There's a reason value amplifiers are still revered by musicians and audiophiles alike. Yes, they do create great sound, but they also look pretty cool. So when I first saw Droplet's Scent Amplifier, I knew I had to have it.

The Scent Amplifier looks like an old-fashioned valve amp, with a solid walnut-toned wooden base and a delicate, light-bulb-esque hand-blown crystal glass vessel that holds the fragrance and diffuses it.

Rather than heat-based diffusion, the Scent Amplifier uses pressurised air to nebulise the fragrance, creating a fine mist. This means you don't need to add water to the oil, so it doesn't add moisture to the air and is much cleaner.

What looks like the valve element (that is oxidising the oil) glows when the unit is switched on to give the full effect. A gentle rumble of the air compressor can be heard while operating, which gets louder the more intense you set the dial, though you'd only hear it in a completely silent room.

The unit is charged by USB-C and can then run for up to 15 hours. A single silver dial on the top controls the intensity and will run in three-minute intervals (with two minutes off) until the fragrance is finished.

Available to buy from Selfridges or via the Droplet website, the Scent Amplifier costs £80 (around $108) on its own, or as a set with six fragrance oils for £125 (around $169). If you want your house smelling nice, this is the classiest way to do it.

Unless you’ve been living in a cool and shady rock, you’ll know that the UK has been experiencing some intense heatwaves over the past few months. While I’ve been loving the heat, where it starts to get uncomfortable is trying to sleep in 30+ degree temperatures.

But Simba is coming to the rescue with its new HeatRelease technology. Exclusively available in the UK on its Hybrid mattress line-up, Simba’s new cooling mattress technology is designed to help you sleep better in the heat by keeping you up to 4.4°C cooler.

Within Simba’s Hybrid mattresses are a combination of foam and springs. These are still there in the form of Simbatex foam and Aerocoil microsprings which already keep the mattress cool by encouraging airflow. This construction also helps support and relieve pressure on the body, while also responding to its movement.

What’s changed is graphite-infused HeatRelease strips have been added to the mix to speed up airflow and heat transfer. With this advanced thermal technology, the HeatRelease strips draw heat away from the body to cool you down and maintain a comfortable temperature while you sleep.

Simba claims that this action of actively drawing away heat takes place within 20 minutes of you resting on the mattress. The brand also claims that its HeatRelease technology continues to work throughout the night to keep you at an ideal temperature for up to eight hours.

As quoted by Steve Reid, CEO at Simba, “Britain's homes are getting hotter… and people are looking for smarter ways to stay cool while they sleep… Our customers want mattresses that actively respond to the environment around them. HeatRelease combines advanced thermal engineering with our latest sleep technology to draw excess body heat away from the sleeper, helping people stay cooler and sleep more comfortably.”

Simba’s new HeatRelease technology comes as standard in the Simba Hybrid Ultra but it’s an optional extra for the Simba Hybrid Luxe and the Simba Hybrid Pro.

P.S. For more sleep advice, check out these 7 tips for sleeping in a heatwave.

Panasonic has refreshed its premium Series 900 electric shaver with a number of upgrades, including an updated five-blade system that the brand says delivers up to 50% greater cutting efficiency. If you're shopping for the best electric shaver, it's a significant improvement worth paying attention to.

Powering the Series 900 is Panasonic's mag-lev linear motor, which delivers an impressive 70,000 cutting actions per minute. It's also designed to maintain consistent performance as the battery runs low, so you shouldn't notice the shave getting progressively weaker between charges.

Two models are available, with the ES-L550U supplied without a cleaning station and the ES-L580U including one, and both are priced at £429.99 via Panasonic's online store and Amazon. It's also been confirmed that an even more premium six-blade Series 900+ will arrive later in 2026, taking over as the brand's new flagship shaver range.

The Series 900 combines three finishing blades with two upgraded thick stubble trimmer blades, all made from Japanese stainless steel and positioned at a 30° angle. . Panasonic also says the blades can maintain a close shave for up to five years.

One of the more interesting features is Beard Sensor+ Technology, which detects beard density and automatically increases or reduces power where needed, alongside a flexible head that follows the contours of your face. The shaver supports wet and dry use, USB-C charging and comes with a hard travel case.

Manscaped has expanded its popular Lawn Mower lineup with a new model that puts affordability and portability front and centre. The Lawn Mower Go is the brand's most affordable body groomer yet, joining a growing range that already includes The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra and The Lawn Mower 3.0 Plus.

Designed specifically with below-the-waist grooming in mind, the Lawn Mower Go has a slim, lightweight profile that's intended to make it easier to manoeuvre around trickier areas. Its ergonomic grip should also provide plenty of control without being bulky, putting it up there with the best body groomers available.

The Manscaped Lawn Mower Go is available now for £55/$50 and comes in two colourways. Mineral Blue is currently exclusive to Amazon, whilst Granite Grey will be available from Argos, Tesco and Sainsbury's later in the year. Retail availability varies in the US.

The Lawn Mower Go uses a SkinSafe ceramic trimmer blade, which is designed to help reduce the risk of nicks and cuts, and comes with two adjustable comb attachments covering 3-5mm and 7-9mm lengths.

It's also fully waterproof, meaning you can use it for wet or dry grooming before rinsing it clean afterwards. There's even an integrated LED spotlight to improve visibility in harder-to-see areas, which is particularly handy given what it's primarily designed to trim.

Battery life comes in at up to 60 minutes, with USB-C charging making it easy to top up at home or whilst travelling. Manscaped has also included a travel lock to prevent any accidental starts in your bag, along with a built-in sport strap for easier storage.

Dyson has expanded its Airwrap Coanda 2x multi-styler lineup with four new attachments, all designed to make styling quicker, easier and more versatile. According to the brand, the new accessories benefit from improved airflow engineering and updated designs to deliver better control, faster wrapping and smoother results across a variety of hair types.

The new lineup includes the Conical Coanda 2x Curling Barrel, Large Round Volumising Brush 2x, 40mm Coanda 2x Curling Barrel (Long) and an updated Air Straightener 2x attachment.

Prices start from £34.90, with all four accessories available now from Dyson and John Lewis.

The Dyson Airwrap Coanda 2x originally launched in July 2025, introducing Dyson's second-generation motor alongside a brand new straightening attachment – the AirSmooth 2x. Now, the upgraded Air Straightener 2x (£39.90) is designed to take hair from wet to dry in as little as one pass, whilst continuing to avoid extreme heat.

Elsewhere, the new Conical Coanda 2x Curling Barrel (£34.90) has been designed for those who prefer softer curls. Its tapered shape creates tighter curls at the roots that gradually loosen towards the ends, giving hair a more effortless finish whilst making it easier to style close to the scalp.

The Large Round Volumising Brush 2x (£34.90) features a larger brush head that's designed to create bouncier blow-dries with added lift, whilst the 40mm Coanda 2x Curling Barrel – Long (£34.90) has been built with longer and thicker hair in mind. Dyson says the upgraded barrel offers 30% more power than the previous Airwrap i.d., allowing it to wrap hair faster and produce more consistent curls.

I’ve tried many TikTok sleep hacks over the years in the quest to achieve the best night’s sleep possible. But the most recent TikTok sleep hack to go viral is dividing opinions, and even doctors and sleep experts have weighed in on whether you should do it or not. One thing’s for sure – I’m never going to try it, and here’s why.

There’s no better feeling than waking up in the middle of the night, checking the time and realising you still have a few more hours to sleep before your alarm goes off. Well, it turns out that a new TikTok sleep hack is actually trying to simulate this feeling by setting multiple alarms in the night.

As shown in multiple TikTok videos, creators set alarms between 2am to 5am so they can get the satisfaction of turning off their alarms and going back to sleep. Many users have said it makes them feel like they’re having a lie in and getting extra hours of sleep.

But this sleep ‘hack’ isn’t actually as beneficial as some might think. Firstly, alarm clocks or phone alarms can have a negative effect on your body, mainly due to the loud noise that jolts you out of your sleep. This can put a major strain on your body, which can result in increased stress levels, a low mood, and an elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

Having multiple alarms going off throughout the night can scare you, which makes it harder for you to fall back asleep. It’s also incredibly disruptive to your sleep cycle which is the main reason why Dr Jeff Foster, Director of Men’s Health at Voy and an NHS GP Partner is warning people against this viral trend.

As Dr Foster explains, ““Although the feeling of going back to sleep may feel satisfying, deliberately waking yourself up in the middle of the night is unlikely to improve the quality of your sleep. Sleep is made up of different stages, and if it is broken, it can affect how rested you feel.”

Each sleep stage is important in ensuring your sleep is restful and restorative. With the majority of adults needing up to 8.5 hours of sleep per night, this totals to around five sleep cycles, so you should be experiencing multiple phases of light, deep and REM sleep.

As Dr Foster explains, “deep, restorative sleep is important for many processes in the body, including hormone production and other health conditions.” Essentially, using an alarm to disrupt your sleep cycle multiple times in the night can negatively affect many aspects of your brain and body, leaving you feeling tired, irritable and stressed the next day.

Purposely interrupting your sleep goes against everything I know about sleep, regardless of whether it feels satisfying or not at the time. Instead, it’s important to stick to the rules for good sleep hygiene, which include creating and sticking to a regular bedtime routine, avoiding screens late at night and making your environment as comfortable as possible.

Ozlo has released its next generation of sleep headphones, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2. An advancement on the original, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 come with better sound quality, a smaller, more comfortable design and up to 14 hours of battery life – although the price may still come as a shock.

Made by Bose engineers, the original Ozlo Sleepbuds came out in 2024 to much acclaim, thanks to its advanced sleep and audio technology. While it won many points for its design, sound variety and comfortability, the price and app needed a bit of work, as I discovered in my Ozlo Sleepbuds review.

Ozlo has clearly taken these factors into consideration with the new Ozlo Sleepbuds 2. With the same design as its predecessor, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 have a smaller size, making them the world’s smallest sleep earbuds to date. Made from silicone, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 fit snugly in the ear and are designed for all-night comfort, especially for side sleepers.

Rather than completely block out noise, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 use noise masking technology to reduce disruptions like snoring or external noise. The earbuds have also had its audio system redesigned with a built-in amplifier, so the sound quality is richer and masking is stronger. Users also have more volume options.

To help you sleep better, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 come with a library of soundscapes and masking sleep sounds. The earbuds can be used to play music, podcasts and audiobooks, and they have a private in-ear alarm to wake you up in the morning.

The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 have five customisable sleep modes to choose from, so you can decide how your audio runs through the night. For example, you can play music or an audiobook before bed and set the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 to transition to noise masking sounds when you fall asleep or after a certain time.

When the Ozlo Sleepbuds were launched a couple years ago, the earbuds didn’t have sleep tracking, but that has now changed. The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 and its Smart Charging Case track sleep and environmental conditions through the night, like breathing, movement, sound, light and temperature, and offer personalised insights in the app.

The real standout feature, though, is the improved battery life. The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 now has up to 14 hours of battery life, which Ozlo claims to be the “longest battery life in the sleep earbuds category”. The case also stores battery for up to three sleeps per charge.

Other features include improved Bluetooth connectivity, and a Sleep Shield which blocks disruptions, like calls and notifications.

The Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 are available to buy for $279 at Ozlo. Compared to other sleep headphones, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 are definitely high-end, although with this purchase, you get the earbuds, travel case and the Ozlo Sleep Mask as a limited time gift bundle. As of writing, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 aren’t yet available in the UK and Europe.

If you want to track your sleep but don’t want to wear anything on your wrist or finger to do it, Hatch just solved this problem. The new Hatch Sleep Clock is a contactless sleep tracker that sits on your bedside table rather than in your bed or on your body, and it offers a full sleep experience to help you sleep better.

The Hatch Sleep Clock looks similar to its range of wake up lights, and it actually has a similar design and features so you can use it as a tracker and wake up light in one device. Where it excels is its sleep tracking which uses ultra-low-power radio signals to detect breathing and movement without being invasive.

Unlike traditional sleep trackers, the Hatch Sleep Clock isn’t a wearable, and it doesn’t use microphones or cameras. Instead, its radio signals and bedside technology can detect sleep with a 97% accuracy rating which allows the Hatch Sleep Clock to learn your sleep patterns, deliver insights and create personalised bedtime routines.

Sleep tracking is like marmite – some people love it while others hate it. What Hatch noticed when making its Sleep Clock is that there was a disconnect between understanding and improving sleep which is why it added light and sound features to the Hatch Sleep Clock to bridge this gap.

When in action, the Hatch Sleep Clock tracks when you go to bed, fall asleep, different sleep stages, and if you wake up during the night. From there, the Hatch Sleep Clock uses this information to offer personalised guidance like when you should go to bed and wake up each night, and customise nightly routines by recommending sleep stories, meditations and alarms.

The Hatch Sleep Clock looks similar to the brand’s wake up lights. Like the Hatch Restore 3, it has a semi-circle shape with a button on the top to turn off your alarms and music, and adjust lighting, plus it can be used as a sunrise and sunset alarm clock.

I use a wake up light every morning and it’s changed my morning routine for the better. Instead of a loud, beeping alarm, I wake up to natural light and the sound of birds chirping, which is an option you can choose with the Hatch Sleep Clock. It has circadian-backed light and premium sleep audio which can wake you gradually and naturally, and send you to sleep.

The nighttime cues are my favourite feature of the new Hatch Sleep Clock. I love listening to calming music when I wind down for the night, and the Hatch Sleep Clock has this in handfuls, including sound baths, sleep stories, ASMR, podcasts, audiobooks and a full sleep music library.

The Hatch Sleep Clock is available to buy for $249.99 at Hatch. As of writing, UK pricing and availability has yet to be announced.

Laifen has expanded its grooming range with the new P3 electric shaver, bringing the brand's precision-focused technology to a more accessible model. It follows the Laifen P3 Pro, which earned four stars in our full review earlier this year.

The Laifen P3 introduces a new self-developed twin high-speed linear motor system, delivering 12,000 x 2 cuts per minute. Laifen says this helps reduce vibrations against the skin, addressing one of the biggest complaints many users have with even the best electric shavers.

Priced at £139.99/$159.99, the Laifen P3 is available to buy from Amazon and selected retailers from today.

Available in black, white and blue, the P3 uses a durable PC body with a ceramic-like Monocoat finish, which provides a more secure grip. It also features a stainless steel blade net and an ultra-thin 0.55mm hypoallergenic foil with low nickel, helping deliver a smoother, gentler shave.

The built-in battery provides up to 100 minutes of use from a full charge. If you're in a rush, a quick three-minute charge provides around seven minutes of shaving time. There's also a dedicated travel lock mode, activated by holding the power button for two seconds.

With the rise of smart home technology, almost every room in the house has some sort of smart gadget to make daily life easier. But one area where smart technology hasn’t quite caught on is the bedroom, with sleep tech still being a rare commodity.

The term ‘sleep tech’ is very broad as it actually covers quite a lot of areas. The most common sleep tech you’ll find is in the form of wearables, including fitness trackers that also track sleep, smart rings, and even headbands that measure brain activity.

Other areas that sleep tech falls under are relaxation gadgets, like sleep headphones that play relaxing music, eye masks that emit vibrations and wake up lights that wake you up more naturally and gently in the morning.

This type of sleep tech is extremely popular, as many people already have gadgets like trackers and rings for other daily activities. But a place where it hasn’t quite caught on is when the technology is in the mattress itself.

There are a few smart mattresses on the market, but not as many as you’d expect. Models from the likes of Eight Sleep, Sleep.8 and Bryte feature a full sleep system consisting of a bed base or mattress and other accessories that feature sensors and tracking technology to monitor sleep patterns and make adjustments through the night, like bed height and temperature.

While these gadgets are designed to improve your sleep quality and quantity, they’re still not quite as popular as many of us thought they’d be – and I’ve identified three reasons why.

Why hasn’t sleep tech caught on?

1. Cost

The main – and arguably the most important – reason why this type of sleep tech hasn’t caught on is the cost. In general, mattresses are quite a big expense so completely replacing your mattress, bed base and buying additional accessories and apps can get expensive. On average, you’re looking to pay upwards of £2,000.

Some smart mattress brands come with a monthly app subscription to unlock specific tracking features, so you’re also paying an ongoing fee on your mattress. Not everyone has the means to pay for this which makes sleep tech quite inaccessible.

2. Comfort

Picking a mattress that suits your sleep style and other needs is very important. Mattresses tend to last up to 10 years so if you pick one that isn’t comfortable or supportive, you could be looking at 10 years of bad sleep.

If you have a mattress which is already serving you well, you might be hesitant to replace it with a smart or non-smart one in case it’s uncomfortable. Of course, there are guarantees and returns in place for all types of mattresses, including smart ones, but for some, it might not seem worth the risk.

Moving away from mattresses, some sleep trackers can be uncomfortable to wear at night. Whether it’s a bulky fitness tracker, a heavy headband or a smart ring’s flashy sensors, these things can disturb your sleep. There are also smaller, less invasive sleep tech products that can sit in your bed, either under your pillow or sheets, but they aren’t particularly comfortable either.

3. Accuracy

Despite the huge advancements in sleep tech, not everything is perfect. Many people have reported inaccurate results from sleep tech, including trackers and smart mattresses.

Many sleep products are sold as wellness gadgets rather than certified medical tools, so they don’t always come with rigorous testing or sign off. This is a concern if you’re using something that comes into contact with your body and of course, if you’re paying for something that you want to give you health insights, it can feel like a waste if findings are inconsistent.

Depending on your device’s charge, connection and other external factors, some sleep wearables can miss details or overinflate them which results in incomplete data. A good example of this is I was once testing a smart ring that noted I’d had a 20 minute nap when in fact, I’d been reading and my heart rate had lowered because I was relaxed.

With such a focus on getting the perfect sleep, sleep tech can also contribute to orthosomnia which has the opposite effect of improving your sleep. A few months ago, I got addicted to achieving the perfect sleep score and found that I was jolting awake multiple times in the night and not sleeping properly because of it.

If you don’t achieve the perfect sleep score, some trackers don’t always tell you how to fix it. Instead, they’ll give you a compilation of data which can leave some users frustrated as they haven’t got the answers.

As a sleep expert, I really don’t know how sleep tech needs to improve for more people to start using it. It’d be easy to say the costs need to come down and devices need to be tested more, but seeing this come into fruition is another story.

Braun has introduced its newest electric shaver series, and it includes its ‘finest engineering achievement to date’. The new Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver features AeroTouch and Smart Processor technology to take your grooming to the next level while taking care of your skin – but be warned, it’ll cost you a fair few bob.

Braun’s latest shaver, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver ticks off many firsts for the brand. The shaver has a first-of-its-kind ultra-gliding foil head that works alongside AeroTouch technology which makes the Nevo the first of Braun’s shavers to use this technology.

What AeroTouch technology does is it allows the shaver to come into close contact with the skin lightly and while minimising friction. The shaver gives a close, professional shave that takes care of the skin underneath your facial hair.

I’ve covered grooming tools for a while now, but as you can probably tell from my author bio, I don’t have much experience using electric shavers (since I’m not able to grow facial hair!). But one of the most impressive features I’ve learnt about since expanding my knowledge on electric shavers is its sensors.

As smart tech has advanced over the years, most electric shavers come with sensors that allow the shaver to adapt better to your facial hair. The Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver does this via its Smart Processor which automatically changes its power output to better suit your beard’s density.

Aside from adapting to your beard, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver has an adaptive head and a built-in Long Hair Trimmer, so you can shape your beard and sideburns, while also getting into hard-to-reach areas, like around your jaw and under your chin. These settings and real-time insights show on the shaver’s smart display.

Another first for Braun, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver has been dubbed the only shaver in the world that has a surgical stainless steel unibody. It comes with 250 diamond sharp blades, is 100% waterproof and has a 60 minute battery life.

To make your grooming maintenance even easier, the Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver comes with its Nevo Care 7-in-1 system which automatically cleans and charges your shaver while prolonging the life of the blades. The shaver also comes with a travel case, shaver cleaning cartridge, cleaning brush and charging cable.

The Braun Nevo 15000C Electric Shaver has an RRP of £739.99 but at Braun, you can get it for £369.99. It’s also available at select retailers, like Boots.

Over £700 for an electric shaver is pretty expensive but this tends to be the case with Braun shavers – its Braun Series 9 Pro+ which is one of its most advanced and popular models is around the same price. The good news, however, is it’s fairly unlikely you’ll ever have to pay full price as Braun shavers are often on sale.

Philips has launched its first-ever LED face mask, featuring a clever 3-in-1 design that lets you treat the full face, eye area or neck individually. The Philips ReAura LED Mask also has a lightweight design that adapts comfortably to different face shapes, whilst soft eye cushions provide gentle support during each treatment.

It uses a combination of red, blue and near-infrared LED wavelengths, designed to support the visible reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes and redness. There are three targeted modes to choose from – Age Care, Blemish Care and Daily Glow Age Care – making it easy to select the treatment that best suits your skincare needs.

The Philips ReAura LED Mask will be available to buy from 1st August in the UK, Germany and France through the Philips online store and exclusively via Amazon. It's priced at £349.99/€399.99.

Many of the best LED masks launched with a single use design, particularly in their earlier generations. Brands such as Silk'n and CurrentBody have since started introducing more flexible models with features such as neck and chin coverage, so it's impressive to see Philips entering the market with a such a versatile design.

The ReAura also has a portable design, allowing you to enjoy up to eight sessions per battery charge, with each treatment lasting around 10 minutes.

I'll be reviewing the mask in due course, so keep an eye out for my full thoughts coming soon.

July has been an intensely hot month – the perfect summer, if you ask me! The latest men’s fragrances from July have been a fun mixture of bright and musky scents for your next summer holiday and the upcoming autumnal season (if we can even talk about that yet).

July has been a busy month for fragrance launches, including new bottles from the likes of Dior, Rabanne, Calvin Klein, D.S. & Durga, and more. You can expect notes of florals, tropical fruits, sea salt, and amber, so there’s something for everyone. Here are the best nine new men’s fragrances from July 2026 that you should add to your collection.

MEN’S FRAGRANCES FROM JULY 2026

As I’ve gotten older – and tested more and more sleep-related products for T3 – I’ve really come to value a good pillow. I’m very particular about what I lay my head on at night, especially as I’m a side sleeper, so I need extra cradling and structure for my neck and shoulders. This search led me to Groove Pillows.

I tried the original Groove Pillow back in 2023, and in all honesty, I didn’t get on with it very well. Rather than relieving my neck pain, I found its firmness to be too much for me. However, my husband loved it and still uses it every night to this day, and I rarely hear him complain about neck and shoulder aches.

After my first test a few years ago, I concluded that Groove Pillow was a marmite-type of situation, where you either love it or you hate it. But I was willing to give their new Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow a try to see if my opinion had changed – here’s what happened.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: price and availability

The Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow is available to buy for £45 / $85 at Groove Pillows. On the website, you can get a bundle deal where you get two pillows for £80 / $125.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: design and features

The Groove Adjustable Pillow has a similar shape and design to the first Groove Pillow I tried in 2023. It has a long rectangular shape with high sides and a dip in the centre which is designed to cradle the neck and head. It's made of layers of memory foam, including a 100% PU bamboo memory foam ergonomic foam upper, and 2cm thick memory foam adjustable layers.

To separate the ‘main’ pillow from the four layers, the Groove Adjustable Pillow has an inner and outer cover. The inner cover is made from poly-cotton and the quilted outer layer is made from bamboo and stretch polyester.

Measuring 60cm long and 35cm deep, you can remove the memory foam layers of the Groove Adjustable Pillow to get a petite, regular or tall height. Petite height is between 4cm - 9cm, regular height is 6cm - 11cm, and tall height is 8cm - 13cm. To remove the layers, you simply unzip both the outer and inner cover and remove one or all of the memory foam layers.

This adjustability is designed to adapt to your body, frame and sleeping style. The Groove Adjustable Pillow is said to help ease shoulder and neck pain, and while aligning your spine to relieve pressure while you sleep. It has five combinations to choose from to suit you.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: performance

The Groove Adjustable Pillow came rolled out very tightly in a box, much like a bed-in-a-box mattress. It immediately expanded to size and it didn’t have a strong off-gassing smell so I could start using it right away. As mentioned, I still have a Groove Pillow as my husband sleeps on it, and I did notice a difference between it and the Groove Adjustable Pillow in terms of material.

My first Groove Pillow is three years old, so it’s only natural for its material to be a bit faded, but the fabric of the Groove Adjustable Pillow felt nice and springy to the touch. It’s still a very firm pillow at all heights, so it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and may take time to get used to.

I sleep on my side, and found the dip of the Groove Adjustable Pillow to be extremely cradling around my neck and head. I found it to be most comfortable on my side but not so much on my back. The raised edges did come in handy with my alignment. I tend to sleep curled up like a pretzel, but I did notice less strain on my back when using the Groove Adjustable Pillow.

Adjusting the Groove Adjustable Pillow was very easy if a bit fiddly. I preferred using it as its tallest height rather than at its petite height. With the latter, I experienced some neck pain. Putting the layers back in was a little fiddly, too but it’s nice to have an option to change the height of my pillow.

In terms of neck pain, I didn’t notice much difference between using the Groove Adjustable Pillow and the pillow I was using before. It didn’t cause me any neck pain, but while I was using it, I did hurt my neck from whipping my hair a bit too aggressively at a wedding! I was hoping the pillow would help ease this pain but I still woke up with an achy neck and shoulder a few days after it.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: verdict

The Groove Adjustable Pillow is definitely an improvement to its older pillows, but I still think it’s not for me. I prefer a medium or softer pillow, and even at its smallest, I felt that the Groove Adjustable Pillow was a bit too firm for me. It was great for cradling my neck and shoulders, though, which was an issue I had last time.

Being able to adjust your pillow is especially handy, so I’m sure lots of people will enjoy using the Groove Adjustable Pillow. Its materials feel very luxurious, breathable and cosy, and it’s an affordable option, too. My husband will definitely love it but for me, it was a bit too firm and fiddly.

Groove Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow review: alternatives to consider

If an adjustable pillow is what you’re after, the Fine Bedding Company Honeyfoam pillow lets you add or remove hexagonal foam clusters to create your perfect height and firmness. It’s also made from sustainable materials, and it’s a softer option than the Groove Adjustable Pillow if you’re like me and don’t like firm pillows.

A medium-firm memory foam option, the DreamCloud pillow is a great option for side and back sleepers. It’s quite thick and can’t be adjusted, but DreamCloud is a luxury, reliable brand and this pillow offers good support and cooling qualities.

Another memory foam pillow we love is the Soak&Sleep Shredded Memory Foam pillow which is affordable, supportive and doesn’t give that sinking feeling you get with memory foam.

Aldi has just added two new LED beauty gadgets to its stores, a.k.a the last thing I ever thought I’d see Aldi sell. Featuring a face sculptor and hairbrush, the LED collection uses red light therapy and vibrations to enhance your skincare and haircare – but I’m not convinced you should buy them.

Aldi has gone beyond just selling groceries and toiletries. Over the past couple of years, the global supermarket chain has become known for its middle aisle which has become packed full of kitchen appliances, garden furniture and even barbecues.

But this latest launch has surprised me more than all the others, as Aldi has just introduced an LED Face Sculptor and LED Hairbrush to its stores. This isn’t the first time Aldi has branched out in LED skincare, as it has previously launched an LED face mask and LED wand which are also returning to Aldi stores this weekend.

Among the new launches is the LED Face Sculptor which uses red light therapy and vibrations to tone and lift your skin. It looks similar to the Shark FacialPro Glow which glides across the face to cleanse, hydrate and depuff the skin.

I imagine the Aldi LED Face Sculptor offers a similar action but in a much simpler way. Where the Shark FacialPro Glow comes with multiple attachments for different treatments, the LED Face Sculptor is just a single device. Price is also a major difference as the Shark FacialPro Glow is £300 whereas the LED Face Sculptor is £12.99.

The other new launch from Aldi is the LED Hairbrush which is also priced at £12.99. Like the LED Face Sculptor, the hairbrush uses red LED lights and gentle vibrations to stimulate the scalp to encourage hair growth and healthier locks. This might sound odd to some, but red light has been found to be beneficial for hair and to enhance the scalp’s blood flow.

These two launches join Aldi’s LED Face Mask which has seven light settings to reduce fine lines and redness, and the LED Wand which precisely tackles these problems in tool form. Both cost £12.99, making Aldi’s entire LED beauty collection the same cheap price.

Now, I love Aldi and I love a good bargain, but if you were to ask me if you should buy these LED gadgets, my answer would be no. LED skin care is expensive for a reason, and skin isn’t something to mess around with, especially not for the low price of £12.99.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with buying cheap gadgets. In fact, I use the Silk’n LED Face Mask 100 as part of my weekly skincare routine, and it’s the most budget-friendly LED face mask you can buy (albeit it’s still £150). But an LED mask or sculptor that’s only £12.99? This raises some concerns for me.

When buying an LED skincare product, it’s important to look for ones that are FDA-approved, meaning it has passed rigorous testing for safety and efficiency. I can’t see that written anywhere on the LED range from Aldi and as these products come into contact with skin and hair, I’m not sure I’d completely trust them.

But if you still want to try them for yourself, the LED beauty line-up is available in select Aldi stores from 26th July.

Shark Beauty has upgraded its award-winning CryoGlow LED face mask, adding improved LED coverage and better battery performance. The new CryoGlow Plus features more LEDs compared to the original, whilst battery performance has been optimised as well.

The new Shark CryoGlow Plus also arrives in two fresh colourways – Pastel Berry and Pastel Dusk. Following this launch, the mask will be available in eight different colour options, which fits with SharkNinja's usual approach of offering its products in a wide variety of shades.

It isn't available to buy just yet, but it will launch for £339.99 via Shark's website and selected retailers, with deliveries starting from 29th July. For comparison, the original model is now available from around £250, making it a cheaper option if you don't need the latest upgrades.

The original Shark CryoGlow achieved five stars in our full review back in 2024 and went on to win Best LED Face Mask at the T3 Awards 2025, so expectations are high for this updated version.

Aside from the new features, the CryoGlow Plus remains very similar to the original model. It still includes the same Better Ageing, Blemish Repair and Skin Sustain LED modes, alongside Shark's InstaChill Cold Technology, which uses three adjustable cooling levels to soothe the under-eye area.

It’s peak festival season right now, so if you’re headed to see some live music, you might want to take these new noise-reducing earplugs from Audio-Technica with you. Best known for its audio equipment, Audio-Technica has released two acoustic earplugs with effective noise reduction, comfortable fits, and insanely affordable price tags.

The new launches from Audio-Technica include the AT-ERP3 and the AT-ERP5. Both sets of earplugs have been thoroughly tested and are compliant with EN and ANSI hearing-protection standards. They’re also made from a soft silicone material that’s comfortable to wear, and mould to the ear to stay securely in place.

The standout from the new launches is the AT-ERP5 which are specially designed for festivals and concerts. While wearing these earplugs, users can still experience live music while protecting their ears from the higher volumes.

The AT-ERP5 earplugs have dual-layer filtering dampers that preserve the sound quality of what you’re listening to, while reducing excessive levels of noise to protect the ear drum. They reduce noise by 21dB SNR, and fit snugly in the ear so you can dance around with them without them dislodging.

Easy to take on the go, the AT-ERP5 come with a stylish travel case. Available in black or gold, they have metallic accents for extra style, but they also don’t stick out while you’re wearing them. What’s even better is that they’re only £22, which is significantly cheaper than other noise-reducing earplugs on the market.

For something better suited to everyday, the AT-ERP3 is a great choice. They work to reduce everyday environmental noises to help with concentration, and are recommended for use in offices and commutes, similar to the Loop Switch.

The AT-ERP3 limit noise to 26dB SNR and have high-isolation eartips that gently reduce sound. They’re available in black or grey, and are the cheapest out of the two launches at £17.50.

Audio-Technica’s range of noise-reducing earplugs are quite similar to Loop’s collection. Where they massively differ is the price, as with Loop, you’re looking to pay up to £59.95, depending on the model you choose.

It looks like Audio-Technica has taken its audio knowledge and expertise, and flipped it on its head to make non-audio focused earplugs – but how will they fare? We’ll have to try them to let you know.

Watch out, Dyson Airwrap – Shark has expanded its FlexStyle hair styling range with its new FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler. Dubbed its most powerful multi-styler yet, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is specifically designed for curly hair, although UK customers will have to wait to get their hands on it.

Multi-stylers have taken over the haircare market, and Shark is one of the big name brands within this space. Its FlexStyle collection offers versatile drying and styling for all hair types, and its line-up of hair tools are some of the best we’ve tried – see our Shark FlexStyle 5-in-1 Air Styler & Dryer review for more details.

The latest addition to the FlexStyle range is the new Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler. As the name suggests, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is all about curly hair, although it can work across all hair types and textures.

But if you have curly hair or you want to create your own curls, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is the best styler to do it with. Using Ion Smooth technology, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler dries and styles hair while minimising frizz and making curls look bouncier, shinier and more defined.

The Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler acts in a similar way to the Dyson Airwrap a.k.a the hair tool that put everyone on to this type of styling. It uses CoandaBoost technology (like the Airwrap) which uses a concentrated airflow to automatically wrap the hair around the tool to create curls and waves.

Measuring 11.24 inches in height and 1.49 inches in length and width, the main body of the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is surprisingly compact and weighs just 1.5 pounds. It has power, speed and temperature buttons on the handle, and you can tilt the top of it to turn the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler into a hair dryer.

To set your hair, the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler has an Airset button which expels cold air to keep your style in place. It also comes with multiple accessories, including two Auto-Wrap Coanda curlers, a FrizzFighter High Shine Polisher, a Styling Concentrator and Oval Brush.

Hair stylers like the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler come into close contact with hair and the scalp. To protect hair, this styler has a scalp shield mode which instantly adjusts temperatures when it gets too close to your head, so your hair isn’t damaged from extreme heat.

I haven’t had the best luck with hair stylers, as no matter what product I put in or on my hair, it just doesn’t want to hold any styling! But the Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler may have convinced me to give this type of styler another try, and I love that it comes in a pretty lilac colour.

Sadly for me, though, I’ll have to wait until it arrives in the UK, as it’s currently only available in the US. The Shark FlexStyle IonCurl Hair Styler is available to buy for $349.99 at SharkNinja. As of writing, UK customers can sign up for it under SharkNinja’s Coming Soon page.

BaByliss Pro has long been a favourite among professional stylists, but tools that were once reserved for salons are now becoming much more accessible for at-home users. The latest to join the lineup is the Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener, a styling tool designed to make light work of thick, long hair.

Featuring extra-wide titanium plates, near-instant heat-up and temperatures of up to 450°F, it's built to straighten larger sections of hair in fewer passes. However, with a premium price tag and no UK launch just yet, is it worth seeking out? I've been putting it to the test to find out.

Price and availability

The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener is currently exclusive to the US, where it's priced at $179.99 on BaByliss' website.

Whilst BaByliss Pro products are available in the UK, the Nano Titanium range hasn't made its way across the Atlantic just yet.

Design and features

The straightener has an ultra-lightweight design that's comfortable to hold, whilst the metallic blue finish gives it a distinctive look compared to the sea of black stylers on the market.

The standout feature is its extra-wide 2-inch titanium plates, which are also extended to 5 inches in length. This means you can straighten much larger sections of hair in a single pass, making it particularly well suited to anyone with thick, long or coarse hair. However, those with shorter hair may want to avoid.

The Nano Titanium plates are designed to heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly and glide smoothly through the hair. A ceramic heating system also ensures near-instant heat-up and rapid temperature recovery.

The Nano Titanium plates are designed to heat up quickly, distribute heat evenly and glide smoothly through the hair. A ceramic heating system also ensures near-instant heat-up and rapid temperature recovery.

There are five adjustable heat settings, starting at 300°F (149°C) and reaching up to 450°F (232°C). It also has a handy locking mechanism for storage, and the power cord is generously long. Just bear in mind that, if you're using it in the UK like I was, you'll need a US plug adaptor.

Performance

During use, one of the biggest advantages I found is simply how much hair the straightener can cover in a single pass. I found myself straightening far larger sections than I would with a traditional hair straightener, which made a noticeable difference to how long my routine took. Even after sectioning my hair properly, I was finished in around five to seven minutes, which is a lot quicker than it usually takes me.

The straightener heats up in a matter of seconds, so there's very little waiting around before you can get started, and the temperature remains steady as you style. The body is sturdy without feeling heavy, the long swivel cord gave me plenty of room to move around.

I also appreciated the sheer number of heat settings on offer, and whilst it's always best to use the lowest temperature to minimise heat damage, it's reassuring to know the higher settings are there if you need them.

One feature I found surprisingly useful was the locking mechanism, which kepet the plates closed when I wasn't using the straightener. This was especially useful whenever I needed to put it down whilst sectioning my hair or taking a quick break.

That said, considering the premium price, I do think BaByliss Pro could have included some extras, including a heat-resistant mat, storage pouch or even a styling glove. This would have made the overall kit feel a little more complete and better justified the price tag.

Verdict

The BaByliss Pro Nano Titanium 2" Ultra-Thin Straightener is all about making styling quicker, particularly if you have long or thick hair. Its extra-wide titanium plates cover much more hair with each pass than a standard straightener, whilst the wide range of heat settings makes it suitable for different hair types. The biggest drawback is the premium price, made slightly more disappointing by the lack of extras such as a heat mat or storage pouch. That said, if speed and performance are your priorities, it's a fantastic straightener that delivers exactly what it promises.

Alternatives to consider

Interestingly, the extra-long plates immediately reminded me of the Shark Shark SilkiPro Straight. Whilst Shark's model is more versatile thanks to its ability to dry and straighten hair at the same time, both are excellent choices if you have thick hair and want to speed up your styling routine.

Another comparable option is the Hot Tools Black Gold Dual Plate Salon Straightener. It also uses titanium technology to deliver fast styling and comes in at £129.99/$129.99, making it a more affordable alternative.

If you’ve been ditching your pyjamas in favour of sleeping naked during a heatwave, you’re making a huge mistake – here’s why.

As T3’s resident sleep expert, I’ve tried almost every sleep trick imaginable. But one thing I have yet to figure out is how to sleep comfortably during a heatwave. Like most of the UK right now, I’ve been blasting a fan and lying on top of the sheets to get some relief from the heat during the nighttime.

But one thing that’s hotly (no pun intended) debated is what you should wear to bed in a heatwave, with many people favouring sleeping in the nude. But according to GPs and sleep experts, you shouldn’t be sleeping naked in a heatwave for these three reasons.

1. It makes you sweatier

Sleeping naked can help you feel cooler at first but it can actually leave you feeling hotter and sweatier over the course of the night. As you sweat from the heat while you sleep, your sweat remains directly on your skin rather than caught by your clothes. This skin contact leaves you feeling hotter, sweatier and stickier which makes for an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

Having a layer of clothes, even a thin one, wicks sweat away from your body which helps cool you down. Loose-fitting pyjamas and cooling fabrics like bamboo or linen also allow air to circulate which minimises moisture, and prevents your bed sheets from getting too sweat-filled.

2. It disrupts your natural sleep cycle

To fall asleep, your core body temperature needs to drop, which is why sleep experts recommend sleeping in a cold room. But during a heatwave, your body remains warm which can prevent you from falling asleep. However, sleeping naked as a way to feel colder and kick start your sleep cycle, actually goes against your body’s natural circadian rhythm.

By sleeping naked, your body is being sent too many mixed signals – your sweat is making you hotter yet your absence of clothes is making you colder. It can all get a bit too confusing for your brain and body to keep track of which prevents you from falling asleep. Instead, focus on creating a comfortable sleep environment that keeps the heat out so your body can cool down – check out these 5 bedroom accessories to survive the heatwave for more details.

3. It can prevent recovery

While sleeping in a cold room has been found to be beneficial, sleeping in one naked and with a fan blasting cold air at you can prevent your body from recovering. Cold air – especially from a fan you’re using at night – can get into your joints and bones, and leave you feeling stiff and achy the next day. If you’ve been hitting the gym, this can prevent your muscles from recovering and cause cramping.

It's no secret that you don't have to spend a fortune these days to get a great hair styler. However, when a tool costs noticeably more than the competition, you want to know you're paying for features that actually make a difference.

That's exactly what I set out to find with the T3 SinglePass Curl X 32mm. With a premium price tag and plenty of good reviews to back it up, I couldn't wait to put it to the test. Plus, it shares a name with us here at T3, so it was always going to make its way into my review pile.

Price and availability

The T3 SinglePass Curl X starts at £159.99 for the 25mm model, whilst the 32mm version I'm testing costs £179.99. Both are available from the T3 online store and Amazon.

The 25mm model is available exclusively in white, whilst the 32mm comes in either white or a baby pink finish. I'm a big fan of the colour options, and it's nice to see a styling tool that's a little more interesting than the usual black.

Design and features

The T3 SinglePass Curl X 32mm is clearly designed with long and thick hair in mind. Its standout feature is the extra-long 6.5-inch CeraGloss ceramic barrel, which lets you wrap larger sections of hair at once, helping speed up your styling routine. The 32mm barrel is also perfect if you're after loose curls or beachy waves rather than tighter ringlets.

Compared to the previous model, the Curl X introduces T3's new ProGlide clip, which holds hair securely without catching.

Inside, Digital T3 SinglePass Technology continuously monitors and adjusts the temperature to keep the heat consistent across the barrel. This helps eliminate hot spots, reduces the need to go over the same section twice and leaves hair looking shinier thanks to the ceramic coating.

The 32mm model also offers nine heat settings – compared to just five on the 25mm version – making it easier to tailor the temperature to your hair type.

Other thoughtful features include the SmartTwist temperature dial, a ventilated cool tip for safer styling, automatic one-hour shut-off, worldwide voltage for travel and a generous 360-degree swivel cord.

Performance

The first thing I noticed when using the T3 SinglePass Curl X 32mm was just how much quicker it made the whole process. Thanks to the extra-long barrel, I could wrap much bigger sections of hair than I normally would, meaning I spent less time curling and more time enjoying the results.

The finished curls were also exactly the kind of look I tend to go for, and the 32mm barrel produced soft waves with plenty of movement. They also lasted surprisingly well, holding their shape for most of the day before naturally relaxing into loose waves by the evening.

The only feature that wasn't immediately intuitive was the new ProGlide clip. It's a little different from the traditional curling tongs I'm used to, so I had to get to grips with it during my first session. However, once I'd worked out the best technique, I had no complaints. It gripped each section firmly without leaving creases, and after a couple of uses it felt completely natural.

With nine heat settings, there's far more flexibility than many curling tongs offer, so it's easy to match the heat to your hair type. I'm also a big fan of the SmartTwist dial, which feels much more satisfying to use than repeatedly pressing buttons.

Verdict

The T3 SinglePass Curl X 32mm feels like a styling tool that's taken consumer feedback on board and come out the other side even better. It creates long-lasting curls with very little effort, speeds up styling for longer hair and quickly becomes second nature once you've mastered the clip. I found it to be a premium experience from start to finish.

Alternatives to consider

If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, the Revamp Effortless Curls Extra-Long Ceramic Tong is worth considering. It's particularly good for long hair and creates similarly bouncy curls thanks to its long ceramic barrel, although it has a simpler design and doesn't feature T3's clip.

If you'd rather stay within the T3 range but want something more versatile, the T3 Aire 360 is another excellent option. It comes with multiple styling attachments, including ceramic-coated curling barrels that use heated airflow instead of direct heat.

It's no secret that last night's World Cup semi-final was a rollercoaster from start to finish. Whilst England fans were left heartbroken by the final whistle, it was a nail-biting match that had us hanging on until the very end.

Interestingly, new research from Beko found that just 25% of England fans have been watching the World Cup at home, with comfort and saving money cited as the main reasons. Most would rather head to the pub and experience the match with fellow fans, which made me wonder how our bodies react during a game like this when there are no outside influences.

So, for the semi-final, I stayed at home and let my Oura Ring 5 track what was happening to my body throughout the evening. With no noisy pub, no alcohol and no outside distractions, it was just me, the match and my smart ring data.

Before kick-off, everything looked pretty normal. I got home from work just after 6pm and, as it does most evenings, my heart rate gradually dropped as I relaxed. It gave me a good baseline before the football started...which didn't last long.

The moment the match kicked off, my heart rate jumped from 68bpm to just under 90bpm without me moving from the sofa. It was a reminder that your body doesn't really care whether you're running around a pitch or simply watching from your living room – the anticipation alone is enough to trigger a physical response.

When England scored, my heart rate climbed even higher, and then settled slightly as their defence stayed strong. The highest reading of the night was when Argentina took the lead, climbing from around 78bpm to 95bpm in a matter of seconds. As the extra time started dwindling and England's chances faded, my heart rate slowly evened out agin.

I was just as curious to see what effect the match had on my sleep.

The next morning, my Oura Ring gave me a sleep score of 63, which is well below my usual average. Even though I'd been in bed for almost eight hours, I only managed around five and a half hours of actual sleep, with a sleep efficiency of 75%.

The most telling metric was my restfulness score. After two hours of excitement, frustration and disappointment, my body clearly struggled to switch off properly. My sleep was lighter than usual, and I spent more time awake during the night than I normally would.

Whilst it's hardly a scientific study, it was fascinating to see just how much my body reacted to such a tense match, even from the comfort of my own sofa. From the spikes in heart rate during key moments to the noticeable dip in my sleep quality afterwards, it's clear that the emotional highs and lows of sport can have a real physical impact.

If you're curious about the wearable that tracked it all, be sure to read our full Oura Ring 5 review for a deeper look into its features, accuracy and whether it's worth the investment.

Silk'n has unveiled the LumiGlow, a new targeted LED skincare device that's designed to treat specific areas of your face. The brand is already well known for its range of the best LED face masks, with the Silk'n LED Face Mask Pro recently receiving Highly Commended in the 2026 T3 Awards.

Unlike a traditional LED mask, the LumiGlow can be used almost anywhere on the face, including around the eyes, across the nose, between the brows or on individual blemishes. It's compact design makes it ideal for travel, and each treatment takes just five minutes.

The Silk'n LumiGlow is available now from Silk'n's online store for £59, with launches at Lookfantastic in August and Boots in September.

The LumiGlow features three modes with four LED colours, each designed to target different skincare concerns. In comparison, the LED Face Mask Pro has seven modes powered by five different wavelengths.

Mode 1 combines blue and red light to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and promote a clearer-looking complexion. Mode 2 uses red and near-infrared light to support collagen and elastin production for firmer-looking skin, whilst Mode 3 combines amber, red and near-infrared light to help minimise the appearance of pigmentation and redness.

Battery life is also impressive for such a small device, with around six to eight treatments available from a single charge. The LumiGlow attaches to your skin using adhesive strips, with 15 single-use strips included in the box. Replacement packs of 30 strips are available from Silk'n for £14.90.

Silk'n also includes a handy travel pouch and a USB-C charging cable, making the LumiGlow an easy skincare companion whether you're at home or away.

I sound like a broken record at this point, but I’m here to say it again – there’s a heatwave on right now! I’m loving the hot weather but where I struggle is sleeping in the heat.

I’ve followed these 7 tips for sleeping in a heatwave religiously over the past few weeks, and it has made a world of difference. But if you don’t have the right bedroom accessories, you could be making your room hotter which will negatively impact your sleep.

From cooling pads to thermal curtains, here’s five bedroom accessories to help you survive the heatwave – and summer in general!

1. Cooling mattress pad

Mattresses are expensive so I’m not going to tell you to completely replace your mattress just because it’s hot. But one thing you can add to your mattress to make it more breathable is a cooling mattress pad.

A cooling mattress pad sits in your bed and stops you from overheating. Some will be made of gel or memory foam materials that are designed to draw away heat and moisture from your body. Others have chilled built-in tubes that actively cool you down. Cooling pads are fairly inexpensive, and you can get full ones for your mattress or smaller ones to go under your pillow.

2. Bamboo bedding

Switching to summer bed sheets can make a huge difference to the temperature of your bed. But if you want to take this a step further, I’d suggest upgrading to bamboo bedding. Bamboo has lots of sleep benefits, including temperature regulation and moisture wicking to keep you cool while you sleep. It’s also naturally hypoallergenic so it can help tackle those pesky summer allergies.

3. Thermal blackout curtains

Your bedroom windows let in a lot of heat, which is why it’s recommended to keep your windows closed and blinds drawn during a heatwave. A great bedroom upgrade for all year round is thermal blackout curtains. This type of curtains completely block out incoming light, heat and noise. For summer, this means your room can stay cool and during the winter, they block cold drafts.

4. Pedestal fan

While you shouldn’t technically sleep with a fan on at night, everyone does – including me! But the type of fan you use can make your room cooler and more comfortable. I’d recommend a pedestal fan as they’re easy to move around your room and can even sit on your bedside table if you get an adjustable model.

Pedestal fans tend to have a good amount of oscillation, so they can move cool air across your entire room so it’s not directly blowing at you, which can cause aches and pains. They’re also quieter than bigger fans, especially if you use sleep mode.

5. A hot water bottle – yes, really

This might sound ridiculous, but you can use your hot water bottle to cool your bed before you get into it. Instead of filling it with hot water, fill your hot water bottle with cold water before putting it in the freezer. Make sure you only fill it two-thirds full as the water will expand as it freezes. Once it’s frozen, wrap it in a tea towel and pop it in your bed!

Ghd (and AI) fans, rejoice. The brand's latest launch, the ghd Sculpt, is its smartest styler and straighteners yet. Using new AI-powered Heat Adapt technology, it continuously adapts to your hair as you style, promising smoother, longer-lasting results without compromising hair health.

I'm all about making my morning routine as quick and easy as possible, so when I heard the Sculpt promised five-times faster styling, I was immediately intrigued. As someone who's always battled naturally wavy hair and has tried everything from keratin treatments to literally ironing my hair (don't judge me) as a teenager, I'm a sucker for anything that promises sleek and shiny hair while making my styling routine far less time-consuming. Naturally, I had to put it to the test.

Ghd Sculpt review: price and availability

The Ghd Sculpt launched in July 2026 and is available in black or white. It has an RRP of £369 and currently available at Ghd.

Ghd Sculpt review: design and features

In terms of design, the Sculpt looks unlike any other styler I've tested. The white and silver finish feels every bit as premium as you'd expect from ghd, and it’s a different shape and vibe from the other ghds I’ve owned.

The slim Infinity plates glided through my hair without snagging once and the futuristic, yet feminine silhouette meant I was more than happy to keep them on show on my dressing table. For those who travel or like to store their hair styling products out of sight. They're surprisingly slim and lightweight too. They slid easily into my gym bag without adding much weight and tucked neatly into a drawer when needed.

Unlike some other ghd models, the Sculpt is only available with one plate size, measuring 26mm wide. Initially, I wondered whether I'd miss the wider plates, but thanks to ghd's claim of five-times faster straightening and an ultra-fast personalised styling that transforms your hair in one stroke, I really didn't. They proved just as quick and effective on my usually tricky-to-style hair.

They also made creating curls much easier. I've always found twisting straighteners to produce curls a bit of an art, but the slim plates, lightweight curved design and smooth glide made me wonder why I'd ever found it so difficult.

My hair wrapped easily around the plates, heated evenly and glided through without catching, leaving me with soft, ringlet curls in just a few attempts.

Ghd Sculpt review: AI technology

Like other ghd stylers, the Sculpt is designed around the brand's 185°C styling temperature. The difference here is its new Heat Adapt technology, which uses AI to monitor your hair during styling rather than simply maintaining a constant plate temperature. According to ghd, the Sculpt continuously monitors styling conditions and adapts its heat delivery in real time to suit each section of hair, delivering the optimum amount of heat for styling while helping to protect the hair's natural structure.

Did I notice the AI working? Honestly, that's difficult to say. It's not as though you can feel the temperature changing while you style (nor should you touch the plates to find out). What I did notice was the end result. My naturally wavy, colour-treated hair came out consistently smooth, sleek and frizz-free, and straightening it felt quicker and less of a chore than with some of my older stylers.

Curious about how it all works? So was I. Behind the scenes, the Sculpt's AI is powered by a microprocessor that takes around 2,900 measurements every second, detecting when hair is between the plates, how much hair you're styling and how quickly you're moving. It then adjusts the power and heat delivery in real time to suit each section of hair. It's undeniably clever technology and my hair consistently came out smoother and shinier than I'd ever expected.

Ghd Sculpt review: performance

Part of the Sculpt’s charm is its personalisation. Because the AI takes care of the temperature control, all you need to do is press the power button (which makes a rather satisfying beep) and wait for it to heat up. That took just a few seconds, giving me enough time to spritz on some heat protectant.

During use, my hair slid through the plates and came out sleek, shiny and effortlessly straight - right to the tip. I loved that there was nowhere for my hair to get caught or snag between the plates, and the lightweight, slim design never felt clunky in my hands.

GHD claims the Sculpt delivers up to 90% more shine and 2.5x less frizz than naturally dried hair. While I obviously couldn't measure those figures, my hair certainly looked as sleek as it does after a professional blow dry and held its straightness even after a good night’s sleep. If you've ever gone to bed with perfectly straight hair only to wake up with a halo of frizz, you'll know exactly what I mean. My hair simply stayed smoother for longer than it normally does, without feeling dry or over-cooked.

Whether I styled small sections or much larger ones, the results remained impressively consistent. Ghd also says the Sculpt helps preserve colour vibrancy by avoiding unnecessary heat, something that particularly appealed to me given my colour-treated hair and bleached ends, which have a tendency to dry out easily.

Another unexpected bonus was feeling comfortable enough to let my 12-year-old daughter use them. I've always avoided letting her use my older straighteners because her hair is still completely healthy, but the promise of the AI adapting to her hair rather than simply blasting it with a constant heat gave me much more confidence. Her hair is obviously very different to mine, yet the result was the same: smooth, straight hair and the reassurance of knowing that her precious locks weren't being exposed to any more heat than they needed.

The biggest surprise wasn't the technology itself - it was how effortless it made everything feel. The AI quietly adjusted the heat in the background while I simply got on with getting ready. My hair stayed sleek for three to four days, meaning I wasn't reaching for the straighteners every morning. It genuinely reduced my getting-ready time - so much so that I probably ran it through my hair a few extra times, simply because I couldn't believe it could be that straight that easily. It could!

Ghd Sculpt review: Verdict

Like many people my age, my very first styling tool was a pair of ghd straighteners. I saved up for months (and months) to buy them and never regretted spending a single penny. Since then, I've tried plenty of other brands, but I almost always come back to ghd because I find their products consistently reliable. The Sculpt is now my new favourite.

It straightened my hair in under 15 minutes, while the premium design, lightweight feel and smooth-gliding Infinity plates made styling feel almost effortless. Add in the new AI-powered Heat Adapt technology, and you've got a straightener that consistently delivers sleek, long-lasting results while adapting to your hair's individual needs.

The only real downside is that it's a significant investment. But when I think about how much I've spent on weekly blow-dries simply because I couldn't face styling my own hair, I can already see it paying for itself. Better still, my hair stayed smooth for several days, meaning I wasn't constantly reaching for the straighteners before work, before a meeting or a night out. For me, that's worth every penny.

Ghd Sculpt review: alternatives to consider

I have to admit, I haven't come across any AI-powered hair styling gadgets quite like this before. Ghd certainly seems to be one of the first, and I doubt it'll be the last.

That said, there are a few other straighteners that have impressed me over the years including the Dyson Airstrait that uses high-speed airflow to dry and straighten hair simultaneously. Another styler I've been impressed by is the L'Oréal Professionnel SteamPod 4, particularly if you have thick, long or curly hair. Its wider plates and steam technology helped tame my hair with ease.

Finally, if you have fine, delicate or colour-treated hair and prefer to control the heat yourself, the Nicky Clarke Frizz Control Straightener is also worth considering. Its tourmaline-coated plates leave hair smooth and shiny, and with five temperature settings ranging from 150°C to 230°C, you can choose exactly how hot (or not) you want to style your hair. Unlike the Sculpt, which automatically adapts the heat for you, it's a better choice if you prefer to stay in complete control of the styling temperature yourself, and it comes in way cheaper too.

Sleeping when it’s hot can be near impossible, which is why I always recommend investing in a mattress which uses specialised materials and technology to keep you cool. Emma’s new Performance mattress collection claims to do just that – and they’re already on sale.

I’ve tested many Emma products – in fact, I sleep on an Emma Original mattress every night and have done so for the past three years. But one issue that sleepers had against Emma was that its mattresses trapped heat, making them feel hot and sweaty throughout the night.

However, once users voiced these concerns, Emma redesigned many of its mattresses, and now, they’re more cooling than ever before. For example, the Emma mattress I sleep on is comfortable, moisture-wicking and temperature regulating and I couldn’t recommend it more.

But now it seems that Emma has taken this to another level with its new Performance collection. Featuring three mattresses, the new line-up varies in height, so you can buy them in 26cm, 28cm and 30cm. Aside from the height changes, the Emma Performance mattresses come in seven sizes and are packed full of cooling technology.

Made from a hybrid construction, the Emma Performance mattresses have two base layers to stabilise the mattress when it’s in a bedframe. One layer up is zone pocket springs that offer bounce and minimise motion transfer. Above these layers are the three main components of the mattresses which make them as cooling as possible.

The Emma Performance mattresses feature AirGrid technology which has been engineered for adaptive airflow. This minimises the amount of heat trapped in the mattress, which allows it to keep you cool and regulate your body temperature through the night.

Next is DeepCalm Comfort technology, a new feature adapted by Emma for this collection. It offers full body support by moulding and cushioning your body, like memory foam. However, unlike memory foam, the Emma Performance mattresses respond to your movement so you don’t get too much of that sinking feeling.

The final cooling layer is the cool-to-touch cover which has a knitted design made up of breathable micro-dots. The dots move air outwards to help manage the heat.

Available in single - super king sizes, prices on the Emma Performance mattresses start at £729. As of writing, the 26 and 30 options have already been discounted. Alternatively, you can check out these Emma sales, deals and discount codes for offers all year round.

News about the UK's soaring temperatures seems to be everywhere at the moment. Whether it's where to find a fan before they inevitably sell out, or how to get the most from your best portable air conditioner, everyone is looking for ways to stay cool. However, one of the best additions I've made this summer has actually been to my bed, and unsurprisingly, it comes from Simba.

Back in April, Simba unveiled a new bedding collection, bringing the same premium materials and thoughtful design found in its mattresses to the rest of the bedroom. The range features six different fabric options, each designed to improve airflow, regulate temperature and create a more comfortable sleeping environment.

Considering how much your bedding affects your sleep quality, it felt like a natural next step for the brand – and one I couldn't wait to try for myself.

Whilst there are six fabrics to choose from, ranging from Cotton Percale to Soft Muslin, I opted for the Cool Linen bundle. It's made from a blend of linen and Tencel fibres, combining linen's naturally breathable weave with Tencel's heat-regulating properties. The result is a fabric that feels noticeably cooler, softer and less scratchy than classic linen, whilst still maintaining a premium look.

The quality was obvious as soon as I took it out of the packaging. The bedding felt incredibly luxurious in the hand, and even better once it was on the bed. During the last heatwave, I'd reached the point where my duvet spent more time on the floor than over me, but the Cool Linen bedding helped me stay more comfortable throughout the night.

The fitted sheet was probably my favourite part, which provided a refreshing sensation that lasted far longer than I expected.

Aesthetically, it's just as impressive. I opted for the Pure White colourway, which instantly brightened my bedroom, whilst the wooden-effect button detailing added a stylish touch.

For me, this is a launch that feels like a natural extension of Simba's sleep expertise. The brand has already earned a reputation for its best mattresses, so expanding into thoughtfully designed bedding was only a matter of time. Paired together, they create a sleep setup that's not only comfortable but well-equipped for warmer nights.

Simba's new bedding collection is available now, with prices starting from £89 via Simba's online store.

Wimbledon 2026 has been taking place from 22nd June - 12th July, and the past week has been full of nail-biting games and stylish spectators. To celebrate the last week of the tennis tournament, I’ve had a look for men’s fragrances and women’s perfumes that capture the spirit of Wimbledon.

If you know anything about Wimbledon, you might expect to find summery scents full of strawberries and cream – the go-to snack at the competition. But I’ve taken things one step further, and found fragrances that smell like you’re actually on the tennis court, including notes of freshly cut grass and even tennis balls.

From D.S. & DURGA to Hermès, here are five Wimbledon-inspired fragrances that you’ll love both on and off the court.

Wimbledon fragrances 2026

When you consider one of the best electric toothbrushes, there's usually a certain design that springs to mind. Most feature a slim handle with either an oscillating or sonic brush head, alongside familiar features like a built-in two-minute timer and 30-second quadrant reminders. Beyond that, there often isn't much to separate one model from another... until you come across the Feno Smartbrush.

Instead of brushing one section of your mouth at a time, the Feno Smartbrush is designed to clean every tooth simultaneously in just 20 seconds. It's also the first toothbrush to combine daily brushing with detailed scans of your teeth and gums, using AI to provide ongoing insights into your oral health over time.

There's certainly a lot going on here, so I was keen to find out whether it could live up to its brilliant reviews.

Price and availability

I've been testing the Founder's Edition Bundle, which costs £276/$299 and includes the Smartbrush, one custom-made TrueFit Mouthpiece, three tubes of Feno Foam toothpaste, and a complimentary tongue scraper.

There's also the Founder's Edition Plus Bundle (£368/$399), which adds a 12-month Feno Plus subscription for enhanced oral health insights, whilst the top-tier Elite Oral Health Bundle (£479/$519) also includes an at-home Salivary Microbiome Insight Test that analyses the bacteria in your mouth.

All of the bundles are available through Feno's online store as well as Amazon, but it's important to know that every order currently ships from the US.

If you're ordering internationally, you'll likely be waiting between one and three weeks for delivery, whereas US customers benefit from free shipping.

Scan and set up

As the Smartbrush is built around a personalised fit, the setup process actually begins before the toothbrush even arrives. Shortly after placing my order, I received an email asking me to download the companion app, create an account, and scan my mouth using my smartphone. The whole process took less than a minute, and the scans were automatically uploaded so Feno could manufacture a mouthpiece tailored specifically to my teeth.

A few weeks later, my personalised bundle arrived. Inside the box was the Smartbrush handle, two different sized TrueFit Mouthpieces, three tubes of Feno Foam toothpaste, a tongue scraper, and the magnetic Feno Snap Charger.

From there, I charged the Smartbrush using the Snap Charger, which took around two hours to reach full battery. Once charged, I simply clipped the TrueFit Mouthpiece onto the SmartHandle until it clicked securely into place.

I then returned to the app, entered the pairing code displayed on the brush, connected it to Wi-Fi, and followed the remaining setup instructions. Within a few minutes, everything was ready to go.

Design and features

As mentioned, the Feno Smartbrush looks nothing like a conventional electric toothbrush. Instead of cleaning one tooth at a time, it uses a custom-made U-shaped TrueFit Mouthpiece that fits over both your upper and lower teeth simultaneously. Just like a standard brush head, it will last you around three months.

Inside the mouthpiece are around 18,000 soft nylon bristles, which is significantly more than the roughly 2,500 found on a traditional electric toothbrush. Combined with the SmartHandle's motor, this allows every tooth to be brushed at the same time in a single 20-second cleaning cycle.

It's certainly a very different approach, but it completely removes the need for the standard two-minute brushing routine we've all grown up with.

The SmartHandle also houses a built-in high-definition oral scanner which can analyse data to build personalised oral health reports. The app also tracks brushing performance and offers AI-powered recommendations, whilst users who subscribe to Feno Plus gain access to additional coaching and deeper oral health insights.

Battery life is lasts around a week between charges, which isn't revolutionary, but feels reasonable given everything the brush is doing.

Performance

The Feno Smartbrush definitely took a bit of getting used to, but once I got into the swing of things, I have to say I really enjoyed using it. Its biggest advantage is undoubtedly how it reduces the amount of time you're meant to brush for, as well as the worry of whether you've actually reached every part of your mouth. If those are two things that cause you concern often, you'll probably get on really well with it.

Before getting started, I had to choose between the two mouthpiece sizes. I found the smaller one worked much better for me, as it didn't press against the back of my gums as much. I also settled on the 30-second brushing mode, as the 20-second option just felt a little too quick. With only 10 seconds between them, I'd much rather spend the extra time making sure my teeth were properly cleaned.

When I first started using it, I noticed a bit of bleeding, which is always slightly alarming when you take good care of your teeth. However, I quickly read that the Smartbrush reaches areas that your regular toothbrush might not, so a little initial bleeding isn't unusual and should settle down as your gums adjust.

The brushing experience itself is also... quite juddery. The vibrations are strong enough to make your cheeks wobble a little, but it never felt uncomfortable or painful, especially once I'd settled on the correct mouthpiece size. Whilst brushing, you simply move the handle in gentle circular motions to make sure every surface is covered, and the Smartbrush automatically switches off once you've reached the end of your chosen timer.

I also really liked the Feno Foam toothpaste, which works well with the mouthpiece. It's minty but not overpowering, and the foaming texture feels nice compared to a paste. However, Feno makes it clear that you can still use the Smartbrush with your regular toothpaste too, which is great to know.

After around a week of using it, I was pleased with the results, and it never felt like I was compromising on cleanliness by switching away from a traditional electric toothbrush. My teeth felt clean after every brush, and it seemed like most areas of my mouth were being thoroughly reached.

I wouldn't say it completely revolutionised my oral care or left me feeling like I'd just walked out of a hygienist appointment, but the results were consistently good and exactly what I'd expect from a quality electric toothbrush.

Verdict

The Feno Smartbrush won't be for everyone, but if you've ever found yourself rushing your brushing routine or wondering whether you've actually cleaned every part of your mouth, it makes a very convincing case for itself. It's easy to use, surprisingly effective, and provides similar results to a traditional electric toothbrush – just in half the time. Its different design means it takes some getting used to, but once you've settled in, it's hard not to appreciate the convenience.

Alternatives to consider

There really isn't anything quite like the Feno Smartbrush on the market, aside from a handful of similarly designed alternatives you'll find on Amazon or Temu. However, if you'd prefer to stick with a more traditional electric toothbrush, I'd highly recommend the Oral-B iO6.

Alternatively, the Suri 2.0 is another excellent choice, particularly if you travel regularly. It's far more compact, offers a significantly longer battery life than the Feno, and still delivers fantastic everyday brushing performance.

Samsung is the only big brand that offers a smart ring, looking to leverage its ecosystem by plugging the data it collects straight into Samsung Health. While it's perfect for Samsung users, it works perfectly well on other Android phones too.

I've been wearing the Galaxy Ring every day since November 2025 and I've become something of a fan, or rather, I've become addicted to the data.

With Galaxy Ring 2 confirmation coming from Dr Hon Pak, who heads up Samsung's digital health team, there's plenty to wish for in Samsung's next generation device.

The confirmation we've already had addresses the elephant in the room, with a hint at iPhone compatibility. Currently, it's Android only which suits me fine, while it has an advantage for Samsung users by adding additional features when used with a Galaxy phone, like supporting a tap gesture.

But for me, the biggest challenge that Galaxy Ring faces - and this is what it has to address - is battery life.

Missing data because my ring died

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is rated for 6 days according to Samsung's website. But glance at the reviews and a little more detail emerges, especially around the battery life. While initially I found that the Galaxy Ring gave me about 5 days, I've now seen that drop to about 2 days.

On a number of occasions, I've woken up to find no data, because the Galaxy Ring was flat. That's the experience that customers on the site report, there's discussions about it on Reddit, and the same reports through Amazon too.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring cannot be repaired and the manufacturer warranty only lasts for a year, so when that battery starts to fail, there may not be anything you can do about it. If Samsung deems that to be normal degradation, you're stuck with it.

This might also be why other brands are staying out of this segment: smart rings struggle to maintain the initial battery life. While there are things you can do to prolong the life of your Oura ring, battery decline has also been reported on Oura's alternative.

Fixing the battery life would be the key to the smart ring castle, because aside from battery life, I've been loving the experience.

It's all about sleep and recovery

The thing that attracted me to a smart ring was the sleep metrics. I don't like sleeping in a watch because I find it too bulky and often I wake and need to release the strap or take it off. This also happens with some bands - prior to the Galaxy Ring I was using the Fitbit Charge 6, but often woke to find I'd undone it during the night.

Sleep data gives you an insight into how well rested you are, while offering suggestions to help improve your sleep performance. Through the data it's also possible to spot the link between things like drinking alcohol and a bad sleep - with changes to average heart rate through the night a clear side effect.

If nothing else, having a glance at that data gives you a better idea of what's happening with your body and how well rested you are. In that sense, between watches, rings and bands, there's not a huge difference in the data gathered, but how it is presented makes a difference.

But that leads me on to a couple of other things that Samsung Galaxy Ring could do better.

What else would make Galaxy Ring better?

Here are a couple of other things that would make the Galaxy Ring better:

Switch to a convex shape

The concave shape is a novelty, but I've never found it to fit as well as a flat or convex ring. This change would make it more wearable.

Support for more activities

Galaxy Ring collects steps and runs, but on some activities it just stops tracking. I found I had no heart rate measured while I was riding my bike, so the entire day's data isn't accurate.

Combine Health and Wear apps

Samsung's wearables get a little confusing because they rely on a separate Wear app. This connects and maintains the device, while Health manages the data.

Up until recently there was no link from Health to Galaxy Ring - there is in the latest update, but it still doesn't show battery life. Just being able to check the Ring's status from Health would be so much more user friendly.

If it feels like you're only just recovering from last week's heatwave, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but another one is on the way. Thankfully, we're not expecting temperatures to climb into the mid-to-high 30s this time, but forecasts are still predicting highs of around 26-30°C next week – which is more than enough to make many of us uncomfortable.

However, after somehow surviving the last bout of extreme heat, I thought I'd share the three things that actually helped me stay cool. They're all easy to do, and if you get into the habit of them now, you'll be much better prepared when temperatures start rising again.

1. Put your fan next to an open window

This is actually a trick I picked up on TikTok, and I was surprised by how well it worked. Rather than pointing one of the best fans directly at yourself all evening, try placing it next to an open window once the outdoor temperature starts to drop.

Instead of just moving warm air around the room, the fan will help pull cooler evening air inside and improve natural ventilation. It won't perform miracles if it's still boiling outside, but once temperatures begin to fall, it can make a noticeable difference.

2. Stay on top of your electrolytes

We all know we should drink more water during a heatwave, but hydration isn't just about the amount of water you consume. When you're sweating more than usual, your body also loses important electrolytes, so replacing them can make a big difference to how you feel.

My go-to is Oshun – a brand I first discovered whilst testing its magnesium supplement for a sleep feature, and it's become part of my daily routine ever since. During the heatwave, I'd add two pumps to my water bottle first thing in the morning and do the same again at around 3pm. If it was an especially hot day or I'd been outside, I'd have another serving in the evening too.

It might not cool you down as instantly as a portable air conditioner, but I definitely noticed I coped with the heat much better when I kept on top of taking it.

3. Cold shower before bed

Without a doubt, the thing that helped me sleep the most was taking a cool shower before bed.

However, the key is not to make it ice cold. If the water is freezing, your body will often respond by trying to warm itself back up once you get out, which is the opposite of what you want. Instead, aim for a shower that's cool or lukewarm rather than cold.

A cool shower gently lowers your core body temperature and encourages your body to relax before bed, helping you stay comfortable for longer. Pair this with the fan trick above and good hydration, and you'll give yourself the best chance of getting a decent night's sleep during the high temperatures.

Looking for a new summer fragrance? Well, the latest men’s fragrance launches from June 2026 are full of bright, warm-weather notes that are perfect for your upcoming holiday.

After May’s fragrances launches which were full of transitional scents to take you from spring to summer, June is all about the hotter season. You can expect citrus, floral and aquatic notes, but June 2026 has also seen some unusual ingredients, including carrots, beetroot, butternut squash and coffee!

To find your summer scent, here are the best seven men’s fragrance launches from June 2026, including the likes of Tom Ford, Bulgari, Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and more.

Men’s fragrances from June 2026

If you’re struggling to sleep in the UK heatwave, you must try this easy frozen pillow trick. However, there’s a way to do it right and a way to do it very wrong – here’s how to try it properly.

I hardly need to tell you that the weather has been scorching this week. I love the heat, but the thing I’ve hated most about this current heatwave is how hard it is to fall asleep. I’m left lying on top of my duvet with two fans blasting at me, and I’m still struggling to get a good night’s rest.

As T3’s resident sleep expert, I’ve tried plenty of heatwave sleep hacks but I haven’t found all of them to be that effective. The one I found to actually give some cooling relief was placing a frozen water bottle in my bed before I got in it. Doing this brings the temperature of your bed down quickly and offers some cooling relief and comfort.

Along the same vein, a recent sleep hack that’s come out during this current UK heatwave is the frozen pillow trick. Yes, you read that right – freezing your pillow could be the solution to helping you sleep better in the heat. Here’s how to do it properly and why it’s effective.

How to do the frozen pillow trick

Now, when I say to freeze your pillow, I don’t mean put your entire pillow in your fridge or freezer. For most, there isn’t enough room to put the whole pillow in there, so instead, place your pillow in a sealed bag and freeze it shortly before you go to bed.

According to Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, sleep therapist at MattressNextDay, this frozen pillow trick works best when the fabric of your pillow case feels cool against the skin rather than being damp or ice cold. As she states, “You’re not trying to shock your skin with freezing temperatures. The goal is simply to make getting into bed feel cooler and more comfortable during those first few minutes of trying to fall asleep.”

Timing is crucial with this trick. You should be putting your pillowcase or even your bed sheet in the freezer a few minutes before bedtime. Material is also important, with Pennicotte-Collier recommending breathable cotton as the natural fibres release heat and moisture throughout the night rather than trapping it like other fabrics do.

Now, the most important question – does the frozen pillow trick actually work? Yes, but it won’t be an all-night solution. The cool chill of your pillow will likely last up to 10 minutes but this timing targets the moment when your body is trying to fall asleep and can help speed up the process.

As Pennicotte-Collier explains “Your brain is constantly checking whether your sleep environment feels cool enough and comfortable enough to switch into sleep mode. A cooler pillow surface helps send that signal faster.”

I’ve tried many sleep hacks in my time as T3’s Home Editor and resident sleep expert. From trying the military sleep method to drinking the Sleepy Girl mocktail, I’ve tried it all, and can give a definitive ruling over which sleep tricks actually work and which ones you can forget about.

But I recently found out that I’ve been unconsciously doing one of the best sleep tricks around – and you probably have too. If you’ve ever found yourself sticking a foot out of your duvet when you sleep, you’re actually setting yourself up for a great night’s sleep – and it’s scientifically proven!

According to Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, sleep expert at Mattress Next Day, sleeping with one foot outside of your duvet, especially on a hot night, is one of the few popular sleep hacks backed by science. She explains that it’s because “your body needs to drop its core temperature by one to two degrees to initiate and maintain healthy cycles of sleep.”

One of the easiest ways to cool your body is to cool the room itself. While it goes against our instincts – and as someone who’s always freezing, it really goes against mine – sleeping in a cold room is actually better for you. Similar to popping one leg out of your bed, the colder temperatures have been found to help you fall asleep faster, reduce your stress levels, and even improve your mood.

However, if (like me) sleeping in a cold room appalls you, it turns out your feet could be the answer – which is why the ‘one foot out the bed’ trick works so well. As Pennicotte-Collier states, “this is because the feet are one of the body’s key heat-release points. By exposing them to cooler air, you can encourage heat to escape more efficiently, helping to lower your core body temperature and support the natural process of falling asleep.”

So, keeping your feet slightly cooler than the rest of your body can have a positive impact on your sleep quality and quantity. With the upcoming summer season and heatwaves, sleeping with one foot outside your duvet is a quick, easy (and free!) trick to help regulate your temperature while trying to sleep through the higher temperatures.

If the heat is still keeping you awake though, try these 7 tips for sleeping in a heatwave, or upgrade to a cooling mattress pad.

As someone who reviews everything from the best coffee machines to robot vacuums, there are certain products that inevitably end up being delegated to my long-suffering partner. The best body groomers fall firmly into that category, and whilst I was technically overseeing the testing process, it's fair to say my role involved inspecting the results from a respectful distance and trying not to laugh.

The Manspot Body Trimmer is one of a growing number of affordable grooming tools promising a smoother and less stressful manscaping experience. With waterproofing, ceramic blades and a wallet-friendly price tag, it certainly ticks plenty of boxes on paper.

After several weeks of testing – mostly carried out by my partner, much to his delight – here's how the Manspot Body Trimmer performed.

Price and availbility

It doesn't get much cheaper than the Manspot Body Trimmer, which comes in at just £21.99 on Amazon. The Manspot version is available in either black or a stylish khaki green, whilst there's also a Ladyspot model offered in pink or purple.

Slightly unnecessary gendered marketing, but at least there are a few colour options to choose from.

Design and features

The Manspot Body Trimmer is designed as an all-in-one grooming tool for body hair, with a clear focus on comfort and ease of use in more sensitive areas. It has an ergonomic shape that sits comfortably in the hand, whilst the textured finish provides plenty of grip. It's also fully waterproof, allowing you to use it wet or dry and rinse it clean afterwards.

The trimmer uses a high-performance motor paired with an anti-cut blade system that's designed to minimise irritation, nicks and razor burn. The blades themselves are made from ceramic and aerospace-grade materials, which Manspot claims improve both durability and comfort during use. They're also intended to be more hygienic than some traditional blade materials, making them well suited to regular grooming.

The trimmer ships with four guide combs offering cutting lengths of 1.5mm, 3mm, 3-6mm and 9-12mm. The shortest guard delivers a very close trim, whilst the longer options give you a bit more flexibility depending on the look you're after.

Manspot claims the battery can last for up to 20 grooming sessions, or around 90 minutes of runtime from a single charge. Charging takes around 2.5 hours and is handled via USB-C, and there's also a small cleaning brush included in the box.

Performance

My partner actually started testing the Manspot Body Trimmer on his face first, simply to get a feel for how the trimmer handled. That said, I wouldn't recommend regularly using a body trimmer as your main facial grooming tool, as it's specifically designed for more sensitive areas of the body. If facial shaving is your priority, you're much better off sticking with one of the best electric shavers.

His first impression was how comfortable the trimmer felt in the hand. The ergonomic shape makes it easy to manoeuvre, whilst the soft-touch silicone provides plenty of grip. It feels secure to hold, which is particularly important if you're using it in the shower where things can quickly become slippery.

He also liked the blade width, which strikes a nice balance between covering larger areas efficiently whilst still being precise enough for more detailed grooming. Swapping between the included guards is equally straightforward thanks to the simple clip-on, clip-off design.

Moving onto the rest of his body, he was pleasantly surprised by the overall performance. Whilst it doesn't quite match the refinement of premium options like the Wahl Manscaper, it comfortably performs above what its price tag would suggest. The trimmer followed body contours well, delivered a neat trim and, most importantly, managed to avoid any uncomfortable pinches or nicks.

One thing he did note is that the Manspot Body Trimmer is fairly compact. Whilst that means it doesn't cover large areas quite as quickly as some bigger rivals, it makes it an excellent option to take travelling. As a result, it would have been nice to see Manspot include a travel pouch or storage case in the box, but considering the price, it's hardly a dealbreaker.

Verdict

The Manspot Body Trimmer is a budget-friendly grooming tool that prioritises comfort and safety over premium refinement. It performs reliably for everyday body grooming, especially in sensitive areas, and whilst it doesn’t quite reach the smooth efficiency of higher-end competitors, it still delivers impressive results for its price. Its compact size also makes it travel-friendly, though the lack of a storage pouch is a small but noticeable omission.

Alternatives to consider

If you're looking for another affordable body groomer, I'd also recommend the Philips Series 3000 Bodygroomer. It delivers an impressively smooth shave for the money and feels remarkably similar to Philips' more premium Series 7000 models, despite costing just over £40.

I also couldn't finish without mentioning the Wahl Manscaper, which remains our favourite body groomer overall. Not only is it competitively priced, but it combines a lightweight build with a comfortable rubberised grip and a handy LED display that shows both the selected cutting length and remaining battery life.

I travel a lot for work, and for obvious reasons, I take my electric toothbrush with me on all my trips. But after one journey, I got into my hotel room, unpacked my toiletries and found that my electric toothbrush was completely dead, even though I’d charged it beforehand.

After little deducing, I realised that when I’d packed my electric toothbrush, the contents in my bag must have accidentally pressed against the on/off button. So, while I was sitting on the plane, my toothbrush was working away, brushing absolutely nothing and draining the battery in the process.

I know what you’re thinking: this is why you put your electric toothbrush in its travel case – and you’d be right. Removing the brush head from the main body of the toothbrush, and storing it in its travel pouch helps guarantee your toothbrush won’t turn on and buzz away for hours, meaning you won’t lose use of it when you get to your destination.

But whether your electric toothbrush comes with a travel case or not, many of today’s electric toothbrushes don’t have detachable heads, in an effort to be more sustainable and create less waste. If this is the case for you, I recently found this ‘hidden’ travel lock feature which prevents your electric toothbrush from turning on accidentally – if only I’d known about this before!

The buttons on your electric toothbrush do a lot more than you might think. Aside from switching modes and turning on and off, your electric toothbrush’s controls can also ‘lock’ your toothbrush so you can save your battery and prolong the lifespan of its technology.

For most electric toothbrushes, you can activate the travel lock by pressing and holding the power button for up to five seconds. To ‘unlock’ your electric toothbrush, simply do the same. But some models are different, so I’ve listed how to use the travel lock on your toothbrush for Philips, Oral-B and SURI users.

How to use the travel lock on Philips electric toothbrushes

Philips electric toothbrushes all have similar methods for activating the travel lock. For Sonicare and ExpertClean models – we’re fans of the Philips Sonicare 7100 at T3 – you simply press and hold the power button for three seconds. To let you know the travel lock is on, the battery light will flash or a lock icon will show. Your toothbrush will also make a beeping noise.

The Philips DiamondClean brushes, like the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige, require you to press down the mode button instead of the power button.

How to use the travel lock on Oral-B electric toothbrushes

As Oral-B electric toothbrushes have gotten more advanced with each new generation, there are a couple of ways to turn on the travel lock. If your Oral-B iO toothbrush has a touchscreen, you can scroll through the settings to select the travel lock option. Alternatively, hold the power button for five seconds until a lock icon appears and the LED light around the head flashes.

For more recent Oral-B iO brushes, like the Oral-B iO6 and above, you can turn the travel lock on and off by using the Oral-B app. If your toothbrush is under iO6, like the Oral-B iO3, you’ll need to stick to holding down the power button – the same can be said for Pro and Smart toothbrushes.

How to use the travel lock on SURI electric toothbrushes

If you have a SURI toothbrush like the SURI 2.0, you simply need to press and hold the power button for five seconds. Above the button is a light which will flash orange to indicate it’s locked. The brush itself will also vibrate and beep.

Staying up to watch the World Cup? According to sleep experts, you could be losing 275 hours of sleep due to the late night games – but here’s how to still get a good night’s sleep while the football is on.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 started on the 11th June, and as the games will be played in Mexico, the US and Canada, that puts UK football fans on a bit of a weird schedule. For the UK, the majority of games will be played in the evening and early morning, and if you’re dedicated to watching all the matches, this will massively impact your sleep for the month that the World Cup is on.

With this in mind, Hillarys did some calculations and found that football fans could lose up to 275 hours of sleep while the competition is on, due to 53 out of 104 matches kicking off after 11pm BST. Hillarys has also launched its free World Cup Sleep Calculator which calculates the amount of sleep you’ll lose based on the games you watch.

But fear not – Hillarys’ sleep scientist, Tom Coleman has shared his five expert tips on how to sleep better during the World Cup.

5 tips to get a good night’s sleep after watching the World Cup

1. Try the split-sleep strategy

Coleman’s number one tip for getting a good night’s sleep without missing the World Cup action is to split your sleep. “Consider going to bed at your normal time, waking for the match, then returning to sleep afterwards,” he says. “It's not as efficient as one uninterrupted block, but it's far better than staying awake for 20 hours straight and crashing later.”

The split-sleep strategy works due to the different sleep stages that make up your sleep cycle. The deepest, most restorative sleep tends to take place in the first half of the night, so you should be getting a good amount of rest and recovery time before your World Cup alarm goes off.

2. Control your lighting

Sitting in front of a bright, flashing TV isn’t great for your sleep, due to the blue light the screen emits. So, when you go to turn in after a game, you’ll likely find yourself lying awake, feeling wired. But that’s where strategic control of your lighting comes in.

After the match ends, Coleman suggests shifting into low, warm lighting. “This helps your brain ramp up melatonin production sooner, which shortens the time it takes to fall asleep… bright light is one of the strongest 'wake-up' signals your brain has, even when your body is exhausted. Dimming your environment is one of the fastest ways to help it downshift into sleep mode”, says Coleman.

3. Keep your bedroom cold and dark

Not only are you dealing with late night games, but the World Cup also takes place in summer where the higher temperatures already negatively affect your sleep. As Coleman explains, the “temperature is the second most important sleep signal after light, as the body needs to drop its core temperature to initiate sleep and a warm room makes that harder. Ventilation, a fan, and blackout curtains create an ideal recovery environment your body needs after a disrupted night.”

4. Limit your alcohol intake

Whether you’re watching the World Cup or not, alcohol has a huge impact on your sleep. Alcohol may act as a sedative but it disrupts your sleep quality, particularly your REM sleep which is essential for mental and emotional recovery. So, try to limit how much alcohol you drink while watching the football so you can sleep comfortably, and wake up feeling well-rested.

5. Schedule recovery sleep

If you’re a diehard football fan, chances are you’ll be up for every single game, so it’s important to schedule some recovery sleep – and actually make sure you stick to it. For example, Coleman recommends “if a match ends at 4am on a Sunday, block Sunday morning in your calendar, put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and make sure anyone else in the house knows not to wake you.”

While it used to be that most people had a signature scent – a single fragrance which was recognisable as theirs – that's far less common these days. In 2026, scent is treated more like a wardrobe, with different options for different moods, weathers and seasons.

That's exactly why bottles like Creed's Wild Vetiver get me so excited. The scent – a sibling to the 22 year old Original Vetiver – is unlikely to be the daily driver for many men.

It's scent profile is sweet and floral, with strong notes of rose and lots of fruits sat on top of a vetiver and woody base. If you were only ever going to wear one scent, I don't think many of us would opt for that.

But when you've got a few bottles or a small collection, Wild Vetiver can really shine. Not dissimilar to that day where you decide to wear your most outlandish shirt just because you can, this scent can offer something totally different on days when you just fancy a change.

I've been wearing this on and off for the past few weeks, and always find it to be a welcome scent to put on. One thing which has particularly impressed is the longevity, with it seeming to stick to skin and clothes for hours. I'm quite happy with a couple of sprays to last a full six to eight hours.

Projection is also pretty good. While there's some fall off after the initial sprays, I found myself and others around me still noticing it a few hours later, which is more than can be said for some scents I've tested.

Of course, it's not cheap, and that will be the biggest stumbling block for most users. I managed to find it for £220 (approx. €255 / US$295 / AU$420) for a 50ml bottle and £310 (approx. €360 / US$415 / AU$590) for a 100ml bottle, which is definitely on the higher end for most of us.

I wouldn't say it's too expensive, though, sitting broadly alongside bottles from the likes of Acqua di Parma, Tom Ford and the like. It can hold its own in that company, and that justifies it for me.

The Oral-B iO range has quickly become one of the most recognisable names among the best electric toothbrushes, offering everything from affordable entry-level models to premium brushes packed with smart features.

Over the years, we've tested the Oral-B iO2, iO3 and iO7, giving us a good understanding of where each model sits within the lineup. Now, the iO6 has arrived for review, positioning itself as a premium mid-range option that still commands a significant price tag.

This raises the question of whether the iO6 offers enough over its cheaper siblings to justify the extra cost, or are you better off saving your money and avoiding it altogether. After several weeks of testing, here's how the Oral-B iO6 performed.

Price and availability

The Oral-B iO6 carries an RRP of £300, but like many Oral-B toothbrushes, it's frequently and generously discounted. At the time of writing, it's available for around £105 at both Currys and AO, making it a far more tempting proposition than its original price suggests.

It's available in Black, Pink or Silver Grey, and comes bundled with an iO brush head, travel case, magnetic charger and a hygienic brush head holder.

Design and features

The Oral-B iO6 sits firmly towards the premium end of Oral-B's lineup. The handle is slim, smooth and comfortable to hold, with a matte finish that feels premium in the hand whilst providing extra grip when wet.

At the centre of the handle is a small interactive black-and-white display that shows brushing modes, battery information, brush head replacement reminders and post-brushing feedback.

Whilst it's not as advanced as the colour display found on the more expensive iO8 and iO10 models, it still adds a premium touch and makes navigating settings far easier than relying on a collection of flashing LEDs. The toothbrush itself is controlled via two simple buttons – one for power and one for cycling through brushing modes.

The headline feature of the iO6 is Oral-B's magnetic iO drive system. Rather than relying solely on the oscillating movement found on older Oral-B brushes, the iO6 combines oscillation and rotation with gentle micro-vibrations. The result is a brushing experience that feels noticeably smoother and quieter whilst still delivering a deep clean.

The iO6 offers five cleaning modes, including Gum Care, Intense, Daily Clean, Sensitive and Whiten. There's also a 360-degree pressure sensor, with the illuminated ring around the neck of the brush changing colour depending on how hard you're brushing. Red indicates too much pressure, green confirms you're brushing correctly and white suggests you're not applying enough.

The iO6 also includes Bluetooth connectivity and works alongside the Oral-B app. Once connected, the app can provide real-time coaching, track brushing coverage and help ensure you're spending enough time on all areas of your mouth. For users who enjoy data-driven health tracking, it can even integrate with Apple Health.

Other premium features include a built-in two-minute timer, quadrant pacing to ensure even brushing, brush head replacement reminders and personalised brushing feedback.

Performance

For me, the cleaning performance is where the Oral-B iO6 really stands out, and throughout testing, my teeth consistently felt exceptionally clean after every brush. I found myself using the Daily Clean mode most often, and it struck a great balance between power and comfort.

One of my favourite features during testing was the built-in display. It might sound like a small addition, but being able to see exactly how long I'd been brushing for and how much time I had left made a strong difference to my routine. The feedback screen at the end of each session also made the whole experience feel more interactive and engaging.

I also really liked the illuminated pressure-sensing ring, which provides instant feedback if you're brushing too hard. Combined with Oral-B's clever iO brush heads, which gradually fade in colour as they wear out and need replacing, it's a very easy toothbrush to use and maintain.

The included travel case is also great, particularly for frequent travellers. It keeps everything protected in a suitcase, making the iO6 easy enough to throw into a bag for weekends away. I'm not entirely sure why there's space for two brush heads, but having a back up is always a good thing I suppose?

That said, there are a few frustrations. My biggest gripe is the lack of a proper stand or dock. Instead, the toothbrush sits directly on your bathroom surface, which can quickly become messy after brushing. Having recently used the magnetic pebble included with the SURI 2.0, it's something I noticed immediately and missed throughout testing.

Battery performance was another disappointment. A full recharge from empty took around 24-30 hours, which feels incredibly slow by modern standards, and once fully charged, I was only getting around one and a half to two weeks of use. Compared to rivals like the SURI 2.0 and Quip Lite, which can often last between 30 and 50 days between charges, that's a significant difference.

Factor in the relatively high price tag and the fact there are cheaper toothbrushes elsewhere in the iO range that deliver a very similar clean, and it becomes harder to fully justify the premium.

Verdict

The Oral-B iO6 delivers an excellent clean, feels premium in the hand and includes useful additions such as the interactive display, pressure-sensing ring and intelligent brush head reminders. Throughout testing, it consistently left my teeth feeling polished and fresh, whilst making the whole brushing experience more engaging than most electric toothbrushes manage.

However, the lengthy charging time, relatively average battery life and lack of a dedicated stand feel difficult to overlook at this price point. Add in the fact that cheaper models elsewhere in the iO lineup deliver a very similar cleaning experience, and the iO6 becomes harder to recommend at full retail price.

That said, if you can find it on one of Oral-B's frequent discounts, the iO6 becomes a much stronger proposition. For those who want a premium electric toothbrush packed with useful smart features, but don't feel the need to stretch to the flagship models, it's one of the strongest options in the range.

Alternatives to consider

If you like the idea of the Oral-B iO6 but don't think you'll use all of its extra features, I'd strongly recommend looking at the Oral-B iO2 instead. It's a much simpler toothbrush, but still offers three brushing modes, a quadrant timer, pressure sensor and travel case, whilst costing significantly less.

Another strong alternative is the Philips Sonicare 7100. It's also on the pricier side, but offers more advanced customisation options and delivers a different style of clean thanks to its sonic brushing technology rather than Oral-B's oscillating approach.

Father’s Day 2026 is coming up on 21st June. I don’t know about you, but I’m always at a loss for what to get my dad but over the years, I’ve found that the best gift to give him is a new men’s fragrance.

Whether you’re replenishing his favourite bottle or expanding his collection with a fresh, new fragrance, cologne or aftershave is a classic and heartfelt gift to give your dad or father figure in your life.

Below, I’ve rounded up the best Father’s Day fragrances to buy your dad this year. Of course, every dad is different, but the fragrances I’ve selected are popular bestsellers that any man will enjoy. You can expect woody, citrus and amber notes, and entries from the likes of Tom Ford, Dior, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Gucci, Calvin Klein and more.

Best Father’s Day fragrances 2026

Smart technology has taken over all rooms in the home, including the bathroom. Nowadays, you can even get smart toilets so the idea of having toothbrushes with smart or AI features in them isn’t that wild anymore.

But sometimes, it’s best to go back to basics, and that’s where the Oral-B iO3 comes in. Launched in 2024, the Oral-B iO3 is the brand’s entry-level model in its iO electric toothbrush series. Since its launch, there have been many more iO releases – the newest model being the iO10 – but the Oral-B iO3 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to a deep clean, good charge and affordable price.

Oral-B iO3 review: price and availability

The Oral-B iO3 is available to buy for £160 at Oral-B and select retailers like Amazon, John Lewis and Boots. It’s available in black, grey, pink and blue colours, and comes with a travel case and charger. In the US, it’s between $75 - $90.

It’s rare that you’ll see the Oral-B iO3 at full price. As of writing, it’s discounted to £65 at Amazon and Boots, and £59 at John Lewis. As it only comes with one brush head, you’ll need to buy replacements which you can get in two, six, eight and 10 packs. Prices on these typically start at £14.50 and you can buy them at most retailers.

Oral-B iO3 review: design and features

The Oral-B iO3 is an advanced electric toothbrush which measures 24cm in height and has a depth and width of 2.8cm. It weighs just 136g, making it extremely lightweight. The brush head of the Oral-B iO3 can be removed to swap out new heads and for travelling.

The main body of the Oral-B iO3 has the controls which consists of two buttons. The one at the top is for turning it on and off, and the bottom one cycles through its brushing modes – daily clean, sensitive and whitening.

Where the brush head meets the body of the Oral-B iO3, there’s a 360 degree LED light ring that acts as a visible pressure sensor for your teeth and gums. When it flashes green, it means the pressure is perfect, while red indicates you’re using too much pressure. The white light shows if you’re using too little pressure.

The Oral-B iO3 uses gentle micro-vibrations to clean your teeth. It has a round dentist approved brush head which has individually powered bristles. It has a two minute timer built in and the brush and noise slightly pauses every 30 seconds to tell you when to switch to a different zone in your mouth.

The Oral-B iO3 is easy to charge, and comes with a charging stand. It takes up to 16 hours to charge fully, and it delivers up to two weeks of brushing on a single charge. When charging, the light ring pulses red while charging and turns green when it’s fully charged.

There’s much debate between electric vs manual brushing, but Oral-B claims that the Oral-B iO3 offers 100% cleaner teeth and healthier gums than a regular manual toothbrush – here’s why I think they’re right.

Oral-B iO3 review: performance

I’ve tested many electric toothbrushes from Oclean, Quip and Philips, but the iO3 is my first model from Oral-B. My husband has had the iO7 for years and has loved it, so I was excited to see what all the hype was about.

As electric toothbrushes go, the Oral-B iO3 certainly looks the part. It has a simple design with just two buttons so you can’t really go wrong with it. Its noise isn’t too offensive and the brief pauses to tell you when to switch brush position is very helpful. The LED ring is the icing on the cake as it clearly shows how much pressure you’re using without overloading you with information.

I found the Oral-B iO3 to have a good amount of charge. It definitely lasted for over two weeks before I needed to recharge it. This isn’t huge compared to some of the other models I’ve tried, but it’s still pretty impressive. The charger and travel case that comes with the Oral-B iO3 are also well designed and easy to travel with.

The Oral-B iO3 definitely made my mouth and teeth feel very clean. The micro-vibrations are strong but they don’t feel too intense. At the risk of being laughed at, I felt that the brush heads felt a bit too large in my mouth. As mentioned, I’ve tested many electric toothbrushes that have had a lot slimmer heads, so in comparison, the Oral-B iO3 felt chunkier which made everything a bit messy.

Now, are there more advanced models on the market? Yes, but I like the simplicity of the Oral-B iO3. Sometimes, you don’t need your devices to be able to talk to you or to come with an app. While my husband’s iO7 is very impressive and it has the smiley face screen that everyone loves, the ease of use that comes with the Oral-B iO3 is great, and as the entry-level option to the range, you can’t really ask for much more.

Oral-B iO3 review: verdict

If you want a professional electric toothbrush which is simple to use and won’t break the bank, you can’t go wrong with the Oral-B iO3. It might not be the newest, smartest option on the market but it leaves your mouth feeling clean, fresh and hygienic – what else could you want, really?

It may take some time to get used to the brush heads and the mess can be a bit much, but the Oral-B iO3 is a brilliant option for those who want to improve their oral hygiene. It really wins points for its price as well.

Oral-B iO3 review: alternatives to consider

If you fancy similar simple controls, the Suri 2.0 is the best of the best. It looks great, performs professionally and its latest version has a new case, charging stand and pressure sensor.

If brush head size is important to you, the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9900 Prestige has similar controls and design to the Oral-B iO3 but comes with slimmer brush heads. It’s more expensive, a little heavier and comes with AI, so it’s not ‘simple’ by any means, but it does look it.

A more advanced version of the Oral-B iO3 is the Oral-B iO9. This model comes with the interactive screen that smiles or frowns at you to let you know how your brush went. It’s also more expensive and has app control.

Panasonic has unveiled two new beauty products that combine high-performance haircare with premium design. Leading the launch is the new EH-NA0L Hair Dryer, which competes with the best hair dryers to deliver salon-quality results at home whilst improving overall hair health.

The brand is already well known for its popular EH-NA0J, a styling favourite powered by Panasonic's Nanoe Moisture+ and Mineral technology. Last year, the range expanded with two more models, and now the EH-NA0L joins the lineup with the same advanced moisture-boosting technology as the original EH-NA0J.

Priced at £349.99, the EH-NA0L Sakura is available now via Panasonic's online store. Joining it is the more affordable EH-HV31 2-in-1 Ionic Straightener, which comes in at £79.99.

Designed for styling versatility, the EH-HV31 makes it easy to switch between sleek straight looks and soft curls using a single tool. It releases high-frequency ions from both sides of the device, delivering double the ionic conditioning to help smooth hair, reduce frizz and improve shine whilst styling.

Panasonic has also equipped the straightener with 3D floating ceramic-coated plates, allowing it to glide smoothly through the hair whilst maintaining even pressure and preventing strands from slipping through the plates.

The EH-HV31 is available in Strawberry Pink and Matcha Green, whilst the EH-NA0L arrives in an elegant soft pink finish.

I’m extremely fortunate that I get to travel for work, but the 3am wake-up calls to get to the airport do eventually take their toll. Oftentimes, I have events, briefings and tours as soon as I land and as I don’t want to make a bad first impression by looking like I haven’t slept for days, I’ve become well-versed in sleeping on a plane.

I used to hate sleeping on planes but now, I’m out like a light as soon as I strap my seatbelt on. With summer holidays coming up, sleeping poorly – or not at all – on a plane can affect the first couple days of your vacation so catching some much needed Zzz’s before your trip is a must.

As a sleep and travel expert, these are the five fool-proof products I use to help me sleep on a plane.

1. Ostrichpillow Go Neck Travel Pillow

The biggest head – or neck – ache about sleeping on a plane is you’re essentially sleeping upright in a chair for several hours. What’s worse is the seat itself has no real support or comfort especially around the head and neck, which is why you often get off a plane feeling stiff and sore in these areas.

Having a comfortable travel pillow is a must if you’re planning to take a nap on the plane. I’d recommend the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Travel Pillow. Made from memory foam, the Ostrichpillow Go is cosy, breathable and asymmetrical so you can have it at different heights and thickness levels to suit your neck, spine, head and chin. There are cheaper options at Boots and even in the airport that work well too, but the Ostrichpillow Go gets my vote.

2. Loop Dream

This might be controversial, but I don’t like wearing headphones on a plane, unless I’m using them to watch an in-flight movie. But the background whirring of the cabin and other passenger’s noises can disrupt your sleep, so a good pair of noise-reducing earbuds can do the trick.

Instead of blocking out noise entirely, I still like to be able to hear a little bit of my surroundings, especially on a plane so I can be alert to any announcements. The Loop Dream earplugs are a great choice here, as they muffle sounds by 27dB (SNR) so you can sleep peacefully and minimise external noise. Made from ultra-soft silicone and memory foam, the Loop Dream earplugs reduce ear pressure and sit comfortably in the ears for several hours. Read our full Loop Dream review for more details.

3. Therabody SleepMask

If you’re flying for several hours, especially during the night, the plane you’re on will dim the lights so you can get some sleep. But not everyone will want to sleep which means you could be sitting next to someone with a blaring, bright screen – but that’s where an eye mask comes in.

My eye mask of choice is the Therabody SleepMask. What makes it so special is it uses a combination of vibrations and sounds to help you relax. With wave, pulse or constant pattern options, the vibrations are soothing and tension relieving. The material is comfortable to wear and completely blacks out any light that could infiltrate under the mask. Read our full Therabody SleepMask review for more details.

4. Danish Endurance Cotton Compression Socks

If you’re on a long haul flight, compression socks will be your best friend. I run a lot and my shins are always acting up in some way so I use compression socks to help with my running but you can also wear them as you travel.

For compression sock beginners, the Danish Endurance Compression Socks are the ones I’d recommend. Made from a soft cotton material, these socks are more relaxed than other options, making them ideal for running, recovery and travel. The Danish Endurance Compression Socks stabilise your calves, and they’re much more affordable than other brands.

5. YETI Rambler Bottle

Due to the low humidity within a plane, the air in the cabin can leave your skin and body feeling dehydrated. Regardless of how long I’ve slept for on the plane, I often wake up with a sore, dry throat so having a good water bottle to hand is vital.

The water bottle I use everyday, including while travelling, is the YETI Rambler Bottle. I have the 769ml version but you can get them in multiple sizes and colours. As it’s double-wall vacuum insulated, the YETI Rambler Bottle keeps water extremely cool and crisp, which is exactly what you want when travelling for hours.

For more advice, check out these 7 tips for sleeping on a plane.

Due to the warmer weather in the UK over the past few years, bed bugs have increased by 67% each year – why can’t we have nice things?! While hygiene plays a huge part in keeping your mattress clear of bed bugs, you’d be surprised to hear that it’s your summer holiday that’s increasing the likelihood of an infestation.

To find out more, I spoke to Sharon Robson from Mattress Online who explained that “bedbugs thrive in areas where lots of people are coming and going, and favour warm and humid conditions, which means there’s a higher chance of infestations across the summer holidays… it’s crucial to know how to spot a potential infestation to prevent bringing any unwanted souvenirs back from your trip.”

Below, Robson shared her expert tips on how to identify bed bugs early and how to avoid bringing them home with you after travelling.

1. Spot the early signs of bed bugs

When you get to your accommodation, it’s a good idea to first check if your room is infested with bed bugs. There are a few tell tale signs that this could be the case like “sweet, musty smells, which are a sign of a very large infestation,” says Robson. She urges holidaymakers to “keep an eye out for black or rust-coloured stains on bedding and mattresses. Lastly, look for empty, brown shells or flat, oval brown shapes, which may be the bugs themselves.”

2. Use the credit card trick

If you want to conduct a closer inspection, use the credit card trick. As “bedbugs love to hide in tight spaces such as mattress seams, labels, and tufts, a credit card acts as a handy probing tool to get into these tight spaces like mattress piping, corners of the bedframe, and any cracks,” explains Robson.

To do this, simply press your card to these areas and scrape along the creases to check for bugs and eggs. You can use a phone torch for better visibility.

3. Elevate your luggage

When you first arrive at your hotel, you might be tempted to fling your suitcase on the bed to make unpacking easier – but this is actually the worst mistake you could possibly make. Not only are you spreading dirt from your luggage onto your sleep surface, but you haven’t had a chance to inspect the bed for signs of bed bugs.

Robson stresses that you should “elevate your luggage above carpets and away from walls. Avoid unpacking your suitcase on the bed… and use metal luggage racks or place your case on a hard surface like a table or desk.” This should stop bed bugs getting into your luggage and the chances of you taking them home with you.

4. Wash clothes on a high heat

Once you get home from your holiday – and if you’re worried about a potential bed bug infestation – the first thing you should do is wash your clothes on a high heat. Robson suggests to “leave your luggage on a hard surface like a bathroom or laundry room floor and unpack directly into the washing machine. Clean your clothes on a hot wash cycle and dry on a high heat for 30-60 minutes to kill any live bugs or eggs.”

5. Invest in a hard shell suitcase

Before you head off on your next holiday, take a minute to consider what type of luggage you’re bringing. According to Robson “soft-sided luggage provides plenty of hiding spots for bedbugs, which means you may unknowingly increase your chances of bringing them back from your trip.”

A hard shell suitcase provides a smooth solid surface which is much harder for bed bugs to cling to rather than a soft suitcase with rough or porous surfaces. “With the bonus of being easier to inspect and disinfect, it may be worth investing in if you're worried about the spread of these unwanted bedmates,” says Robson.

For more advice, check out why doctors warn travellers not to unpack their suitcase immediately after getting home.

In all my time testing the best men's fragrances, I don't think one has ever landed with me at a more perfect time than DS & Durga's Rum Bay Rum. As the UK melts through a heatwave, this bottle felt right at home.

Why? Well, to make this as simple as I possibly can – this scent smells almost exactly like a Cuba Libre, and for me, that's the perfect drink for a really hot day, basking in the sun.

The brand's own website lists bay, linden and sandalwood as the top, middle and base notes, respectively. For me, there's much more too it than that.

Sure, woods are here, but the spices are where it's really at. There's definite cinnamon to my nose, without straying too far into nose-piercing, sharp scent. Things remain very sweet throughout the wear, like you've just cracked the bottle top from a glass Coke bottle, and you get that first hit of sweet-spice.

The rum aspect is definitely not too prominent – there's no overbearing alcoholic smell here – though my brain certainly filled in the gaps. Maybe that's just the yearnings of a heat-soaked mind...

Silage is pretty good here, as anyone who has used DS & Durga will be accustomed to. There's no room-filling, overbearing projection, but simply a nice halo of good scent around the wearer.

Sadly, I found the longevity to be just a little less than I'd hope for, really only getting an hour or two before it was little more than a skin scent. It's worth noting that I was testing this in hot weather (did I mention the heat already) and on days where I was a little more active, so it's possible that a cooler temperature might yield better results here.

Even so, I can't help but recommend this. The scent is just so easy to wear, and such a classic that you really can't go wrong. Buy a 50ml and stick the bottle in your bag to top up as needed – you won't regret it!

Looking for a new spring-summer men’s fragrance? Well, as May draws to a close, I’ve rounded up the best men’s fragrance launches from this month which are full of exciting new scents that you’re sure to enjoy.

As May is a transitional month between spring and summer, this month saw a few emerging fragrances with bold, summer-like scents. Think florals, citrus and fresh notes. May also saw lots of woody colognes which is always popular within men’s fragrances.

To find your next scent, here are the seven best men’s fragrance launches from May 2026, featuring the likes of Acqua di Parma, Montblanc, Azzaro, Rabanne and more.

MEN’S FRAGRANCES FROM MAY 2026

This past week, the UK has been hit by a huge heatwave. While most people are loving the sunshine, everyone starts to get a bit sick of the heat when it’s time to sleep.

To manage the heat at night, we’re all turning to the best fans and air conditioners. However, while they offer a relieving cold breeze throughout the day, they aren’t as effective at night and can actually make you feel worse the next day.

The main reason you shouldn’t sleep with a fan on is the cold, circulating air gets into your body which causes stiff muscles and aches and pains. But at the moment, it’s simply too hot not to sleep with a fan on, so I’ve looked into ways you can position your fan in your room to help you to sleep more comfortably in the UK heatwave.

Before I get into the three fan positions, you should never sleep with your fan directly pointing at yourself. This exacerbates body soreness, can dry out your skin and trigger allergies so it’s best to stick to these positions instead.

1. Near an open window

This might sound counterintuitive but placing your fan near an open window can make a world of difference to the temperature in your room. By positioning your fan like this, you can create a cross breeze as the fan pushes hot air outside while creating a vacuum to bring cool air inside. It’s surprisingly effective so don’t knock it until you try it.

2. At the opposite wall

Instead of pointing your fan towards the bed, try angling it at the opposite wall or even the ceiling. The airflow from your fan should bounce off the wall which helps the cool air to circulate around your room more evenly. This is ideal for whole room cooling rather than having an icy chill blasting at you.

3. At the end of your bed

If you really can’t do without a fan facing your bed, consider increasing the distance between it and yourself. Rather than having it by your bedside, place your fan at the end of your bed. This way, you’re still getting a direct cool breeze but the distance helps you avoid feeling too cold or muscle cramping.

With Acqua di Parma celebrating 110 years in the business this year, there's certain to be no shortage of special launches. We've already seen the launch of Colonia Il Profumo Millesimato, which utilised a specific harvest of the Ylang Ylang plant.

Now, the brand has unveiled its summer collection, complete with one fragrance which utilises a bizarre technique in its creation. Called Bergamotto La Spugnatura, and it's the last part of that name which is important here.

The La Spugnatura technique is an ancient, artisan technique used to extract citrus essence. In essence, the peels are hand-pressed into a sea sponge, before being extracted into terracotta pots, to ensure depth and nuance.

It's an extreme measure, but one which perfectly summarises the lengths to which the brand will go for perfect fragrance. You won't find techniques like this used everyday.

The whole collection was designed with Laura Gonzalez – an interior architect renowned for her 'chic mix-and-match' style. Her recent work includes the Cartier Mansion in New York and the Hotel Saint James in Paris, among others.

Elsewhere in the range, we find the brand's Fico di Amalfi scent reimagined with a limited edition bottle. There are also a trio of 200g candles available in three scents – Sorbetto Al Limone, Latte di Mandorla and Granita Al Gelso – plus a host of lifestyle goods like candle holders, a fan, and a tic tac toe game.

Priced at £236 (approx. €275 / US$315 / AU$445) for the headline La Spugnatura bottle and £156 (approx. €180 / US$210 / AU$295) for the Fico di Amalfi bottle, these fit into the pricing already well established in the brand's catalogue.

It's not cheap, but the best things in life rarely are. When you consider the attention to detail and the determination to continue ancient techniques to produce the very best artisanal scent, it's hard to argue with.

The UK is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures soaring up to 34°. While I’m absolutely loving the warmer weather, it’s been extremely difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

If you’re struggling to sleep in the heat, here are nine expert-approved tips to help you sleep in the UK’s 30° heatwave.

1. Switch to cooling, breathable materials

As the weather gets warmer, it’s vital to switch to cooler, breathable materials to help you feel more comfortable in the heat, while also managing your temperature regulation and sweat labels. Start by switching to a lighter, summer duvet with a tog of 4.5 to avoid overheating while you sleep.

Once your bed is cooler, it’s important to change to breathable pyjamas and sheets. According to Hannah Store, Head of Sleep Science at Mattress Online, you should “make sure to swap your cotton pjs for loose-fitting bamboo pjs as they wick moisture away from the skin and dry out quickly… Cotton takes a while to dry out, so if you struggle with sweating during the warmer months, switching out for polyester or bamboo sheets can stop you getting clammy during the night.”

2. Try the Mediterranean cooling method

We’ve all heard of the Scandinavian sleep hack, but now it’s time to turn to warmer countries for their sleep advice. Bill Parkinson, bed expert at Sleepy Piglet has found the Mediterranean cooling method is great for Brits who are unprepared for surging temperatures, and it’s an easy way to ‘heat proof’ your home.

Parkinson states that “You will notice in many Mediterranean countries that homes are set up to stay cool naturally. During the day, shutters or thick blackout curtains are used to create a ‘shade trapping’ effect – helping to keep cooler air inside – then in the evening everything gets opened up again to let air move through.”

He goes on to say that the Mediterranean or cross-breeze method “works best when you create a clear draught by opening windows on opposite sides of your home or room, so cooler air can easily flow in and push warmer air out. That constant movement of air can make a real difference to how the room feels at night.”

3. Cool your bed with a frozen water bottle

Similar to cooling your room down, cooling your bed before you get in it can make a world of difference to your sleep and comfort levels. Parkinson comments that his “favourite thing to do when the warmer months set in is to freeze a hot water bottle… Placing it in your bed a few minutes before you get in brings the temperature down quickly.”

If you have a mattress which tends to hold onto heat, you should consider adding a mattress cooling pad. This way, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a new mattress, and you can beat the heat in the summer and keep your warmer mattress for the winter months.

4. Avoid sleeping naked

Many people wear a lot less clothing when they sleep in a heatwave, but Natalie Pennicotte-Collier, sleep therapist and sleep expert at MattressNextDay says that this is the worst thing you can do.

When sleeping naked, there is “nothing helping absorb sweat or move moisture away from the skin overnight… without breathable natural fibre bedding to wick sweat away, moisture simply sits on the skin and creates a clammy humid ‘microclimate’ that is more likely to wake you up in the middle of the night.” Instead, stick to breathable materials, as mentioned above.

5. Adjust your meal timings

Rather than eating dinner late in the evening, try to move your meals earlier in the day. Shore from Mattress Online recommends “eating larger meals throughout the day, and smaller foods that are easier to digest, in the evening.”

The reason for this is “when we digest food, our core body temperature increases. So, eating large complex meals just before bed will cause your core body temperature to increase when you need it to decrease.”

6. Limited hidden heat from electronics

Cooling down your bedroom and other rooms in your home can do wonders for your sleep, but you might not have realised how much your electronics can contribute to indoor heat, especially laptops and TVs. Parkinson suggests “switching these off an hour or two before bed can help the room cool down properly; if possible, keeping them out of the bedroom altogether will help create a more analogue setup too.”

He also points out that “ charging your phone in a naturally cooler part of the house can make all the difference and will also help you reduce your screen time in the evening, allowing you to fully switch off before bed.”

7. Exercise earlier in the day

It’s difficult to exercise in the heat, particularly as our body temperature increases as we do. If you exercise too close to bedtime and don’t cool down properly, this can have an impact on your sleep. Try moving your run, workout class or other activities to earlier in the day to avoid this disruption. Whether you’re working out or not, you should also be keeping hydrated during a heatwave by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

For more sleep tips, check out these 10 do’s and don’ts for sleeping in the heat.

Since it launched its first hair straighteners in 2001, Ghd has gained a reputation for developing high-end hair stylers that deliver salon-worthy results. Its tools have earned a place in most professional’s kits and if they aren’t already in beauty fanatic’s daily routines, they’re almost certainly on their wish lists.

I’ve tested 20 hair curlers in my time as a beauty reviewer, and the Chronos Curve Classic Tong is the first I tried from Ghd. Its 26mm barrel promised to deliver defined waves and long-lasting curls with no frizz or ‘extreme’ heat damage. However, it certainly isn’t cheap, so I was keen to find out if it could live up to its lofty promises, or if I’d be sticking to my old trusty curling tong.

Price and availability

The Ghd Chronos Curve Classic tong has an RRP of £189, but is currently available for £149 at Ghd, Boots and John Lewis.

If you discount air-powered multi-stylers like the Dyson Airwrap and Shark Glam, that makes this one of the most expensive hair curlers you can buy.

Design and features

In terms of design, the Chronos offers exactly what you’d hope for at this price point. Its anodised matte black finish is effortlessly stylish, and there was nothing about this tong’s design I thought felt cheap or poorly considered.

The tong I tested is 26mm in diameter and designed to create defined curls and waves, but there is also a 32mm size available if bigger, voluminous curls are more your style.

Mastering the twisting and turning technique for curling tongs can be tricky, so I was glad to see the curler’s barrel is topped with a generous cool touch tip. This is especially useful for beginners, who can benefit from a little extra support while wrapping each section of hair and navigating the clamp mechanism.

That said, at 11.5 cm in length, the barrel is marginally shorter than average. This isn’t a problem when you know how to use the tong mechanism properly; I have long hair and it curls my hair with no problems, but if you can’t fathom using the clamp, there’s limited space to wrap your hair.

Like all heated Ghd stylers, the Chronos curler styles hair at a set 185°C. The brand claims this is the optimum temperature for fast styling and lasting results on all hair types. While I agree that this temperature is suitable for most hair types and textures, other hair styles I’ve tested have proven that lower temperatures can be just as effective at creating lasting styles. Any range of temperatures would have made this tool far better suited to styling fine, bleached or damaged hair, and it’s a shame that this isn’t an option in a tool as expensive as this.

The Chronos Curve tong also has a built-in heat stand and an automatic shutoff for safety, which switches the curler off after 20 minutes of inactivity. Its 2.7-metre cable is plenty long enough for home and salon use, and it is universal voltage, so perfect for travel.

Performance

Part of this curler’s charm is in its simplicity. Since there’s only one temperature option, all you need to do is flick a switch to turn the curler on. It heats up in a blisteringly quick 25 seconds (just enough time to spritz some heat protection into my hair) and lets you know it’s reached its target temperature with a reassuring bleep.

During use, the clamp hinge felt sturdy. I was particularly glad that there wasn’t anywhere for my hair to get caught or snag at the bottom of the clamp mechanism – a common problem among cheaper curling tongs with longer barrels, which renders the bottom few inches of space useless. I’d far rather a shorter barrel I can use without fear of ripping my hair out, like this one.

Regardless of if I used small inch-wide sections, or tried my luck with larger ones, the clamp provided good tension on the hair. This helped to smooth out texture and create a lasting style. And each time I turned the tong, the swivel cord meant I was never tangled up in wires.

I can’t say my results were hugely shiny, though. The anodised coating isn’t as silky smooth as in other ceramic curlers, which meant the hair appeared slightly duller than I was used to.

However, I can’t fault the styler on longevity. I have long, thick hair that’s very prone to dryness on the ends. I tested this curler on three occasions, and each time the curls lasted flawlessly on the first day, dropping to softer blown-out waves on days two and three. Despite the heat, my hair felt healthy to the touch, and I was grateful that I didn’t feel the need to re-style my hair on subsequent days.

Verdict

The Ghd Chronos Curve Classic tong is, hands down, the best hair curler I’ve tested for curl longevity. If you’re tired of curls dropping out too quickly and are willing to throw money at the problem, this is well worth the investment.

It styled my thick head of hair in under twenty minutes, and its premium finishes and sensible design features make the process simple enough for tong-shy beginners to learn the art of using a clamp. Throw in the fact that this curler has universal voltage, and you’ve got a curler that’s pretty hard to fault.

The only word of warning I can offer is that if your hair is fine, bleached or damaged, you’d be better off opting for something that has more varied heat options, as the 185°C temperatures can still be pretty vicious.

Alternatives to consider

If you want to achieve lasting curls on more delicate hair types, Cloud Nine’s The Curling Wand is an easy recommendation. Its tourmaline-ceramic barrel gives effortless shiny results, its wand shape is foolproof for beginners and, crucially, it has three styling temperatures ranging from 125°C to 175°C.

Or, if you struggle to curl your hair with a traditional wand or tong, the Babyliss Style Secret Air automatic hair curler is another easy recommendation. Simply feed a section of hair into the curler’s central channel, press a button, and this will wrap, heat and cool the hair. It has three temperature options and is great at creating uniform curls with ease.