As a blogger and content creator, photography and videography are hugely important. Strong visuals can be the difference between a piece of content going viral or not.

I don’t come from a photography background, and I’m by no means an excellent photographer. However, I’ve taken plenty of photos and videoed a lot of Instagram content over the years, so I’ve learned quite a lot about lighting, lenses, layouts, and angles. I want photography kits that are easy to use, simple to set up, and deliver great results with minimal effort.

Today, I’m reviewing the SANDMARC macro lens kit, which is designed to work with iPhones to take beautiful, close-up photos. This kit consists of the Macro 100mm Lens and the Prolight Mini Kit.

This review covers whether the SANDMARC macro lens kit is a worthy investment and showcases results using the Macro 100mm Lens and Prolight Mini kit.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. Find out more on my affiliate disclosure page*

About the SANDMARC macro lens kit

The SANDMARC macro lens kit claims to be premium photography gear for iPhones, designed to capture detailed, rich, and vivid close-up shots.

According to SANDMARC, this macro lens kit is ideal for beauty creators, like me. The kit consists of:

• Macro 100mm Lens: A lens designed to capture stunning close-up details with a shallow depth of field, creating a natural, organic look. The lens connects using a custom mounting system — either a fitted phone case or clip mount — allowing for alignment and stability over the phone’s camera.
• Prolight Mini Kit: Compact, wireless LED lights (Bi-Colour and RGB) designed for creators who want precise control over lighting colour, brightness, and temperature. Perfect for portraits, product shots, and more. Both lights are dimmable from 1% to 100% and run for roughly 60–90 minutes at full brightness. They recharge via USB-C.

Together, the macro lens and mini LED lights are designed to give iPhone users more control over close-up photography and lighting conditions while remaining portable and simple to set up. It’s also a lightweight, compact, and portable kit, which is perfect for content creators on the go.

Overall, this lens kit costs $329.98 (USD)/£250.84 (GBP). Shipping to the UK costs $19.95 (USD)/£15.17 (GBP).

Setting up the macro lens kit

The SANDMARC macro lens kit is relatively easy to set up.

The Macro 100mm Lens comes with an iPhone case, where the lens can clip onto the back of the case where the iPhone’s camera is, or you can use the clip mount in the kit, which allows you to clip the macro lens directly onto your iPhone camera or case. I’ve got an iPhone 13 Pro, so I got the corresponding case. However, the lens didn’t clip onto the case properly, so the macro lens wouldn’t work with my iPhone’s camera. Instead, I found using the clip mount directly over my iPhone 13 Pro case gave me much better results.

Here’s what the SANDMARC Macro 100mm Lens looks like when I use the clip mount on my iPhone 13 Pro (below).

The Prolight Mini Kit comes with 2 rechargeable LED lights, which are easy to set up. You can either place them down in a fixed position or you can hold them and angle them specifically how you want to for the perfect shot.

SANDMARC also offers a Universal Mount Adapter so that you can fix the LED lights directly to your iPhone. Although I don’t own this, I think this would be great for instant lighting with your iPhone to illuminate whatever you’re trying to capture.

Honest SANDMARC review

I think the SANDMARC macro lens kit is good – but not outstanding – for taking detailed, close-up shots.

The kit doesn’t come with instructions for everything. While certain things, such as setting up the LED lights, are straightforward and intutive to use, I would’ve appreciated some simple instructions for slotting the 100mm macro lens onto the dedicated iPhone 13 Pro case or on the clip mount. To me, it wasn’t obvious which camera the SANDMARC lens should mount onto out of the 3 iPhone camera lenses. I also wasn’t certain how to use the clip mount. A look on the SANDMARC website gave me the answers I was looking for, but a simple user manual would’ve made this process smoother.

The clip mount is prone to moving slightly, and you can easily knock it out of position on your iPhone camera. However, it’s easy to readjust the lens when using the clip mount, so it’s no biggie.

Now for the important part: the 100mm macro lens results. The photos below were taken in the same conditions, at the same time, using the Prolight Mini Kit RGB LED light. Below, you can see the difference in my photos between using just my iPhone 13 Pro camera and the SANDMARC Macro 100mm Lens. These photos are completely unedited and have only been cropped.

As you can see, in both of the SANDMARC macro lens pictures, there is greater detail, depth of colour, and more clarity. Especially with the r.e.m. beauty highlighter balm, the shimmer particles are sharper, and you can see the various shimmer particle colours better.

However, I don’t think the results are so wildly different that the macro lens is a complete game-changer. Admittedly, though, this could be down to my photography skills.

Rating: 3 stars

Overall, I think the SANDMARC macro lens kit is decent. It’s easy to use, portable, and delivers reasonable results.

Having said that, I’m not blown away by the results. I don’t think there’s a big difference between just using my iPhone 13 Pro camera vs the SANDMARC photography kit. The iPhone 13 Pro case didn’t work with the macro lens at all, which rendered it useless. I also think some clearer instructions for setting up this kit would’ve been helpful.

The verdict: If you take a lot of close-up, detailed photos or videos, the SANDMARC macro lens kit would be handy. It’s fairly pricey, but you’d get the use out of it if you shoot a lot of content, particularly as the kit is portable. However, if you don’t take many close-up photos, you don’t need this kit. Regardless, I feel that this is a nice-to-have kit, rather than a must-have kit.

The post Is this iPhone macro lens photography kit worth it? appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Autumn is here, which means cosy nights in with a hot chocolate, crisp air touching your skin, wrapping up in warm layers, and the crunch of orange, crimson, and yellow leaves beneath your feet.

Autumn is my favourite season. I love comforting food, lighting a scented candle as the evenings draw in, and the fresh feeling that the season brings.

ESPA has just launched a range of wellness candles that are designed to evoke a mood, fill your room with a delightful aroma, and ignite the senses. From soothing geranium and frankincense aromas to restorative eucalyptus and lavender scents, there’s a candle for every vibe.

In this review, I share my honest thoughts on the brand-new ESPA Positivity Candle. Does the candle smell sophisticated? Is it worth £45? Does the candle burn for the promised 50 hours? I answer everything in this post.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the ESPA Positivity Candle

The ESPA Positivity Candle is a 240g candle, priced at £45, with a burn time of around 50 hours, according to the brand. Made from a mineral wax blend, it’s infused with ESPA’s Positivity Signature Blend, a fragrance designed to encourage an optimistic state of mind.

The scent opens with sparkling notes of orange, bergamot, and delicate white flowers that instantly feel bright and refreshing. As the candle burns, a heart of petitgrain, geranium, jasmine, and eucalyptus emerges, adding a gentle floral and green balance. Finally, the base notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, amber, and benzoin bring warmth and depth, leaving a grounding, cocooning finish.

Together, the fragrance layers create an atmosphere that feels both uplifting and reassuring, perfect for moments when you want to clear your head, invite positivity in, or simply let a sense of calm optimism fill your space.

ESPA advises burning the candle for a minimum of 2 hours but no longer than 4 hours on each use for optimal results and to ensure the candle continues to burn evenly.

Honest ESPA Positivity Candle review

I really like the ESPA Positivity Candle.

Firstly, I love the candle design. It comes in a chic white ceramic vessel that looks expensive, embossed with the ESPA logo. This is a luxurious aesthetic and would look perfect on any feature wall or shelf. It’s the sort of candle that would blend in seamlessly with any home décor.

I like the fragrance. It has a sophisticated and deep scent that, to me, smells slightly floral, quite musky, and citrusy. This is the type of aroma you’d find on a spa day. I agree that it’s an uplifting scent, as it makes my living room smell bright and awakened. It’s not the sort of scent I’d usually go for, as I opt for gourmand notes like vanilla, cinnamon, or tonka, but it makes for a refreshing change.

From when I first lit the candle right to the final burn, this wellness candle continued to have a potent aroma that truly filled the room. I don’t find it overwhelming, but it’s definitely not a subtle aroma. To me, this makes the candle worth the £45 price tag. It smells like an expertly crafted aroma that lifts the room. There’s nothing I hate more than a weak candle that you can barely smell!

As for the burn time, it does burn for approximately 50 hours. The candle burns evenly without tunnelling. It’s long-lasting and high-quality.

Rating: 4.5 stars

I’d give this 5 stars if it had a gourmand vanilla aroma or a fresh linen scent, as they’re my faves. However, the aromatherapy candle is refined, smells fantastic, and burns brilliantly.

An ESPA candle would make an amazing birthday or Christmas gift for a loved one or simply for anyone who loves a nice-smelling candle – including yourself! It’s definitely worth £45 if you like candles and powerful fragrances.

The post This natural aromatherapy candle transforms any room into an uplifting, positive space appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

In recent years, there’s been a massive boom in beauty supplements. Whether they come in the form of a powder, drink, or tablet, these popular products promise to make your skin glow, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthen your nails and hair.

However, not all supplements are created equally, and there are plenty that fall short of their grandiose claims.

I’ve been testing Raw Beauty Lab’s Vegan Collagen Luxe powder for the last 30 days to see whether it’s worth checking out.

This vegan collagen supplement contains Raw Beauty Lab’s proprietary Vollagen® blend, a scientifically studied plant-derived complex providing the exact 18 amino acids found in human collagen, promising a true, effective vegan alternative. The supplement also boasts 10x better absorption than marine collagen and visible results in 28 days.

Could the Raw Beauty Lab Vegan Collagen Luxe supplement be the secret to glowing skin? I share everything you need to know in this honest review, including the difference between plant-based collagen and traditional collagen, my experience with the supplement, and how this formula compares to another collagen drink I’ve tried.  

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

Plant-based collagen vs traditional collagen: What’s the difference?

Traditional collagen is derived from animal tissues, meat, bones, and skin. In food, collagen is only naturally found in animals and fish that contain connective tissue. Most collagen is sourced from cows (bovine collagen), fish (marine collagen), and pigs (porcine collagen) in products.

Collagen is not naturally found in plants. Instead, vegan collagen focuses on plant-derived amino acids that match human collagen and are designed for enhanced absorption. Vegan collagen formulas work by giving your body what it needs to boost your own collagen production. Sources include tofu, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, yeast, oranges, broccoli, and certain bacteria.

Of course, the most notable benefits of vegan collagen are that it’s more ethical to source and is more environmentally friendly than animal-derived collagen.

About the Raw Beauty Lab Vegan Collagen Luxe

The Raw Beauty Lab Vegan Collagen Luxe is a cruelty-free supplement that is designed to improve skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, and radiance. It also claims to strengthen hair and nails and encourage quicker growth. It costs £39.95 for 30 servings.

Raw Beauty Lab’s Vollagen® complex features the 18 exact amino acids found in human collagen, which include glycine, valine, proline, lysine, hydroxyproline, and glutamic acid.

“This is achieved through a specialised fermentation and microencapsulation process using non-GMO corn. Unlike animal sources, this method yields readily isolated amino acids, meaning they are easily absorbed and utilised by your body without needing complex breakdown first. This targeted approach delivers precisely what your skin needs for collagen synthesis.” – Raw Beauty Lab

Other ingredients in the collagen powder include strawberry, raspberry, inulin, carrot, camu camu, baobab, and pomegranate.

Using this supplement is very straightforward. Add 1 level teaspoon and blend into smoothies, yoghurt bowls, or juices for the best taste and texture experience. For best results, Raw Beauty Lab suggests consuming 1 serving consistently each day.

Honest Vegan Collagen Luxe review

First, let’s start with taste, as collagen drinks are notorious for tasting horrible. This vegan drink tastes OK. It’s tolerable. It’s got a weak plant and slightly fruity flavour with a bitter aftertaste.

However, when you blend this collagen powder into a smoothie, there’s no issue with flavour. It blended excellently and didn’t interfere with the flavour of any smoothies I made. It also didn’t alter the texture of the smoothie, as it wasn’t gritty or grainy. Instead, you get your collagen fix easily with no horrible taste or texture!

At 30 years old, I don’t have any wrinkles or sagging. My skin is still pretty firm. I have a few fine lines and combination skin.

Since trialling the Vegan Collagen Luxe, my skin looks more radiant and feels more hydrated. I’d describe my skin as looking healthy, and I’m noticing that makeup sits on top of my skin well.

However, I’ve not noticed a difference in the elasticity, fine lines, or smoothness of my skin since using the supplement. There’s also been no change in my nail or hair strength or growth.

Rating: 4 stars

While I’ve not noticed a major transformation in my skin since taking this supplement, I do think it contributes to healthy, youthful skin. It’s good to start topically applying collagen or taking collagen supplements at around 25, as that’s when collagen production in your skin begins to decline.

Healthy skin is all about prevention and maintenance, so there’s not really a drawback to taking a collagen supplement. Not all benefits are instantly noticeable, and some benefits of collagen supplements come from keeping your skin in good condition.

I’m overall pleased with the Raw Beauty Lab collagen drink.

Raw Beauty Lab vs Revive Collagen: How do they compare?

I previously tried Revive Collagen’s original collagen drink and enhanced formula. Neither of Revive Collagen’s drinks are vegan, as the collagen is sourced from fish.

I’ve seen more results since using Raw Beauty Lab compared to Revive Collagen. Raw Beauty Lab’s collagen supplement tastes better, is more sustainable, and made my skin more radiant and hydrated.

The post Could this plant-based collagen be the secret to glowing skin? appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

April is Stress Awareness Month, an annual event focusing on the causes and effects of stress, enhancing mental health and wellbeing, and promoting effective stress management techniques. What better way to celebrate Stress Awareness Month than with some relaxing, vegan, and sustainable home fragrances from Aery Living?

Aery Living is a Bristol-based company dedicated to beautifully scented, vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable home fragrances. The brand’s products use only 100% plant-based, naturally derived wax and carrier oils. The candles and reed diffusers are also completely plastic-free and recyclable.

By purchasing from Aery Living, you’re supporting eco-friendly practices, as for every purchase made, a tree is planted. So far, Aery Living’s partnership with Ecologi has led to over 65,000 trees being planted!

In this Aery Living review, find out why the brand’s vegan and sustainable candles and reed diffusers are worth checking out.

Aery Living triple wick candles review

I tried 2 triple wick candles from Aery Living: Nordic Cedar (£45) and Fig Leaf (£42). Both candles are 450g and have a 60-hour burn time, approximately. They’re made from 100% plant-based wax, come with fully recyclable packaging, and are vegan and cruelty-free.

Aery Living Nordic Cedar Triple Wick Candle

The Aery Living Nordic Cedar Triple Wick Candle promises to deliver the essence of lush woodlands and cosy log cabins into your space. This candle is supposed to aid relaxation and brighten your mood.

It has top notes of bergamot and pink pepper; middle notes of orange, cinnamon, and nutmeg; and base notes of cedarwood and patchouli.

I really like this candle. It has a lovely, cosy, and slightly spiced scent, which I find warming, inviting, and relaxing. It’s slightly musky without being overpowering. This is the sort of candle that would be perfect to light on a cold winter evening when you’re watching TV, wrapped up in a fluffy blanket, and drinking a hot chocolate.

The actual power of this scent is brilliant. It really does fill the room with a notable scent. I’ve lit a lot of candles in the past that have a very subtle fragrance that you can only smell when you’re next to them. This one is high-quality and fragrant!

The candle also burns well. The wax doesn’t tunnel as it melts, the wicks light easily, and it burns evenly. I’m thoroughly impressed.

Aery Living Fig Leaf Triple Wick Candle

The Aery Living Fig Leaf Triple Wick Candle claims to evoke the essence of warm summer evenings. It’s supposed to boost relaxation, promote tranquillity, and be harmoniously soft.

It has top notes of fig, orange, and coconut; middle notes of violet leaf; and base notes of cedarwood, vetiver, and amber.

Out of the 2 triple wick candles, this scent is my favourite. It’s fruity, sweet, slightly musky, and smooth. This is the sort of candle to light on a bright summer evening, with a refreshing lemonade in your hand and laughing with friends.

The scent is strong without being sickly. It’s beautifully blended, as you can smell all of the different notes at the same time, but it doesn’t become overpowering or dull. I’d love this fragrance in a body lotion, as it’s simply divine. Even though both candles fill the room with a delightful fragrance, this Fig Leaf scent has that extra oomph and sophistication to it.

Just like the other candle, it’s high-quality and burns well. I’m obsessed.

Aery Living Moroccan Rose Reed Diffuser review

The Aery Living Moroccan Rose Reed Diffuser (£39) is described as romantic, sophisticated, velvety, and smooth. This diffuser is supposed to transport you to an early morning in Morocco with a silky rose and lustrously earthy scent.

It has top notes of bergamot and pepper; middle notes of rose; and base notes of patchouli, tonka bean, and musk.

The reed diffuser is 200ml, supposed to last up to 4 months, vegan and cruelty-free, and comes with fully recyclable packaging.

Out of all of the vegan home fragrances in this review, this Moroccan rose reed diffuser scent is my favourite. It’s smooth, sweet, luxurious, and sophisticated. This scent smells expensive and vibrant. It’s the strongest of all the scents in this post and truly fills the room.

I love rich, gourmand fragrances, so this ticks all of the boxes. It smells like vanilla, rose, musk, and spice, but the fragrance is beautifully blended so that it’s not overpowering.

Reed diffusers I’ve tried in the past have all been a bit weak. I could usually only smell them if I was right next to them and had just turned the reeds in the oil. And if they weren’t placed in a small room, I couldn’t smell anything at all.

This Aery Living reed diffuser fills the whole room with a noticeable and beautiful fragrance. I’ve not had to turn the reeds yet, and I placed the diffuser in the room at the start of the week. This is a high-quality home fragrance that will get people asking: “Wow, where is that reed diffuser from?!”

Overall Aery Living review

I’m thoroughly impressed with these beautiful, high-quality, and luxurious vegan home fragrances from Aery Living. The products smell amazing and are both ethical and sustainable.

Not only are the fragrances divine, but the products are also pretty. They have a chic and simple aesthetic that will blend perfectly with any home décor.

These scents evoke moods, help you unwind and relax, and are ideal for Stress Awareness Month and beyond. They lift my mood and make my house smell great! They’re some of the best home fragrances I’ve tried.

The post These vegan and sustainable home fragrances smell amazing | Aery Living review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

With Mother’s Day in the UK fast approaching, if your mum is a foodie, loves Japan, or appreciates unique gifts, a TokyoTreat snack box could be a great present.

The TokyoTreat March 2025 snack box is the perfect opportunity to try popular, delicious, and fun Japanese treats while learning more about Japanese culture. This month’s box has a cherry blossom bites theme. Inside, you can expect strawberry shortcake KitKats, peach mochi, sakura cake, sour plum salt crackers, onion puffs, tonkotsu ramen, and so much more.

Is a TokyoTreat snack box subscription truly worth it? This honest review shares important details about what’s inside the cherry blossom bites box, if the treats are tasty, pricing and delivery options, and whether this is a must-try subscription.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About TokyoTreat

TokyoTreat is a monthly snack box subscription that allows you to try a range of handpicked fun, seasonal, unique, cool, and modern full-sized Japanese treats. Expect a rare Japanese KitKat flavour, noodles, savoury crisps and snacks, seasonal drinks, delicious sweet goods like chocolate and cake, mochi, gummies, and more!

Each box contains a beautiful 20-page booklet, complete with allergen information, to tell you more about the snacks, Japanese culture, and the history behind the treats. They typically have a seasonal or cultural theme, such as Valentine’s Day, New Year, Halloween, Osaka, and Tsukimi.

What’s inside the March 2025 TokyoTreat snack box?

The TokyoTreat March 2025 box is themed cherry blossom bites. Spring in Japan is all about sitting under beautiful blooming cherry blossom trees, laughing with friends, and enjoying the best time of year. Whether it’s at a fun festival or a chill hanami (flower-watching party) picnic, everyone comes together to soak up the magic of sakura season.

This box delivers sakura-flavoured treats and the spirit of spring in Japan right to you.

Inside the March 2025 box, there are 13 different goods:

1. Strawberry Shortcake KitKats
2. Sakura Petal Marshmallows
3. Peach Mochi
4. Sakura Blossom Cake
5. Sour Plum Salt Crackers
6. Sakura Doughnut
7. Pistachio & Strawberry Pai no Mi
8. Senbei Spring Mix
9. Baked Potato Poricky Sticks
10. Onion Puffs
11. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
12. Blossom-Viewing Chocolate Bites
13. Crispy Fried Rice Crackers

Below, I’ll share my thoughts on the Japanese snacks I’ve tried so far, their distinctive flavours and textures, and which ones were my faves!

TokyoTreat snacks review

I previously tried the TokyoTreat January 2024 New Year Snackin’ Party box, which I loved. This month’s sakura box is quite different, with more delicate flavours overall, so the contrast is always welcome as it means I get to try lots of new treats.

The Strawberry Shortcake KitKats are divine and probably the nicest KitKat flavour I’ve ever tried. They combine sweet and smooth white chocolate with pops of tangy strawberry for a flavour profile that’s balanced and addictive. I don’t typically go for fruity chocolate, but these are an exception! Definitely my fave from the box.

The Peach Mochi are chewy peach-flavoured sweets that are wrapped in edible rice paper. I didn’t realise the rice paper was edible at first and had an awful time trying to unwrap the sticky mochi. It was impossible! Once I realised the rice paper was edible, it became a lot clearer lol. These treats are really light and have a wonderful sweet peach flavour. I really enjoyed them.

The Sakura Doughnut is a sakura syrup-soaked doughnut for a crispy and wonderfully sweet flavour. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, this will probably be quite sickly for you. However, I love sweet things and found this incredibly enjoyable. As the doughnut is small, it’s not too rich. The syrupy flavour and texture are addictive.

The Sour Plum Salt Crackers are described as being super light, crunchy, and puffy with a salty, sour plum kick. I was pretty sure I wouldn’t like them based on the description. However, I found them to be nothing like the description and think they tasted just mildly salty with the texture of quavers. I enjoyed them!

The Sakura Blossom Cake is a soft sweet cake that has a creamy sakura chocolate centre. I thought the cake may end up being a bit dry seeing as it’s been packaged, but it was wonderfully moist and surprisingly light. The cherry blossom flavour isn’t too strong or floral, which I really like. This is another excellent treat.

The Onion Puffs are delicious. They’ve got the addictive light and crunchy texture of cheese balls but the yummy flavour of onion wings. I get addicted to onion ring crisps and can eat them in abundance. These Onion Puffs are the exact same – so moreish!

The Pistachio & Strawberry Pai no Mi look like it’d be a millefeuille on the packaging. In reality, they’re individual, small, buttery, and flaky snacks that have a pistachio-flavoured chocolate centre and a strawberry-flavoured pastry. They’re nice and very light, but I wish the flavours of pistachio and strawberry were more prominent as they’re very subtle.

The Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen is a rich, creamy pork bone broth with thin ramen noodles. While I like these, it’s not my fave instant ramen noodles. The broth is nice, but I typically prefer chicken flavours and something spicier.

I’ve not tried the rest of the treats, but I can’t wait to see what they’re like!

TokyoTreat pricing and delivery

TokyoTreat ships worldwide. There are various subscription plans available:

• 12 months: $32.50/£25.52 per month ($390/£306.27 billed annually)
• 6 months: $33.50/£26.31 per month ($201/£157.85 billed bi-annually)
• 3 months: $35.50/£27.88 per month ($106.50/£83.63 billed quarterly)
• 1 month: $37.50/£29.45 per month (billed monthly)

As with any subscription plan, paying annually is the most cost-effective.

Do I recommend this Japanese snack box?

I absolutely recommend the TokyoTreat snack box subscription. There’s a fantastic mix of textures, flavours, and unique treats throughout this box that are equally fun and tasty to try!

The cherry blossom bites theme is stunning. The booklet is filled with gorgeous pictures, and you get a real sense of what cherry blossom season is like in Japan through the pictures, stories, and snacks in this box. I’m a big cherry blossom fan, so this theme is right up my street!

I think the subscription is great value for money with an array of delicious snacks, making it equally viable to gift or to get for yourself. It’s also so fun to open each snack box with family and friends, so you can all get a taste of the unique flavours of Japan. Whatever you’re intending to get this for, TokyoTreat doesn’t disappoint!

The post Is TokyoTreat worth it? Honest Japanese snack box review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Prior to having this great opportunity to collaborate with Gnoce, I’d never heard of this jewellery brand. Outside of stud and hoop earrings, I’m not a massive jewellery wearer. However, I’m trying to get back into wearing jewellery more regularly, as it’s so pretty and can really level up and make a difference to outfits.

Gnoce bracelets are meant to be a Pandora competitor. The brand offers a wide range of charms to customise your bracelet. From personalised charm bracelets and charms for good luck to themed charms like Wicked, Shrek, and Alice in Wonderland, there are loads of options to choose from.

In this review, I share my honest thoughts on my Gnoce bracelet, how Gnoce compares to Pandora, and whether this brand is worth checking out.

About Gnoce

Gnoce is a jewellery brand that prides itself on providing high-quality, customisable, unique, and reasonably priced pieces. Each piece is made of 925 sterling silver and the different colors of the pendants are plated with 18k gold.

There are loads of beautiful pieces to choose from, such as simple hoop earrings, custom name necklaces, promise rings for her, and birthstone necklaces. There is also an astounding variety of styles, from whimsical rings and gothic chokers to personalised photo charms and statement earrings, you’ll certainly find something for your own taste,

Gnoce’s flagship products are its bracelets and charms. These pieces are compatible with most other popular jewellery brands, such as Gnoce charms fitting on Pandora bracelets.

Gnoce vs Pandora

Gnoce is comparable to Pandora. The price points of Gnoce are typically cheaper than Pandora but still boast excellent quality and detail. In particular, Gnoce’s bracelets and charms are similar to Pandora’s offerings.

You can buy Gnoce bracelets for as little as £20. A lot of Gnoce bracelets cost around £30. Whereas Pandora’s cheapest bracelet starts at £55.

Pandora charms can fit on Gnoce bracelets. I received a Pandora bracelet with some charms for my 18th birthday, which I fitted to my Gnoce bracelet. You can see how this looks in the picture below:

The charms fitted on the bracelet effortlessly and match its style perfectly!

Honest Gnoce bracelet review

Overall, I’m thrilled with my Gnoce bracelet. It looks and feels high quality, has a lovely shine, and features intricate details.

For the price point, I think Gnoce bracelets are a steal! There are loads of styles to choose from. Whether you’re after a classy simple style (like the one I own), tennis bracelets, engravable hearts, or more animated designs, the sheer number of options mean you’re sure to find something you love.

Plus, there are so many pretty charms. While I don’t own a Gnoce charm yet, I’ve already got my eyes on the Moon Glow in the Dark Charm, Mystic Magic Sun Moon Pendant Dangle Charm, and Pink Lily Flower Charm.

Gnoce is absolutely worth checking out!

Rating: 5 stars

With Mother’s Day around the corner, Gnoce is the perfect destination to get your mum a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewellery.

The post Gnoce bracelet review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

Over the years, I’ve tried quite a few yoga mats. I practice yoga a fair bit nowadays, and I used to do yoga a lot. It’s an excellent way to move your body, improve flexibility and mobility, stretch, build strength, connect your breathing with your movements, let go of any tension or stress, and clear your mind.

Yoga mats vary in quality, grip, and longevity. But does expensive always mean better?

Today, I review the £140 Liforme Cosmic Moon Yoga Mat. Although this is quite a pricey yoga mat, it has hundreds of 5-star reviews and is meant to be high quality. Is it worth investing in this highly rated yoga mat, or can you have the same experience at a lower cost? I share my honest experience of using this yoga mat, discussing its appearance, comfort, grip, and slipperiness.

Right now, the Liforme Cosmic Moon Yoga Mat is on sale for £119 (15% off). Don’t miss the deal and shop now!

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About the Liforme Cosmic Moon Yoga Mat

The Liforme Cosmic Moon Yoga Mat features a pretty cosmic moon pattern. It’s designed to be grippy with a non-slip surface. It claims to provide firm stability and soft cushioning with a natural rubber base that’s supposed to reduce strain on body parts and absorb impact.

Liforme’s innovative AlignForMe Guide is featured on the mat. This unique alignment system features a series of lines and patterns that are meant to help you stay centred on the mat, put your hands and feet in the right places and at equal distances apart, and give stability through accurate positioning on the mat.

A regular Liforme yoga mat is longer and wider than other yoga mats to give more space while you practice. It’s 185cm long x 68cm wide.

The mat comes in 3 shades: Dusk Blue (the one I own), Black, and Blue. It comes in 4 sizes: Regular at £140 (the one I own), Travel at £120, Pad at £55, and XL at £155. A complimentary Liforme yoga mat bag is included with every purchase.

Each mat is PVC-free, biodegradable in 1-5 years in normal landfill conditions, and made using high-quality materials. The regular mat weighs 2.5kg.

Honest Liforme Cosmic Moon Yoga Mat review

I love the Liforme Cosmic Moon Yoga Mat. It’s absolutely worth £140 and is easily the most high-quality yoga mat I’ve tried.

Firstly, I love the cosmic moon design and Dusk Blue shade. It’s gorgeous. The AlignForMe Guide is also useful, as it helps you be mindful of where to position your body on the mat when you’re doing various poses, such as downward dog or warrior 2. It gives me more confidence and stability when I follow the guide.

The texture of the mat is perfect. It’s soft, cushiony, and rubbery, yet it provides excellent grip. If your hands get sweaty, this mat is a must-try, as you still really grip to the mat, which means no falls or losing balance! I thought that the smooth surface may not provide enough grip, but I was wrong.

Despite being quite a thin mat, it still provides a lot of padding and comfort. If I’m on sensitive parts of my body for longer periods, such as my wrists or knees, I still feel supported. As I can really grip the mat, I have more stability and reduced strain, as I’m not worried about slipping or losing balance on the mat, which feels much more empowering and strong.

The added length and width are welcome. I often find myself running out of space on a regular yoga mat, so the extra room to move is fab.

Rolling up the mat into the yoga mat bag is easy. I’m terrible at rolling things tightly, so I was scared that I’d need to have a perfect technique to get the mat into the bag. But the mat stays rolled tightly, so you don’t have to fight to get it into the bag ASAP. I know this may sound small, but it’s very convenient lol.

Rating: 5 stars

Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Liforme Cosmic Moon Yoga Mat. The texture of the map, the perfect grip, the no slipping, the eco-friendliness, the beautiful design, the comfort, the stability, and the added width and length all make it well worth £140.

This is a stunning mat that feels very high-quality and makes yoga practices that bit more enjoyable. I can’t fault it!

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. While I don’t personally celebrate the event, what I do celebrate is my passion for delicious food. I’m such a foodie, and I love trying new, different, and yummy flavours.

The Sakuraco February 2025 box is the perfect opportunity to try a carefully selected curation of authentic and unique Japanese snacks. This month’s theme is centred around Valentine’s Day delights. Expect caramel green tea, buttery chocolate-filled biscuits, strawberry-coated peanuts, white bean paste wafers, prawn-flavoured crispy rice crackers, and so much more.

The Sakuraco February 2025 box would make the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day for anyone who loves trying fun and novel flavours, appreciates celebrating different cultures and traditions, or simply enjoys Japanese snacks. Keep reading to find out what’s inside this month’s box and my honest review on the wide range of snacks.

*This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page*

About Sakuraco

Sakuraco is a monthly Japanese snack box subscription that allows you to try a range of authentic sweet and savoury treats. Alongside food and teas, there are traditional handcrafted home goods, such as chopsticks or traditional wrapping cloths, to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Each box comes with a guide that takes you through all of the snacks, their origins, the local makers, and stories from Japan for a truly captivating experience. The boxes have a seasonal or cultural theme. Each box contains 20 items, but this does include some duplicates.

What’s inside the Sakuraco February 2025 Japanese snack box?

The Sakuraco February 2025 box is themed Valentine’s Delights to help explore the charm of Valentine’s Day in Japan. Heartfelt gestures are woven with tradition and thoughtfulness. It’s a time to express gratitude and honour connections with friends, family, and loved ones, the booklet explains. Considerate exchanges are at the heart of this Japanese tradition, from beautifully crafted wagashi to indulgent chocolate treats. Each gift is chosen with care, symbolising warmth, sincerity, and respect for the recipient.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is about sharing moments and celebrating relationships in a way that is distinctly Japanese: thoughtful, refined, and rich in meaning.

Inside the Sakuraco February 2025 box are 15 different goods:

1. Caramel hojicha – made by Hagiri (Shizuoka)
2. Chocolate karinto – made by Yamada Confectionary (Aichi)
3. Chocolate sable – made by BonBon Confectionary (Hokkaido)
4. Strawberry monaka – made by Eguchi Confectionary (Fukuoka)
5. Strawberry-coated peanuts – made by Ogawa Foods (Kagoshima)
6. Strawberry chocolate crunch – made by Nagaraen (Gifu)
7. Plum furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. Not edible) – made by Maeda Senko (Kyoto)
8. Chocolate yokan – made by Sugimotoya Confectionary (Aichi)
9. Pudding Baumkuchen – made by Ace Bakery (Aichi)
10. Orange chocolate cookie – made by Kobe Horakuan (Hyogo)
11. Chocolate kuzumochi – made by Hijiri Food (Wakayama)
12. Ume shiso senbei – made by Sakura Confectionary (Niigata)
13. Daruma senbei – made by Nanakoshi Confectionary (Saitama)
14. Tanba kuromame arare – made by Morihaku Confectionary (Gifu)
15. Seto salt arare – made by Kuriyama (Niigata)

Below, I’ll share my thoughts on each Japanese snack, their distinctive flavours and textures, and which ones were my faves!

Sakuraco snacks review

I’ve previously tried and reviewed a Sakuraco Japanese snack box, which had the theme autumn moon festival. I loved trying all the snacks, and this Valentine’s Day box is so different in contrast! This weekend, I opened the box and shared the treats with my family, which was a lovely, fun, and interesting experience.

The caramel hojicha is a Japanese roasted green tea infused with notes of caramel. This smelled better than it tasted. It was okay, but I found the flavour a bit mellow and bitter. I’d have preferred the caramel flavour to be prominent so it was a bit sweeter.

The chocolate karinto was yummy. These essentially taste like chocolatey syrup puffs. They’re light, airy, not sickly, and easy to eat. Everyone enjoyed snacking on these.

The chocolate sable is a soft, buttery, and chewy biscuit that has a smooth chocolate centre. This was delicious and perhaps my fave snack in the box. It was decadent, smooth, and melted in my mouth. Yummy!

The strawberry monaka is two crumbly wafers that sandwich a white bean paste centre infused with the sweetness of strawberries. I wasn’t a massive fan of the wafers. To be honest, I’m not a big wafer fan anyway. I always find them a bit of an unnoteworthy item. However, the strawberry white bean paste filling was delightful. Smooth, creamy, and sweet,

The strawberry-coated peanuts were divine. I’d never tried a fruity-coated peanut before, but it was a brilliant pairing. The strawberry coating was sweet, which complemented the salty peanuts perfectly. These were a hit with everyone.

The strawberry chocolate crunch is essentially a Rice Krispies bar with the flavours of strawberry and chocolate. These were sweet, airy, soft, and moreish. The note of strawberry was subtle, but it worked perfectly with the chocolate. Again, everyone liked these.

The chocolate yokan tasted like a chocolatey red bean paste jelly. It had a fairly firm and thick gelatinous texture. These were alright, but nobody loved them. We weren’t convinced that the flavours worked well with the consistency.

The pudding Baumkuchen is a soft sponge cake with a “pudding” and subtle caramel flavour. This was a simple yet enjoyable cake. Easy to eat, light, and a nice bouncy texture.

The orange chocolate cookie is a crumbly chocolate orange biscuit. It was crunchy, not overly sweet, and easy to eat. Everyone particularly enjoyed these.

The chocolate kuzumochi is a chocolatey dessert that sits somewhere in between a mousse and a jelly. It’s similar to Alpro’s chocolate dessert, especially its consistency. This was okay, but outside of the chocolate sauce you poured on top, it actually lacked flavour. I would’ve preferred a sweeter, richer, and more decadent treat.

The ume shiso senbei is a rice-based snack that’s designed to be a sweet and sour snack. It features sweet plum and sour shiso – a herb that’s part of the mint family which is sour and bitter. I wasn’t a fan of these, and I found the flavours quite confusing together. These weren’t a hit with anyone.

The daruma senbei is a savoury rice cracker that’s seasoned with a spicy shichimi pepper flavour. This isn’t that nice IMO. While I love spicy and salty food, there’s a bitterness that runs through this crunchy rice cracker that I can’t get behind.

The tanba kuromame arare is another rice-based snack that’s kneaded with black beans and dusted with salt. Although not my fave, I loved the saltiness, airy texture, and ease of eating this light and crunchy snack.

The seto salt arare is a light and crispy rice cracker with a salty prawn flavour. These are airy, melt in your mouth, addictive, and not overpowering. I enjoyed this snack way more than I expected to.

Sakuraco pricing and delivery

Sakuraco ships internationally. There are various subscription plans available:

• 12 months: $32.50/£25.52 per month ($390/£306.27 billed annually)
• 6 months: $33.50/£26.31 per month ($201/£157.85 billed bi-annually)
• 3 months: $35.50/£27.88 per month ($106.50/£83.63 billed quarterly)
• 1 month: $37.50/£29.45 per month (billed monthly)

As with any subscription plan, paying annually is the most cost-effective.

Do I recommend this Japanese snack box?

I totally recommend Sakuraco. This snack box is filled with distinctive and interesting flavours that give you a real taste of Japan. There’s a good mix of textures throughout the sweet and savoury snacks that make every treat delightful to try.

The Valentine’s Day theme in the February 2025 box is charming, with thoughtful stories and explanations in the booklet that give you a great insight into how this romantic event is celebrated in Japan. It impressed me just as much as the September 2023 box.

I think the box is good value for money and would make the perfect present for somebody special to you who loves Japan, is a foodie, or simply appreciates a thoughtful and unique gift. Valentine’s Day or otherwise, this Japanese snack box is truly gift-worthy!

The post Inside Sakuraco’s February 2025 box: Beautiful Valentine’s Day-themed Japanese snacks appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

I love nice-smelling things. I mean, who doesn’t? Candles, wax warmers, perfume, fresh laundry, bakery scents. Aromatherapy is simply wonderful.

That’s why I’m so excited to share this candle review today from a wonderful independent small business. Tyler Aromatherapy is a vegan and cruelty-free wellness brand. The product range includes soy wax candles, reed diffusers, body oils, bath salts, and uplifting self-care prints. The packaging is eco-friendly, recyclable, and sustainable.

I was really excited to support a small business that’s all about uplifting your mood, unwinding, and recharging, backed by a strong ethos. In this review, I share my honest experience with the Tyler Aromatherapy Refillable Coffee Cup Candles, including how well the candles burn, how long they last, how easy they are to refill, and, most importantly, how nice they smell!

About the Tyler Aromatherapy Refillable Coffee Cup Candles

The Tyler Aromatherapy Refillable Coffee Cup Candles are designed to fill your room with delightful, mood-enhancing aromas. Each candle comes in a beautiful stoneware coffee tumbler that’s been reimagined as a vessel for a candle. Instead of throwing out the candle and the jar once it’s finished, you can simply pop in a candle refill from Tyler Aromatherapy, which slots in perfectly with the coffee cups.

There are loads of sensational scents to choose from, such as Sticky Ginger Chai, which has warming notes of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger; Nordic Spruce, which features a blend of Douglas fir, juniper, and cypress essential oils; and Champagne, which is a herby and citrusy scent with juniper, lavender, and lemon essential oils.

The candles cost between £28-£29, and the refills cost between £16-£17. They have a 200ml capacity.

How to refill the candles

Refilling the Tyler Aromatherapy Refillable Coffee Cup Candles couldn’t be easier! Just follow the simple steps below:

1. Stand the empty coffee cup in a bowl of boiling water.
2. Wait 1-2 minutes for the residue to melt.
3. Scoop out the melted residue using a spoon. The wick should lift off easily too.
4. Wash the coffee cup out with warm soapy water, and place the refill in.

You can watch the short reel below for a visual tutorial too:

Honest Tyler Aromatherapy review

I think the Tyler Aromatherapy Refillable Coffee Cup Candles are fantastic.

I’ve tried 3 different scents: Tonka, which is a sensual fragrance with notes of vanilla absolute, labdanum, orange blossom, amyris, and clove; Stollen, which is inspired by the German festive cake with notes of cinnamon, cardamom, orange, and lemon; and SOL, which is an energising blend of tangerine, sweet orange, may chang, and rosewood.

Each of the candles has a unique, identifiable, and different aroma from one another. I’ve tried candles in the past where all the scents are very similar, and it feels pointless switching from one to another. These from Tyler Aromatherapy are distinct, so I can pick a strong scent based on my mood.

I pick Tonka as my evening candle for when I want to unwind, as it’s quite a moody scent; Stollen is my everyday candle, as it’s got a more subtle and subdued scent profile; and SOL (which is my fave) is for when I want an uplifting and energising scent – normally when I start my day at work.

They burn for around 16-20 hours. On the first use, you need to burn the candle for at least 2 hours to ensure it burns evenly and all the way to the outside. Each candle burns evenly, so you’re not left with any patchy, unused wax at the top.

Refilling the candles is a breeze. I followed the simple steps for refilling the candle once I’d finished, and the leftover melted residue came out easily. All you have to do is wash the coffee tumbler and simply pop in a refill. It took me no longer than a few minutes to do this.

Rating: 5 stars

Overall, I love these eco-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free candles. They’ve got wonderful and strong aromas, which fill the room and evoke a mood. I’d recommend these to anyone who loves candles, as it’s great to support a small, independent business that champions wellness and self-care.

The post Try these relaxing, eco-friendly, and vegan wellness candles | Tyler Aromatherapy review appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.

It’s well known that investing in the right mattress is the key to significantly improving the quality of your sleep and overall wellbeing. A premium mattress means a pain-free and comfortable sleep, proper support for your body, and regulated temperature while you rest.

I’ve been testing the Origin Hybrid Mattress for just under 2 weeks. I’m thoroughly impressed by how firm yet supportive this hybrid mattress is. My sleep recently has been so comfy and relaxing!

In this review, I share all the reasons why Origin Hybrid Mattress is a must-try and why this hybrid mattress might be right for you.

* This post contains some affiliate links. This means, at no extra cost to you, I earn some commission if you purchase a product through my link. All thoughts are my own, though, as always. If you want to find out more, visit my affiliate disclosure page *

What you need to know about the Origin Hybrid Mattress

A hybrid mattress combines a pocket-sprung mattress with a top layer of memory foam, latex, or gel. The idea is that this hybrid provides the stability and support of springs with the cushiony feeling and luxury of memory foam.

The Origin Hybrid Mattress is designed to deliver premium sleep at an affordable price. Designed by orthopaedics, the hybrid mattress features 6 layers and 3,000 springs for a pain-free sleep.

The top layer of the mattress features Origin’s SnowTencel fibre, which is meant to be super soft and cooling. It doesn’t pill. This layer is hypoallergenic and ultra-plush.

Origin’s signature HexaGrid Material, the second layer, is designed to keep the mattress snuggly and plush while relieving any pressure points. This layer is also infused with cooling particles to keep your temperature regulated all night for a cool and cosy sleep. The HexaGrid Material claims to provide enhanced back support while striking the balance between soft comfort and firmer support.

The third layer is IceCool Foam. This uses 100% natural latex, infused with a cooling gel, that provides gentle cushioning and buoyant support, which is supposed to be beneficial for sleepers with back and joint pain.

The fourth layer boasts bamboo-infused wool that’s supposed the ultimate in luxury, softness, and comfort. This hypoallergenic layer is designed to be breathable by absorbing and releasing moisture to keep you comfortable throughout the night.

The fifth layer is D-2 Edge Support, which is made from high-quality foam. Origin claims it’s 2 times denser than average foam, so it increases the comfort area of the mattress and makes it easier getting in and out of bed.

For the sixth layer, the mattress incorporates sturdy and durable ErgoCoil Steel springs that adjust their resistance based on the weight placed upon them for tailored pressure relief and ideal spinal alignment. Each spring compresses inwards, which is supposed to limit transfer of movement.

The prices for the Origin Hybrid Mattress are:

• Single: £499
• Small double: £529
• Double: £619
• King: £719
• Super king: £819

Origin frequently offers incredible discounts on the mattresses too, including up to 40% off! Each mattress comes with a generous 15-year warranty and a 200-night money-back trial.

Honest Origin Hybrid Mattress review

After testing the Origin Hybrid Mattress for just under 2 weeks, here’s my honest review.

Unboxing and moving the mattress

The mattress arrived in a narrow, tall box. Inside, the mattress was neatly and tightly rolled up. However, the box is heavy. I would’ve struggled to move this myself, but thankfully McKenzie helped me move it. The slim shape made moving the box upstairs quite easy, as it wasn’t a cumbersome or awkward to manoeuvre.

The mattress came wrapped in a fair amount of plastic packaging, so it’s not the most eco-friendly. But my mattress was completely unscuffed and in pristine condition.

Unwrapping the mattress was so satisfying. We took a pair of scissors and cautiously sliced through the plastic, taking care not to damage the mattress, and it simply pinged out of its rolled shape onto the bed. It took under a minute for the mattress to decompress, which was handy.

Fortunately, the mattress comes with carry handles on the side, which makes manoeuvring it considerably easier, especially if you’re moving house. The mattress itself is surprisingly light. I got the king size, and it’s considerably lighter than my previous non-hybrid mattress.  

Comfort and performance

Now for the most important part of this Origin Hybrid Mattress review: Is it comfortable?

The answer is a resounding yes!

It was my first time trying a hybrid mattress, so I didn’t know what to expect. But I’m definitely a hybrid mattress convert now.  

The top of the mattress is super soft and cushiony. I sink in a little bit, as the material is very plush. However, the bottom layers of the mattress are firm, without being hard, so I still feel supported.

I’d read several reviews saying that this mattress is a bit too firm for side sleepers and is more suitable for front and back sleeps. I’m a side sleeper and find this incredibly comfortable! At no point have I experienced any pressure build-up or like the mattress is rigid.

As for temperature regulation, I’ve not noticed any difference to my previous mattress. I wouldn’t say the mattress makes me feel particularly cool, but it doesn’t make me feel hot either.

Overall, the quality of my sleep has improved, as I find the hybrid mattress relaxing, supportive, and plush.

Affordability

Mattresses vary a lot in price. This sits somewhere in the mid-range when there’s no sale. However, Origin frequently offers fantastic discounts on this mattress, which makes it more affordable.

For the quality and luxurious feel of this mattress, I can 100% say it’s worth the price – even without any discounts. You can’t put a price on a great night’s sleep!

The verdict

I love the Origin Hybrid Mattress. It’s soft, supportive, comfortable, high-quality, and has overall improved my sleep quality. I can’t fault it at all and genuinely look forward to sleeping every night since getting this new mattress!

Rating: 5 stars

The post Origin Hybrid Mattress review | This firm yet supportive mattress is a must-try! appeared first on A Woman's Confidence.