www.thehygienebank.com.

Have you ever wondered if Amazon Prime Day is too good to be true? Well, you're not alone. With thousands of "limited-time" offers flooding Amazon every Prime Day, it's easy to get swept up in the excitement and FOMO of it all. And just as easy to end up buying something that's not actually a bargain. But there's good news: With a bit of know-how, you can quickly spot which deals are the real thing and which ones are just clever marketing

Here's how to become a savvy Prime Day shopper in 2025, no regretful purchases, no fake discounts.

Check the Price History (It Only Takes a Minute)

One of the oldest tricks in the book is hiking a product's price a few weeks before Prime Day, then "slashing" it back to normal and calling it a deal, hoping that all customers will see is the big percentage off sign.

What to do: Before you buy, use a free price-tracking tool like CamelCamelCamel or PriceSpy. Just copy the Amazon link, paste it into the tool, and check the price graph. If you see the "deal" price has been normal for months or even higher in the last week, you know you're not really saving.

Pro Tip: Add the browser extension so you can see the price history chart directly on Amazon, with zero effort.

Watch for "Was/Now" Illusions

If a deal says "was £199, Now £99, don't trust it blindly. In the UK, retailers are meant to use the most recent regular price as the "was" price. But not everyone plays fair.

What to do: Scan the small print, or better yet, do a quick Google search for the same product. If it's selling for £99 at three other retailers, that "£100 off" isn't exclusive to Prime Day, it's just the going rate.

Compare Against Other Retailers

Prime Day isn't the only big sale around. Argos, Currys, John Lewis, Very, Ninja and even supermarkets run their own July discounts to compete.

What to do: Before you buy, pop the item into PriceSpy or Google Shopping to see if another retailer has quietly undercut Amazon. You'd be surprised how often this happens, especially on tech and homeware.

Beware of Lightning Deals Hype

"Only 3 left!" "Ends in 10 minutes!" The pressure is real, but don't panic. Buy. These are called "calls to action" and are tried-and-true methods by marketers, sellers, and writers everywhere, including myself.

What to do: Add the product to your wishlist or basket, and take a breath. Amazon's lightning deals often come back around, or the same product is available from another seller for less, minus the countdown clock.

Real Talk: If you're not sure you want it, it's probably not a must-have deal.

Check the Reviews - Especially the Recent Ones

Some brands pump up their products with reviews that are months (or years) old, before quietly downgrading the quality. Or worse, third-party sellers relist items that have nothing to do with the original product.

What to do: Scroll to the most recent reviews. Are people saying the product has changed, or that the deal wasn't as promised? Watch for verified purchase badges, and avoid items with loads of 5-star reviews posted very recently.

There are also websites such as thereviewindex, which aims to provide trusted and objective reviews for Amazon URLs you enter into the box, because some review sites have questionable reliability.

Don't Fall for "Exclusive" Prime Day Labels

Amazon LOVES to badge deals as "Prime Exclusive." But sometimes, those items are actually available to anyone, or the same "exclusive" price has been around for weeks. Some notable examples include Ninja, Shark and Anker.

What to do: If you're curious, try viewing the deal in an incognito tab (not logged into Prime). Sometimes you'll see it's not as exclusive or personalised as it looks. And again, compare elsewhere!

Double Check Amazon's Own Brand Value

Yes, Amazon Basics, Fire, and Echo products often have real discounts on Prime Day. But don't assume every Amazon brand deal is the best out there.

What to do: Still check the price history, and make sure you're getting the newest model, not an old version being cleared out.

Quick Recap: Prime Day Deal Red Flags

• Huge discount with no price history to back it up
• Loads of reviews all on the same day
• "Exclusive" badges that aren't so exclusive
• Countdown timers and "almost gone" stock pushing you to rush

Final Thoughts

Prime Day is a great time to grab real bargains, but only if you're clear-eyed and a bit sceptical. A genuine deal will stand up to a little digging. Trust your gut, do a quick check, and you'll come out of Prime day with only the wins and no buyer's remorse.

Have you spotted a deal that looks dodgy or too good to be true? Tell people! Share it on social media, tell your friends, and share the results with the community so fewer people are ripped off by big companies.

When you click on one of our links to our discount code or retailer pages, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Here's how it works.

The Boots Advantage Card is one of the most generous loyalty schemes on the UK high street, but it quietly changed in 2026, and a lot of the advice floating around online is now out of date. Here's how it actually works today: what your points are worth, how to sign up and manage your card, what to do if you lose it, and how to get the most out of it without spending money you didn't mean to.

The quick version: it's free, you earn 3 points for every £1 you spend (each point is worth 1p, so that's effectively 3p back per £1, a 3% return), and points can be spent on almost anything at Boots in store or online. The one catch worth knowing straight away is that you can't part-pay with points, so you need enough to cover the full price of what you're buying.

Boots is also the loyalty card most of us actually keep. In MyVoucherCodes' own October 2025 research, it was the most-owned card outside the supermarkets, held by 45% of shoppers surveyed. So it's worth understanding properly.

What is the Boots Advantage Card?

It's Boots' loyalty programme, running since 1997 and now with around 17 million members. Every time you shop, whether in a Boots store or on boots.com, you collect points that build up on your card and can later be spent like cash on future purchases. It's free to join, and you need to be a UK resident aged 13 or over.

You'll get a digital card as soon as you sign up (handy for shopping online straight away), and you can ask for a plastic card too if you prefer to swipe at the till. You can hold one digital and one physical card on the same account. Linking your card to your online account and the Boots app is where the real value sits, because that's where personalised offers and your points balance live.

Boots Advantage Card points: how much are they worth?

The standard rate is 3 points per £1 spent, in store and online. Each point is worth 1p when you redeem it, which makes the maths refreshingly simple:

Quick trick: knock two zeros off your points balance to see roughly what it's worth in pounds.

A couple of things people often get wrong:

• You are not limited to redeeming in blocks of 100. Boots lets you pay the exact points value of an item, so 199 points covers a £1.99 product, for example.

• The rate used to be higher. Until May 2023 you earned 4 points per £1. Any guide still quoting "4 points per £1" or "£4 back on a £100 shop" is out of date. It's 3 now.

A few things don't earn points, including prescriptions and infant formula (UK law restricts promotions on baby milk). Otherwise, most of the store counts.

What changed with the Boots Advantage Card in 2026?

The biggest Boots Advantage Card change in 2026 is that the old 10% discount on Boots own-brand products has ended.

Instead of giving Advantage Card members a flat own-brand discount, Boots has moved towards lower everyday prices on hundreds of Boots own-brand products for everyone, alongside more personalised offers for Advantage Card members through the Boots app.

That means the card still works in the same basic way: you still earn 3 points for every £1 spent, and each point is still worth 1p but the value now comes less from one predictable discount and more from checking your app offers before you shop.

In simple terms: the Boots Advantage Card is still worth having if you shop there regularly, but the best savings are now more personalised. Before buying, check the Boots app for your own offers, Price Advantage deals and bonus points promotions.

How to sign up for a Boots Advantage Card

You can sign up for an Advantage Card in a couple of minutes, and it's free. You've got three routes:

• In the Boots app or on boots.com: register your details and you'll get a digital card straight away, ready to use online and in store.

• In store: ask at the till and you can walk out with a plastic card there and then. You'll still need to register it (online or in the app) to unlock offers, spend points online and keep your points protected.

To register a plastic card you picked up in store, log in to your boots.com account, go to "Add my Advantage Card", and enter the card number plus the 3-digit security code. That code is hidden under the silver scratch panel on the back of the card. Once it's registered, you can link it to the app.

How to find your Boots Advantage Card number

This trips a lot of people up, so here's where to look:

• In the Boots app: open "My Card" and your digital card number and barcode are shown there. If you have both a digital and a plastic card, the app always displays the digital card's number.

• In your online account: sign in to boots.com and go to "Manage my Advantage Card".

• On your receipt: your card number and points balance are printed at the bottom of your till receipt.

The "last 3 digits" people search for are the security code under the silver panel on the back of a plastic card, and you only need those to register that card. If you've lost the card, you can't retrieve that code, so you'd request a replacement instead (your points are safe either way; see below).

How to add your Boots Advantage Card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet

You don't need to carry the plastic card. The Boots Advantage Card can sit in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet so it's always on your phone:

1. Open the Boots app
2. Tap My Card
3. Choose Add to Apple Wallet or Add to Google Wallet and follow the prompts

Your card must be registered first, so an unregistered plastic card won't link. One common snag: if you switch phones, you might see a message that the card is "already added to a Wallet." Remove it from your old phone's Wallet first, or contact Boots to clear the link, then add it to the new device.

How to check your Boots Advantage Card points balance

Three easy ways:

• In the app: your balance updates in the "My Card" area.
• Online: sign in to boots.com and check "My Account".
• On your receipt: the bottom of your till receipt shows your total balance plus the points you earned on that shop.

Points from an in-store shop show almost straight away. Points from an online order usually appear within about five days of your order being dispatched, so don't panic if they're not instant.

How to spend your Boots Advantage Card points

In store: hand over your card (or app) and tell the cashier you want to pay with points, or choose "Pay with Points" at a self-checkout. You'll need enough points to cover the full price of the item.

Online: link your Advantage Card to your boots.com account, then choose whether to pay with points or pounds in your basket. You'll need enough points to cover the item and any delivery charge.

The big limitation: you can't split a single item between points and cash. If your total is £8 and you've got £7 in points, you can't put the £7 towards it and pay the £1 difference. You either need enough points to cover it or you pay the whole thing another way.

There's a neat workaround online: split your basket. Pay for one smaller item entirely with points, then pay for the rest with your card as a separate transaction.

On returns: if you paid fully with points, they go back onto your card once the return is processed. If you paid part-points, part-cash, the refund comes back in the same mix. Take the card you used with you if you're returning in store.

How to earn points faster

The base 3% is decent, but the card gets a lot more rewarding if you stack a few extras on top. It's also worth checking for a Boots discount code before you pay, so you save on the price and still collect points. One of the easiest wins below is the Recycle at Boots scheme, which pays points for bringing back empty products.

• Double points in your birthday month. Add your birthday in the app and opt in, and you'll earn double points (6 per £1) for the whole month. If you've got a bigger purchase planned, time it for then.

• App "My Offers". Open the app and you'll usually find several personalised offers that refresh weekly, such as "spend £X, get Y bonus points" or extra points on brands you buy. You have to tap to activate each one before you pay, so it's worth opening the app in store just before checkout.

• Points events. Boots runs double- and triple-points events and "£10 in points when you spend £50" type promotions through the year. They're more sporadic and shorter than they used to be (sometimes a single day), so it pays to have the app and to watch for emails.

• Recycle at Boots. Bring back five empty beauty, health or wellness products through the Recycle at Boots app and you'll get 500 points (£5), but only when you also spend £10 in store. Empty blister packs earn 100 points (£1) for five, with a £5 spend. Be aware of the catch: the reward voucher expires quickly, only works at manned tills (not self-checkout or online), and not every store takes part. Treat it as a bonus on a shop you were going to do anyway rather than a reason to make a trip.

• Price Advantage. Boots offers member-only lower prices on around a thousand products a month, marked with a pink label on the shelf (and shown in the app). It's a discount now rather than points for later. Just don't assume the member price is automatically the cheapest around, so it's worth a quick compare on bigger-ticket items.
• Cashback sites. Boots is often listed on cashback sites like TopCashback and Quidco for online orders. Where it's available, you can usually earn cashback and collect your points on the same purchase, as long as your card is linked to your account. Check the current rate and terms before relying on it.

Boots Advantage Card perks for parents, over-60s and students

These are where the card can go from good to genuinely worth having. Each of these clubs is free to join through your Advantage Card account or the app.

• Boots Parenting Club: open from pregnancy until your child turns five. Members earn 8 points per £1 on baby products (more than double the standard rate), plus free gifts at key stages and targeted offers. Note that infant formula is excluded from points earning, and some milestone freebies are only available at designated Parenting Club stores.

• Boots Over 60s Rewards: for cardholders aged 60 or over. You earn 8 points per £1 on Boots own-brand and selected exclusive products, plus extra targeted offers.
• Student discount: students get 10% off in store and online when their valid student ID is linked to their Advantage Card at the till. It's the only way Boots offers student discount and you'll need to re-verify it each academic year (it tends to drop off around September). Keep an eye out for occasional student events where the discount is boosted.

Worth knowing: the old 10 points per £1 for parents and over-60s was cut to 8 back in 2020, so ignore any guide still promising 10. Students can find more details on our student discount page

Lost, stolen or forgotten card: what to do

Don't panic: your points live on your account, not the physical card, so a lost or damaged card doesn't mean lost points.

To report it and get a replacement: sign in to your boots.com account, go to Manage my Advantage Card, choose Report lost or stolen, pick the reason and submit. Boots issues a replacement linked to your existing points. In the meantime you can keep earning and spending using your digital card in the app.

If you can't get into your account (forgotten email or login), or you think points have been used without your knowledge, contact Boots customer services via Boots' Advantage Card help pages, which can help recover your account and, in genuine cases of fraud, investigate. Keep your login details private, as points can be spent by anyone with access to your card or account.

How much are Boots Advantage Card points worth in a year?

Points feel abstract, so here's a grounded example for someone spending around £30 a month at Boots on toiletries, health and beauty. Figures are illustrative and rounded.

None of that requires buying anything you weren't already going to buy. That's the honest way to think about it: the Advantage Card is a solid rebate on planned spending, not a reason to add extras to your basket for the sake of 3%.

Is the Boots Advantage Card worth it?

If you shop at Boots even semi-regularly, yes: it's free, the earn rate is high for a mainstream scheme, and the clubs and app offers push it further. The main downside is flexibility: points can only be spent at Boots, and you can't part-pay.

Here's how the base value compares with other big UK schemes (earn rates and redemption options can change, so check current terms):

Boots has the highest headline earn rate here, but Tesco and Nectar let you stretch points further through partners and add cardholder pricing (Clubcard Prices, Nectar Prices) on top. If you split your health-and-beauty shop between Boots and a supermarket, there's no harm in holding both. If Superdrug is closer or cheaper for what you buy, compare before you commit.

If you also shop for groceries, our Tesco Clubcard guide is worth a read.

Common Boots Advantage Card mistakes to avoid

• Letting points expire. If your card sits unused for 12 months, your points can be removed. Any earning or spending resets the clock, even a small purchase. (The old two-year rule was cut to one year back in 2022, so don't rely on outdated advice.)
• Not scanning every time. Points on a £3 shop aren't life-changing, but they add up, and you can't easily claim them retrospectively.

• Forgetting to activate app offers. Offers usually need tapping to activate before you pay. Miss that step and you miss the bonus.

• Assuming Price Advantage is always the cheapest. It's a member price, not a guaranteed best price. Compare bigger items elsewhere.

• Overspending to chase points. A 3% return doesn't rescue a basket full of things you didn't need. Buy what you'd buy anyway, then let the points be a bonus.

• Trying to part-pay. Save your points until you've got enough to cover a full item, or split your basket online.

How to keep your points from expiring

Use your card at least once every 12 months, and earning or spending both count. Set a reminder for around 11 months after your last Boots shop, and if you can't get to a store, a small online order for something you need will do the job.

If this article interested you and you want to find out more about saving, read our best loyalty card guides 2026!

Boots Advantage Card FAQs

On the 1st of March, the Welsh will celebrate St Davids's Day, and if you aren’t Welsh yourself you might think that just means listening to Tom Jones and adorning our homes with daffodils. However, as a Welsh woman born and bred, I can tell you it’s so much more (and Tom Jones isn’t just played once a year!). St David’s Day is the perfect opportunity to champion Welsh creativity and entrepreneurship. 

As a shopping and money-saving expert, it makes sense for me to combine the two and let you know some of the Welsh brands that are not only offering good value for money but also something unique. 

Clothing

Corgi

Balch Clothing 

 Howies

Food and Drink

The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Co

Welsh Luxury Hamper Company

Health and Beauty

Of Nature

The Good Wash Company

MyVoucherCodes is a market-leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK.
It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers and offers from fashion, beauty, restaurant and electrical, as well as many more retailers. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 voucher or discount codes. 
For more information please contact Sarah-Jane Outten at Future Publishing - sarah-jane.outten@futurenet.com
MyVoucherCodes is operated by Future Publishing Limited.

Skincare is a multi-billion pound industry with a rapidly growing market due to social media and the effect of influencers, and a new study shows men spend almost £20 per month more than women a month on skincare products, equating to nearly £240 a year.

Research undertaken by discount and voucher website MyVoucherCodes reveals the average spend per person on skincare per month is £42.68, with men splurging £54.79 and women £35.64.

Among the men, those aged 25-34 like to dig deep into their pockets, spending a whopping £76.17 on maintaining their young and youthful skin. Coming it at second is the 35-44-year-olds, who spend £59.40 per month.

The most popular female age group to spend on skincare is aged 25-34, with £55.42 per female being spent. Those aged 35-44 females like to spend just over £10 less at £44.99 per month.

Moisturising day cream comes out as the top skincare product, with 69% of Brits who buy skincare products saying they use it regularly. Of those, 49% are men, while 81% are female.

Cleansers are the second most popular item to spend money on, with 55% of people saying they use them, and 41% of these are males and 63% of females. Night cream comes in third with 52% of people purchasing it, 30% of those male and 65% female.

When it comes to using Vitamin C in your skincare routine, men come out higher than women with 38% compared to 35%.

The results also show that 93% of people who buy skincare products say having a good skincare routine is important, while just 7% say it isn’t important. And 59% of Brits who buy skincare products say value for money is something they take into consideration when buying skincare.

MyVoucherCodes shopping expert Sarah-Jane Outten says the new survey shows how having a regular skincare routine is important for most people in the UK. She says...

There are some brilliant deals on MyVoucherCodes to save you pounds on your skincare. Here are my top five tips of what to look out for when buying skincare.

• Buy products that contain SPF. Protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial and with moisturising cream being the top purchase for Brits, make sure it contains SPF 30 or higher. Along with helping you to maintain youthful-looking skin, it will lower your risk of skin cancer and minimise age spots.
• Understand your skin type. People with acne-prone skin need different products than someone with oily skin, for instance, otherwise, you risk causing a breakout or further skin irritation. There are lots of sites such as Skin & Me, that offer simple guides to identify your skin type – and the lifestyle factors that can influence it.
• Use discount and voucher code websites to save money. Maintaining a good and regular skincare regime isn’t cheap, but there are discount and voucher code websites like MyVoucherCodes that offer money-saving options. Brands such as Mio, ESPA, REN, Liz Earle, Tesco, L’oreal and more have great deals at the moment.
• Pay attention to the ingredients. Skincare products should be subtle to the skin and not cause any kind of irritation, red marks or dryness. Look for products that contain natural ingredients such as jojoba oil and rosemary – they will help promote youthful and radiant skin.
• Be realistic. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Skincare products that claim to rid of wrinkles completely aren’t telling the truth! There are some great products out there that help to maintain healthy-looking and glowing skin, but unfortunately, none of them offer the miracle of turning back the clock.

Notes to editors:This online survey of 2,000 UK Adults who regularly buy skincare products was commissioned by Front Door Comms and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 16/10/2024 - 21/10/2024. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, have corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.For more information, please contact Rachel Mainwaring or Lisa Blake at Front Door Communications on rachel@fdcomms.co.uk or lisa@fdcomms.co.uk or call 029 20 020360.About MyVoucherCodes:MyVoucherCodes is a market leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK.It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers and offers from fashion, beauty, restaurant and electrical, as well as many more retailers. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 voucher or discount codes.MyVoucherCodes is operated by Future Publishing Limited.

Taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. With stress, busy schedules, and the fast pace of everyday life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This Time to Talk Day, think about taking a minute to talk to a loved one or make some positive steps towards your well-being. Thankfully, plenty of apps are designed to provide support, guidance, and relaxation. In this article, I’ll share my experience with some of these apps for mental health and briefly overview others you might find helpful. 

The below app recommendations are based on personal experiences. If you need immediate mental health assistance, please seek expert advice via the NHS mental health page or contact a Samaritan any time, day or night 

Finch

What is it?

Finch is a delightful self-care companion that helps you track your mood, set goals, and practise mindfulness through small, achievable daily tasks. The interface features a cute pet bird character (your “Finch”) that grows and thrives as you nurture your mental health.

My Experience:

I’m currently using Finch. It’s like having a Tamagotchi that also helps your mental health. I love how it breaks self-care down into manageable steps. Whether I’m logging my mood, writing a few lines in a journal, drinking a glass of water, or taking a quick moment to breathe, the bite-sized tasks keep me motivated and remind me to look after myself. Plus, watching my Finch grow is a fun little bonus that keeps me coming back.

Headspace

What is it?

Headspace is one of the most popular mindfulness apps out there. It offers guided meditations, sleep casts (for better rest), and short animations that make learning about mindfulness feel relaxed and welcoming.

My Experience:

I’ve used Headspace in the past, and it was good for introducing me to meditation. However, personally, I cannot shut off long enough for meditation, but it’s a popular form of stress relief and mental health care worldwide and the app is easy to use. If you’re new to mindfulness, Headspace is an excellent place to start.

Calm

What is it?

Calm is another big name in the mindfulness world. It covers meditation, sleep stories, calming music, and stretching sessions to help you unwind. The app is visually appealing, with plenty of soothing backgrounds and sounds.

My Experience:

Calm was part of my mental health toolkit before I switched to Finch. The “sleep stories” were especially helpful when I struggled to drift off at night before I found a number of podcasts that I now use. If you need help winding down and like the idea of being read a bedtime story, Calm is definitely worth checking out. There are also celebrity readers which is a bonus.

Sorted Mental Health

What is it?

Sorted Mental Health is recommended by Mind.org and connects you with mental health professionals and resources, aiming to simplify the journey to finding support. It often includes different therapy options, making it easier for you to decide which treatment might be best for your situation.

Why Try It?

If you feel lost about where to start or who to talk to, Sorted Mental Health can point you in the right direction. They make it straightforward to match with a specialist or therapist who understands your unique needs.

Holly Health Habit

What is it?

Holly Health Habit focuses on building healthier daily habits for both mental and physical wellbeing. Instead of overwhelming you with big changes, it uses small, actionable steps to help you create a balanced lifestyle.

Why Try It?

Consistent small habits can make a massive impact over time. If you want to incorporate more mindfulness, movement, or better eating into your routine without drastic changes, Holly Health Habit might be your go-to app.

Young Carers Support

What is it?

Young Carers Support is geared towards people who take on caring responsibilities at home. It provides resources, tips, and a supportive community for those who might feel isolated or stressed due to their role.

Why Try It?

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but often comes with emotional challenges. This app offers practical advice, access to local resources, and a sense of community that can help young carers manage stress and avoid burnout.

Student Health App

What is it?

Specifically designed for students, the Student Health App covers various health topics, including mental well-being, lifestyle advice, and exam stress management. It’s usually packed with straightforward guidance and quick tips.

Why Try It?

Uni life can be overwhelming with coursework, social pressures, and money worries. Having a resource dedicated to student mental health makes finding relevant, age-specific information and support easier.

Eating Disorder Support

What is it?

Eating Disorder Support offers a safe space for those struggling with disordered eating habits. It can include educational articles, forums, or trackers to help monitor patterns and progress.

Why Try It?

If you’re dealing with body image issues or disordered eating, getting professional help is crucial. This app can serve as a stepping stone by offering guidance, encouragement, and a supportive community.

Lungy

What is it?

Lungy aids with breathwork, lung exercises, and relaxation techniques. It may include guided respiratory exercises that can help reduce stress and anxiety or simply improve your breathing efficiency.

Why Try It?

Learning to breathe correctly can be incredibly calming. Lungy’s structured exercises can be great for anyone looking to manage anxiety through controlled breathing or simply boost their overall lung health.

Combined Minds

What is it?

Combined Minds offers support for families and friends who are helping someone struggling with their mental health. It provides tools and strategies so that carers and loved ones can offer appropriate, understanding support.

Why Try It?

Mental health issues don’t just affect individuals; they impact everyone around them. Combined Minds helps guide friends and family towards empathy, effective communication, and supportive actions that can make a real difference.

Final Thoughts

No two mental health journeys are the same, and that’s why it’s fantastic to have such a diverse range of apps for mental health at our fingertips. Personally, I’m enjoying Finch right now, which I think is one of the top mental health apps for beginners - it gently reminds me to look after myself in small, meaningful ways. In the past, Headspace and Calm played a part in helping me understand mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Though not all of them suited my particular needs, I’d recommend them to anyone starting, especially those with trouble sleeping.

Whether you’re a student, a carer, or someone looking to build better habits, one of the above apps may give you some of the support you need. For a more in-depth and extensive list of helpful mental health apps, visit the Mind.org app library. Though remember, apps can be a great stepping stone, but if you’re experiencing ongoing mental distress, it’s essential to reach out to a healthcare professional for further help. You deserve to feel supported, and these tools are here to remind you that you’re not alone and help is out there. 

If you need immediate mental health assistance, please seek expert advice via the NHS mental health page or contact a Samaritan any time, day or night 

If you like a good bargain, there’s a fair chance you’ve already stumbled upon Temu. It’s a rapidly growing marketplace where you can browse everything from fashion and homeware to tech gadgets, often at surprisingly low prices. But with so many cheap products and deals, is Temu legit? Is it worth your trust? More importantly, is it safe to order from? In this article, we answer Temu and whether you can shop there without issues.

Who are Temu?

Temu is a fast-growing online marketplace run by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, founded by entrepreneur Colin Huang. It specialises in heavily discounted consumer items, most of which are shipped directly from the makers in China and has become popular worldwide for its low price products.

My Experience with Temu

I am a homeowner and a lover of a good deal, so I was pretty early on the Temu bandwagon, and so far, my experience has been good. I buy from Temu monthly and have never had any issues outside of the odd product being low quality, but Temu refunded me, and all was well. So far, I've bought everything from photos and frames to mugs, blankets, pillowcases, a bathroom cabinet and even a small metal shed. However, I have noticed that sellers tend to exaggerate their deals and set the prices high, then discount them 80% to the regular price to make it look like a better deal. The products are usually still a decent deal, but it's a tactic people should be aware of.

Who owns Temu?

Temu was founded by entrepreneur Colin Huang and is owned by PDD Holdings, a legitimate company in Shanghai, China, own Temu.

Is Temu a safe site?

Yes, Temu protects its website with standard security methods. It uses HTTPS on every page and applies TLS and SSL encryption when handling transactions. This offers the same level of security that you would find with popular brands like eBay or Amazon. 

Are Temu products safe?

Yes, generally, though the quality of the items varies widely. It's best to check reviews beforehand to avoid lower-quality products. However, a Channel 4 documentary called “The Truth About Temu: Dispatches” discovered that some Temu products contained dangerous amounts of chemicals like lead and cadmium. In response, Temu said it would continue to enhance consumer protection and quickly take down any product listings under review. 

Does Temu steal your information?

Temu does not steal your information. Instead, Temu’s privacy policy states that they collect your personal information, such as your name, email address and purchase history. It may be shared with advertisers, service providers, and business partners outside the company. This is a widespread online practice as most stores, news outlets, and websites share data with 3rd parties. In my experience, one of the best ways to minimise your online footprint is to use Incogni. This subscription service automatically requests the deletion of your personal information stored by information brokers online, making your personal information safer. There is also no concrete evidence whatsoever that Temu has sold data to the Chinese government.

On the topic of emails, many people have accused Temu of sending out too many unwanted messages, something I can attest to. Reviews on Trustpilot mention that after making a purchase, there are many unwanted emails. I avoided this issue by unsubscribing from all marketing, and so far, I’ve not received any more emails.

Why is Temu so cheap?

Temu sells products directly from manufacturers in China to customers worldwide, eliminating any middlemen. This business model lets Temu sell many products at extremely low prices. This is known as dropshipping and is an increasingly popular method of selling online. TikTok Shop, AliExpress, Wish, and Shein also use it.

Another way Temu is cheaper is that it primarily sells unknown and unbranded items instead of known brands. Only a few tech companies, like Lenovo and Xiaomi, actually sell products on the site. A brand on the Temu website is verified if its listings show a blue checkmark.

Is Temu a scam?

 The official Temu app and website are not scams. However, due to their popularity worldwide, many scammers have pretended to be Temu through phishing emails. In general, when shopping on the internet, it is worth learning how to spot Phishing emails, scam texts, and websites for your safety. 

Are Temu coupons legit?

Their on-site/app coupons do work, and they offer them often enough to get savings. However, some prices are inflated by individual buyers to make the deal seem better, so take prices with a pinch of salt. This sales method is common, and Amazon is known for doing the same thing. 

Temu Reviews

However, despite my positive experiences, you should consider other customer reviews. Temu has mainly received mixed responses to reviews, with most complaints about delivery times and product quality.

As of January 2025, Temu has received a 2.5 on Trustpilot with 30,605 reviews.

On Reviews.io, as of January 2025, they have a considerably lower score, which should be considered. However, it should be noted many of these negative reviews are about delivery times, and Temu has several local warehouses in the UK which speed up delivery for selected products. 

Can I delete my Temu account?

Yes, if for any reason you wish to delete your Temu account, you can, and its relatively easy to do so via Temu’s account deletion page. Your account will take up to 7 days to be removed entirely from the Temu database. 

So, is Temu legit and safe to order from? Yes, it is; they have secure payments and use the same 3rd party data sharing methods as most other companies and I've used Temu many times. However, you may run into some delivery issues and some products may be a lower quality than you expected.

Hopefully, this article has answered your burning questions about Temu. If you're looking for more answers on which sites are legit, why not check out our article answering the question is CDKeys legit? You can also check our Temu coupon codes page to see if there is a good sale or discount live before you buy.

When you click on one of our links to our discount code page or a retailer page, we may receive a small commission if you purchase something from the retailer's website.

As many head into another year of financial uncertainty, it’s important to consider ways to spend less and reduce anxiety about spending. Considering what you spend your hard-earned cash on instantly makes you feel more in control. 

I’m a Money Saving Expert and a mum running a home and juggling the costs of everyday life. In addition to this, I have ADHD, which often leads to impulsive actions (not ideal when on a budget!)  Over the last few years, I’ve developed some mindful spending habits that have reduced my outgoings, anxiety and stress. 

While designer perfumes and colognes can be pricey, plenty of affordable options offer the same sophisticated scents.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked a mix of budget-friendly fragrances and a few high-end gems that smell just as luxurious as their expensive counterparts. Whether you’re looking for something fresh, floral, or warm and woody, you’ll find the perfect scent without the hefty price tag.

(Prices below are correct as of writing)

Best Budget Perfumes for Ladies

Ariana Grande - Cloud

Coach - Floral

Sol de Janeiro - Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62

Ted Baker - Mia

Paris Hilton - Gold Rush

Britney Spears - Fantasy

Calvin Klein - Euphoria

 Zara - Hypnotic Vanilla EDP 

Victoria’s Secret - Tease

Elizabeth Arden - Green Tea

Ariana Grande - MOD Vanilla

Burberry - Goddess

Ouai - Melrose Place

Best Cheap Colognes For Men

Rochas - Moustache

Mercedes Benz - Club Black

Zadig & Voltaire - This is Him!

Lalique - Encre Noire A L’Extreme

Banana Republic - Vintage Green

Afnan - Turathi Blue

Mr Burberry - Indigo

Calvin Klein - One

Love the sound of these perfumes and colognes? Why not save even more money when you shop? Use our exclusive discount codes for The Perfume Shop, The Fragrance Shop and more . Start shopping and grab your new signature scent for less!

We may earn a commission from any purchases made by clicking on one of these links. All prices were correct at the time of writing.

⦁56% of Brits who shop on Black Friday will be looking to purchase Christmas presents

⦁A quarter of Brits will spend less on Christmas gifts this year versus last year

⦁17% of people in the UK said they will be using discount days and websites

More than half of people who like to shop on Black Friday will be looking for Christmas presents at the annual money-saving shopping event this year.

Our recent survey revealed that when fans of the ever-growing discount day were asked what they spend the most on in the Black Friday deals, 56% of them said Christmas gifts.

Almost half (48%) of shoppers said electrical goods were on their shopping list, and an equal amount said they like to buy clothes and/or shoes. Beauty items were the next popular item, with 27% of shoppers saying they like to purchase beauty products.

The same survey revealed that a quarter (25%) of Brits will spend less on Christmas gifts this year than last year, and 15% said Christmas will be financially challenging.

As the cost of living crisis continues, 17% of people in the UK said they would be using discount days and websites to help pay for gifts and meals this year, and 14% said they’d be using credit cards to shop for Black Friday items. 

The survey also revealed that a quarter of Black Friday shoppers will spend up to £100 on the discount day, 24% will spend between £101- £200, 23% will spend between £201-£400 and 13% will spend more than £400.

These results show how Black Friday deals, plus money-saving vouchers and discounts are key for keeping costs down when buying Christmas gifts. It’s no surprise so many people wait for special discount and deal days such as Black Friday in the annual calendar to get some great savings on Christmas presents, especially with a quarter of shoppers planning to spend less this Christmas than in 2023.

But not everyone is aware that there are even more savings to be had on top of the Black Friday deals when it comes to using vouchers. The key to making the most of the major discount shopping day is to be as prepared as possible. Here’s top seven tips to get ahead:

• Use an online wish list and start saving items in there now so that they are ready to be placed straight in your trolley as soon as they go on sale.
• Make sure you’re signed up to your favourite store/brand’s newsletter as you’ll get a heads up on the types of deals and discounts happening on the day.
• Plan ahead and check prices right now if you know what you want. There are free online tools such a PriceRunner that can give you a good headstart. It’s worthwhile doing this for all of the items you fancy purchasing and check them against sale prices to make sure you’ve found the best deal on the day 
• Look out for discount vouchers and deals on sites such as MyVoucherCodes to get even more money off
• Ensure you’re following your favourite stores and brands on social media where they will be notifying people about Black Friday deals
• Sign up to online accounts in advance and input your payment and delivery and billing details in advance. It will save you time on the day and websites can often be slow with the Black Friday shoppers surge.
• Use a credit card as it is the safest way of paying for high priced items. Anything with a price tag of more than £100 is covered by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

For the last 10 years, Black Friday has become ingrained in British culture as a way of saving money on consumer goods, and the buzz around the upcoming annual event shows no sign of slowing down as a whopping 80% of people are set to splash the cash on Black Friday this year.

A recent study undertaken by voucher deals website MyVoucherCodes reveals that eight out of ten people will be buying goods on this year’s Black Friday, which falls on November 29th.

69% of customers will be splurging on family and relatives, while 65% of people plan to self-indulge and treat themselves to something nice on the infamous shopping day. 

46% of people will buy for their partner, 31% plan to spoil their friends and 15% want to treat their pets. 10% of people will be purchasing Secret Santa gifts.

The survey also reveals that the average spend per shopper on Black Friday is a whopping £184.6.

More than half of those buying on the day (56%) will use the opportunity to grab some discounted Christmas presents, 48% will buy electrical goods and 48% will spend their hard-earned cash on clothes and shoes. Holidays are the least popular purchase on Black Friday, with just 12% of consumers opting for a discounted getaway.

More than a quarter of those shopping on the day (26%) say they will be searching for deals and voucher codes online to help them save even more of their hard-earned cash.

Shopping expert Sarah Jane Outten from MyVoucherCodes said, “More and more people are becoming aware that you can save yourself a significant amount of money by buying products on Black Friday. A lot of shoppers are unaware that you can add another deal on top of the Black Friday sale price with vouchers and coupons.”

MyVoucherCodes has shared some top shopping tips so you can make the most out of your Black Friday purchasing:

• Check the price history of a product. A lot of shoppers aren’t aware there are tools out there such as CamelCamelCamel, PriceRunner or Keepa for Amazon which show you the price points of a product since it was first launched. You’ll be able to establish if the Black Friday price is a genuine discount.  
• Don’t pay attention to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price as it can be confusing. Lots of manufacturers have been found to inflate prices around Black Friday. It’s always a good idea to check the price history first. 
• Create a wishlist and set a budget. Refrain from panic buying and impulse purchases that might not save you money.  
• Use discount voucher codes and offers. Look for additional discount codes and exclusive offers that can save you even more money than the generic Black Friday deals. 
• Use a credit card or PayPal for an extra layer of security when buying online. This can give you valuable peace of mind.
• Mega cheap deals are everywhere on Black Friday, but be cautious about deals on brands you’re not overly familiar with. Research the electronic goodies you have your eye on, as they may need to be more reliable or have the same warranty conditions as more established brands. 
• Tech products, such as smartphones, TVs and tablets are generally updated on a one-year cycle. So be aware that on Black Friday, you’re likely getting a heavily discounted older model 

 ** These findings are from a study released by Sago between September 6th and 8th 2024 among a random selection of 2242 of GB adults ages 18+ who are online panellists of Sago’s Community.
The results were weighted by age, gender, region, and ethnicity to match the population, according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. Excerpts from this release of findings should be properly attributed, with interpretation subject to clarification or correction.
Sago is the global research and data partner that connects human answers to business questions. Combining a legacy of impact, global reach, and innovative spirit, Sago enables clients to solve business problems through extensive audience access and an adaptive range of qualitative and quantitative solutions.

The 20th and 21st of September brought the arrival of The Beauty Show Live to London. Packed with special guests and products galore it was the perfect event for all beauty professionals and enthusiasts. 

Thanks to Marie Claire Who What Wear and Woman&Home magazine, I received a VIP invite on Friday the 20th, and as a beauty writer and product junkie, I couldn’t say no. 

The Business Design Centre, London, was the perfect venue for this event. Its grade 2 open-plan design meant you could explore everything the beauty show offered. As well as the 3 main stages for talks and presentations there were stacks of skincare, cosmetic and lifestyle exhibitors to visit. In addition, we were offered a complimentary treatment of our choice, a free glass of bubbly, use of the VIP lounge and a VIP beauty box packed with products worth £365! 

As a 40-plus woman, I was delighted to find that the show had so much to offer to a woman of my age. The entire event allowed me to feel seen, and this was refreshing. So much of the beauty industry, especially online, seems targeted at younger women and of course, younger women need that space too. 

Beauty and skincare legends like Caroline Hirons and Nadine Baggot shared their expertise during insightful talks at the Maire Claire mainstage and although I’m already an avid follower of both, I learnt so much more about the industry and the best products on the market. 

When Caroline Hirons took to the stage, she was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of skincare lovers of all ages. As the founder of Skin Rocks and a fully trained advanced aesthetician, what Caroline doesn’t know about skincare isn’t worth knowing. Caroline has worked in the beauty industry for over 35 years, written two books on the subject and gained an Instagram following of over 750K.  

Caroline’s no-nonsense approach to skincare shone through as she chatted about her journey, myths about skincare, product knowledge and recommendations. As one of the beauty industry consumers, I’m often overwhelmed by the amount of information available. Caroline explained that 

Additional skincare tips from Caroline included:

• Don’t smoke - the effects of smoking can last a lifetime on the face as well as the body.
• Stay hydrated.
• Invest in good quality products with active ingredients that you can include mid-routine, 
• Never save excellent products for best. In her words ‘get them on your face!’
• SPF is your best friend when preventing wrinkles and, ageing and cancer. 

Shortly after we had listened to Caroline Hirons, Nadine Baggot joined the main stage with a personal haul of budget-friendly product recommendations. I’ve followed Nadine’s work online for many years, and I love her scientific and evidence-backed approach to skincare. 

Nadine explained that everything you need can be found in high street chemists like Superdrug and Boots, and you should never be putting skincare products on your credit card - simply because there is no need. She agreed that most people feel that the market is now saturated with products and making decisions on what to buy is challenging. The joy of listening to Nadine recommend products is that she not only knows what works, but why. Helping skincare lovers make informed decisions. 

Nadine's product recommendations included:

• Cerave Cleansers 
• The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleaner 
• Geek and Gorgeous Vitamin C-Glow 
• Naturism Retinol Complex Serum
• No7 Future Renew
• The Inky List Bioactive Ceremide Moisturiser 
• Eucerin Factor 50 or 100 SPF

Nadine welcomed questions at the end of her talk, of which there were plenty. The audience wanted to make the most of her knowledge! 

Ateh Jewel, Dr Jason Thomson and Sophie Van Ettinger hosted an event from And Begin which I found particularly interesting, especially as a former user of Skin and Me. I was aware of the brand via social media but had no idea it was the sister of Skin and Me aimed at women with more mature skin. This prescription skincare is the way forward for those who not only want to use a product specifically for them but it eliminates the need for multiple products.  

I also found myself at a talk from The Perfume Shop, and although perfume isn’t a huge personal interest Rebecca Reynolds and Gergely Markus from The Perfume Shop gave us an informative overview of ‘What’s New in Fragrance’. Although fragrance isn’t an area of particular interest to me, I learnt so much about the elements that make a good fragrance, what’s popular and how to layer fragrance for it to last longer.  

The Beauty Show is set to return next year, from the 19th to the 20th of September 2025. With more celebrity skincare chats, free treatments and of course, a beauty box. I’m looking forward to seeing what The Beauty Show has to offer next time around.  

From seasonal blues to daily stresses, I've found mindful practises the key to managing my mental health. Meditation and yoga are wonderful ways to combat feeling low - and it feels even better if you don't have to shell out a load of money to fund it.

The reality is that yoga or meditation is a form of self-care that we should all prioritise. And the more affordable, the better. That's why I've found the best free yoga apps and meditation apps that can help you build a self-care routine that you can actually afford.

Our List of Free Yoga Apps

Even if you’ve never taken a yoga lesson before or are a seasoned yoga user, these free yoga apps can guide you through your mindfulness journey in the comfort of your home. 

Simply Yoga

Simply Yoga offers easy-to-understand, no-frills routines perfect for yoga beginners. The app features guided sessions ranging from 20 to 60 minutes long, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. The instructions are easy to follow, giving you the confidence to start your mindfulness journey. 

 What we love: Great for beginners 

Track Yoga

Unlike 5-Minute Yoga, Track Yoga focuses on structured, in-depth programs designed to build strength, flexibility, and mental focus, depending on your goals. It has a useful progress-tracking feature that may motivate you if you love a structured journey, and the mental health benefit of seeing how far you have come cannot be understated. Track Yoga is free to use, and you can earn Kriya Points by completing sessions, which can be used to unlock more classes. There are also in-app purchases available to unlock all content if you would prefer. 

What we love: Progress tracking

Yoga for Beginners Mind+Body 

Much like Simply Yoga, Yoga for Beginners caters to, you guessed it, beginners. With clear instructions and visuals, it guides you through the basics of yoga and acts as a stepping stone before diving into more complex daily routines. 

What we love: Great for beginners

Down Dog 

Down Dog is usually a subscription-based Yoga app. However, thanks to its dedication to student mental health, it's free for four years for university students and teachers. Down Dog's best feature is its customisation options. You can adjust your sessions' pacing, style, and focus, making it a great yoga experience for all skill levels. No two sessions are the same, and you can feel the quality of the teaching.

What we love: Mental Health for students

FitOn

While FitOn isn’t precisely a yoga app, it offers free yoga classes and other fitness options such as pilates and HIIT workouts. There are even celebrity trainer videos. You can get a premium upgrade if you enjoy the app and want access to 100% of the features, such as licensed music, personalised meal plans and recipes.

What we love: Celebrity Trainer Videos

Do Yoga With Me

With a diverse range of trainers and over 500 classes available for free, the sheer variety and number of classes make DoYogaWithMe an excellent choice for a free yoga app. From quick stretches to deep relaxation sessions, plenty of options are available.

What we love: Huge range of free classes.

Our List of Free Meditation Apps

Meditation is a simple yet effective way to calm and centre yourself and take control of your racing thoughts. According to the NHS, studies show that mindfulness can help with stress, anxiety and depression. Their first recorded uses go back to the Indian Vedas in 1500 BCE, over 3500 years ago, which speaks to their effectiveness. These free meditation apps offer a range of guided sessions, from breathing exercises to deep meditation. 

Mindfulness.com

Mindfulness.com offers a selection of free guided meditations designed to help manage stress, improve sleep, and increase overall mindfulness. Their short, daily sessions can easily fit into your daily routine. The app is easy to use and curated by experts worldwide, which helps make mindfulness.com a high-quality meditative experience.

What we love: Expert-led meditation

Insight Tracker

Insight Timer is a free meditation app with over 100,000 free meditations. Due to its vast collection, it is a treasure trove for anyone looking to improve their mental health. You can choose from multiple topics, such as anxiety, sleep, gratitude, and more. Insight Timer also has community features that allow you to see how many people meditate with you, and it helps to know you’re not alone sometimes.

What we love: Huge collection of meditations.

Apple Watch Mindfulness App 

Okay, so technically, this isn’t free, as it is pre-installed on relatively expensive Apple Watches. But if you already have one, you may not know about this app, so it's worth mentioning. It comes with handy little features such as breathing and reflection exercises. I try to get in a quick, calming breathing exercise a few times a day, and I feel the benefits of just taking a short minute to slow down.

What we love: Pre-installed on Apple Watches.

Smiling Mind

Designed by professional psychologists from Australia, the Smiling Mind free meditation app offers programs for kids, teens, and adults, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who suffers from mental health issues or wants to become a little more mindful. Half of all adult mental health issues emerge before the age of 14, so Smiling Mind hopes to help combat this with its fun approaches to improving mindfulness. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

What we love: Great for all ages

Aura

Aura is a free meditation app that allows a 3-minute mindfulness session every two hours. However, it also has a premium feature that provides unlimited access to Aura’s features. Aura uses AI to personalise your mental health, mood and needs with short, bite-sized sessions that are perfect for quick little boosts throughout the day.

What we love: Tailored daily recommendations

Healthy Minds Program

The Healthy Minds Program meditation app is free, thanks to donations. By blending actual neuroscience with traditional forms of meditation, the Program aims to find the perfect balance to improve focus, awareness, mental health, and sense of purpose. Its scientific approach is helpful for the more sceptical people (like me) who need to know the how and why behind meditation and mindfulness.

What we love: Science-backed approach

Best Paid Yoga Apps

The above free yoga apps and free meditation apps are excellent resources for those who want to improve their mental and physical health on a budget and beginners who aren’t sure yet. However, several notable high-quality subscription-based apps exist for those more experienced or looking for a premium Yoga experience. 

Underbelly

Underbelly is a yoga app founded by Jessamyn Stanley that is focused on making yoga accessible and inclusive to everyone, regardless of body type. Teaching body positivity and self-acceptance through a yoga medium is a brilliant way to feel better about oneself. It's a breath of fresh air that helps everyone feel the benefits of yoga with zero judgment. It requires a subscription, but the good vibes Underbelly creates is worth it t many.

What we love: Body positivity

5-Minute Yoga

Do you have a hectic schedule? 5-Minute Yoga is an app perfect for squeezing in a quick session whenever you need a little boost or a reset. It has simple poses and easy instructions designed for busy people who may typically skip out on their wellness breaks due to time constraints. 5-Minute Yoga offers mindfulness in bite-size portions that are valuable in the modern world. It comes at a subscription cost, but it is one of the best bite-sized yoga resources for busy bees.

What we love: Bite-sized yoga sessions

Yoga-Go

Much like 5-minute Yoga, the Yoga Go app is designed for busy people. It offers short, customised routines and workouts tailored to your needs, fitness levels, and goals. Whether you're looking for flexibility, weight loss, or stress reduction, there is something for you. 

What we love: Personalised and quick.

Grokker

Grokker focuses more on overall fitness and wellness than a focused mindfulness journey app but includes various high-quality yoga classes. Being more fitness-focused isn’t a bad thing, though, as the NHS recommends regular exercise as it is proven to assist with symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. The app covers everything from Vinyasa flows to Yin Yoga. The quality is excellent and feels premium, but sadly comes at a cost after a 14-day free trial. There is, however, a limited number of videos you can watch on the free version.

What we love: Exercise and fitness focussed

Best Paid Meditation Apps

Waking Up by Sam Harris

The Sam Harris meditation app, ‘Waking Up’, is similar to the Healthy Minds Program because it blends neuroscience with philosophy and traditional mindfulness practices. Sam Harris is known for his calm and collected approach to meditation, and the app feels like a mini-retreat from the world's stresses in your pocket. 

What We Love: Guided by Sam Harris

Calm

Calm is known for its bedtime sounds and celebrity-guided sleep and meditation stories. It features huge names such as Cillian Murphy, Jerome Flynn, Matthew McConaughey, and many more. Unfortunately, because of the many features Calm offers, it does have a paywall, but Calm often has 40% deals for new customers. If you have problems meditating and sleeping, it is a worthwhile subscription.

What We Love: Celebrity Guided Sessions

Headspace

Headspace is a great starting point for beginners. It offers some of the most simple and approachable meditations on the market wrapped in an easy-to-use app perfect for anyone just starting their meditative journey. Sadly, Headspace is not free, and a subscription is needed for its content library, but it is known to offer free premium subscriptions. For example, Headspace gave NHS workers free access to help them deal with the stress of their vital work.

What we love: Perfect for beginners.

Hopefully, the above Yoga and Meditation apps can help you in your mental health journey this Autumn; however, sometimes, instead of yoga, all we need is a little me time, so check out our guide to levelling up your home pampering routine on a budget for some great tips.

Remember, being proactive with yoga, meditation, and exercise is great. But your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and speaking about it is never a waste of anyone's time. If you feel you need help, tell someone or visit the NHS page for advice. Every mind matters. 

When you click on one of our links to our discount code page or a retailer page, we may receive a small commission if you purchase something from the retailer's website.

When you click on a link to our discount code page, we may receive a small commission if you purchase something from a retailer's website.

Sometimes, it can feel as though full-time students get all the love regarding deals and freebies, and suddenly, having no student loans and paying full price for items can hit the bank hard for recent graduates on a tight budget. However, many may not know that graduates can also get great discounts for all their hard work at university. Granted, there aren’t as many, and often, the discounts are not as high, but they are there. This article will guide you through the best grad discounts in 2024 so you can take full advantage of your achievements and get major savings with exclusive offers.

Discounts are correct as of the date of writing; offers may change at the discretion of the retailers. The majority of the below deals require a Student Beans, GradBeans, UNiDAYS GRADLiFE or Totum account. You will need to provide proof of eligibility this is often a valid student id card or proof of degree

Mobiles, Computing & Tech

Logitech: Logitech offers a major discount for graduates. They can get an extra 25% off their orders so that you can save on your next mouse, keyboard, or gaming headphones.

Acer: The need for new laptops and tech doesn’t stop at students. Luckily, graduates can save 15% on orders at Acer and upgrade their home laptops for less.

OnePlus: Graduates can get 10% off orders at OnePlus to upgrade to a new handset for less.

Protect Your Bubble: As a graduate, you can get a very helpful 15% discount on gadget insurance.

EE Store: Save 10% on orders through the EE store and get discounts on mobile phones, tablets and more.

Surfshark: Enjoy an extra 15% off award-winning VPN plans at Surfshark and protect yourself using the internet so you can roam the web without worry.

NordVPN: NordVPN is one of the world’s leading VPN providers, offering exclusive pricing to graduates! For just £2.03/month (paid annually) you can get access to their award-winning VPN service and explore the internet safely.

Incogni: Are you sick of cookies and companies storing and selling your personal information to the highest bidder? Incogni comb the internet requesting the deletion of your data on your behalf, saving you time and providing peace of mind. Graduates can save 55% on annual plans!

Anker: Need a new charger or a power bank? Anker provides a valuable 10% discount on their high-quality tech accessories for graduates.

1P Mobile: Graduates can get a free 200GB data boost with sim cards at 1P mobile (the equivalent of a £20 boost) 

Travel

Trainline: You can get a 20% graduate discount on railcards at Trainline through GradBeans and save on train fares nationwide.

Railcard: As a Graduate, you can get 1/3rd off 16-25 railcards. The downside of this discount is that it's the 16-25 rather than the full railcard. However, if you buy one at 25, you are still covered until you are 28.

Europcar: Travelling abroad can be pricey, but if you’re a graduate and rent a car through Europcar, you can save a whopping 15%.

Purple Parking: Sometimes parking can cost as much as your flights. As a graduate, you can book with Purple Parking and save up to 30% plus discounts on airport hotels.

Post Office Travel Insurance: Travel without worry and for less with 15% off travel insurance for graduates, thanks to the Post Office. 

Health, Sport & Fitness

MyProtein: Save an extra 10% on orders, including sale items, at MyProtein and work towards your goals for less.

Decathlon: Training for a race or need to update your gym gear? You can get 10% off orders at Decathlon if you’re a graduate.

TALA: From activewear to rest day loungewear, TALA offers great quality gym clothing, and graduates can get an extra 10% off their order.

Sweaty Betty: Are you seeking high-quality gym clothing such as leggings and sports bras? You’re lucky because Sweaty Betty offers a massive 20% off graduate orders.

Cotswold Outdoors: Planning an excursion? Do you love a good hike? Look no further; graduates can save 10% on their orders at Cotswold Outdoors so that you can enjoy the great outdoors for less.

American Golf: Thinking of celebrating your graduation with golf or some fun at the range? Good news: graduates save 10% on orders at American Golf. 

Beauty

The Fragrance Shop: The Fragrance Shop offers 10% off for graduates, so you can save on great gifts or treat yourself for less. They also occasionally offer gifts with graduate orders.

Gillette: Graduates can save a helpful 10% on orders at Gillette so that you can get razors, shaving balm, beard care products, and more for less.

Braun: Braun offers graduates 15% off their orders so they can save on some of the market's leading electric shavers and grooming products.

e.l.f Cosmetics: Looking to stock up on make-up and skincare products? Then look no further than e.l.f Cosmetics, which offers 15% off orders for graduates.

CurrentBody: Graduates can enjoy 5% off orders over £150 at CurrentBody. It is not the highest discount on the list, but CurrentBody is known for its high-quality products, and every little helps. 

Fashion

Yours Clothing: Need a fashion refresh? Update your wardrobe for less with a massive 20% off for graduates at Yours Clothing.

PrettyLittleThing: Treat yourself to a wardrobe refresh with PrettyLittleThing and save up to 28% on almost everything (not including sales or beauty).

Simply Be: If you’re a graduate and enjoy shopping at Simply Be, you can save 30% on your order and get more for less.

Crocs: Do you love Crocs? Graduates can get their hands on a massive 25% off the iconic brand.

Clarks: Are you looking to treat yourself to some new footwear? If so, you’ll be happy to know that Clarks offers graduates 15% off their orders.

Secret Sales: Fancy some fabulous branded fashion for low prices? Secret Sales offers 10% off for graduates so that you can upgrade your style for even less. 

Whether you need specialist gear to play a certain sport, or just love hitting the gym to stay fit, the right sportswear helps us feel good when working out. But quality activewear can often come with a hefty price tag. In this guide, we’ll look at the popular features of sportswear and share tips on how shoppers can save money. 

What are shoppers looking for in their sportswear?

Our recent survey shows that price is the top priority for shoppers when buying sportswear. Respondents voted price as more influential in their decision than the style, its impact on performance, or any additional features. 

More than half (54%) of consumers said that price is ultimately most important to them, making it clear that cost remains a major consideration for most shoppers.[1] Around one-fifth (22%) of shoppers prioritise the aesthetics and style of sportswear when buying it, while just 15% said that the impact on their performance is top of their list.

Since price is the most important factor for shoppers, we asked which features would convince them to spend a little extra on their sportswear. The majority stated that the most desirable feature would be breathable fabric – nearly two-thirds (65%) of consumers said this would encourage them to splash a little extra cash.

This was closely followed by sweat-wicking fabric, something that 41% said they would pay more for. Sweat or moisture-wicking fabrics use special materials that are non-absorbent. So, when you sweat, the fabric dries out more quickly rather than soaking into your sportswear – something that’s great for those looking to stay dry during workouts.

Many also love pockets, but they can be difficult to find on seamless gym wear. In fact, 40% said they would pay extra for the convenience of having pockets in their sportswear, something particularly handy for outdoor runners. More than a third (37%) would also splash out for sportswear with extra support, and one-quarter (26%) think sustainable fabric is worth the additional cost.

Other factors include seamless sportswear (17%) and reflective or high-visibility fabric (16%). 

How much can be saved on sportswear?

Our research shows that shoppers who used voucher codes saved a whopping £383,525.50 on sports items in just one year.[2] With over 30,000 transactions shoppers saved around £12 per purchase. While that might not seem like a huge amount, it equates to a massive 21% average savings per shop!

Now, let’s break it down a little further to see what consumers were spending on. Shoppers who used voucher codes in the sports, fitness and outdoors categories saved a huge £84,528.12, averaging just over £6 saved on each purchase. This includes items like gym equipment, outdoor gear, and fitness technology.

At the same time, shoppers saved more than three times that amount on sports clothing! In just one year, consumers saved a massive £298,997.38 using voucher codes. Even with only a few more transactions – close to 18,000 compared to nearly 14,000 – they managed to save over £16.50 per shop. This adds up to a huge saving overall of 23% on average, showing that there are plenty of savings to be made on sportswear by taking advantage of discounts and offers. 

Sportswear features for men vs. women

When it comes to shopping for sportswear, everyone has their own set of must-have features that fit their needs. This is true for men and women, too. We took a closer look at the most popular features for men and women and how they differ from one another.

Some features appeal to both genders equally. For example, breathable fabric was something that almost two-thirds (64%) of both men and women told us that they would pay more for.[1] Sweat-wicking fabric was another popular feature that appealed to both, as 42% and 39% of men and women, respectively, said they would spend extra for this. Similarly, 16% of men and 15% of women would pay more for high visibility or reflective activewear, showing that this is important to both genders, too.

On the other hand, some features are far more appealing to women than men. Extra support is one of these, with almost half (48%) of women saying they would pay more for this, compared to just a quarter of men. Pockets are another feature that women will invest in, at 47%, compared to only one-third (32%) of men. 

Sustainable fabric and seamless materials also matter more to women. In fact, 30% of women would pay extra for sustainable sportswear, while just 22% of men would do the same. 19% of women wanted seamless fabric even if it costs more, compared to just 14% of men.

When choosing what they would splash out on, men were more interested in smart technology. One-quarter of men said they would pay extra for this, while just 12% of women felt the same way. Men also placed slightly more importance on the performance of their sportswear, with 16% ranking this as their top preference, compared to just 13% of women. However, the majority of both genders agreed that price was the most important, followed by the aesthetics and style of the clothing.

How else can we save on sportswear?

There are many ways to save a little extra cash while shopping for sportswear. Here are just a few ways to get started:

Of course, checking for any deals, discounts or voucher codes before you buy can save you a significant amount off your shop.

 About the data:

[1]   In order to collect the data used in this report, we conducted a survey of 2,000 UK residents via YouGov. The survey was run on 03 July 2024 and all responses were selected at random. The results have been weighted to be representative of the population of Great Britain.

[2] Average sportswear savings were calculated using MyVoucherCodes transaction data from the last 12 months (June 2023 - 2024). 

Protein powder isn’t just for fitness fanatics and bodybuilders anymore – these days, everyone seems to be enjoying high-protein foods. 

Top brands like MyProtein and Protein Works have created a flavour to appeal to just about anyone, from cinnamon Danish to Tiramisu. And in the supermarkets, you can now find whole ranges of high-protein foods including yoghurt, pudding and even chocolate.

Over on social media, protein powder recipes are going viral, with people finding more and more creative ways to sneak extra protein into their meals and snacks.

So, which wacky recipes are topping the charts – and would you give them a try? Here, we reveal ten of the most-loved protein recipes.

Which protein powder recipes are worth trying?

1. Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

♥ 885.2k

Who knew you could make a sweet treat with eggs, protein powder and

cottage cheese?

2. Blueberry Avocado Protein Smoothie

♥ 872.6k

Fruit, vegetables, and protein powder are blended for a nutrient--

packed breakfast or snack.

3. Easy Protein Bars

♥ 811k

These no-bake bars combine oats, peanut butter, protein powder and

chocolate.

4. Protein Balls

♥ 600k

Peanut butter and whey powder make these little snacks incredibly protein-

rich.

5. Protein Fluff

♥ 584.7k

Blending on high turns this mix into a remarkably fluffy, high-protein dessert.

6. Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

♥ 582k

As well as protein powder, this smoothie recipe packs a protein punch with

peanut butter and Greek yoghurt.

7. Protein Yoghurt

♥ 560.3k

Have you tried adding protein powder to your yoghurt? This quick snack could

be the perfect pick-me-up.

8. High Protein Cookie Dough

♥ 543.4k

This cheat cookie dough recipe uses Greek yoghurt, almond flour, and

peanut butter for a healthier and higher-protein sweet treat.

9. Protein Porridge

♥ 494k

An easy breakfast with added protein. What’s not to love?

10. Oreo Ice Cream

♥ 402.7k 

Can you believe ice, water, and protein powder can taste like ice cream? There’s only one way to find out.

TiKTok Shows How It's Done

TikTok is the place to be for all recipes these days, from the air fryer craze and now these protein-powered meals, which are also taking social media by storm.

Protein supplements are a key part of gym culture these days, as is looking the part too and luckily we have great deals on sports clothing, including up to 50% off, and exclusive discounts with leading brands like Under Armour and Adidas.

You can also find discounts on gym memberships and a wide range of sports equipment. And if you want to dabble in the world of protein powders and try a few of these recipes, then MyVoucherCodes has lots of deals on protein powders from top brands like MyProtein, Protein Works, Protein World, and Vital Proteins. Stock up on all your fitness essentials – enjoy over 1,000 deals on sports and fitness brands from MyVoucherCodes.

You can follow MyVoucherCodes on TikTok for more money-saving tips, deal highlights, and more fun videos.

Everyone loves a trip to the spa, but the price we pay for relaxation and self-care is often enough to put us out of pocket. As someone who loves anything that's going to help me slow down, I've tried and tested tons of wellness trends to find the best.

From creating a bath setup to affordable hair masks that really work, I've compiled my best tips on how to build a self-care routine you can actually afford.

Read on to find out how to level up your pamper evening from the comfort of your own home, without going over budget.

You might also enjoy:

• 13 Self Care Ideas
• The Best Meditation and Yoga Apps
• Top 10 Girl’s Day Out Ideas

Although December brings a month of Christmas cheer, the aftermath often casts a shadow on financial stability, with 40% of UK consumers grappling with cash constraints post-festivities.[1] Paired with the bleakness of the month, this monetary strain contributes to the onset of January blues.

January isn’t just a new start, it’s also a time when many go through a period of sadness after the excitement of the holidays. The cold weather, short days and the arrival of post-Christmas bills can all contribute to this feeling, making January a tough time for many of us. 

For some, solace comes from shopping during the New Year sales, but with so many dealing with financial limitations after the festive period, immersing in retail therapy can be a gentle balancing act. So, we’ve explored how you can shop through the January blues without breaking the bank.

Approaching the ‘January blues’

Our survey data has highlighted how Brits tend to approach the holiday hangover. Almost half of the nation struggles financially after the festive season and over a third (35%) admit to experiencing the January blues, grappling with post-festive melancholy amplified by financial constraints.

Those of us between the ages of 30 and 50 seem to be hit hardest by new year troubles, as 44% of respondents who said they suffer from the January blues belonged to this age group. Women are also more likely to experience these issues in the new year - 66% of those who stated that the January blues affects them were women.

Retail therapy is a popular respite among all the doom and gloom, with 17% of us using shopping as a way to combat the January blues. The science suggests that this works, too, as retail therapy can help to restore a sense of control and autonomy. This then releases dopamine - the brain hormone responsible for making you feel good.

Also, 17% fight the blues by taking a winter getaway, seeking some comfort in the form of a holiday escape. However, with money matters looming large, navigating January trips and sales can be a delicate balance between desire and caution.

Indulging in retail therapy during financial stress

Because of the financial pressure felt after the festive season, the January sales become a crucial time for savvy shoppers seeking deals without blowing their budgets. One of the ways you can enjoy these sales while protecting your wallet is through the use of voucher codes.

Last year, consumers saved a staggering £545,840 during January 2023 using this trick.[2] The majority of purchases (46%) were for fashion items. In fact, consumers saved a total of £171,640 during this period on fashion alone, so there are plenty of savings to be made for those looking to glam up without pushing the boat out.

Don’t worry though, if travelling is your preferred way of overcoming the January blues, all is not lost. 8% of purchases through our site in January were for travel and accommodation, and a total of £72,338 was saved on these transactions. So, for those who like to take a winter getaway in January or get their summer trip booked early, there may just be an impressive deal waiting for you.

January sales offer a chance to shop smarter after the holidays and using voucher codes during this time can be a game-changer. However, while voucher codes can help you bag a bargain, it’s essential to strike a balance. It’s important to be mindful of your budget and not get caught up in the allure of deals. 

Our data highlights the benefits of being savvy with your purchases, but shopping smartly isn’t about savings - it’s about making confident and conscious choices. 

About this data:

[1] Data used in this report was collected from a YouGov survey of 2,000 UK adults on 7 October 2023, unless stated otherwise. Respondents were selected at random and were taken from varied age demographics.

[2] Information pertaining to the money saved during January 2023 was taken from internal MyVoucherCodes data detailing the vouchers that were used during the month. Category data was also extracted from this.

For ‘fashion’ the following categories were included: curve, designerwear, fashion, fashion accessories, footwear, lingerie & swimwear, men's fashion, sports clothing and women's fashion. For ‘travel and accommodation’ the following categories were included: days out & attractions, experience days, flights, holiday & travel essentials, holidays, theme parks & attractions, and travel.

Gone are the days when you had to drink alcohol to have fun. Whether you’re having a go at dry January, looking for healthier ways to unwind, or simply don’t drink, we’ve got you covered. Read on for various budget-friendly activities that don’t require raising a glass. 

Affordable Days In

Enjoy a Mocktail Making Night

If you’re looking for one of the best alcohol-free activities that is as fun as going out for cocktails, it’s making mocktails. Get your friends together and have a go at mixing some non-alcoholic drinks. 

Not only is this just as enjoyable as sipping a cocktail, but it’s more affordable too. Instead of going out and paying for a mocktail each, have each person choose a mocktail to make for everyone, so that you’re getting more, for less. 

Check out the mocktail section in our article on Date Nights on a Budget for some great mocktail recipes.   

Create or Join a Book Club

For those who love to read, this one is for you. If you’ve got some friends who love to buy books on a budget as much as you, then create your very own book club. Randomly choose a book to read each month and hold monthly book meetings where you can discuss your thoughts. 

A handy tip: assign a theme or genre for each month of the year. Have everyone suggest at least one book that fits this. Before the first day of the month, draw your monthly book out of a hat so it’s random. Enjoy! 

Alternatively, scout out local book clubs near you and become a part of one instead. You’re sure to find like-minded people who also love to take part in alcohol-free activities too. 

Have a Date Night

If you and your partner are looking for alcohol-free activities to do together, then why not opt for an affordable date night on a budget? From a romantic walk in the park or reading a book together, to exercising, having a dance party for two, and more, you’re sure to enjoy each other’s company, without a single bottle of wine in sight.  

Host a Games Night

It’s time to brush up on your strategic skills with a family or friend game night. Have each person bring a game, and work your way through them. From Cluedo and Monopoly to the Fish Bowl Game, Heads Up, Charades, and more, you’ll be so busy having a laugh that won’t even realise you’re not drinking. 

Cook a BBQ

Whatever the weather, everyone loves a good barbeque. If you know how to make BBQs on a Budget, then you’re sure to enjoy it even more. 

If you usually pair your BBQ goods with traditional beers, why not opt for a non-alcoholic beer instead? You can find a variety of affordable, 0% beers at the likes of Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, and Sainsbury’s.  

Host a Netflix Marathon

As long as you know how to save money on video streaming services, you’re good to go. Invite some friends around, stock up on some movie night essentials like popcorn and sweets, and get settled.   

Whether it’s a movie or series, you could even make this a regular thing by taking turns to host a monthly movie night at each person’s home. Why not take it up a notch by discussing your thoughts on the movie afterwards? 

Play a New Video Game

If you’ve got friends or a partner who loves nothing more than video gaming, then why not do it together? As long as you know how to save money on video games and how to buy a gaming monitor on a budget, then you’re good to go. 

When played in moderation, video games can be a great way to unwind after a long day that’ll make you forget to reach for a glass of wine. 

Read a Poetry Anthology

For those who love to read and discover new pieces of writing, why not get your friends together and read a poetry anthology? Each week, fortnight, or month, choose a poem from your favourite anthology to read and discuss. Bring a mocktail to sip on while you do.  

Alternatively, see if there are any poetry readings close by and take a trip with a friend.

Make Your Own Candles

Have a go at getting your hands dirty with candle making. There are loads of candle-making kits available on the market, ranging from affordable options for one to more expensive options where the cost can be split between friends. 

Cook a Three-Course Meal

If you’ve got a few friends or couple-friends, get together and cook a three-course meal. Assign each course to an individual or a pair, or pick them out of a hat. 

Between you, you’ll make a delicious starter, main, and dessert, for a fraction of the cost of eating out. It’ll be even more affordable if you know which supermarket brand is the cheapest, how much shopping in the reduced section saves you, and how you can save money on your groceries. 

For those who aren’t confident cooks, fear not. Check out our handy article where you can find the best supermarket dine-in deals.  

Affordable Days Out

Enjoy a Free Day out in the UK

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine with friends and family. Whether that’s going on a hike, visiting local attractions, or a free day out, it’s sure to put a smile on your face.  

If you’ve got a furry friend who loves nothing more than the outdoors, then don’t miss our handy article on free & affordable days out with your dog so your fur babies can get in on the action too.  

Pack a Picnic

Swap the bottomless brunch out for a budget-friendly picnic with your friends. Gone are the days when picnics are full of boring food. As long as you know how to save money on your food shop using supermarket reward schemes and vegan alternatives, and by shopping in the reduced section, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your trendy, picnic snacks.  

Enjoy a Trip to the Spa

There’s nothing more relaxing and glamorous than a trip to the spa. Make sure that your bank account can relax too when you check our article on how you can save money on your next spa day. 

Alternatively, if a trip to the spa is too costly, opt for an at-home pamper night. You simply can’t go wrong, and it’s affordable too.  

Outdoor Cinema

Try something new and visit a nearby outdoor cinema for the ultimate cinematic experience. If you’re going in the winter, be sure to wrap up warm with an affordable winter coat, and if it’s the summer, make sure you’ve got the perfect pair of affordable sunglasses, and you’ll be good to go. 

If just a regular cinema trip is good enough for you, then don’t miss our articles on the cheapest day to go to the cinema, and how to get free and cheaper cinema tickets.  

Enjoy a Girl’s Day Out

Ditch the booze with the girls and have a girly day out. Whether it’s a luxurious spa day for less, a trip to the local zoo, or something a little more creative, be sure to check out our article on the Top 10 Girl’s Day Out Ideas that don’t require splashing the cash to have fun. 

Visit a Museum

Whether you’re looking to learn something new or just fancy walking around a beautiful space, you can never go wrong with a museum visit. 

If you’re worried about the cost, according to the Oxford Royale, ‘Since 2001, entry to more than 50 British national museums has been free,’ so you’ll be able to indulge in as much of the museum as you like, free of charge.  

Watch a Theatre Show

As long as you know how to score cheap theatre tickets, there’s nothing better to put a smile on your face than going to the theatre. Whether you go every year or it’s your first time, it’s something you can certainly enjoy without a glass of something in your hand. 

Alcohol-Free Drinks

Whether you’re looking for a new, fun beverage to sip on at your next alcohol-free activity, or you’re just after a healthier alternative to your favourite alcoholic drink, we’ve got you covered. 

Non-Alcoholic Beers & Ciders

If you’re after non-alcoholic beers, don’t miss out on the following: 

• Peroni Nastro Azzuro 0.0%, £12 from Tesco 
• Heineken 0.0% Alcohol Free Lager Beer, £11.50 from Tesco   
• Erdinger Alcohol Free Wheat Beer, £1.65 from Tesco  
• Thatchers Zero Somerset Cider, £1.80 from Tesco 
• Becks Blue Alcohol Free, £10 from Tesco  
• Bavaria 0.0% Beer, £5 from Tesco  
• Kopparberg Mixed Fruit Alcohol Free, £1.50 from Tesco  
• Koppaberg Cider Strawberry & Lime Alcohol Free, £3.75 from Tesco  

Non-Alcoholic Wines & Spirits

If you’re after non-alcoholic low percentage wines and spirits, don’t miss out on the following: 

• Tanqueray Alcohol Free 0% Spirit, £17.50 from Tesco  
• Gordons 0.0% Alcohol Free Spirit, £15 from Tesco 
• Gordons 0.0% Spirit & Tonic with Lime Cans, £5.50 from Tesco  
• Eisberg Rose Alcohol Free, £3.50 from Tesco  
• Black Tower White Wine 0.0%, £6.35 from The Alcohol Free Co 
• Ebony Vale Chardonnay 0.05%, £6.85 from The Alcohol Free Co 
• Red Cabernet Sauvignon Alcohol Free, £9.99 from The Alcohol Free Co 
• White Caribbean Alcohol Free Rum, £21.99 from The Alcohol Free Co 

Mocktails

If you’re after ready-made mocktails, don’t miss out on the following:  

• Funkin Nitro Passion Fruit Martini Alcohol Free, £6.75 from Tesco  
• J2O Mocktail Strawberry & Orange Blossom Mojito, £1.29 from Tesco  
• J2O Mocktail Blackberry & Blueberry Martini, £1.29 from Tesco  
• J2O Mocktail Peach & Mango Daiquiri, £1.29 from Tesco  
• Pina Colada Spritz, £2.70 from The Alcohol Free Co 
• Non-Alcoholic Mojito, £2.49 from The Alcohol Free Co 
• Non-Alcoholic G&T, £2.49 from The Alcohol Free Co 
• Passion Star Martini, £2.49 from The Alcohol Free Co 
• Espresso Martini, £2.49 from The Alcohol Free Co 

In this day and age, there's one thing that we all need to prioritise more, and that's self-care. But more often than not, it seems the only wellness trends worth trying cost an absolute fortune.

I've tried everything from red light therapy to implementing a no-phone zone, and have worked out how to build a self-care routine you can actually afford.

Here are 13 affordable self-care ideas that you can start today.

What are self care activities?

According to the National Library of Medicine, self care activities are those which aim to “achieve, maintain, or promote optimal health and well-being.”

There are three main types of self care activities that can categorised as follows:

• Physical self care: Staying hydrated, moving your body or getting enough sleep.
• Emotional self-care: Catching up with a friend, doing something you love, or learning a new skill.
• Psychological/spiritual self care: Meditating, journaling, or praying.

How do I create a self care routine?

You don’t need to spend hours on self care activities to reap the benefits. Not only can this be hard to maintain, but it’s simply not realistic for those with a busy schedule.

According to Utah State University, “The reality is you may only have a 10-15 minute slot open in your day. Filling that time with something small and simple is more helpful and meaningful to your self care routine than something that takes several hours.”

So, when it comes to creating a self care routine, aim to start small. You might find you naturally develop a routine from activities you enjoy the most and that don’t require too much of a sacrifice when it comes to your time or money.

13 Ideas for Self Care Activities

You might also like:

• How to Level Up Your At-Home Pamper Nights
• Time to Talk Day: My Top Mental Health App Picks
• The Best Free Yoga Apps and Top Meditation Apps

Related Articles:

• 12 of the Best Daily Habits for Actually Staying Organised
• The Best Ways to Save on Your Gym Membership
• The Best 10 At-Home Workout Ideas

Self Care Ideas FAQs

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The stocking is practically synonymous with Christmas. The image of a group of festive-coloured oversized socks hanging above an open fire is on almost every Christmas card, pillow and ornament.

But with the rising cost of living, it is hard enough to afford the main gifts under the tree without worrying about filling a stocking to boot (pun not intended). But fear not, as plenty of creative and affordable ways ensure those stockings are brimming with joy without breaking the bank. 

And if you're looking for tips on how to save at Christmas, take a look at our ultimate guide on Christmas savings so you can enjoy more for less this Christmas.

What to Buy?

Homemade Treats - Nothing beats the personal touch of homemade goodies. Cookies, brownies, or even homemade fudge can be made in bulk and wrapped in festive packaging. Not only are these treats cost-effective, but they also add a warm, personal touch to your stockings.

Sweets & Chocolates - Sweet treats and chocolates come together with Christmas; it is a day when diets and usual eating habits can be excused. Candy is an excellent way to fill up gaps in a stocking without spending too much money. For example, my family and many others have a tradition of having a Terry’s Chocolate Orange in a stocking. As a bonus, you can tell them it is considered a modern take on the 19th-century tradition of having an orange at Christmas; they symbolise bags of gold from a story where Saint Nicholas left bags of gold for three daughters who didn’t have dowries. Tasty and educational.

Pound Shop Finds - Pound shops are treasure troves for budget-friendly stocking stuffers. You can find various inexpensive and delightful items, from tiny toys to beauty products. Be sure to look out for special deals and seasonal items. On the topic of things for £1, why not buy a lottery scratchcard for an adult-themed stocking? It is the price of a dairy milk bar but gives them the chance of a fun little reward.

Personalised Items - Gifts like photo keychains or custom-made magnets can be surprisingly affordable. These items add a personal touch and show thoughtfulness without costing a lot. ASDA do personalised prints, stationery and magnets for under £5 and more significant things like mugs and keychains for £8 and under.

Second-Hand Books - For the bookworm in your family, second-hand bookstores can be a goldmine for affordable stocking stuffers. You can often find books in excellent condition for a fraction of their original price.

Fun Stationery - Stationery items such as unique pens, fun stickers, or quirky notepads can be great stocking fillers. They are practical, affordable, and can add fun to a stocking, and as a former student and adult, I can attest to how great stationery gifts are. For more information, try our article for a guide to the best budget stationery.

Gift Cards - While gift cards can be expensive, many retailers offer cards in smaller denominations that can fit a tight budget. Even a £5 gift card can be a treat, giving the recipient the freedom to choose their gift.

Educational Items - Small toys, puzzles, or flashcards can be fun and beneficial for children. These items often come cheaply and can provide hours of entertainment and learning.

Quick List of Budget Fillers

• Socks
• Puzzles
• Stickers
• Terry’s Chocolate Orange
• Small power banks
• Magnets
• Keyrings
• Phone cases
• Sweets
• Skincare
• Chocolate coins
• Flavoured toothpaste (instead of the typical boring mint)
• Bath bombs
• Lottery Scratch Card £1 (Provided the recipient is old enough)
• USB sticks
• Stationery
• Toiletry minis
• Clementines & nuts (traditional & cheap)

Stocking Saving Tips

Set a Budget

Sock, not a Sack

Where to Buy?

Make Homemade Gifts

You don’t have to spend money to make a moment memorable. There are plenty of great gifts you can make to help make a stocking special.

Crafty Creations - If you’re handy with crafts, homemade items like knitted scarves, custom bookmarks, or hand-painted ornaments can be unique and heartfelt stocking fillers. These items also add value to your time and creativity and are fun to make!

DIY Beauty Treatments - Homemade beauty treatments like bath salts, sugar scrubs, or face masks are simple and can be a luxurious addition to any stocking. Ingredients like Epsom salt, essential oils, and sugar are affordable and can make multiple gifts.

Handwritten Notes - Sometimes, the best gifts cost nothing at all. A heartfelt, handwritten note, poem, or handmade coupon for a personal favour (like a day of chores or a home-cooked meal) can be significant and cost only your time and creativity. 

Filling Christmas stockings on a budget does not mean compromising on the joy and excitement of the season. With creativity, resourcefulness, and a dash of personal touch, you can create stockings filled with love, thoughtfulness, and delightful surprises while keeping your finances in check. Remember, it's the thought and the love that goes into each stocking that truly counts.

Are they looking for more Christmas gift inspiration? Check out our article on how to save on kids’ toys. 

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