first person

Kia EV2 review: a small electric SUV with big-car appeal

The Aromatherapy Associates Atomiser Connect makes a luxurious Christmas gift, pictured with the Winter Wellbeing essential oil blend.

I tried the £190 diffuser that makes my home smell like a spa

Cobra's QS2800 is a powerful shredder at a sensible price - ideal for attacking a leylandii hedge

Cobra QS2800 review: a powerful garden shredder at a keen price

The new Morphy Richards Zino is a true bean-to-cup filter coffee machine - and probably one of the best in the business

Morphy Richards Zino review: fresh filter coffee without the fuss

A bird’s-eye view of Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa reveals its impressive setting, surrounded by sweeping fairways and beautifully landscaped grounds.

I checked into a hotel fit for Taylor Swift

The Hyundai Inster’s boxy shape and round lights give the small electric car plenty of character

Hyundai Inster review: a tiny EV with some seriously clever ideas

The compact FridgePower unit is a portable power station condensed into a unit that can sit on top of, or by the side, of a fridge-freezer

Bluetti FridgePower: This battery could save your fridge in a blackout

Futuristic to look at, and a doddle to use, Noerden's new Lumi Leash is a clever idea worked in to a neat package

This futuristic dog lead is under £30. My usual setup costs much more

Hyperhsell's latest range of exoskeletons might seem incredibly futuristic, but you'll be amazed at how well they work

Hypershell review: I tried robot legs that help you climb hills

Hyperhsell's latest range of exoskeletons might seem incredibly futuristic, but you'll be amazed at how well they work

Hypershell review: I tried robot legs that help you climb hills

Lamtto's RC35 is a monster of a display - and it has some incredibly smart features

Lamtto RC35 review: huge 11-inch CarPlay screen upgrades older cars

Jo Malone London's new Vanilla Scotch Cologne combines warm vanilla, amber and a distinctive whisky note, making it a gorgeous fragrance especially for the colder months.

Jo Malone London's £130 perfume is a winter winner

The American Golf Luxury Advent Calendar features 24 days of golfing treats, including balls, tees, accessories and more, all presented in festive red, white and blue packaging.

American Golf's £129 luxury advent calendar is a golfer's dream

The Santa Fe remains as striking to look at as it did when it first launched in the UK

Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV review: big, clever and surprisingly sensible

Rupert, left, and Honey, right, absolutely love their daily dose

Review: my dog hates tablets, but comes running for these joint bites

The Nikura AIRI Waterless Diffuser makes filling your home with beautiful fragrance effortless, with no water, mess or fuss.

Nikura AIRI Waterless Diffuser review: No water, no wires, no faff

Roomba's Max 775 Combo feels like a winning return to form for iRobot

Roomba Max 775 Combo review: iRobot finally catches up with the best

BMX's new trio of semi solid state power banks is available now on Amazon

BMX SolidSafe power banks review: thinner, safer, and built for travel

Runderwear specialises in running clothing and accessories designed to help prevent chafing, rubbing and discomfort.

Runderwear review: Comfort put to the test

The 500 Hybrid is every bit as cute as the 500e, and the added appeal should make it a more familiar sight

Fiat 500 Hybrid review: petrol power brings this city car back to life

Ayacucho’s cosy Tenby Half Zip and Texel Full Zip fleeces combine warmth and comfort with an outdoorsy look that works just as well for everyday wear.

I tried the Ayacucho fleeces shoppers love

Yes, it's another Chinese car. And yes, it's great value for money. And, yes, you've already forgotten what it's called, haven't you?

Aion UT review: this £28,950 EV offers a lot for the money

Road Angel's new mirror camera offers a clever way to record and view dash cam footage

Review: The £199.99 dash cam hiding in plain sight on your mirror

Kosas has expanded its Soulgazer Mascara range with three new shades, including navy, violet and espresso brown.

Coloured mascara is back – and Kosas nails it

Lemonade Dolls’ colourful Flex Collection in Aqua combines turquoise, soft pink and zesty lime green for a fresh take on everyday lingerie.

Lemonade Dolls Flex Collection review: Comfort meets colour

Dermalogica’s new Stabilizing Repair Serum, £65, is designed to soothe reactive and irritated skin while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.

Dermalogica’s new £65 serum for sensitive skin

Jo Malone London’s Orange Marmalade Cologne takes inspiration from the bittersweet British breakfast favourite.

This Jo Malone bestseller wasn't what I expected

The OneOdio Fusion A70 Gen 2 headphones support Bluetooth listening alongside 3.5mm and 6.35mm wired connections.

OneOdio A70 Gen 2 review: £50 headphones with 72-hour battery

The latest version of Anker Soundcore's popular AeroClips have a world-beating claim to fame

Anker Soundcore AeroClip 2 review: record-breaking open-ear earbuds

Two clever bits of golf tech, one smarter round: the Garmin Approach S70 and new Approach Z10 bring detailed course mapping and pinpoint distances together.

Garmin Approach S70 and Z10 rangefinder put to the test

Good Day by Patchology brings a dose of sunshine to skincare with its colourful new mood-boosting range.

Patchology Good Day review: Sunshine in a bottle?

The Loch Capsule Solo has become my new favourite home gadget after giving me the dishwasher I thought my kitchen simply couldn't accommodate.

My favourite home gadget is now the thing I never thought I could have

Volvo's XC60 was revised somewhat in 2025, and it's better than ever now

Volvo XC60 review: Why this SUV became its biggest-ever hit

Memoket's new AI note-taker is one of the neatest products of its type

Memoket Gem review: the tiny AI note taker that really impressed me

The medisana VC 150 Cupping Massager combines three technologies in one compact beauty gadget.

I tried the medisana VC 150 Cupping Massager - my thoughts

The Lofree Flow 2 is distinctive and elegant at the same time

Lofree Flow 2 review: Mac users will love this keyboard

Volvo's XC40 is a common sight on UK roads - and justifiably so

Volvo XC40 review: An enduringly appealing premium SUV

Coupled with SwitchBot's clever smart keypad, the Lock Ultra Max is basically the best smart lock out there

SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max review: The best smart lock gets even faster

Hairstory’s haircare range takes a different approach to traditional shampoo and conditioner, with New Wash at the heart of the collection

I ditched shampoo and conditioner for this £48 cleansing cream

Lush 29½ High Street Advent Calendar 2026

I tried Lush's bath-only advent calendar and this is what I thought

Enjoy creamy, indulgent coffees with the Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa machine without leaving the house.

Review: I tried this Lavazza coffee machine and loved the simplicity

Suzuki e Vitara review: A hugely likeable first EV from £26,249
Suzuki has taken its first step into the fully electric market with a handsome, well-equipped and reassuringly capable SUV that feels every inch a proper Vitara...

I tried several different bedding styles to find my favourite for comfort and luxury. Pictured is Luff Sleep bedding.

Review: I tried four different bedding sets and found my winner

Crafted from a single piece of leather, the R.M.Williams Chelsea boot is designed for durability, comfort and years of wear while retaining its classic shape.

Why R.M.Williams' Lady Yearlings stand out

Hotel Football sits directly opposite Old Trafford, making it a popular base for Manchester United fans on match days.

Hotel Football review: A Man Utd fan’s dream stay

The Boots Last Note fragrance collection includes Echoes of You, Into the Orchard, Vanilla Portrait, Velvet Bouquet and Soft Island Drift.

Review: Boots’ new £12.99 perfumes could be a perfect affordable gift

These Fine Bedding Company bedding buys could help create a softer, cosier sleep set-up.

The £70 bedding upgrade that made for a more comfortable night's sleep

The Horizon Adventurer 1000 Pocket Memory Mattress combines pocket springs with bamboo-infused memory foam for a balance of comfort and support.

I tried this Horizon hybrid mattress and here's what I thought

Jo Malone lands at Boots with new five-star scent

The Sekonda Connect Smart Watch has a range of everyday smartwatch features and combines fitness tools with the option of a stainless steel mesh bracelet.

I tried the Sekonda Connect Smart Watch and here's what I thought

The Philips PerfectCare Compact Steam Generator is designed to make tackling large piles of laundry quicker and easier.

I tried a steam generator and now I won't go back to a regular iron

The heated outdoor vitality pool is at the heart of the Moddershall Oaks spa experience, with countryside views and cocktails delivered straight to the water.

This luxury woodland spa is made for switching off

The Bird & Blend Matcha Latte Magic Whisk is designed to make preparing smooth, creamy matcha lattes at home easier.

I tried the Bird & Blend Magic Whisk for a new way to make tea

Online Home Shop's hot pink bow-print storage box has helped me tidy away household items that have looked unsightly in my home for years.

The pretty storage buys making my home feel instantly more organised

I have found the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress offers responsive support and pressure-relieving comfort.

I found the perfect balance of softness and support with this mattress

Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream, Age-Defying Serum and Triple Action Melting Cleanser, alongside the Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Booster and Geranium & Orange Hand Wash and Hand Lotion.

Review: This Neal’s Yard range feels as luxurious as it looks

The Scotsman Top Stories

Scotland has failed to meet its latest target for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the latest official figures show. Picture: John Giles/PA Wire

Fail: Scotland misses climate target

Pro-independence protesters with Scottish Saltire flags (top) march for Scottish independence. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

Yousaf: Growing popular support for Yes the only way to Scottish independence

Nadine Dorries. Picture: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

SNP MP cleared of bullying Nadine Dorries