The Recommended
type: channel
link: https://www.therecommended.com
description: Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
date: 2023-09-01T13:03:30.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: The best luggage locks to keep your belongings safe while you travel
items: The best luggage scales to help you avoid excess baggage fees
items: The best fans to help you beat the heat
items: The best dog crates for all types of dog, recommended by animal experts
items: The best foundations, recommended by professional make-up artists: Lancôme, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder and more
items: The best make-up brushes, recommended by beauty experts: Fenty Beauty, Real Techniques, Bobbi Brown and more
items: The best exercise mats for your home workouts, recommended by personal trainers
items: The best dog beds, recommended by top animal experts
items: The best cat litter trays, with buying advice from cat experts
items: The best under-bed storage: extra storage for clothes, shoes and bedding

The best luggage locks to keep your belongings safe while you travel
type: item
date: 2023-09-01T10:00:14.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: The Recommended's specially curated list of the best luggage locks in a variety of designs to suit every need.
encoded: If you've ever had items stolen from your luggage, you'll know that nothing ruins a holiday quite like it. It's one of the worst feelings in the world to open up your bag and see it's been tampered with or have it trundle towards you on the luggage belt and see the zip has been torn open. Luckily, to avoid this heart-dropping ordeal, there is a solution: luggage locks. These largely inexpensive security items can be the difference between returning to your belongings to find them safe and undamaged or a holiday nightmare. Luggage locks come in all shapes and sizes, from high-tech smart locks to your classic lock and key design. There are hundreds of variations on the market, but with so much choice, how do you find the best luggage lock to suit your needs? Well, that’s where we come in. The Recommended has found the best to keep your stuff safe. With family packs, combination locks, and some helpful added info, we’re here to help you crack the code to optimal luggage security (see what we did there?). The best luggage locks at a glance: Best basic lock: ZHEGE Combination Lock, £7.99, at Amazon Best combination lock: Diyife TSA Luggage Locks, £10.99, at Amazon Best for families: Temu 10 Mini Luggage Locks, £22.49, at Temu Best key lock: GoTravel Glo Key Locks, £7, at Boots Best cable lock: Go Travel Retractable Cable Luggage Padlock, £9.99, at John Lewis Best smart lock: ENER-J Fingerprint Padlock Black, £29.99, at Robert Dyas Best small lock: Mountain Warehouse Twin Locks, £7.99, at Mountain Warehouse Best versatile lock: Master Lock 1534EURD, £18.53, at Amazon The best luggage locks Best basic lock: ZHEGE Combination Lock Cost-effective security This durable combination lock is reliable and affordable with a classic design. Its four-number combination makes it much more reliable than the classic three-number style lock (if you can trust your memory). It is made with a durable zinc alloy and hardened steel for weatherproof and saw-resistant security. It also comes i…

Hero-luggae-locks-7d74a06.png
width: 620
height: 413

The best luggage scales to help you avoid excess baggage fees
type: item
date: 2023-08-31T12:00:25.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
subject: Travel
description: We scoured the internet to find the best luggage and collated all the baggage information you need to help your airport check-in experience be as stress-free as possible (you’re welcome).
encoded: An overweight bag can make or break your holiday and quickly dampen your time away before you've even left the airport. Going over your allowed baggage could see you charged up to £18 per kilo, so your travel fund could be taking an early hit if you mistakenly pack too much. Luckily, this airport travel mistake can easily be avoided by investing in a luggage scale. Buying a luggage scale won't break the bank, can keep your mind at rest before heading off on holiday, and (most importantly) leave you with some extra cash to spend at the poolside bar. The handy tool comes in a variety of different designs, from classic to manual scales and sleek to digital. Finding the right scale for you is the best way to avoid the added expense, but with so many to choose from, where do you start? Well, that’s where we come in. The Recommended has curated a list of the best luggage scales on the market to help you find the best one. We’ve also thrown in some key information on how to use luggage scales and what the most popular airlines' baggage fees are to keep your airport experience as stress-free as possible. The best luggage scales at a glance: Best for over-packers: Etekcity Luggage Scale, £11.99, at Amazon Best digital scale: FREETOO Luggage Scale, £18.59, at Fruugo Best floor scale: Smart Weigh Heavy Duty Scale, £82.87, at OnBuy Best compact luggage scale: Salter 9500 Luggage Scale, £19.99, at Boots Best manual luggage sale: Samsonite Manual Luggage Scale, £12, at Amazon Best-designed luggage scale: Faithfull Portable Electronic Scale, £15.05, at Building Materials Best value luggage scale: Ossian 2 in 1 Luggage Scale, £6.99, at Amazon Best easy-to-use luggage scales: Lifeventure Digital Weighing Scales, £19.99, at Sportfish The best luggage scales Here are our top picks of the best luggage scales: Best for over-packers: Etekcity Luggage Scale For everything but the kitchen sink This digital luggage scale has an innovative design and convenient features tailored to those who…

best-luggage-scales-hero--bc1a299.jpg
width: 620
height: 413

The best fans to help you beat the heat
type: item
date: 2023-08-16T11:45:28.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Summer essentials
description: We've done our research to find the best fans to help you keep cool, and pulled together some top tips on how to make the most out of your new fan.
encoded: When the temperatures begin to rise, having a fan becomes the most important home accessory to help us through daily life. Whether you need to stay cool while working at your desk or want to sleep better at night, electric fans become the solution to those sticky summer days. If you're currently looking to buy a fan, there are tons of options on the market, which can make it hard to choose the right one. From affordable classic pedestal fans to fancy smart models, there's a fan for everyone, so which ones are the best? Here at The Recommended, we've done some digging to find this out for you. We have a list of all the top fans for all situations – whether you're into bladeless tower fans, USB-charged rotors or fans that you can easily transport. We've also got a buyer's guide to help you choose the right fan for you, how to position your fan correctly, and common mistakes when using a fan. Jump to the best fans: Best powerful fan: Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan, £30, at Argos Best handheld fan: John Lewis Handheld and Foldable Desk Fan, £12 at John Lewis Best quiet fan: Dreo 106cm Tower Fan, £89.99, at Amazon Best desk fan: SMARTDEVIL Desk Fan, £15.99, at Amazon Best pedestal fan: Pro Breeze 16-Inch Pedestal Fan, £74.99, at B&Q Best smart fan: Princess Smart Tower Fan, £100.99, at Debenhams Best affordable fan: Scandi Tower Fan, £35.99, Wayfair Best purifying fan: DYSON Pure Hot+Cool, £399, at Curry's Best bladeless fan:ANSIO Tower Fan 30-inch with Remote, £79.97, at Amazon The best fans Best powerful fan: Honeywell TurboForce Power Fan Packs a punch This small, portable fan proves that size isn’t everything, with cooling power that can be felt up to seven meters away and a 90-degree oscillating head. The versatile fan can be used on various surfaces, from floors to desks, and promises to keep you cool without keeping you up due to its discreet, quiet design. This fan allows you to customise your comfort with three variable speed settings to suit every situation. Be…

best-fans-hero-625e234.jpg
width: 620
height: 413

The best dog crates for all types of dog, recommended by animal experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T15:00:20.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: When it comes to buying a dog crate, there's more to consider than you might think. We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look for and what to avoid when buying a dog crate for your furry friend.
encoded: If you own a dog you'll know that they tend to take over the home and if they're not asleep on your washing you can often find them mucking around on your sofa, dirtying the carpets, or attempting to steal food from the table. Whilst you might feel like your dog has free roam of your house they do still need a place they can call their own where they can go to sleep at night and feel secure during the day. That's where a dog crate comes in. Dog crates often house your dog's bed and give your pup privacy and security. The majority of dog owners have crates and crate training is an important part of welcoming a new pooch to the family and can help your new addition with toilet training and separation anxiety. When looking to buy a dog crate for your pet, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where we come in. The Recommended sought the opinions of three leading animal experts and got their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when finding the best dog crate for your four-legged friend. In line with their advice and recommendations, we put together our list of the best dog crates to keep your furry friend happy and content. The best dog crates at a glance: Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo dog crate, £35.99, at OnBuy Best dog crate for puppies: MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Crate Starter Kit, £88.74, at Amazon Best space-saving dog crate: Double Door Dog Crate, £54, at Argos Best dog crate for travel: MOOL Lightweight Fabric Crate, £39.99, at Amazon Best fabric dog crate: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, £66.26, at Amazon Best dog crate for cars: Easipet Folding Sloping Car Crate, £26.99, at B&Q Best wooden dog crate: PawHut Wooden Pet Crate, £85.99, at Robert Dyas Best chew-proof dog crate: Kelixu Heavy Duty Dog Crate, £179.99, at ManoMano The best dog crates Best overall dog crate: Ellie-Bo Dog Crate Versatile and built to last A real all-rounder, this dog crate speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. With a removable tray base and a durable steel st…

the-best-dog-crates-hero-image--f652616.jpg
width: 620
height: 413

The best foundations, recommended by professional make-up artists: Lancôme, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder and more
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T13:51:30.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Cosmetics
subject: Beauty
subject: Make Up
description: We spoke to some of the beauty industry’s leading experts to get their take on what to look for (and avoid) when choosing the best foundation for you.
encoded: Success starts with a strong foundation, especially when it comes to make-up. Whether you’re creating a statement look or opting for a simple base and mascara combo, finding the best foundation for you is pivotal. Knowing your skin type and undertones are a key first step in finding the best foundation for you. Once you’ve figured out the basics, it's time to choose your perfect foundation match, but with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. The Recommended spoke to three leading beauty experts to get their take on what makes for a great foundation and what to steer clear of when picking your product. With these expert tips and recommendations in mind, we’ve listed our top picks of the best foundations for every skin type and concern. From dry skin saviours to oil-free options, we’ve got all bases covered (see what we did there?). We've also included a comprehensive buyer's guide to answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to foundation. Read on for the full 411. Ready to apply your foundation? Check out our guide on the best make-up brushes to get you started. The best foundations at a glance Best affordable foundation: L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, £7.69 at Look Fantastic Best long-wearing foundation: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation, £5 at Boots Best waterproof foundation: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Freshware Foundation, £11.99 at Boots Best oil-free foundation: e.l.f Flawless Finish Foundation, £7.50 at Boots Best matte foundation: Revlon Colour Stay Liquid Foundation, £6.50 at Look Fantastic Best powder foundation: BareMinerals Original Foundation, £36.50 at Cult Beauty Best CC cream: Erborian CC Cream, £41 at Look Fantastic Best dewy foundation: NYX Born To Glow Radiant Foundation, £10 at Cult Beauty Best full coverage foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup, £36.60 at Look Fantastic Best foundation for oily skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, £17.5…

Best-foundation-gif-e40e3bc.gif
width: 620
height: 412

The best make-up brushes, recommended by beauty experts: Fenty Beauty, Real Techniques, Bobbi Brown and more
type: item
date: 2023-08-15T11:00:16.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Cosmetics
subject: Beauty
subject: Make Up
description: We spoke to leading beauty experts to hear their thoughts on what makes the perfect make-up brush. We got their take on what to look out for and avoid when shopping for make-up brushes, plus answer your top questions with a handy buyer's guide.
encoded: We all know that a good craftsman never blames his tools, but that saying pretty much goes out of the window when it comes to make-up brushes. It’s true that great make-up artists create incredible looks with skill and talent, but they’d be the first to tell you that it's pretty much impossible to paint a make-up masterpiece with a low-quality brush and sub-par cosmetics. Even if you’ve found the perfect foundation for a flawless base and the ideal mascara for your classic smokey eye, that’s only half the battle. With more makeup brushes on the market than there are shades of MAC lipstick, how do you know where to start? Well, that’s where we come in. Here at The Recommended, we've rounded up some of the top make-up brushes out there for all eventualities and compiled a handy buyer's guide for all the tips you need to know. We also spoke to leading beauty experts to get their professional advice, from what to look out for, to things to avoid when shopping for your perfect make-up-brush-match. Read on for the full lowdown. The best make-up brushes at a glance Best affordable brush set: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials, £16.79 at Look Fantastic Best vegan make-up brushes: EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully make-up Brush Set, £13.99 at Look Fantastic Best eyeshadow brush set: Real Techniques Enhanced Eye Set, £20 at Boots Best angled brow brush: Docolor Duo Eyebrow Brush, £2.99 at Amazon Best contour brush: e.l.f Contouring Brush, £7 at Feel Unique Best blush brush: EcoTools Precision Blush Brush, £6 at Boots Best powder brush: Sigma Large Powder Brush, £25.20 at Look Fantastic Best foundation brush: Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush, £32.85 at Look Fantastic Best highlighter brush: Fenty Beauty Cheek-Hugging Highlighter Brush, £25 at Boots Best premium brush set: Spectrum x Katie Janes Hughes 25-piece brush set, £169.99 at John Lewis The best make-up brushes Best affordable brush set: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials For an everyday masterpiece This everyday …

Untitled-design-2022-03-31T175152.572-1f5ea52.png
width: 620
height: 413

The best exercise mats for your home workouts, recommended by personal trainers
type: item
date: 2023-08-14T10:27:40.000Z
creator: Cordelia Aspinall
subject: Fitness
subject: Exercise
description: When it comes to exercise mats, we’re spoilt for choice. We spoke to fitness experts to eliminate the guesswork and get their take on what to look out for and what to avoid when finding the best exercise mat for you. We've also answered some of your other most commonly asked questions.
encoded: In recent years, home workouts have revolutionised the way the world approaches fitness. More and more of us are passing on the aggressive music and awkward interactions of the gym and are instead opting to get a sweat on in the comfort of our own bedrooms and living rooms. At-home workouts require at-home equipment, from dumbbells to resistance bands and exercise mats, the right kit can help you progress and keep your exercise routine varied. When looking to buy an exercise mat, there’s a lot to think about. The right exercise mat will reduce pressure on joints, aid balance and be tailored to your needs to support you in reaching your fitness goals. If you’re in the market for an exercise mat (and I mean, why else would you be here?), you’ll know you’re pretty spoilt for choice. Well, at The Recommended, we’ve done our homework. We spoke to two leading fitness experts to get their take on what to look out for and what to avoid when looking for the best exercise mat for you. You can read their expert advice in full at the bottom of this page. We've also put together a handy buyer's guide, answering some of the most commonly asked questions, to help you find the very best mat for you and your needs. And once you've snapped up your brand new exercise mat, check out our guide on full-body workouts to do at home to get into action and put it to the test. The best exercise mats at a glance: Best overall exercise mat: Lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm, £88 at Lululemon Best multipurpose exercise mat: Maximo Exercise Mat, from £10.99 at Amazon Best sturdy exercise mat: John Lewis 10mm Exercise Mat, £25 at John Lewis Best thick exercise mat: XN8 Padded Exercise Mat, £19.99 at Amazon Best exercise mat for travel: Navaris Exercise Mat, £17.99 at Amazon Best non-slip exercise mat: KK Exercise Mat, £19.95 at Amazon Best sweat-proof exercise mat: Pro Fitness 10mm Exercise Mat, £30 at Argos Best exercise mat for kids: Yogi-me Mat, £29.99 at Amazon Best large exercise mat: Karma Fitne…

the-best-exercise-mats-hero-image--2823a01.jpg
width: 620
height: 413

The best dog beds, recommended by top animal experts
type: item
date: 2023-08-10T13:30:04.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Dogs
description: We spoke to leading animal experts to get their take on what to look out for, and what to avoid when buying the best dog bed for your furry friend.
encoded: If you have a dog, you'll know that amongst walks, treats, toys and tummy rubs, one of their favourite pastimes is sleeping. On average, dogs sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, with puppies and senior dogs averaging a sleep time of 18 hours up to a whopping 20 hours a day. With so much time asleep, it's important that our dogs get the best bed so that when their heads are on the pillows, they feel comfortable and secure, so they can get quality rest. Having the right bed is essential for supporting your dog through a happy and healthy life, but with so many options on the market, how do you know which dog bed is best? To help you work this out, we've got rid of the guesswork and spoken to three animal experts who gave their take on what to look out for (and avoid) when buying the best dog bed for your pooch. From the perfect puppy-proof bed to memory foam havens for your golden oldies, we’ve covered all bases with our expert lead recommendations of the best dog beds. The best dog beds at a glance: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed, £109.99 at Amazon Best chew-proof dog bed: Bedsure Waterproof Dog Bed, £40.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for puppies: Vet Fleece Bedding, £18.73 at Wayfair Best orthopaedic dog bed: Silentnight Orthopedic Pet Bed, £85 at Argos Best anti-anxiety dog bed: Silentnight Donut Dog Bed, £40 at Boots Best durable dog bed: Topology Luxury Dog Bed, £110 at Omlet Best memory foam dog bed: JoyElf Memory Foam Dog Bed, £57.99 at Amazon Best dog bed for large dogs: Silentnight Airmax Pet Bed, £55 at Pets at Home Best travel dog bed: OneTigris Travel Dog Bed, £32.99 at Amazon The best dog beds: Best overall dog bed: PetFusion Dog Bed Smart and sustainable This bed speaks to all our expert’s recommendations. Prioritising superior comfort and ease of use, PetFusion Dog Bed works to improve your dog's health, mobility, and energy. The Petfusion is great for all shapes and sizes, and larger beds can easily support larger dogs over 50kg. With a solid 10cm memo…

the-best-dog-beds-hero-image-final--672c3d0.jpg
width: 620
height: 413

The best cat litter trays, with buying advice from cat experts
type: item
date: 2023-07-28T12:15:25.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Pets
subject: Cats
description: We spoke to a leading veterinarian and a seasoned animal behaviourist to get their take on what you should look out for (and avoid) when looking for the best cat litter tray for your favourite feline.
encoded: Cat litter trays aren't the most attractive part of owning a cat, but they are essential for your feline's comfort and the safety of your carpet. Choosing the right cat litter tray will not only make your cat feel sheltered and secure but also protect your home from unpleasant smells and unwanted cleaning jobs. Cat litter trays come in all shapes and sizes, from very basic to high-tech designs. With thousands of options available, picking the right one can be a tough task. To help, we've gone on a mission to find the best cat litter trays for your home. We've spoken to two experts, a leading veterinarian and a seasoned animal behaviourist, to get their take on what you should look out for (and avoid) when purchasing a cat litter tray. Here are some of their favourite cat trays and advice on how to choose the right cat litter tray for you. The best cat litter trays at a glance: Best open litter tray: Iris Ohyama Cat Litter Tray, £23.99 at Amazon Best litter tray with hood: Trixie Vico Litter Tray, £16.59, at Zooplus Best discreet litter tray: Archie & Oscar Messer Litter Box Enclosure, £102.99, at Wayfair Best self-cleaning litter tray: PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Tray, £286, at Argos Best private litter tray: Pets at Home Casetta Hooded Cat Litter Tray, £50, at Pets at Home Best large litter tray: CatCentre Large Litter Tray, £16.95, at Amazon Best metal litter tray: Yangbaga Stainless Steel Litter Tray, £42.99, at Amazon Best travel litter tray: Petsfit Portable Litter Box, £28.95, at Amazon The best cat litter trays Best open litter tray: Iris Ohyama Cat litter tray High walls for good protection While this litter tray is made with an open-top design, the high sides prevent mess, and the transparent plastic allows your pet to see their surroundings, helping them feel safe and secure. This cat litter tray is made of durable plastic and comes equipped with a litter scoop. It's less restrictive than a hooded design while still working to keep litter co…

cat-litter-tray-hero-image--4867790.jpg
width: 620
height: 413

The best under-bed storage: extra storage for clothes, shoes and bedding
type: item
date: 2023-05-23T13:59:44.000Z
creator: Finn Byrne
subject: Household
subject: Home organisation
description: Maximise your storage space with our top picks of the best under-bed storage to help keep your wardrobe and drawers clutter-free.
encoded: We’ve all been guilty of shoving things under the bed to ‘tidy up’ - from old jumpers, winter coats or pairs of trainers you can’t find when you need them. While hap haphazardly shoving things out of sight might not be the best storage solution, investing in quality under-bed storage is a great way to maximise your storage space and organise your household. When it comes to finding the perfect under-bed storage solution, there are plenty of products to choose from. There is something for everyone, from large-capacity foldable boxes to durable plastic designs. So, where do you start? That's where we come in. The Recommended scoured the web to find the best under-bed storage for every need. We’ve pulled together our top picks to remove the guesswork and help you shop smarter (you’re welcome). The best under bed storage at a glance: Best basic under-bed storage: Amazon Basics Underbed Storage Bag Set of 2 Best under-bed shoe storage: John Lewis ANYDAY Underbed Shoe Storage Tray Best looking storage: John Lewis Water Hyacinth Underbed Storage Basket Best for accessories storage: John Lewis Bamboo Rim Divided Storage Basket Best under-bed storage drawer: Habitat Aspley Single Under Bed Wooden Drawer Best foldable storage bags: NestNeatly SmartCube Underbed Storage Best heavy-duty storage: Dunelm Heavy Duty Underbed Storage The best-under-bed storage Best basic under-bed storage: Amazon Basics Underbed Storage Bag Set of 2 This is a set of two transparent storage bags, and both are soft-sided and can be folded flat for storage when not in use. They are zip locked, so they offer protection from dust and have a transparent cover so you can see the items being stored inside. They both have side handles so you can easily carry the bags and retrieve them from under the bed with no hassle. The fabric bags are also designed for long-term use as they are made with tear-resistant material. Best under-bed shoe storage: John Lewis ANYDAY Underbed Shoe Storage Tray This under-bed sto…

underbed-hero-712404f.jpg
width: 620
height: 413