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The best hooded blankets to keep you comfy and warm this winter: Oodie, Kuddly, Snuggy and more
Stay warm this winter without having to put the heating on with our selection of the best hooded blankets.
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, there’s no better time to invest in some cosy loungewear to see you through the cold nights ahead. A hooded blanket is one of the best pieces of clothing you can buy for keeping warm this winter and ensures both comfort and toastiness. In recent years, these oversized, fleece-lined hoodies have gone from being a mere internet oddity to a winter wardrobe must-have, offering levels of wearable comfort that make them ideal for staying warm in colder weather without having to turn your heaters on. Some hooded blanket brands have even become household names - Oodie, anyone? - but look a little deeper online, and you’ll find a plethora of hooded blankets available to buy - but which is the best? That’s where we come in. The Recommended has scoured the web to find the best hooded blankets you can buy online, from the premium original Oodie to more affordable Oodie alternatives and hooded blankets for kids - we’ve even included options for dogs - to help keep you and your family comfy and cosy this winter. To further assist your hooded banket search we've answered some of the internet’s most asked questions about hooded blankets at the bottom of this page - to help you keep your new favourite wardrobe essential in top-tip condition all year round. The best-hooded blankets at a glance: Best for premium comfort: Oodie, £89, at theOodie.co.uk Best Oodie alternative: Kudd.ly Hoodie Blanket, £89, at Kudd.ly Best hooded blanket for kids: Lushforest Blanket Hoodie, £19.99, at Amazon Best affordable hooded blanket: Sienna Hoodie Blanket, £12.99, at Amazon Best luxury hooded blanket: Snuggle Blanket Hoodie, £80, at The White Company Best extra-long hooded blanket: Sienna Extra Long, £16.99, at Debenhams Best stylish hooded blanket: Dreamscene Camo Plush, £24.99, at Robert Dyas Best zip-up hooded blanket: Dreamscene Tie Dye, £16.99, at The Range Best for superhero fans: Marvel Hoodie For Men, £38.99, at Debenhams Best hooded blanket for dogs: Snuggy Grey Hooded Jumper, £24.99, at Amazon The ten best hooded blankets Our top hooded blanket choices: Best for premium comfort: Oodie The original hooded blanket The Oodie is the original hooded blanket and one of the most popular options in the UK. These premium hooded blankets may be slightly pricy, but they’re made with high-quality materials and boast thousands of reviews from very happy customers. Made with 100% cruelty-free Sherpa fleece and flannel fleece, Oodies are entirely vegan, and all come based on the 6XL size - roughly 100cm long and 95cm wide. Oodies are machine washable too, making them as easy to look after as they are comfortable to wear - what’s not to love? Best Oodie alternative: Kudd.ly Hoodie Blanket Breathable fleece The Kudd.ly Hoodie Blanket is perhaps the closest alternative to the Oodie. It's another popular oversized fleece-lined hoodie but claims its Breathable MicroCool teddy fleece is more breathable than standard Sherpa fleece. Kudd.ly hooded blankets are also closely tied to Oodie’s prices, but they tend to have more sales throughout the year, so if you’re in the market for a premium hooded blanket, it’s worth comparing prices between the two, as it may be the only real differentiating factor between them. Best hooded blanket for kids: Lushforest Blanket Hoodie for Kids Keep little ones warm This oversized fleece-lined hoodie is perfect for keeping little ones wrapped up warm - ideal for movie nights or gaming sessions. Lushforest creates hooded blankets for all ages, but their kids' hoodies are particularly great as they feature all the same features as their adult offerings, unlike some other brands, including a smooth fleece top with a thick Sherpa reverse for total warmth and comfort, and an elasticated cuffs for keeping the warmth in. Best affordable hooded blanket: Sienna Hoodie Blanket Cosy and practical This hooded blanket from Sienna is one of the most affordable options available, with all the features you expect from a comfortable, cosy oversized hoodie. Sienna’s Hooded Blanket is made with a microfibre outside for minimal shedding and a thick Sherpa fleece lining, similar to more expensive hooded blankets. It’s also machine washable, making it a great practical choice. Best luxury hooded blanket: The White Company Snuggle Blanket Hoodie Luxurious comfort Synonymous with style and luxury, The White Company has released its own version of the hooded blanket for this season in a stylish dove grey colour. The aptly named Snuggle Blanket Hoodie features a super comfortable oversized fit, falling just above the knee, with a generous hood and large kangaroo-style pocket, in keeping with the design of other hooded blankets on our list. It may not be as thickly lined as some of the others on our list, but we certainly think it’s one of the most stylish. Best extra-long hooded blanket: Sienna Extra Long Oversized Blanket Hoodie Great for taller people Measuring 115cm long, this hooded blanket from Sienna is ideal for those who want a little extra comfort and warmth - making it ideal for taller people. Just like the standard Sienna Hoodie Blanket, this extra long version features a soft Sherpa lining, oversized hood and elasticated cuffs, but its additional 15-20cm of length makes it ideal for people over 6 feet tall. Best stylish hooded blanket: Dreamscene Camo Plush Hoodie Blanket Cool enough to wear outside This hooded blanket features a cool camouflage print design and is less oversized than others, making it a little more stylish than other hooded blankets. Dreamscene’s Plush Hoodie Blanket is a couple of inches smaller around the waist and shorter than other hooded blankets on our list, making them a little less conspicuous than larger options, and with its cool camo print, you could definitely get away with wearing this hooded blanket while you’re out and about. Best zip-up hooded blanket: Dreamscene Tie Dye Oversized Zip-Up Hoodie More practical than other hoodies Featuring a full zip opening, this hooded blanket is ideal for those who want to control how warm they get without having to worry about pulling the whole hoodie on and off. Dreamscene’s Oversized Zip Up Hoodie features many of the same features as other standard hooded blankets - oversized design, big hood, elasticated cuffs - but it’s one of the few hooded blankets that include a full zip, making it a bit more versatile than others. It also has two deep pockets on either side of its front, which some people might prefer instead of one big central kangaroo-style pocket. Best for superhero fans: Marvel Hoodie For Men Ideal for movie night This official Marvel hooded blanket features superheroes and logos from the Marvel Cinematic Universe - making it the ideal gift for a superhero buff. Adorned with the Hulk, Iron Man, Spiderman and Captain America, this Marvel hooded blanket is made from soft fleece with a Sherpa-lined hood. There’s no lining in the rest of the hoody, though, and it doesn’t feature elasticated cuffs, so it might not keep you as warm as some of the other blankets on our list, but it’s certain to tick a lot of boxes for fans of the MCU. Best hooded blanket for dogs: Snuggy Grey Hooded Jumper For Dogs 100% cruelty-free It’s not just humans who like to stay cosy and warm during cold nights, so why not let your four-legged furry friend enjoy the benefits of a hooded blanket? Snuggy’s hooded blankets are popular with humans, but one of their most innovative products is for dogs! This fluffy and warm hooded blanket for pooches features a soft, 100% cruelty-free sherpa lining, easy-to-close snap fastenings and an elasticated hem, making it perfect for shorter-haired dogs seeking some additional cosy comfort. Hooded blanket buyer's guide Everything you need to know about hooded blankets before you buy. What is a hooded blanket? Hooded blankets are lightweight, oversized and warm hoodies, usually made from fleece with a Sherpa-fleece lining. They’re designed to be super warm and comfortable, ideal for lounging around at home. In the past few years, hooded blankets have become more and more popular. Once seen as an internet oddity, they’re now quickly becoming a winter wardrobe staple, and a great way to stay warm at home without having to turn the heating up. What is an Oodie? Oodie is one of the most popular brands of hooded blankets in the UK. The company describe their hooded blankets as “a jumper crossed with a blanket, crossed with a cloud.” Oodies are made with premium flannel fleece with a thick, high-quality Sherpa fleece internal lining, providing warmth and comfort. Oodies have become so popular the brand name is now synonymous with hooded blankets. Their design has become the blueprint for most other hooded blankets available to purchase online - with a large oversized design, elasticated cuffs, generously sized hood, and a huge central kangaroo-style central pocket. Is an Oodie worth the money? Oodies are some of the most expensive hooded blankets on the market, with the original adult-sized Oodie typically costing £84. Oodie does, however, offer bundles for families, and products are often on sale. While they may be at the more expensive end of the scale when it comes to hooded blankets, their products do offer a greater level of comfort, thanks to their premium materials. Oodie also offers a great level of customer service, with a 30-day no hassle returns policy and a great online chat help function via their website. How to wash Oodies and other hooded blankets Most Oodies are machine washable, but it’s important you check the care instructions printed on the interior label of your Oodie before washing. This rule applies to all hooded blankets - and, technically, anything you intend to machine wash. Standard care instructions for most Oodies and hooded blankets are fairly simple and listed below: Hand or machine wash using cold to warm water (no hotter than 40°c) If machine washing, doing so on a gentle cycle Use only very mild detergents (like those used for wool or silk) Avoid mixing with other colours For the best possible results, Oodie recommends hand washing your hooded blanket in cold water. How to dry Oodies and other hooded blankets Oodies and other oversized fleece-lined hooded blankets are typically not suitable for tumble drying. The best way to dry your Oodie or hooded blanket is to hang it to dry after washing. As Oodies and other hooded blankets often feature thick Sherpa fleece, drying can take up to a day. The quickest way to dry an Oodie or other hooded blanket would be to use a heated airer. If you want to read more product guides, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more home recommendations, including the best energy-efficient heaters, the best fans and the best weighted blankets.
The best draught excluders to keep your home warm and cut down your energy bills this winter
There’s nothing worse than a cold chill making its way into your home, so we’ve rounded up the best draught excluders to help you insulate against the element and keep warm this winter.
It doesn't get much worse than a cold breeze making its way through the gaps, windows and doorways of your home during the winter months. A good draught excluder will sort you right out, and is an efficient way to save on energy bills by keeping the chill out and the warmth in. In a study conducted by the Energy Saving Trust, it’s estimated that the average UK home could save over £60 on their household energy bills per year by installing simple draught-proofing measures, including draught excluders on windows and doors. Here at The Recommended, we've pulled together some of the best draught excluders on the market to help you find the most effective, affordable and easy-to-install ones for your living space. From stylish, patterned designed, to personalised and child-friendly options, we've got you covered with something for everyone. Plus we've included a handy buyer's guide for all the top tips and tricks you need to know when it comes to draught-proofing your home. The best draught excluders at a glance: Best doorway draught excluder: John Lewis Diamonds Draught Excluder, £30 at John Lewis Best unique draught excluder: Personalised Draught Excluder, £41.56 at Not On The High Street Best stylish draught excluder: M&S Velvet Draught Excluder, £19.50 at Marks and Spencer Best patterned draught excluder: Scandi Floral Draught Excluder, £14 at Dunelm Best budget-friendly draught excluder: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=therecommended-4904&awinmid=3769&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunelm.com%2Fproduct%2Fstormguard-rubber-foam-weather-strip-35m-white-1000218663%3FdefaultSkuId%3D30846826%26branchCode%3D0115%26ds_c%3DHome%2BDecor_Draught%2BExcluders%2Band%2BDoorstops_%255BGOO-LIA-HOMEDECOR-DOORSTOPS%255D%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote8UyMk9a3uBFp22glr1lF7rY1whMzQ2s8wNdAXjaIKIINA2mI8vWB4aAnsdEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Stormguard Rubber Foam Weather Strip, £6 at Dunelm Best draught excluder for kid’s bedrooms: The Magic Toy Shop Micro Fleece Draught Draft Excluder, £9.99 at Amazon Best slide-on draught excluder: Everlasting Comfort Under Door Draft Excluder, £18.99 at Amazon Best draught excluders for exterior doors: Fowong Heavy Door Draft Excluder, £25.99 at Amazon Best draught excluder for cat lovers: Grey Cat Draught Excluder, £26.99 at Amazon The best draught excluders Best doorway draught excluder: John Lewis Diamonds Draught Excluder Long and cosy This draught excluder is 100cm in length, providing full protection from draughts in the doorways. It has a polyester filling and 100% cotton exterior, and finished with real leather straps at each end. It is also weighted at each end to stop unwanted movement. Secure in place and prevent cold snaps from getting inside. Best unique draught excluder: Personalised Draught Excluder For a personal touch Practical but personal, this draught excluder will keep the outside breeze out while bringing a unique touch to your home. Available in three lengths and with the option for up to 25 characters, choose your family name or a humorous phrase and add some character to your doorways. Made from soft to touch but durable cotton/linen blend fabrics and filled with hollow fibre. It also features two loops at its ends to attach to the door and keep it in place. Best stylish draught excluder: M&S Velvet Draught Excluder Functional and smart Minimize the cold air getting into your home with this practical draught excluder, designed with a chic velvet finish to add a stylish twist to your living space. 93cm long and generously filled, it’s guaranteed to help keep the room warm and its 100% polypropylene lining can be wiped clean for easy maintenance. Best patterned draught excluder: Scandi Floral Draught Excluder Pretty and practical Line this 90cm draught excluder along your doorway and keep the cold out throughout the winter months. This excluder is filled with recycled polyester and features a zip to secure it in place. Available in olive and ochre colours and with a sweet floral pattern, choose your favourite and add some character to your home, while saving you money thanks to its reasonable price. Best budget-friendly draught excluder: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=therecommended-4904&awinmid=3769&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dunelm.com%2Fproduct%2Fstormguard-rubber-foam-weather-strip-35m-white-1000218663%3FdefaultSkuId%3D30846826%26branchCode%3D0115%26ds_c%3DHome%2BDecor_Draught%2BExcluders%2Band%2BDoorstops_%255BGOO-LIA-HOMEDECOR-DOORSTOPS%255D%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwpc-oBhCGARIsAH6ote8UyMk9a3uBFp22glr1lF7rY1whMzQ2s8wNdAXjaIKIINA2mI8vWB4aAnsdEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Stormguard Rubber Foam Weather Strip Quick and easy to install Wave goodbye to draughts coming in from your windows and doors thanks to this practical draught seal. Self-adhesive and easy to install, it will keep the cold breeze out in no time and is designed to seal gaps between 2-7mm. Once its in, it will remain firm in place and provide long-lasting protection, saving you money on your energy bills and preventing you from shivering through winter. Best draught excluder for kid’s bedrooms: The Magic Toy Shop Micro Fleece Draught Draft Excluder A cute design with a practical purpose This super cute draught excluder could be easily mistaken for a cuddly toy, making it the perfect solution for a kid’s room. This cute pup wouldn’t look out of place amongst a collection of toys, but looks aren’t everything – its long, dense body is perfect for blocking out chills and draughts, so it’s ideal for stretching along the bottom of a draughty door or stretching out on a gappy window ledge. Best slide-on draught excluder: Everlasting Comfort Under Door Draft Excluder A simple, easy-to-use solution This thick foam under-door draught excluder easily slides onto the bottom of your door and moves with it as it opens and closes – so you don’t have to worry about readjusting it. One of the biggest frustrations about standard draught excluders is having to reposition them each time you open or close your doors. However, this slide-on excluder attaches to the door itself, insulating both sides, making it one of the most practical excluders you can buy for interior doors. Best for exterior doors: Fowong Heavy Door Draft Excluder Insulate against the elements This weighted draught excluder is filled with polyester wadding and glass beads and wrapped in thick fabric to effectively prevent chills and draughts from entering your home. While most draught excluders are suitable for interior doors in your home, you want to invest in a heavier, weighted excluder, like this one, for exterior doors to block out elements. This excluder also features hook fabric, allowing it to be attached to doors with the included velcro stripping and loops at either end so you can hang it up and out of the way when not in use. Best for cat lovers: Grey Cat Draught Excluder A purr-fect gift idea This draught excluder is disguised as a charming row of six happy cats – not only does it look great, but it provides effective protection from chills and draughts. If you’re looking for a practical gift for a cat lover, look no further. This cute door draught cushion is the ideal alternative to traditional draught excluders and makes for a great housewarming gift. Draught Excluder Buyer's Guide We've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to draught excluders and keeping your home breeze-free. Read on for all the handy tips and tricks. How to draught-proof your home Draughts can permeate your home through unwanted gaps in its construction, typically around doors and windows, letting in a chill, allowing heat to escape, and sometimes leading to more serious issues with moisture and leaks. While extensive issues with weatherproofing your home may require specialist, professional attention, there are some simple steps you can take yourself to prevent draughts and chills throughout winter. Below we’ve summarised some of the easiest ways you can draught-proof your home and save money on your heating bills in the process: Draught excluders: One of the best ways to prevent draughts from entering your home, and stop heat from leaking out, is to invest in some good quality draught excluders for any external doors. You can also use excluders for interior doors to help you heat a room more efficiently. Letterbox covers: If you have a letterbox fitted in your front door, make sure you install a letterbox cover with flaps or brushes (or both) that adequately block wind and rain from passing through your home. Keyhole covers: Buying and fitting purpose-made keyhole covers, typically a metal disc that you can slide over any large keyholes (like those for warded keys), is also an easy way to block out the breeze. Door and window frame strips: Windows and doors are typically fitted with seals designed to prevent draughts, but often these wear away over time. You can replace these seals easily with self-adhesive foam strips that create a windtight closure around the window or door. Chimney pot caps and blocks: Installing caps over unused chimney pots is one of the best ways to prevent wind from tunnelling down into your home. Installing a chimney pot cap is best done by a professional, but there are DIY solutions to block out chimney draughts, like chimney balloons, which can be bought relatively cheaply and installed with professional help. Silicone mastic for floorboards: Hardwood floors, especially exposed floorboards, often feature many small gaps between boards. If you don’t have underlay or insulation under your flooring, these gaps can make draught-proofing and heat retention exceptionally difficult. The easiest way to fill these gaps is by using silicone mastic or decorator's caulk around the edges and between the boards. Extractor fans: Older extractor fans and vents are often some of the biggest causes of heat leakage and draughts. Updating an old extractor fan with a modern replacement fitted with an effective draught shutter is an easy way to draught-proof kitchens and bathrooms. What features should I look for in a draught excluder? There are several factors to consider when choosing the right draught excluder for your home. These include the following: Material: Opt for durable materials which will last, and that are flexible to line up to the gaps you are shielding. Thicker materials will provide better insulation. Length: Ensure you pick a sufficiently long draught excluder to cover the lengths of your gaps effectively, keeping the maximum amount of cold air out. Self-adhesive: If opting for self-adhesive draught excluding sealants, make sure it is easy to install and remove. Design: There are plenty of stylish, patterned, colourful options out there to fit in with your home décor. Choose a design which complements you interior style. Maintenance: Make your life easier and look for draught excluders which are easy to clean, whether machine washable or wipe clean. How much does a draught excluder cost? There is no one price for draught excluders - it can vary depending on its type, material, brand, and size. Basic, budget-friendly designs can start from as little as £5, and more specialised higher end options can go well above £25-£30. Investing in a quality excluder can pay off in the long run by providing better insulation and longevity. Where should I position my draught excluder? Wherever there's a draught! Position your draught excluders at the base of your doors, preventing draughts from infiltrating in beneath them, and place them around the frames of your windows to seal any gaps. Make sure to fit them snuggly against the gaps to significantly reduce heat loss, keep your home cosy and save on energy costs. If you want to read more product guides, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more home recommendations, including the best energy-efficient heaters, the best weighted blankets and the best hooded blankets.
The best electric blankets to keep you warm this winter
Cold winter nights are just around the corner, so now’s the perfect time to invest in an electric blanket to keep you warm at night without having to keep the heating on.
As the temperature begins to drop and the nights draw in it's now time to put BBQs and picnics behind us and start to think about staying cosy and warm inside. However, with the price of energy bills, it can now be a struggle to keep comfortable during the winter months without splashing the cash on heating. If you're looking for a cheaper way to stay snug at home during the cold then an electric blanket could be the answer. On average, an electric blanket costs around 3p an hour which is much less than the average central heating cost of around £2.70 an hour (for gas). Unlike your radiator they are transportable, you can bring them to bed, and they are perfect for nights on the sofa. So, if you're on the market for an electric blanket we've curated a list of the very best to keep the shivers away this winter. We've got everything from traditional undersheet electric blankets to dual-zone control blankets designed for couples and even wearable electric blankets. We've also broken down approximately how much each electric blanket costs to run per hour. For more information on how we calculated this, and how to calculate how much any electric appliance costs to run, check out our explainer at the bottom of this article. The best electric blankets at a glance: Best double electric blanket: Premium Comfort Double Electric Blanket, £44.99, at Amazon Best electric blanket for couples: Homefront Electric Blanket Double Size Dual Control, £94.95, at Amazon Best single electric blanket: Cozytek Single Electric Blanket Single, £29.99, at Amazon Best-fitted electric blanket: Dreamland Organic Cotton Double Heated Mattress Protector, £124.99, at Lakeland Best king-size electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket King-Size, £45, at Argos Best wearable electric blanket: Electric Heating Pad for Back Neck and Shoulders, £29.99 at Amazon Best electric blanket throw: Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw, £69.99, at John Lewis Best budget electric blanket: Cosy and Warm Electric Blanket, £22, at Dunelm The best electric blankets Our top picks of the best electric blankets this winter: Best double electric blanket: Cosi Home Premium Comfort Double Electric Blanket Adjustable heat for optimal comfort This traditional undersheet electric blanket features 3 adjustable heat controls and a detachable cord, meaning it’s machine washable. The electric blanket has been designed to provide edge-to-edge warming and features the brand's overheat protection, ensuring the temperature doesn’t exceed 55 degrees. It means you can be warm all winter and don't have to fill up your hot water bottle when the temperatures lower. Estimated cost per hour (75W) = £0.02 Best electric blanket for couples: Homefront Electric Blanket Double Size Dual Control Dual zone heat control If you and your partner prefer different temperatures in bed, then this electric blanket, with its dual-zone temperature controls, is definitely for you. It has two easy-to-use controllers to program different sides of the blanket. With nine heat settings, including a specific setting for your feet, it’s a great solution for couples who want different temperatures or targeting heating during the night. Estimated cost per hour (120W) = £0.04 Best single electric blanket: Cozytek Single Electric Blanket Single Easy-to-use LED controller This single electric blanket is ideal for kids' bedrooms or guest beds, with an easy-to-understand controller and overheat protection. It’s machine washable and features a quick heat-up time with a long detachable cord measuring 2.4m, making it great for single beds that aren’t located close to a power socket. Estimated cost per hour (35W) = £0.01 Best fitted electric blanket: Dreamland Organic Cotton Double Heated Mattress Protector Stays in place all night This fitted electric blanket has six temperature settings and a control unit that monitors your personal temperature and changes the heat of the blanket based on this. It comes with an easy-fit elasticated skirt to fit around the bed and an auto shut-off timer that can be set to 1, 3, or 9 hours. Estimated cost per hour = £0.05 Best king-size electric blanket: Silentnight Comfort Control Electric Blanket King-Size Super cosy and machine washable This king-size electric blanket from Silentnight comes with fast heat-up time, overheat protection and a detachable cord for machine washing the blanket. Silentnight is known for its quality materials, and this electric blanket is no different, with a super warm fleece material upper designed to spread the heat evenly across the full blanket. With three heat settings, you can adapt the temperature to suit you, while its easy-to-use controller and elasticated straps make it as practical as is it comfortable. Estimated cost per hour (120W) = £0.04 Best wearable electric blanket: Electric Heating Pad for Back Neck and Shoulders Ideal for working from home Unlike traditional electric blankets, this electric heating pad can be worn on your body, making it ideal for those working from home this winter. It features most of the same safety features as traditional undersheet blankets, including overheat protection and a 90-minute auto shut-off function. It does also have to be plugged in so you can't walk anywhere with it on! Estimated cost per hour (100W) = £0.03 Best electric blanket throw: Dreamland Luxury Heated Throw For cosy nights on the sofa This throw provides cosy warmth while you unwind on the sofa or need a comforting embrace when feeling chilly or unwell. Its inbuilt technology intelligently adjusts to temperature changes to keep your warmth at a steady level. The throw is also machine washable and tumble dryer-safe with six temperature settings and a choice of auto shut-off timers. Estimated cost per hour (120W) = £0.01-4 Electric blanket buyer's guide Our buyer's guide is here to answer the main questions you might have before buying an electric blanket: How much does an electric blanket cost to run? The cost of using an electric blanket can be as little as 1p to 6p per hour, depending on the wattage of the blanket. We’ve calculated the approximate hourly operating cost for all of the electric blankets listed above. If you’d like to know how we did it, use the following calculation. Multiply the appliance Wattage by the number of hours of use to calculate the Watt-hours Divide the Watt-hours by 1000 to calculate the Kilowatt-hours (kWh) Multiply the kWh by the price of electricity per kWh to calculate the appliance’s hourly operating cost According to Ofgem, the current price cap for electricity for households in the UK from 1st July is £0.30 per kWh. This is set to lower in October so your electric blanket will be even cheaper! The amount you will pay may vary from the current price cap depending on your energy tariff. To find out how much you pay, see your electricity bill. Is it ok to sleep with an electric blanket on? When it comes to electric blankets the ones on the market nowadays are unlikely to cause most problems if they sleep with them all night. However, just to be on the safer side you should think about using an electric blanket to warm up your bed before getting in and then turn it off whilst you sleep. Alternatively, lots of modern electric blankets let you do this automatically through auto shut-off timers. These allow you to set a timer for three, six, or nine hours so you are comfortably asleep (and warm) before the blanket turns off for the night. There are some people who shouldn't use an electric blanket as it may cause negative side effects. These include children, diabetics, people who are bedbound and older people who are sensitive to heat. If you are unsure whether an eclectic blanket will be safe for you contact a healthcare professional. Are electric blankets a fire risk? As with all electrical appliances, there is a risk that they could cause a fire, this risk is very low for electric blankets. However, there are some safety tips you can follow to make this even smaller. To minimise the risk follow these top tips from the London Fire Brigade: 1. Store electric blankets flat, rolled up, or loosely folded to protect the internal wiring. 2. Always unplug the blanket before getting into bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use. 3. Avoid using electric blankets with airflow pressure relief mattresses or emollient creams; opt for non-flammable alternatives instead. 4. Avoid purchasing second-hand electric blankets. 5. Regularly inspect your electric blanket for wear and tear. If you want to read more expert-recommended round-ups and product guides, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more home recommendations, including the best energy efficient heaters, the best hooded blankets, the best draught excluders and the best heated airers.
The best hair dryers, recommended by expert hairstylists: ghd, Parlux, Shark and more
We spoke to two top hairstylists to find out what you should look for and avoid when buying a new hair dryer, and discover which models they think are the best hair dryers. We've also answered some the most commonly asked hair dryer questions to up your hair care routine.
Ask any honest hairstylist what the secret is to a salon-worthy hairstyle, and they’ll tell you that 99% of the time, it comes down to which shampoo and hairdryer you use. But which is the best hair dryer? From cutting-edge models that use the latest haircare technology to affordable travel-friendly models perfect for packing for a weekend getaway, we’ve covered all types of hair dryers to suit all types of hair, with expert guidance to help us along the way. The Recommended spoke to two top hair care experts to help us find the best hairdryers to suit all types of hair, with their own recommendations on which hairdryers they use when styling their clients. Based on their expert advice, which you can read at the bottom of this page, we pulled together our list of the best hairdryers below. We've also included a handy buyer's guide to answer some of your most commonly asked questions when it comes to purchasing a new hair dryer. And once your sold on your next styling device, check out our guide on How to give yourself a salon-quality blowout at home, with the ultimate tips and tricks from highly experienced hair stylists. Or head to our step-by-step guide on How to blow dry your hair straight to achieve the perfect silky smooth finish. The best hair dryers at a glance: Best hair dryer for a salon finish: ghd Air Hair Dryer, £119 at Cult Beauty Best versatile hair dryer: Shark STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler HD110UK, £179.99 at Shark Best professional hair dryer: Parlux 3200 Plus Hair Dryer Black, £119.95 at Amazon Best basic hair dryer: Remington D3010 Power Dry Lightweight Hair Dryer, £18 at Boots Best smoothing hair dryer: TRESemme 5542DU 2200W Power Smooth and Shine Dryer, £26 at Boots Best hair dryer for fast drying: BaByliss Super Power 2400 Hair Dryer, £65 at Feel Unique Best travel hair dryer: ghd Flight+ Hairdryer, £99 at John Lewis Best kids hair dryer: Deogra 1000W Children’s Hair Dryer, £39.99 at Amazon The best hair dryers Best hair dryer for a salon finish: ghd Air Hair Dryer Speedy drying and smooth results This professional-level hair dryer comes recommended by our hair expert Laura Rugetti, who praised its super-fast drying and ionic technology. This ghd drying has been created using enhanced ionic technology to reduce frizz and flyaways and give a smooth salon-style finish, and thanks to its 2100W of power, with variable speed and temperature controls, you can tailor your blow-dry to your hair type. Best versatile hair dryer: Shark STYLE iQ Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler HD110UK Adaptable style This intelligent hair dryer and styler automatically adjusts to your hair type, helping your strands stay strong and healthy while creating salon-worthy styles. For the full low down, check out our Shark Style iQ full review, where we put the Dyson dupe to the test. The Shark Style iQ Ionic Dryer and Styler offers a truly customisable drying experience that can be adapted to hair type and texture with ease. This hair dryer features a 1520-watt motor and three adjustable heat and airflow settings, as well as a ‘cool shot’ feature that helps to seal the hair cuticle and lock in styles. Its long power cord also makes it easy to use in a variety of spaces. As well as the customisable drying settings, this hairdryer set comes equipped with two ‘intelligent styler’ attachments. First up, we have the concentrator attachment, an adjustable dryer head that works to deliver smooth, precise styles that last. The attachment can be used on the wider setting for fast yet gentle drying, or you can create a more narrow flow of air by extending the nozzle for more precise styling. The second attachment is the diffuser, which works to deliver definition and volume for curly and coily hair textures. The diffuser is made with an adjustable design made to suit different hair lengths and densities. The longer prongs are adapted to lift and define long and thick hair, while the shorter prongs are more suited to shorter styles and finer strands. Something truly unique about this tool is the ‘intelligent styling’ aspect. The hair dryer automatically selects the optimum airflow and heat settings when either styler is attached, helping to minimize heat damage and frizz. These settings can be manually altered if desired. The overall design of the Shark iQ Ionic Dryer and Styler is lightweight and easy to handle for a comfortable experience, designed to deliver salon-worthy results in the comfort of your own home. Best professional hair dryer: Parlux 3200 Plus Hair Dryer Black Salon-quality drying at home This professional dryer from Parlux comes recommended by our expert hair stylist Richard Ward, who uses Parlux dryers in his Chelsea salon, thanks to their longevity and performance. Parlux is one of the biggest names in professional hair styling equipment, thanks to its excellent quality, powerful and durable motors. This dryer has been designed to provide over 2000 hours of drying, making it a great investment buy. Best basic hair dryer: Remington D3010 Power Dry Lightweight Hair Dryer Powerful and efficient This hair dryer from Remington is a fast-working, mid-sized dryer with three heat levels and two-speed settings allowing you to customise the airspeed and temperature for your hair type. With an impressive 2000W of power, this dryer is designed to dry hair quickly, while its ceramic Ionic grille promises to protect your hair from static and frizz. It also comes with a built-in Eco setting that uses less power during use. Best smoothing hair dryer: TRESemme 5542DU 2200W Power Smooth and Shine Dryer Designed to give a glossy finish The dryer from TRESemme has been designed to give you salon-quality results at home, thanks to its powerful fan and ionic conditioning technology. Promising to deliver a constant stream of ionically balanced air and even heat distribution, this dryer has been designed to give a healthy, glossy finish after each use. It comes with a salon-style concentrator nozzle that has been specifically designed for fast, frizz-free results. Best hair dryer for fast drying: BaByliss Super Power 2400 Hair Dryer Strong airflow for controlled styling This BaByliss dryer is one of the most powerful on our list, with 2400 watts of power, and comes with a slim concentrator nozzle for controlled, precise styling. Delivering a strong stream of ionic conditioned air to smooth hair, reduce frizz and boost shine. With three heat settings and two-speed options, you can customise the level of power and set the temperature to suit your hair type. Best travel hair dryer: ghd Flight+ Hairdryer Compact and powerful This dryer from ghd is lightweight and folds away, making it ideal for packing into your luggage for your next trip. While compact and lightweight, this dryer still features the essential functions you need from a hair dryer, including powerful performance and built-in safety features designed to protect your hair from overheating and damage. Best kids hair dryer: Deogra 1000W Children’s Hair Dryer Gentle drying for kids This colourful dryer from Deogra comes in two eye-catching designs and provides a gentle 1000W of drying power, ideal for drying children’s hair. With two power settings and two accessories – a concentrator nozzle and a diffuser – is ideal for all kinds of kids’ hair, and its cute and colourful design featuring captivating cartoon characters is guaranteed to keep little ones entertained. What to look for when choosing a new hair dryer: two expert hairstylists spill the beans Richard Ward and Laura Rugetti are two of the highest regarded names in the hair care and hairstyling industry, with decades of hairstyling experience between them and unrivalled knowledge about which hair care and hair styling products are the best to buy, including hair dryers. Richard Ward is an award-winning hairstylist who has styled the hair of top celebrities, including Elizabeth Hurley, Kim Cattrall and Poppy Delevingne, and even British Royalty, with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, among his clients. From his award-winning eponymous salon in London’s Chelsea, he has created signature innovative yet wearable couture hairstyles and created the much sought-after Chelsea Blow Dry. Laura Rugetti is one of the biggest names in celebrity hair in the US, styling the locks of some of the biggest celebrity names, like Paris Hilton, Kelly Osbourne and Amelia Gray Hamlin, as well as some of the biggest names in reality TV, including Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn, The Hill’s Audrina Partridge and several cast members of the Real Housewives franchise. We put three questions to both of them to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for your new hair dryer, and got their expert recommendations of the best hair dryers to buy and why. What should you look for when buying a hair dryer? “Always get a dryer with a nozzle enabling you to directionally blow-dry and therefore flatten the cuticle to enhance shine, and a cool shot to help set the section”, advises Richard, who also advises that professional-level dryers, while sometimes costly, are well worth it; “A professional dryer will have a higher output than a regular shop-bought dryer, and although much more expensive, is designed to be used for long periods of time so is a worthwhile investment.” While Laura’s advice comes down to four key factors: “Heat control levels, nozzles, cooling level and attachments for different hair textures” - all of which play an important role in crafting the perfect blow-dry. What should you avoid when looking for a hair dryer? “Cheap models will be less durable and, if too hot, can cause damage and increase porosity and sensitivity levels”, warns Richard. “If the dryer isn’t powerful enough in terms of air then heat may be a poor substitute which can cause greater damage.” Laura agrees, underlining the importance of heat control, “avoid hair dryers that don’t have multiple heat settings” – one heat setting will not work for all hair, and while the default may work for most, you run the risk of frying delicate or thinner hair, causing hard-to-repair damage and frizz. “Also, dryers that don’t come with nozzles”, warns Laura, not having the ability to direct or diffuse airflow can ultimately limit what you can do with the dryer. Which is the best hair dryer? “We use and sell Parlux professional dryers in our salon”, says Richard, “which last for ages and deliver the right performance for professional hairdressers. Although expensive, they are worth it.” “My favourite blow dryer is the ghd Air Hair Dryer”, says Laura, “it has super-fast drying and ionic technology, leaving the hair smooth and has attachments for every hair type.” Hair dryer buyer's guide: everything you need to know when buying your new device How to choose the best hair dryer Choosing the right hair dryer can make a significant difference when it comes to drying and styling your hair. We've rounded up several essential tips to help guide you in your selection process: Identify your hair type: Straight, curly, thick or fine, dry or greasy? Determining your hair type will help you narrow down your options to find a hair dryer which can be tailored to your specific needs. Consider the hair dryer design: Hair dryers generally seem to come in similar shapes and designs. However, they can vary in size, weight and style. Choose one that feels comfortable to hold in your hand and isn't too heavy for the optimum drying experience. Travelling? There are portable options available. Check out the heat and speed settings: Look for adjustable heat and speed settings to customise your drying experience. Many hair dryers come with a cool shot feature - a handy function to set your hairstyle in place once finished and add a glossy shine. Look at the wattage: Opt for a hair dryer with a wattage between 1800W to 2200W for effective hair drying without excessive heat damage. Features to look for in a hair dryer Another thing to consider when looking for a new hair dryer is the product's features. Keep an eye out for the following key features when browsing: Heat and speed settings: for versatility and control when styling. Attachments: diffusers are ideal for enhancing natural curls while minimising frizz, and concentrator nozzles direct airflow for precise styling, such as straightening or adding volume. Cool shot button: to set your style in place and add shine. Cord length: longer cords will offer more flexibility in where you can dry and style your hair. Noise level: lower noise levels will provide a quieter and more pleasant drying experience. What attachment types to use? Hair dryer attachments can elevate your hair-drying experience and enhance the final style of your hair. We've looked into the most common attachment types and what they should be used for: Concentrator nozzle: A narrow, elongated attachment, the concentrator nozzle aims to focus the airflow for precise styling. Use to achieve straightened hair or to add volume. Diffuser: The diffuser attachment spreads the airflow evenly to enhance natural texture and reduce frizz. Ideal for those with curly and wavy hair. Comb: Detangle your hair while drying with the comb attachment, which is ideal for those with thick or coily hair. Brush: Combine the benefits of brushing your hair while using your hair dryer with the brush attachment, allowing you to style and dry at the same time. Matching your hair dryer to your hair type For the best results, ensure your hair dryer is compatible with your hair type and achieve a sleek and shiny finish while maintaining the health of your hair. We've looked into the best hair dryer type and attachments for the different hair types: Straight hair: Opt for a basic hair dryer with adjustable settings to minimize frizz and prevent heat damage. Curly hair: Choose a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment to enhance your natural curls and minimize frizz. Wavy hair: Look for a hair dryer with multiple speed and heat settings and moderate to maintain the shape of your waves without causing excessive damage and dryness. Thick hair: Opt for a higher-wattage hair dryer with powerful airflow to cut down drying time. Fine hair: Choose a hair dryer with lower heat settings to prevent damage. A concentrator nozzle will help add volume and precision to your styling. Want to read more expert-recommended hair care essential round-ups? Check out our hair Care page for a full list of recommendations, including our guide to the best hair straighteners, the best conditioners and the best hair curlers, all recommended by our hair care experts.
The best shampoos for all types of hair, recommended by expert hair stylists: OLAPLEX, Kevin Murphy, Pureology and more
We spoke to two top hairstylists to find out what you should look for and avoid when buying a new shampoo, and discover which brands to look for and which products they think are the best shampoos.
When it comes to maintaining, growing and styling your hair, one of the most important products you need is a good shampoo. But with so many different brands offering multiple different kinds of shampoos, which is the best shampoo for you? From hydrating shampoos that promise to repair dry hair and specially formulated shampoos to target greasy hair to products created to maintain colour or specifically developed formulas for men's hair, we’ve covered all types of shampoos to suit all types of hair, with expert guidance to help us along the way. You can also check out our full guides of the best shampoos for each hair type by heading over to our haircare section on The Recommended. At The Recommended, we spoke to two top hair care experts to help us find the best shampoos to suit all types of hair, with their own recommendations on which shampoos they use when washing and styling their client's hair. Once you've read through our best list, keep reading to discover some of our experts' advice on what you should look for (and avoid) when looking for your next shampoo, and we'll answer some of your most frequently asked shampoo-related questions. The best shampoos at a glance: Best strengthening shampoo: Kerastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo, £27.15 at Feel Unique Best volumising shampoo: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo, £28 at Cult Beauty Best for regaining moisture: Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo, £23.80 at LookFantastic Best anti-dandruff shampoo: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, £7 at Boots Best thickening shampoo: OGX Volumising Biotin & Collagen Sulfate-Free Hair Shampoo, £10.48 at Amazon Best vegan shampoo: Faith In Nature Natural Shea and Argan Shampoo, £6.69 at Holland & Barrett Best shampoo for coloured hair: OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, £28 at Cult Beauty Best shampoo bar: Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hydrating Shampoo Bar, £7.99 at Boots The best shampoos Best strengthening shampoo: Kerastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo Designed to hydrate the strengthen The Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo from Kerastase has been made with powerful amino acids and ceramides to improve elasticity from root to tip. Recommended by our expert Richard Ward, this shampoo is a favourite of hair care experts thanks to its silky formula that helps to rebuild the hair’s internal structure to make it more resistant to breakage. Best volumising shampoo: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo Formulated for fine hair With a strengthening blend of ginger root and nettle extract, this shampoo promises to volumise limp and thin hair and comes recommended by our expert Laura Rugetti. This shampoo has been created to nourish each hair follicle while stimulating circulation to help to promote hair growth and gently exfoliate. With consistent use, it promises to effectively prevent hair loss and thicken the hair. Best for regaining moisture: Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo Thirst-quenching formula This shampoo has been created to cleanse the hair without stripping it, making it ideal for dry or damaged coloured hair, and it comes recommended by our hair expert Richard Ward. Pureology’s formula has been made using natural ingredients like Jojoba, Green Tea, and Sage, resulting in a creamy, luxurious shampoo that helps to deeply hydrate normal to thick dry, colour-treated hair. Best anti-dandruff shampoo: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Calms itching and irritation Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is made using a coal tar formulation, which is proven to help soothe itching, calm redness and prevent flaking scalps. While dandruff may be one of the most common haircare complaints, it can be a sign of more advanced scalp disorders such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. This shampoo promises that through regular use, it can help control these problems while leaving hair shiny and manageable. Best thickening shampoo: OGX Volumising Biotin & Collagen Sulfate-Free Hair Shampoo Vitamin-enriched formula This shampoo has been enriched with collagen and vitamin B7 and promises to give you thicker-looking hair with added volume. With a pH-balanced formula, this shampoo has been created to give a salon quality and provide gentle cleansing that will help give you stronger hair with more shine, less frizz and long-lasting smoothness. Best vegan shampoo: Faith In Nature Natural Shea and Argan Shampoo 99% natural ingredients Faith in Nature’s shampoo contains ethically traded shea butter and argan oil to gently cleanse and deeply nourish your dry hair. This shampoo is Vegan Society Approved, guaranteeing cruelty-free hair care, while its packaging is made using 100% recycled and recyclable materials, making it one of the most eco-friendly shampoos you can buy. Best shampoo for coloured hair: OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo Protects and repairs damaged hair OLAPLEX’s products have been made specifically for colour-treated hair, and this shampoo has been designed to repair and maintain hair bonds on a molecular level. This shampoo promises to repair and protect hair from everyday stresses, including damaged hair, split ends, and frizz, and leave hair easier to manage, shinier and healthier and has been clinically proven to reduce breakage and strengthen all types of hair. Best shampoo bar: Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hydrating Shampoo Bar Zero plastic waste This solid shampoo bar is a great alternative to liquid shampoos in plastic bottles and has been designed to nourish and hydrate hair using natural ingredients. Made using sustainably sourced ingredients, including Coconut Oil & Organic Aloe Vera, this shampoo bar has an extra foamy nourishing formula, and with zero plastic packaging, it’ll help reduce your impact on the environment. What to look for when buying shampoo: our haircare experts give their advice Richard Ward and Laura Rugetti are two of the highest regarded names in the hair care and hairstyling industry, with decades of hairstyling experience between them and unrivalled knowledge about which hair care products are the best to buy, including shampoos. Richard Ward is an award-winning hairstylist who has styled the hair of top celebrities, including Elizabeth Hurley, Kim Cattrall and Poppy Delevingne, and even British Royalty, with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, among his clients. Laura Rugetti is one of the biggest names in celebrity hair in the US, styling the locks of some of the biggest celebrity names, like Paris Hilton, Kelly Osbourne and Amelia Gray Hamlin, as well as some of the biggest names in reality TV, including Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn, The Hill’s Audrina Partridge and several cast members of the Real Housewives franchise. We put three questions to both of them to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for your new shampoo and got their expert recommendations of the best shampoos to buy and why. What should you look for when buying shampoo? “Depending on your hair type. Look for what’s best for you”, says Laura. The best shampoo will ultimately depend on your hair type, “if you need a volume shampoo for fine hair. Or a hydrating shampoo for dry hair.” Richard agrees, “It really depends on their hair type, texture and density, as well as addressing any concerns like heat damage or scalp sensitivity.” “In general, you get what you pay for, so more expensive brands will be more concentrated and with better ingredients.”, he adds, warning that “cheaper brands will have a higher detergent content. Look for something SLS and Paraben free.” What should you avoid when looking for shampoo? When it comes to what you should avoid, Laura has one top tip, “avoid sulphates”. Sulphates are the additives that give shampoo formulas their thick lather and are designed to help strip the hair of oils and dirt. However, when used too often, sulphates can strip away too much of the hair’s natural moisture, leaving it dry and unhealthy. They may also make the scalp dry and prone to irritation, so they’re best avoided when you’re looking for a shampoo that you’ll use regularly. Similarly to sulphates, Richard warns against using strong anti-dandruff products. “Anti-dandruff shampoos are very strong, and most clients don’t actually have dandruff, just dry scalp which needs moisture not harsh stripping ingredients which will only serve to exacerbate the problem.” Which is the best shampoo? “Kevin Murphy line of shampoos are my go-to!” says Laura, “they have a different shampoo for every type of hair. My favourite for volume is the plumping shampoo.” “Kerastase is a great range which treats a variety of hair concerns and types”, says Richard, “Pureology and Shu Uemura are also our favourites.” Shampoo buyer's guide We've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions about shampoo and done our research to answer them, so you can be sure you know everything you need to when buying your next bottle. How to choose the perfect shampoo Choosing the right shampoo for your hair can make a big difference in achieving luscious locks. With countless options on offer, it's important to pick the best one for you. First things first, identify your hair type. Is it limp and lifeless? Frizzy or oily? Has it been dyed? Distinguishing your hair type will help you find the right formulas. For greasy hair, consider shampoos that effectively remove excess oil. Check out our guide on the best shampoos for greasy hair - we've got you covered with top products, plus tips on the ingredients to look for and how to combat grease. For dry and damaged hair, look for moisturising shampoos to restore vitality. Check out our guide on the best shampoos for dry hair, specially formulated for hair lacking in moisture, with tips from top hair care experts. For colour-treated hair, choose shampoos designed to preserve its vibrancy and prevent fading. Check out our guide on the best shampoos for coloured hair for some of the top products on the market, and advice on how to look after coloured hair according to experts. When it comes to fragrance and texture, personal preferences play a key role, so consider scents that complement your taste. Don't forget to check for any harmful chemicals like sulphates, parabens, or silicones. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently pick the perfect shampoo for healthy and fabulous-looking hair. How often should you shampoo your hair? The frequency of washing your hair depends on your hair type, daily activities, and personal preferences. We've got the full low down on hair washing in our guide on how often you should wash your hair. We spoke to experts for their advice and looked into the different factors which influence the frequency of how often you wash your hair, from hair type to lifestyle. Get the full debrief in our guide, but for now, here's a quick rundown of the recommended frequency for hair washing according to hair type: Fine hair: Every other day Thick hair: Once or twice a week Dry hair: Once or twice a week Oily hair: Everyday washing Coloured hair: Every two to three days For further advice on hair washing, once you've chosen the right shampoo for your hair type, check out our guide on how to wash your hair properly for the ultimate advice and top tips. Want to read more expert-recommended beauty round-ups? Check out our beauty page for a full list of recommendations, including our guide to the best mascaras recommended by celebrity make-up artists and our expert guide to the best hair dryers.
The best yoga mats, recommended by expert yoga teachers
We spoke to some expert yoga teachers to find out which mats will help you perfect your poses and achieve your yoga goals.
Despite being over 5000 years old and originating in India, yoga is now performed by over 400,000 Brits each week. It is becoming increasingly popular, and if you live in a busy area, you've probably seen people with a yoga mat in hand on their way to a class. Yogis (those who do yoga) will tell you they take part in yoga for the physical and mental benefits that come from the stretching routine. But, if you want to start yoga yourself, you may be put off by notoriously expensive classes and high studio membership fees. Luckily, there are millions of free online classes and videos, which means you can practise yoga from the comfort of your own home - all you need is a mat. Now you're met with your first challenge, finding a good yoga mat. To help you navigate this, The Recommended set out on a quest to find the best. We spoke to two of the most knowledgeable yoga experts to guide us in discovering a mat which will form the perfect foundation for your planks and pigeon poses. The best yoga mats at a glance: Best overall yoga mat: Liforme Original Yoga Mat, £114.50 at Amazon Best multipurpose yoga mat: Umi Yoga Mat, £24.99 at Amazon Best yoga mat for families: <a href="https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/mp/manduka/manduka-begin-yoga-mat-5mm-navy-blue/_/R-p-c1fa7143-5b9e-41e3-b9cb-b145b40a681a?mc=c1fa7143-5b9e-41e3-b9cb-b145b40a681a_c195&gclid=CjwKCAjwsvujBhAXEiwA_UXnAGcOx8aPO0866-sx4S7eOnppxnlHelyjJ9TP2T84ayBSxOdsFWNedxoC8jAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&iv_=__iv_p_1_g_139010140952_c_608415470534_w_aud-439935392134%253Apla-1419847003141_n_g_d_c_v__l__t__r_x_pla_y_15177021_f_online_o_e5f22273-b590-43c7-bda9-6d8e5433e43c_z_GB_i_en_j_1419847003141_s__e__h_9045946_ii__vi__&utm_term=e5f22273-b590-43c7-bda9-6d8e5433e43c" target="_blank" rel="sponsored noopener noreferrer">Manduka Begin Yoga and Pilates Mat, £45 at Argos Best yoga mat for taking to class: Liforme Travel Yoga Mat, £94.95 at Amazon Best yoga mat for travel: Jade Voyager Yoga Mat, £59 at Decathlon Best thick yoga mat: Maximo Fitness Exercise Mat, from £20.99 at Amazon Best yoga mat for hot yoga: Pro Fitness Cork Mat, £23 at Argos Best yoga mat for grip: Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat, £27 at Amazon The best yoga mats Best overall yoga mat: Liforme Original Yoga Mat The mat used by pros Liforme’s original yoga mat comes recommended by our experts, who rate its ability to help with balance, thanks to its grip and unique alignment system. The brand is the name on the lips of all expert yogis. While its mats are at the higher end of the price scale, they promise to offer unparalleled grip and guidance on alignment to avoid injury and assist in your flow from pose to pose. These mats are also PVC-free and biodegradable, making them a great sustainable choice. Best multipurpose yoga mat: Umi Yoga Mat Ideal for home workouts This mat from Umi is thick and tear-proof, making it a good choice if you’re looking for a comfortable mat that can handle a lot of wear. It also features a clear alignment line down its centre to help guide positioning during yoga poses. This yoga mat is great for a variety of at-home workouts, including Pilates, with a good level of thickness and support, making it ideal for yoga beginners. If you're just starting your yoga journey, check out our guide to the easiest yoga poses for beginners. With a helpful alignment guide and non-slip underside, this mat should give newcomers the confidence to learn poses without fear of misplacing hands or feet or sliding around. Best yoga mat for families: Manduka Begin Yoga and Pilates Mat Easy to clean This mat from Manduka comes recommended by our expert Adam Husler, thanks to it being hardwearing and easy to clean, making it a great choice if it’s going to be used by multiple people. If you’re looking for a mat to share with your family or friends, the Manduka Begin is a great all-rounder to choose. It features a grippy upper surface that should suit most basic yoga poses, with an alignment guideline down its centre to help with positioning, while its lifetime guarantee promises longevity. And if you're looking to do yoga with a friend or family member, check out our guide to the best yoga poses for two people, as recommended by experts. Best yoga mat for taking to class: Liforme Travel Yoga Mat Ideal for on-the-go This travel version of Liforme’s original yoga mat is thinner and lighter, making it the perfect mat to travel to classes with and comes recommended by our yoga expert Adam Husler. Liforme’s travel mat still features all the alignment and grip features of its original mat but is almost a full kilogram lighter and half the thickness of the original mat, making it the perfect choice for travelling to and from in-person yoga classes. Best yoga mat for travel: Jade Voyager Yoga Mat Lightweight and super portable Unlike traditional rollable yoga mats, the extra-thin Jade Voyager mat folds up to about the size of a yoga block, making it ideal for stashing in a backpack or luggage. While this mat is ultra-portable, it’s still designed to provide grip and comfort, with a netted underside created to stick to the floor underneath, while the upper rubber side provides a grounding surface for your hands and feet during your yoga practice. Best thick yoga mat: Maximo Fitness Exercise Mat Extra cushioning and comfort While not strictly just a yoga mat, Maximo Fitness’s Exercise Mat is a great choice for would-be yoga enthusiasts. Made from lightweight, high-density foam to give a comfortable, cushioned grounding, it’s ideal for yoga. This mat can be used for lots of different exercises, including Pilates and HIIT workouts, thanks to its thickness, but it would be ideal for those looking for a thicker yoga mat to provide a more cushioned floor for more adventurous yoga poses. Don’t be put off by its thickness, though. It’s also lightweight, coming in at just under a kilogram. Best yoga mat for hot yoga: Pro Fitness cork yoga mat Made from sustainable cork Instead of using man-made materials, Pro Fitness's eco-friendly mat has been created using a natural cork upper side, which provides grip while also being water and sweat resistant - making it great for hot yoga. This double-sided mat’s cork upper is non-slip, while the non-toxic TPE underside is designed to provide cushioning and comfort while gripping the surface underneath. Best yoga mat for grip: Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat Extra hold and comfort This ultra-grippy mat from Yogamatters is made from high-density foam that’s designed to cushion, support and protect knees, bottoms, and backs from hard surfaces while providing a non-slip surface to help with balance. The Sticky mat from Yogamatters is, unsurprisingly, designed to provide unrivalled grip to users when working on their flow. It’s a great choice for those starting out on their yoga journey who want a non-slip mat for an affordable price. Our yoga experts Adam Husler and Natasha Kerry are experts in yoga. Both have spent years teaching thousands of people how to perfect their practice through in-person classes, online courses and specialist retreats and have themselves used countless different yoga mats during their years of yoga practice. Adam Husler is a law school graduate, ultramarathon runner and yoga teacher who specialises in a signature style of Alignment-Based Vinyasa. Having been taught by globally renowned teachers, Adam now teaches others, through in-person classes and retreats across the UK and Europe, and online, through his own online platform The Huslers. Natasha Kerry is a leading yoga teacher in London who teaches privately and in prestigious member's clubs and studios throughout the city. She trained in India at the Yoga Vidya Gurukul ashram, is an expert in Vinyasa yoga, Yin yoga and yoga Nidra, and shares these methodologies at workshops, retreats and festivals across the UK and internationally. We put three questions to each of them to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for your new yoga mat and got their expert recommendations of the best yoga mat to buy and why. What should you look for when buying a yoga mat? “A grippy surface is the most important thing for any yogi”, advises Adam, “everything beyond that is a personal preference. Do you want a thick cushioned mat, or do you prefer a thinner mat you can travel with? Do you want a mat to show off your fashion taste, or do you want minimal distraction?” Making these decisions before you start searching for the perfect mat will definitely help you find the perfect mat faster. Natasha agrees that choosing a non-slip mat is a priority. “Seasoned practitioners tend to look for a mat that is non-slip – it’s the worst when you are sweating in class, and your hands and feet are slipping on the yoga mat. It really affects your focus and your flow!” But it’s also important to think about who might be using the mat other than yourself. As Adam points out, “Do you want a mat that can be shared with friends or family or will it be a personal mat; the ones that absorb sweat tend to be much grippier, but less desirable to share with others.” What should you avoid when looking for a yoga mat? For Adam, avoiding mats that aren’t made sustainably is key, explaining that “yoga brands have made huge headway into making mats that are kind to the planet. Manduka mats are eco-kind because they will last most people a lifetime or and Liforme mats are kind because of their super eco-friendly materials and because the company does a huge amount of work to make the world a better place.” When it comes to practicality, Natasha warns against mats that are “too heavy or bulky to carry to class” and, underlining the importance of grip, “avoid mats that are too slippy!” Which yoga mat do you recommend? So now we know what to look for and what to avoid; what mats do our experts recommend? “Liforme has been my go-to mat for around seven years”, says Adam, “thanks to their grip, alignment system and how much work the company do for the plant and community. Their original mats stay in my home studio, and travel mats come to me on my international workshops.” Natasha also recommends Liforme, “the yogis in the know all use Liforme Yoga mats, but it is a splurge!” For those not willing to shell out three figures for a yoga mat, Adam has more suggestions, “Occasionally, if I’m travelling super light and want something to put on a studio mat, I might take the foldable Jade Voyager. If I were a studio owner, I’d be using Manduka’s; not so grippy as some, but far easier to clean and will last longer than anything else out there.” How to look after your yoga mat After you've brought your yoga mat, you want to keep it in good nick to avoid having to splash out on another one. Here are some tips which will help enhance how long your yoga mat lasts: Keep it clean: After each practice, wipe your mat with a damp cloth or mild soapy water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the material. Read our guide on how to clean your yoga mat for more. Air it out: Allow your mat to air dry after cleaning to prevent mould or mildew growth. Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your mat to fade and become brittle. Store it away from direct sunlight when you're not using it. Roll it properly: Roll your mat loosely with the top (sticky) side facing out. Avoid folding or creasing, as it can cause permanent damage. Be mindful of sharp objects: Keep your mat away from sharp objects or rough surfaces that can cause tears or scratches. Be wary when using it in the park or outdoors. When to replace your current yoga mat Are you still holding on to an old yoga mat which you picked up years ago? Are you wondering whether you're really in need of a new yoga mat? Here are some signs that it's time to replace your current one: Wear and tear: If you notice visible signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, holes, or fraying edges, it's time to replace your mat. Loss of grip: When your mat starts to lose its sticky texture, and you find yourself slipping during poses, it may no longer provide the support you need—time to buy a new one. Odour and stains: Lingering odours or stubborn stains that don't go away with cleaning can indicate a build up of bacteria, making it necessary to replace your mat. Flattening or thinning: Over time, the cushioning and thickness of your mat may wear down, reducing its ability to cushion your joints adequately. Hygiene concerns: If your mat has become challenging to clean, and you're worried about hygiene, it's time to invest in a new one. Allergies or skin irritations: If you experience allergies or skin irritations while using your mat, it's best to switch to a new one made from different materials. Want to read more about yoga with expert tips? Check out our yoga page for a full list of recommendations. Here you can find guides, including the ten best yoga poses for pain relief and stress, yoga for runners, and the easiest yoga poses for beginners.
The best mascaras, recommended by make-up artists: No7, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty and more
We spoke to some of the world's top make-up artists to uncover the best mascaras on the market, and answer some the most commonly asked mascara questions too.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and one of the first things people notice when they look at us, so then, a good mascara should be one of the must-have items in any beauty lover's make-up bag. A truly exceptional mascara can elevate your entire look, but when you're looking for a new tube, it can be difficult to know where to start. Some formulas promise to lengthen, others volumise, while more advanced mascaras offer solutions for both and promise to wrap your lashes for long-lasting results. But which mascara is really the best? Whether you're looking for length, volume, or dramatic curls, we have scoured the market to find the perfect formula with the help of our world-renowned beauty experts, who told us their top picks and tips for all eye-enhancing scenarios. Once you've read through our best list, make sure you continue to the bottom of this article for our beauty gurus' advice on what you should look out for (and avoid) when shopping for your next lash-enhancing mascara, and some of our answers for the most commonly asked mascara questions. Jump to the best mascaras: Best affordable all-rounder: No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, £14.95 at Boots Best everyday mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational, £9.99 at Boots Best curling mascara: Benefit Roller Lash, £25.50 at Cult Beauty Best volumising mascara: Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara, £32.40 at Cult Beauty Best lifting mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £26 at John Lewis Best defining mascara: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara, £23 at Boots Best lightweight mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, £29 at LookFantastic The best mascaras Best affordable all-rounder: No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, £14.95 at Boots Gives length, volume and curl This No 7 mascara is a favourite of make-up pro Joy Adenuga and promises to deliver a dramatic false lash effect thanks to its hourglass-shaped wand. Enriched with shea butter and vitamin E, this mascara promises to nourish and condition lashes throughout wear, avoiding that horrible “crispy” feeling that lashes can get long after application. It’s not the most intense of formulas, so it can be used to give subtle definition or layered for a more dramatic effect. Best everyday mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational, £9.99 at Boots For a defined, layered look This mascara from Maybelline features six different lengths of bristles to capture even the tiniest lashes, designed to give a layered, multiplied effect, and with a low-wax formula, it promises thickness without clumps. Maybelline New Yorks’ Lash Sensational mascara is a favourite of music superstar Doja Cat, who describes it as “fire” for layering to create her signature doe-eyed looks. The mascara’s curved brush promises to capture lashes from corner to corner to give full lash coverage with just one coat. Best curling mascara: Benefit Roller Lash, £25.50 at Cult Beauty Hooks, lifts and curls Recommended by our make-up expert Gilbert Soliz, Benefit’s Roller Lash promises to instantly lengthen, roll and curl lashes for long-lasting results of up to 12 hours. Benefit’s Roller Lash curling mascara features Benefit’s unique Hook ‘n' Roll™ brush, which has been designed to grab, separate, lift and curl each lash. With a curve-setting formula that promises holds for 12 hours, it’s been created for long-lasting results that make your eyes really pop. Best volumising mascara: Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara, £32.40 at Cult Beauty One-coat wonder This glossy mascara from world-famous makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin is designed to give a smudge-free, flake-free, and long-lasting finish. Don’t be put off by the thin brush - it comes recommended by our expert Amber Amos. This mascara is the perfect example of a beauty insider’s secret weapon. While Kevyn Aucoin might not be a household name, the brand is certainly a go-to for those in the know, in huge part thanks to this mascara, which has garnered hundreds of rave reviews from beauty experts and professional makeup artists, including Amber Amos. Best lifting mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £26 at John Lewis Instant length and lift This lengthening and lifting mascara from Charlotte Tilbury is another favourite of make-up pro Gilbert Soliz, with a formula that promises to magnify and amplify lashes. Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes mascara is designed specifically to lift and amplify lashes to make your eyes look bigger, brighter and more awake. Its diamond-shaped brush bristles have green created to capture each lash to create a fanned-out look, while the lightweight, creamy formula promises smudge-proof, humidify-proof results. Best defining mascara: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara, £23 at Boots Gives a full lash look Designed and approved by global superstar and make-up maven Rihanna, Fenty Beauty’s Full Frontal Mascara is designed to define and curl every lash, and it comes recommended by our make-up expert Joy Adenuga. This was Fenty Beauty’s first-ever mascara and features the brand’s unique “flat-to-fat” brush. The “fat” side has been designed to hold maximum product to quickly load and lift lashes, while the “flat” side promises to define and curl lashes. Since launching, it’s become a favourite of beauty editors and influencers alike. Best lightweight mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, £29 at LookFantastic For a wide-eyed look With its lightweight, clump-free formula and unique cone-shaped brush, Lancôme’s Hypnôse Doll Eyes mascara promises to coat and lift lashes without weighing them down, and it comes recommended by our make-up expert Joy Adenuga. As well as being a hit with our expert Joy, this Lancôme mascara is the go-to tube for Khloé Kardashian, who admitted to Vogue that “this is the one thing I will not leave the house without.” With its promise to lift, lengthen and volumise lashes with just one coat, we can see why. What to look for when shopping for mascara: three make-up experts give their advice Our mascara experts are some of the biggest names in the professional make-up world. With a combined experience of over 40 years in the beauty industry, they know exactly which products are the best, including mascaras. Joy Adenuga is a multi-award-winning, London-based make-up artist who has been working in the industry for over a decade and has worked with brands including Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, and Smashbox cosmetics and knows which products live up to their promises. “If a mascara promises to be waterproof, there should be no panda eyes when you tear up. There should be volume if it promises volume, and so on.” Gilbert Soliz is a California-born makeup artist and alum of Paris’ prestigious Make Up For Ever Academy. With over twenty years of experience in make-up, working with brands including Givenchy, Valentino Couture, and Marc Jacobs, Gilbert knows what to look for when shopping for your next mascara. Celebrity make-up artist Amber Amos has coated the lashes of some of the world's most famous faces and has had her work featured on the covers of some of the world’s most-read magazines, including Forbes, GQ, iD, Billboard, XXL, and People magazine, to name but a few. We put three questions to each of them to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for your next mascara and got their expert recommendations of the best mascaras to buy and why. What should you look for when buying mascara? “Mascara should do what it claims to do. With so many mascaras in the market promising so many things, delivering what they promise is the most important”, says Joy Adenuga, and she should know. Gilbert Soliz advises that you should first “consider what you want the mascara to do. Do you want volume? Do you want length? Do you want a combination of both?” And one of his top tips? “Consider whether you want regular or waterproof” – not doing so is an oversight that can often cause the messiest of make-up faux-pas. While Amber Amos thinks there are three key things to consider when shopping for mascara, recommending that “when buying a mascara, people should look for pigment, the style of brush, and long wearability.” What should you avoid when looking for mascara? “Avoid looking for just one mascara”, warns Joy Adenuga, “I advise getting two that perform their functions really well. A volume and a lengthening mascara normally layer well and make your eyes pop.” While Amber Amos recommends that “when looking for a new mascara, avoid any that are too messy, doesn’t truly set on the lashes, or is too dry, which can lead to clumping and flakes.” On the other hand, Gilbert Soliz warns us to beware of the marketing gimmicks used by some beauty brands, saying, “I’d avoid mascaras that feature gimmicky brushes. They claim to give you the most amazing lashes and often fall short.” Which mascara do you recommend? Now we know what to look for and what to avoid, which mascaras do our experts recommend? “Some of my favourite mascaras feature creamy formulas without smearing or smudging and brushes that grip and grab every lash”, says Gilbert, recommending “Benefit Roller Lash, which is great for length, and Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes.” “I personally love tubing mascaras”, says Amber. Instead of the traditional waterproof formulas, which tend to get dry and clumpy, tubing mascara creates water-resistant tubes over each individual lash, making it truly waterproof and super easy to remove. “Some of my favourites are Shiseido's Imperial Lash and Kevyn Aucoin's Volume Mascara.” While Joy Adenuga’s favourites include “No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara, and Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara.” Mascara buyer's guide: top 5 things you need to know about mascara The world of makeup can be, at the best of times, a confusing place. There are a lot of terms to understand and questions to be answered. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions about mascara and done our research to answer them, so you can be sure you know what you're getting when you buy you're next tube of mascara. What's the difference between regular mascara and waterproof mascara? The key difference between regular mascara and waterproof mascara lies in their formulations and performance. Regular mascara is designed to enhance the lashes, providing volume, length, and definition. It contains ingredients that adhere to the lashes but can be easily removed with water or gentle cleansers. Waterproof mascara, however, incorporates water-resistant polymers as a core ingredient, creating a protective barrier around the lashes that withstands moisture, humidity, and tears. These specialised polymers form a resilient film that prevents smudging and flaking, ensuring long-lasting wear even in challenging conditions. However, it's worth noting that while waterproof mascaras may seem like a no-brainer, the very feature that makes waterproof mascaras long-lasting can make them challenging to remove. Waterproof mascara requires a more potent makeup remover or a specialized cleanser designed to break down the water-resistant film gently. If you're too rough with your removal, it can lead to excessive rubbing and potential lash breakage. The film formed by the water-resistant polymers can also cause the lashes to feel stiffer, which may lead to clumping. Lashes coated in waterproof mascara can also feel slightly drier than with regular mascara. Over time, this dryness may lead to some lashes feeling brittle, especially if the mascara is not removed properly. When choosing between regular and waterproof mascara, consider your lifestyle, the occasion, and the climate. If you require a reliable option for events, sports, or rainy days, waterproof mascara's formulation with water-resistant polymers will deliver smudge-proof results. Nevertheless, for everyday use and easy removal, regular mascara remains an excellent choice, providing remarkable enhancement without the need for specialized cleansers. What are tubing mascaras, and how do they differ from traditional mascaras? Tubing mascaras are a unique type of mascara formulation that differs from traditional mascaras in how they coat the lashes. Instead of using pigment particles and waxes to stick to the lashes, tubing mascaras create tiny water-resistant tubes around each lash. These tubes encase the lashes, providing length, volume, and curl without smudging or flaking. Unlike traditional mascaras, tubing mascaras are designed to be water-resistant rather than waterproof, making them easy to remove with warm water and gentle pressure. The tubing effect ensures a smudge-proof and long-lasting finish, while the easy removal process prevents lash damage and irritation from traditional waterproof mascaras. How can I stop mascara from smudging or flaking throughout the day? Smudging is the top issue when it comes to mascara. It's so much of an annoyance that we've written a whole guide on how you can stop your mascara from smudging, with even more tips and advice for make-up experts. Here are a couple of their top tips: Prep your lashes: Before applying mascara, make sure your eyelashes are clean, dry and free from any product residue. Choose the right mascara: Opt for a smudge-proof mascara that is long-lasting and suitable in all conditions. Avoid excessive application: Try to limit the number of coats you apply to your lashes, and make sure to allow each layer to dry fully before adding more. Use a lash comb: Go through your lashes with a lash comb to separate them out and remove any clumps that could cause smudging. Leave it be: Once you have applied your mascara, let it dry and don’t bother it. Add a setting powder (optional): For extra security that your mascara won’t smudge, our experts recommended using a light dusting of translucent or setting powder under your eyes to finish off your application routine. How do I apply mascara properly? Do you wiggle? Do you swoosh? Do you close your eyes and simply hope for the best? It seems like everyone has a slightly different way of achieving the best results when applying mascara, but in our efforts to definitively find the best way to apply mascara, we spoke to two more make-up experts, and you can read their full advice in our dedicated guide on how to apply mascara, but here's a quick rundown of their tops tips: Prep your lashes: Ensure your eyelashes are clean and dry - this will provide the perfect starting point for applying mascara. At this stage, you can also curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler. Apply mascara to the upper lashes: Remove any excess mascara from the brush, and hold the wand horizontally by your lashes. Apply mascara to the lower lashes: Use the tip of the wand to apply the desired amount of mascara to your lower lashes - again, make sure to coat evenly. Add extra volume (optional): Want more volume and length? Apply additional coats of mascara to your lashes to achieve your desired style. Separate any clumps: For the finishing touch, make sure to separate any clumps in your lashes. What's the best way to remove mascara without damaging my lashes? Your lashes are delicate, so it's really important to be as gentle as possible when removing your mascara to avoid damaging your lashes. Look for oil-based removers or micellar water, as they are excellent at breaking down mascara without excessive rubbing or tugging. When it comes to removing your mascara, soak a cotton pad with the remover and hold it over your closed eye for a few seconds to allow the product to dissolve the mascara. Then, gently swipe the cotton pad downward along your lashes to remove the mascara. Makes sure you avoid rubbing back and forth, as this can cause lash breakage. Be patient, too, and repeat as needed until all mascara is removed, ensuring your lashes stay healthy and intact. Want more advice? Well, guess what? We also have a full dedicated guide on how to remove mascara, with more tips from top make-up artists. Want to read more expert-recommended beauty round-ups? Check out our make-up page for a full list of recommendations, including the best foundations, best concealers and best eyeshadow palettes – all recommended by expert make-up artists.
Seven tips for better focus and improved concentration
Unlock improved focus with our top seven tips for better concentration, from mindful tech use to the Pomodoro technique.
Ever found yourself knee-deep in a critical project, only to be derailed by the bleep of a smartphone notification or the addictive scroll of social media? You're not alone. In our fast-paced digital world, maintaining concentration is becoming increasingly difficult. We're all trying to keep up with emails, notifications, and the latest tweets, but the more we juggle, the harder it gets to stay focused on one thing. And here's the kicker - when our concentration is all over the place, we're not as productive, and it can get pretty stressful. Sounds familiar? Don’t sweat it, we've got your back. To help you out, we've put together seven top tips for cranking up your concentration and making your attention span the best it can be. Get ready to take notes! Say goodbye to smartphone notifications Our first tip might seem harsh but is based on scientific research. A study conducted by Professor Larry Rosen from California State University demonstrated that smartphone notifications can trigger stress and anxiety. It's tough for our brains to ignore these alerts, leading to distractions. The simple solution? Switch off notifications on your smartphone to create a peaceful, distraction-free space. Harness the power of the Pomodoro technique If you're prone to juggling tasks all at once, this technique is a game-changer. Multitasking can diminish productivity and hike stress levels. Using the Pomodoro technique can prevent this productivity nosedive. Here's how to do it: Break down your tasks into four 25-minute chunks. Concentrate fully on the first task for 25 minutes, then enjoy a five-minute break. Repeat this for the remaining sections. After four 'pomodoros', take a lengthier break of around 15 to 20 minutes. Prioritise exercise and meditation Don't underestimate the power of taking a screen break. Our brains need time to recharge, and a bit of exercise or meditation during working hours can boost your concentration and productivity. Whether you decide to meditate for 10 minutes or take a brisk walk, you're providing your brain with much-needed downtime. Embrace regular tech breaks While scrolling through Instagram or playing Candy Crush can be a fun distraction, it's vital not to overdo it. Dr Rosen recommends scheduling a "tech break". Here's how: Before diving into a task, take a minute or two to enjoy your favourite apps. Then, set a timer for 15 minutes, mute your phone, and put it face-down. Once the alarm rings, take another minute or two to check your phone. Repeat this process three to four times, followed by a longer break. Rekindle your relationship with printed books In the era of screen overload, it's easy to skim-read and miss essential information. By contrast, reading printed books encourages deep, focused attention. Professor Maryanne Wolf of the University of California recommends reading a printed book for at least 20 minutes a day. Think about your diet Poor concentration can sometimes go hand in hand with poor nutrition. If you’re struggling to focus or feel you're procrastinating too much, then you might not be eating the right kinds of food. To help you keep your head in the game, try and eat more ‘brain foods’. These include unsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3, which is found in fish, nuts, and olive oil. These healthy fats are essential for nerve cell functioning and keeping your mind sharp. Adequate intake of B vitamins and vitamin C also promotes concentration. In general, maintaining a varied and healthy diet is crucial. Don't forget to stay hydrated, too, aiming for about two to three litres of water per day. Here are some good brain foods to start incorporating into your diet for improved concentration: Fish Whole grains Avocados Nuts Red berries Legumes Eggs Do some brain training exercises To improve your concentration and enhance your focus, you can use brain training exercises. Like with any exercise, the benefits come from consistency, so try and make these a regular part of your routine. Here are two brain training exercises which can improve your concentration: Brain jogging Do memory exercises regularly and try to do activities which present problems you need to puzzle over before working out. For example, you can play Sudoku, solve arithmetic problems or simply write words backwards. Such tricks train your receptiveness and are also a nice distraction in stressful everyday life. Reading and adult games also increase concentration as you train your brain not to be distracted. Meditation To boost the brain's cognitive functions, it helps to quiet the mind. When we meditate, we learn to focus our attention on a single thing - for example, our breath. This trains the ability to focus on what is important and get into the flow of the day. If you’re new to meditation, check out our beginner’s guide to meditation: tips, tricks and techniques for meditating. So there you have it – seven tips for better concentration. They'll take time to implement, but the reward of an improved attention span will make it all worthwhile. Start today and feel the benefits of a more focused, productive, and rewarding life. If you want more expert tips and recommendations, check out our page on wellness, which includes guides on breathing exercises for better sleep, how to create a productive workspace, how to tackle tiredness and tips for better sleep, according to experts.
Tips for better sleep: 6 ways to improve your sleep quality
By prioritizing good sleep, you can take charge of your sleep health and improve your overall quality of life.
A good night's sleep is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for your overall wellbeing. Quality sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting optimal physical and mental functioning. When you don't get enough sleep, it can lead to a range of problems that affect your daily life. First and foremost, sleep deprivation can take a toll on your energy levels and mood. It's no secret that a poor night's sleep can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate. It can negatively impact your productivity and performance at work or school and even strain your relationships with others. Inadequate sleep has also been linked to various health issues. It weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and infections. It also increases the risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. By prioritizing good sleep and implementing these six tips, you can take charge of your sleep health and improve your overall quality of life. Let's dive into the actionable steps you can take to enhance your sleep hygiene and experience the benefits of a well-rested body and mind. Six tips for a good night sleep To help put together our tips, we've spoken with sleep experts and nutritionists for their best advice on how to improve sleep quality and achieve a restful night's sleep. 1. Start your day with a nutritious breakfast Certified nutrition expert Liora Bels believes that a healthy breakfast plays a significant role in setting the stage for a good night's sleep. According to Bels, incorporating foods like barley, sweet corn, sour cherries, and walnuts can stimulate the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Additionally, magnesium and potassium-rich foods help relax your muscles, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. 2. Opt for a light and nourishing dinner When it comes to dinner, it's important not to burden your digestion. Bels suggests having light meals that include healthy fats and slowly digestible carbohydrates. Combining these with protein-rich foods helps in the production of the sleep-promoting hormone serotonin. 3. Establish soothing sleep rituals Creating sleep rituals can signal your body and mind that it's time to unwind. One of Bels' personal recommendations is sipping on warm golden nut milk—a blend of anti-inflammatory turmeric and almond milk, which can be accompanied by soothing chamomile tea. Other teas, such as valerian, lavender, or lemon balm, can also aid relaxation. 4. Distract yourself instead of worrying Emotional distress, anxiety, or a racing mind can disrupt your sleep. Bels advises against reaching for your phone or turning on the TV during such moments. Instead, try practising meditation, reading, or listening to podcasts to calm your body and mind. Psychologist Hope Bastine also suggests journaling or creating to-do lists before bed to clear your mind. 5. Embrace relaxation moments Indulge in a calming bath with magnesium salts to unwind. The skin absorbs these salts effectively, promoting relaxation. Remember to keep the lighting dim during your bath and other evening activities to prepare your body for sleep. 6. Bring nature indoors with plants Creating a sleep-friendly environment is essential. Certain plants can enhance the atmosphere in your bedroom. Bastine recommends chrysanthemums, which naturally remove pollutants from the air. By following these six tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving a peaceful and rejuvenating night's sleep. Prioritize your sleep hygiene and experience the difference it can make in your life. Sleep well! If you want more expert tips and recommendations, check out our page on sleep, which includes guides on breathing exercises for a better sleep, the best eye masks for sleeping, the best white noise machines and the best bed sheets according to experts.
How to improve your posture: top tips and advice on building a healthy back and good posture
Want to learn how to improve your posture and build a healthy back and spine? You're in the right place. Read on for top tips and exercises for creating and maintaining good posture.
Head up, chest out, stomach in: there's much more behind this tip than just looking good and gaining a bit of extra confidence. While you're reading this sentence, your posture is likely the opposite: head down, shoulders forward, and a rounded back. Caught in the act? Many people sit in front of computers or laptops for hours on end, and even when we're not working, we're glued to our smartphones or recovering from a tiring day spent sitting in front of a screen on the couch. On average, we sit for seven hours a day, and one in four people sits for over nine hours daily. Therefore, poor posture has become a sort of common illness or even a new form of smoking. All the sitting, lack of movement, and the so-called "tech neck" caused by looking down at our smartphones lead to bad posture, which manifests itself in various ways, including back pain. If you want to make a significant change to your posture and do a lot for your health and well-being, you need to be patient. However, you can make it easier with a few everyday tips and exercises for good posture. Five tips and exercises for a healthy back Here are some top tips to help keep your back and spine healthy and how to improve your posture in everyday life. 1. Stand up regularly Sitting for long periods is detrimental to your posture, and you need to stand up regularly to counteract this. You should leave your desk at least once an hour and move around. Aim to take at least 250 steps when you do. One tip to make it more fun is to take a longer route to the toilet or kitchen. While you're at it, stretch your entire body, reach your arms up, and move your spine from side to side while taking deep breaths. 2. Proper head position When you're working in front of a screen, you may find yourself holding your head in one position for an extended period, which can lead to a forward head posture. Therefore, it's essential to check and correct your head position regularly. Your head should sit directly above your shoulders to achieve an ideal position for a relaxed neck. Slightly move the back of your head back and lower your chin to achieve this position. That way, the weight of your head is carried by the bones along the spine. 3. Exercise: build muscles A strong back is crucial for preventing pain and improving posture. An active life and exercise can help you achieve this. You can learn the best exercises for a straight back from yoga or Pilates (confused about the difference between them? Check out our guide). Swimming or Deep Work, a form of fitness training, can also strengthen your back muscles and promote proper posture. 4. Sit properly If you're required to sit all day for work, it's vital to sit properly without a rounded back. Here are the basics for an upright sitting posture: Sit upright with a slightly forward-tilted pelvis and a right angle in your knees. Drop your shoulders without tension and let them fall back and down. Raise your chest slightly forward and upward. Stretch the back of your head backwards and upward, so your cervical spine is stretched. 5. Make healthy posture a habit To develop the habit of proper posture, you need to remind yourself of it repeatedly. This could be done through a post-it note on your computer screen, a reminder on your phone, or loved ones who draw your attention to your rounded back. Three exercises for better posture To improve posture and prevent back pain, there are postures that promote optimal body posture. These are the right exercises to correct bad back posture: 1. Rounded back exercise (Cat-cow) The back exercise, which originates from yoga, makes the spine flexible, mobilizes the back muscles, and helps to release tension. The best thing is that cat-cow is the perfect exercise for beginners. The starting position is the tabletop position on a surface, ideally on a yoga mat or exercise mat. With a relaxed inhale, lift the head slightly and bring the back into a controlled arch. With the exhale, the movement goes in the opposite direction: round the back and look towards the navel. You should feel a stretch between the shoulder blades. Repeat this sequence several times until the upper body feels relaxed and light. 2. Shoulder bridge The shoulder bridge is a pure pleasure for the body and an effective exercise for back pain and poor posture. The anti-round back position strengthens the legs, buttocks, and back while stretching the front upper body and neck. Lie on your back and place your feet hip-width apart near your buttocks. Press your feet into the mat and lift your hips up. Cross your hands under your buttocks and bring your shoulder blades closer together. Hold the pose for ten breaths. Then lift your heels and roll your back down to the ground, vertebra by vertebra. 3. Upward facing dog Perfect for a round back: the upward-facing dog is a backbend that intensively opens the chest, counteracting a round back. Other benefits include stretching the abdomen, shoulders, and quadriceps. This exercise can be combined well with the above ones. Lie on your stomach and activate your entire core musculature (tighten your abs). Place your palms next to your chest on the mat; keep your elbows close to your body. Now press both hands firmly into the ground. With the next inhalation, stretch your arms and lift your upper body as well as your legs (including your knees) off the ground. Take a deep breath. Lower back down to the ground. How poor posture develops and the benefits of good posture Understanding the development and effects of poor posture is essential for improving our overall health and well-being. Let's delve deeper into the world of body posture, explore the key factors contributing to poor posture and discover the benefits of a straight back. Understanding body posture The term "body posture" generally refers to the alignment of the body against gravity. Good body posture helps evenly distribute constant forces acting on joints, preventing overuse. However, prolonged sitting, lack of movement, or one-sided muscle strain can lead to poor posture. Poor posture usually manifests in shoulders hanging forward, a lowered head, and an excessively curved upper back. The effects of poor posture on the body A curvature in the thoracic spine resulting from poor posture can cause neck and shoulder tension, back pain, headaches, stiff muscles, and adhesions in the fascia. With a pronounced round back, individuals may experience difficulty breathing as the chest collapses forward, restricting chest volume and preventing full lung expansion. In severe cases, back pain may radiate into the arms or legs. The benefits of a straight posture Improving posture has numerous benefits for overall health and well-being. Good posture changes how others perceive us because our impact on others is 55% based on body language, followed by voice and speech. In addition, maintaining good posture improves mobility, prevents pain, and promotes complete air intake. Shallow or short breathing due to poor posture can make the body acidic, leading to feelings of stress or anger. How to maintain a good posture There are simple ways to maintain good posture throughout the day. Firstly, it's important to maintain a neutral spine position while sitting or standing. Avoid slouching or hunching over. Instead, keep the head up and shoulders relaxed. When sitting, ensure your feet are flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs. A chair with good back support can also help maintain good posture while seated. Regular exercise is another important factor in maintaining good posture. Exercise strengthens muscles, improves mobility, and helps counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. Yoga, Pilates, and weight training are all effective forms of exercise for improving posture. Finally, be mindful of posture throughout the day. Make a habit of periodically checking posture and adjusting as necessary. With time and practice, maintaining good posture can become second nature, leading to a healthier and more comfortable body. Want to improve your wellness and read more expert-recommended round-ups? Check out more of our content, including our guide to mindfulness journals: how to start wellness journaling and its benefits, the best eye masks for sleeping, and the best yoga mats, recommended by expert yoga teachers.