For anyone dreading colder mornings out with a pooch, we’ve found an ideal dog-walking coat that doubles as an option to wear for any cold-weather activities – and it’s significantly cheaper than other similar styles.

The Regatta changing robe is currently listed at £60 on the brand’s website. At the time of writing, shoppers can receive an additional 11% off using the code SINGLE11 and can choose from 13 colours and patterns. The coat is also available at M&S in navy and black. 

“Changing robes” like this one were originally designed for quickly warming up after the likes of outdoor swimming or surfing, but they have become popular for everyday use. Similar styles like this one from Dryrobe – perhaps the most well-known competitor – cost over £100 more. 

With a waterproof outer and a soft borg fleece lining, the Regatta robe is designed to keep wearers dry and warm, and is roomy, too. As a dog owner, I can vouch that this style of coat is ideal for chucking on and covering up the majority of an outfit to nip off for a dog walk. I could definitely see myself wearing this first thing in the morning so my four-legged friend could do his buisness. 

It’s unisex and available in sizes XS/S, S/M and L. The brand advises shoppers 5″ to 5’6″ to opt for the S/M, while anyone taller should plump for the L–XL. Meanwhile, ot recommends XS/S for those under 5″. Any mud or dirt can be easily wiped off and it is machine washable. 

The coat has garnered over 80 reviews on M&S’s website. One person wrote: “Waterproof, cosy and comfortable, exactly as described.”

Another added: “Purchased for the colder weather and for mainly walking the dog. I am between a 12/14 normally and the S/M size is very generous and comfortable. Good-quality coat which will have a lot of use.”

A number of reviewers do note that the hood isn’t as large as they would like and comes up a little short. Also, some aren’t keen on the large logo on the back, with one writing that it’s “why my partner isn’t buying one, but it’s for walking my two big dogs so it doesn’t bother me. I’m dry and warm and any dirt wipes off easily. I’d definitely recommend.”

Hair loss and balding can cause a lot of hassle and heartache for men and women alike. When hair starts to thin, it can often feel like nothing can be done save for trying expensive treatments, but this product from Boots is being hailed as ‘really great at concealing bald spots’.

The Nanogen Hair Thickening Keratin Fibres cost £24 for a two-month supply, down £6 from the orignal price of £30. The clever product works by the user shaking some fibres evenly over the thinning area before blending them into place with the fingertips, and when matched with the user’s natural hair colour they are said to blend seamlessly and make hair look fuller.

The fibres are made of 100% natural keratin, which is a fibrous protein found in hair strands. Available in 10 different shades, the fibres can be used on their own or mixed with another colour to mimic highlights.

If this product isn’t calling out to shoppers, they could try the Watermans Hair Fibres Hair Loss Concealer for £15 from Superdrug. These work in a similar way to the Nanogen product, and helps to conceal bald spots and disguise thinning hair.

Alternatively, Boots has the Toppik Hair Building Fibres Powder for £22.95, which uses keratin fibres made from natural wool sources and is said to be able to withstand sweat, rain and wind. This one is only available in three shades on boots.com, so there’s less choice than with the Nanogen version.

The Nanogen fibres also have plenty of fans at Boots. One buyer said: “Definitely would recommend this product, it’s excellent. So easy to use and has given back my confidence.”

Another said: “Really good and covers everything up really well. Lasts long.”

A third shopper added: “Best hair coverage I have ever bought. Worth every penny.”

However, one shopper noted: “Really great at concealing bald spots. Have been using it for years which is why I think the high price is a tad too much. Overall it has really restored my confidence. Try this if you see some thinning on your crown and can also help a receding hairline. Just don’t put too much on or it will get noticed.”

Another said they struggled to get a perfect match to their hair colour. They wrote as part of a longer review: “I like this Nanogen Black hair fibres but they are not truly black but grey.”

Beauty enthusiasts are snapping up a luxury advent calendar that has sold out three years in a row. The Avant Skincare Wonders Advent Calendar returns for 2025, offering £935 worth of award-winning skincare for just £99.

Readers can also enjoy 10% off with the code WONDERS, bringing the price down to £89.10. Containing 12 of Avant’s high-performance formulas, this limited-edition release has been hailed by customers as “the best calendar” they’ve ever bought for its stunning presentation and premium products. Designed to celebrate nature and self-care, it features 12 skincare essentials crafted from sustainably sourced natural ingredients — from rejuvenating serums to deeply moisturising creams.

Also included is the Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face and Eye Night Cream 50ml, a third award-winning product infused with Hyaluronic Acid. This is a key ingredient in anti-ageing products and helps smooth fine lines.

This year’s edition also introduces a brand new augmented reality experience, as shoppers can simply scan the front of the calendar with a phone to bring the wonders of nature to life. Bees, butterflies and an animated fairy harvesting ingredients appear in detail, creating an immersive festive moment.

Avant has also hidden Golden Tickets inside selected calendars, giving winners the chance to claim up to £1,000 worth of Avant Skincare products.

Complete list of items in the Avant Skincare Wonders Advent Calendar.

• Pro-Intense Hyaluronic Acid Illuminating Day Cream 50ml
• Damascan Rose Petals Revitalising Facial Serum 30ml
• Blue Volcanic Stone Purifying & Antioxidising Cleansing Gel 50ml
• R.N.A Radical Anti-Ageing & Lifting Duo Moisturiser 50ml
• Hyaluronic Acid Molecular Boost Eye Cream 10ml
• Hyaluron-Filler Lip Plumping Treatment 8.5ml
• Bi-Phase Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Micellar Water 100ml
• Centifolia Rose Radiance Capturing Mask
• Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face & Eye Night Cream 50ml
• Gentle Rose Beautifying Face Exfoliant 50ml
• Brightening & De-Puffing Hyaluronic Overnight Eye Recovery Mask 15ml
• Pro-Perfecting Collagen Primer Touche Éclat 30ml

As an alternative, shoppers could consider Boots’ 24 Days Of Skincare Advent Calendar, which costs £70 but contains £289 worth of products. Featuring ‘timeless classics’ from brands like Soap and Glory, Garnier, and Inkey List, 20 of the 24 products included are full sized.

Purchasers could also examine Amazon’s W7 Beauty Blast Advent Calendar 2025, currently priced at £19.95. It contains a variety of W7 products ranging from smaller, mini items to full-sized products packaged in individually numbered gift boxes, including bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadows, eyeliner, lip liners, lip glosses and more.

However, those who purchased Avant’s Wonders Advent Calendar 2025 were delighted to receive their ‘beautiful products’, with one buyer even acquiring a second. They said: “Beautifully boxed, amazing value for money, packed full of beautiful products. Couldn’t wait until December to start opening so unpacked it all then ordered a second!” One satisfied customer gushed: “Best calendar I’ve purchased, beautiful products. The calendar was so nice I had to get my partner to buy one for me! Cannot wait for me and my daughter to start using these products. Definitely million percent recommend.”

However, not all reviews were glowing. One buyer praised it as a ‘beautiful looking calendar’ but found the text size to be ‘too small’ for their liking.

Despite this, the majority of those who’ve sampled the Avant advent calendar are over the moon. Another shopper enthused: “The first advent calendar of its kind on the market, the best one. I recommend it, an amazing experience.”

The Wonders Advent Calendar 2025 is available at Avant.