ReportWire

Tag: glamour loves

  • I’ve been testing meal prep services for the past five years – here are the results

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    “If you really care about your health – and the specifics of it – then Field Doctor is well worth trying. They’re a new player in the meal prep services arena, aiming to create amazing food that feeds your health. And by that, I don’t just mean food to help you lose weight or build muscle. Field Doctor lets you choose your meals to manage allergies and intolerances, reduce inflammation, improve gut health, optimise menopause or peri-menopause… the list goes on. Their website is incredibly thorough, which encouraged me to put huge amounts of trust into what they have created.

    “Everything on my tailor-made plan (centred around eating more plants and reducing inflammation) sounded delicious. Chickpea masala curry, Italian meatballs, Malaysian tofu curry and red pesto and roasted vegetable penne were just some of the concoctions it threw up to me.

    “When my meals arrived, although totally not important when it came to the meals themselves, the first thing I noticed was the branding. It appeals to the minimalist in me, with meals boxed up in Tiffany-blue packaging. Very chic.

    “Inside, the meals included 100% whole ingredients – nothing processed round these parts – and they came frozen for freshness. I was a little worried about whether I’d need to defrost them before cooking, but you can actually reheat them from frozen – mostly in around five minutes.

    “I sometimes find that frozen meals can go a tad water-y when you reheat them – which can lead to them losing some flavour. And sadly, this was the case with some of the Field Doctor meals I tried. They were all still delicious, don’t get me wrong, but just a bit less flavourful than other services I’ve tried.

    “That aside, I would order from them again. You can pick a regular delivery day, there’s loads of choice, and they’re a great healthy option to ensure you avoid too many takeaways.”

    • Tested by: Sophie Cockett.
    • Pros: Very aesthetic, meals tailored to specific health concerns, no processed ingredients.
    • Cons: Not as full-of-taste as some of the other meal prep services I’ve tried.
    • Star dish: Malaysian tofu curry.
    • Cost: Single serve from £6.99 to £7.29. Double serve: from £10.39 to £10.79.
    • Delivery: Delivery charge varies depending on your location. It can range from £5.50-£23.

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    Sophie Cockett, Mayola Fernandes

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  • I finally upgraded my bath towels and I wish I’d done it sooner

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    Turns out, finding the best bath towels is more transformative than you’d think. Not in a life-changing kind of way – but suddenly your bathroom feels fresher, softer, and you’ll feel all the more smug for it. After years of limp old cotton towels (one gifted, two stolen from a shared house), I finally upgraded. And honestly? The difference is immediate. Fluffier, yes – but also quicker to dry, better on skin, and far less likely to end up smelling damp after a day on the rail.

    The latest generation of towels is anything but basic, swapping standard terry for thoughtful design and elevated comfort. We’re talking rich textures, striking patterns, and generously sized styles that easily pull double duty as beach towels or even impromptu picnic throws. Suddenly, your towel is as much about style as it is about function.

    In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best of the best – from super soft Egyptian cotton sets with that luxurious feel, to quick-drying Turkish cotton towels that actually fit in a small washing load. We’ve looked at everyday hand towels, oversized bath sheets, the fluffiest face cloths, and full bath towel sets that make your airing cupboard look seriously satisfying. There are breathable bamboo blends for sensitive skin, plush spa-worthy picks, and durable designs that hold up in the washing machine week after week.

    If you’re wondering what actually makes a towel “good”, it mostly comes down to GSM – that’s grams per square metre for the uninitiated. The higher the number, the heavier (and usually more absorbent) the towel. But it’s not always about weight. We’ve included some lower-GSM styles that are soft, fast-drying and ideal if you’re short on space – or patience.

    We also paid attention to the details: how the towels feel after a few washes, whether they fray, how fast they air dry, and whether they actually do their job (you’d be surprised). Style matters too – we’ve got minimalist neutrals, crisp white towels, textured waffle towels, and chic striped numbers that give a full bathroom glow-up.

    Essentially, if your current towels are stiff, thin, or making you question your standards – this is your sign. A good quality, absorbent towel isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a daily upgrade you’ll feel every time you step out of the shower.


    Bath towel FAQs, answered:


    Meet the experts:


    How we test bath towels

    At GLAMOUR, we’re all about giving our readers honest, independent, and utterly trustworthy reviews. That means recommending not just the prettiest bath towels, but the ones that actually deliver on comfort, quality, and everyday practicality.

    Each bath towel in this edit has been tested for quality, absorbency, size options, drying time and pre- and post-wash softness before being scored out of 10.

    Our testers’ looked out for signs of wear, pilling, and snags to ensure we outlined any drawbacks. The result? A selection of high-quality bathroom towels to suit everyone’s needs from hotel-style towels to towels suitable for children.

    After more interiors content? Head this way for beach towels, bath trays and bath mats – and over here for the best duvet and best mattresses for your best night’s kip yet.

    For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

    Ahead, the best bath towels of 2025.

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    Mayola Fernandes

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  • I’ve not used a tampon in years — here are the period pants I recommend to all my pals

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    I’m a glass-half-empty kind of gal, and so reading that only 19% of women purchased period pants in the past year left me a little, well, bummed. Why are we so reluctant to try the more sustainable option when it comes to sanitary products?

    Disclaimer: I was a little hesitant at first, too, unsure of how absorbent and odourless they could actually be. However, I am now a convert — and even more so after reading that one tampon may contain the same amount of plastic as five shopping bags. Over a lifetime, that’s the equivalent of 57,000 supermarket shoppers.

    Not entirely sold? “Period pants offer a range of benefits,” shares Susanna Unsworth, an NHS and private doctor specialising in menopause, women’s health and breast cancer. “Environmentally, they are far more sustainable since disposable products contain plastics and contribute significantly to landfill waste. Although the initial cost is higher, period pants are generally more cost-effective in the long run, lasting for years if cared for properly.

    “They also provide longer-lasting protection, so you don’t need to change products as frequently. Once women find the right style and fit, many report that they are more comfortable and less irritating than pads, which can shift, bunch, or feel bulky.”

    So, considering I have seen every cycle as an opportunity to test a variety of period pant styles — from full briefs to bikinis for your heaviest days and even light flow-friendly thongs — I feel qualified to declare which are the best period pants — including the best period pants for teens and period swimwear — for women and those with vulvas in 2025.

    SKIP TO:


    How we test the best period pants:

    At GLAMOUR, it is of utmost importance that we provide our readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews. We’re committed to bringing our readers unbiased and accurate information, recommending not only the best period pants overall but also the best for your needs.

    GLAMOUR team members Sophie Cockett and Sophie Donovan – along with others – trialled each pair of bestseller period pants over several months at various points in our cycles. Some have even been tested for well over a year.

    We worked out in them, went to actual work in them, and lounged in them. From midi briefs to thongs, we scored each pair based on functionality and period protection: factors like comfort, absorbency during heavy periods, what they’re made from (organic cotton or elastane for extra sustainability creds), how well they washed, whether they keep that clean feeling and how they felt under normal clothes. We’re confident this edit of the best period pants will serve you. Fill your boots.

    What are period pants?

    “Period pants are just like your day-to-day underwear but with the added benefit of being able to absorb your period blood, so you can be free to get on with your day,” Raut said. Period underwear often has an absorbent, moisture-wicking and odour-eliminating gusset and is available in a plethora of styles to suit your flow. You can bleed freely in them for up to 12 hours, whether you’re going to work, to the gym — or even for a swim, thanks to the development of period swimwear.

    “A common misconception is that period pants leak more easily than pads,” adds Unsworth. “In reality, if you choose the right absorbency for your flow, they are highly reliable, and unlike pads, they don’t slip out of place.

    “Another myth is that they are unhygienic. In fact, the moisture-wicking layers keep skin dry and help prevent irritation, while modern fabrics are breathable and designed to resist bacterial growth. After rinsing in cold water, they can be machine-washed like other clothing, making them both safe and easy to care for.”


    Ahead, the best period pants for women and people who menstruate in 2025:

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    Sophie Donovan

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  • I have dry skin and this tinted moisturiser is my everyday go-to

    I have dry skin and this tinted moisturiser is my everyday go-to

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    “Unlike generic tinted moisturisers, which are designed to add hydration with just a touch of pigment, BB creams – or ‘Beauty Balms’ – are designed to merge these skincare effects with makeup pigments and SPF whilst still being relatively lightweight,” muses Rose when I quiz her on the matter.

    “CC Creams – or ‘colour correctors’ – merge makeup, skincare and SPF with the specific intention of colour correcting any uneven tones to create a more even canvas. These tend to have slightly more pigment and coverage as they’re used to correct things like redness, pigmentation or acne.” She continues, “DD creams, or ‘Daily Defence’ creams, are the least popular. Daily defence really pertains to a cream like the others, but this time with ingredients designed to offer high SPF protection or protection against environmental aggressors with targeted ingredients like vitamin C.”

    Long story short, the market is full of options. Lots of them are great, but some are also quite meh, which is why I’ve narrowed down the very best tinted moisturisers for all skin types, budgets and preferences. I’ve tried to keep this list to tinted moisturisers only, but we have more guides on the best BB creams and CC creams if you like the sound of them too. For now though, if you like the sound of a lightweight tint to keep you feeling fresh and confident this summer, then just keep scrolling – ‘cos a healthy glow is but a click away.

    How we tested tinted moisturisers

    Throughout the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tried hundreds of tinted moisturisers, having tested said formulas on a variety of skin types, skin tones and age groups. When reviewing each formula, we’ve assessed the final look and whether it lasts all day, as well as value for money and how innovative it is compared to other options on the market.

    Feeling inspired to upgrade your makeup routine? Check out our guides on the best bronzers, best concealers, best lightweight foundations, best cream blushes and best liquid blushes. We can also help you pick the best lipstick, best highlighter, best eyebrow product, best setting spray, best retinol serums, best moisturisers and lotions, best body scrubs and more.

    For more beauty content from our Beauty Commerce Contributor Humeara Mohamed, follow her on Instagram @humeara and TikTok @humearaa.

    Scroll for our full edit of the best tinted moisturisers…

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    Elle Turner, Sophie Cockett, Denise Primbet, Humeara Mohamed

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  • The best online flower delivery services for Miley-inspired self-gifting

    The best online flower delivery services for Miley-inspired self-gifting

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    Mother’s Day is nearly upon us, and with it, searches for the best flower delivery services are burgeoning. Luckily, the flower delivery shop scene is blooming beautifully ahead of Mothering Sunday, and hand-delivered floral arrangements remain an endlessly special way to show your loved one you care.

    Outside of Mother’s Day, a bouquet of pink roses and a greetings card will almost always do the job. Outstayed your welcome at your parents’ house? Congratulating a friend’s new job? Order a beautiful bouquet. Feeling a bit down and eager to treat yourself? Order flowers. Miley said to.

    You might not be able to get to your local florists on time, but a quick Google search for the best online flower delivery services will throw up thousands flower shops, each with countless delivery options promising the freshest, most beautiful blooms, letterbox flowers and gift hampers. But how to choose which suppliers of tulips, carnations, freesias and orchids will actually deliver on their speed and freshness guarantees? We’ve got you.

    Ahead, the crème de la crème of British next-day flower delivery services – from independent florists to high street heroes – for a last-minute gift, whatever the special occasion.

    SKIP TO: How we tested flower delivery services | How to make your flowers last longer | Our full edit of the best flower delivery shops for Mother’s Day.


    Meet the expert:

    What is the best flower delivery company?

    This article was updated in February 2024 to ensure all bouquets are in stock.


    How we chose the best flower delivery services:

    GLAMOUR always strives to provide our readers with independent, honest and trustworthy reviews. We have been testing flower delivery services for the past four years to curate this edit of ethical florists – scoring entries based on value for money, variety of options, delivery, arrangements and how long they lasted for before they started wilting.

    We’ve considered factors like whether sustainability credentials are upheld, whether deliveries came with flower food, how easy our fresh-cut flowers were to arrange and whether flower subscription services are available at the same time. We’ve also considered whether you can add cards and luxe gifts to your orders. We’re confident that our guide provides you with everything you need to know.


    How can I make my flowers last longer?

    There’s little point in spending upwards of £25 on a beautiful bouquet of the freshest spring flowers if they’re not going to last.

    “First and foremost, changing the water and trimming the stems every three days will help keep your flowers hydrated and full of life,” Freddie Garland, expert florist and founder of Freddie’s Flowers told us.

    In addition, you should always fill your vase up with cold water. Not warm water. Also, store them out of direct sunlight. Warm water and bright sunshine encourage flowers to bloom earlier, meaning they’ll have a shorter life span and last for less time. Oh, and put your flowers in a glass vase. Glass helps keep flowers looking better for longer than plastic and metal do, because plastic and metal encourage faster multiplication of bacteria.


    After more Mother’s Day content? Shop the best Mother’s Day gifts, gifts for mums, first Mother’s Day gifts and mum-to-be gifts. For more from our Senior Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.

    Ahead, our full edit of the below flower delivery services in the UK right now.

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    Sophie Cockett

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  • 15 best electric diffusers for a spa experience at home

    15 best electric diffusers for a spa experience at home

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    According to Robert Tisserand, an Essential Oil Educator and Aromatherapy Expert from California, “Clinical studies have shown that aromatherapy by inhalation can have real benefits for people with, for example, anxiety, [problems with] mental focus, depressive symptoms, and menstrual pain.”

    Further research has supported this, showing that essential oils can interact with the brain and nervous system to positively impact your health and mood. That said, Jo Kellet – essential oils expert at Tisserand – added that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, even with their numerous benefits. Indeed, Jo explained, “Essential oils need to be diluted before being applied to the skin in either a base oil, lotion, or cream, for example. They are concentrated essences that can, if used neat, cause a severe skin reaction, or over time build up a sensitivity to that essential oil.” Enter: the essential oil aroma diffuser.

    When essential oils are concentrated in an essential oil diffuser – and subsequently inhaled – they can easily stimulate the olfactory system in the brain. Thus, running an ultrasonic diffuser can effectively reduce feelings of anxiety and stress – and help you nod off to sleep.

    Is it OK to use a diffuser every day?

    Yes. Essential oil diffusers are safe, and their risk of harm is minimal. In fact, inhalation is arguably the safest means of administering essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree. To be extra safe, when shopping for your essential oil blend, be sure that it specifically says on the bottle or website that it’s considered safe for internal consumption. This means the essential oil is safe to diffuse indoors and is high-quality.

    Jo explains one of the ways she ensures her oils are still safe for use if you’ve owned them for a long time: “Essential oils may change odour or colour and more importantly may cause skin sensitivity if used beyond their best before date. We, therefore, recommend that you use your essential oils within one year of opening them to minimise this risk.” She continues: “A good way to keep a check on this is to place a sticker on your bottle with the date of opening.” Take note.

    Do electric diffusers use a lot of electricity?

    Not particularly, and they’re not particularly expensive to run. If you’re worried, you go for something cordless or powered via USB. You just need a few drops of essential oil and some water, and you’re good to go.

    How we tested the best essential oil diffusers:

    We surveyed the GLAMOUR office to find out what editors and wellness experts look for in the best electric diffuser. Then, we tested every model over a period of at least one month in our homes, assessing them on factors like fragrance intensity, ease of use, automatic shut-off, water capacity and design. Our edit features only the electric diffusers we really loved – and we’ve given each a star rating to make your choice even easier.

    What are the best essential oils for electric diffusers?

    One of the best things about investing in an essential oil diffuser is that you can switch up the oils you’re using depending on your needs at that time. Lavender is good to help you relax before bed (we recommend the Tisserand Lavender Essential Oil), while rosemary will help you stay focused when you’re working from home. Cedarwood, lemon, bergamot, vanilla, lemongrass, orange and valerian are good for stress and anxiety, while peppermint is good for a mood boost.

    Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Pure Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

    Spa Restore Fragrance Oil

    Neom Scent to Sleep Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

    Ellia Lavender 100% Pure Essential Oil

    Neom Scent to Make You Happy Essential Oil Blend

    For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

    Ahead, our full edit of the best electric diffusers to add to your checkout right now.

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    Sophie Cockett, Mayola Fernandes

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