For reasons that escape us that we neither need nor care about, Lush has launched a limited-edition Shrek collection and the marketing has worked already: we want it.
Yes, the British-based cosmetics brand has just dropped a new collaboration straight from the swamp and perhaps because it’s totally random and counter-intuitive to the whole ethos of the character, we suddenly have an intense urge to bathe ourselves like the famously filthy character.
Lush‘s new Shrek set includes everything from a body spray, ‘Fiona’ scented shower gel, a ‘Shrek Swamp’ bath bomb and many more.
There’s even a cute little Gingerbread Man bubble bar and fittingly-titled ‘Get Outta My Swamp’ shower slime (whatever that is) and we’re curious enough to try all of them.
Teasing the new items as an early exclusive for those who shop directly through the Lush app, the Dorset-born company have enticed customers by urging them to “embrace [their] inner ogre”, quipping, “There’s no need to look Far, Far Away”.
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The officially licensed collab with DreamWorks Animations has products starting from £6 — the donkey bath bomb, specifically — and is already available here in the UK.
Our assumption is that the idea for this probably came from nothing other than the viral success of their well-timed Saltburn line earlier this year, which we’re still laughing about, to be honest.
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As kitsch and gimmicky as it might sound on the surface, we have to admit it looks quite good if you’re into that kind of stuff, which we suspect a fair Shrek-thusiasts now are too.
So, if you fancy kitting your bathroom out with a load of green goodies or are just a massive Shrek fan yourself and will snap up almost every bit of merch you see (we know there’s plenty of you out there), you know where to look.
We’re sure that their bath bombs and scented sprays are just like onions: lots of layers and depth behind them — but we’ll leave that for you lot to find out.
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Better still, no you have the perfect stuff to pack in your toiletry bag when you take your trip to the enchanted forest to stay in the Shrek’s Swamp. Again, we don’t have an explanation for you, but we don’t need one.
Poundland relaunches its £1 engagement rings ahead of Valentine’s Day
Emily Sergeant
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and Poundland has hatched a plan to help those on a budget this year.
You can propose to your other half at any time of the year, but it’s fair to say that Valentine’s Day is a date much more popular than others – especially for those who want to surprise their partner with a gift they’ll never forget for the special occasion.
But with the cost of living crisis sadly still making its impact felt across the UK, a costly engagement ring is not something everyone is able to afford.
Luckily, for anyone keen to make the grand romantic gesture but while saving a few pennies at the same time, Poundland has decided to bring back its £1 engagement rings ahead of the season of love, so you’ll have plenty of time to get planning how you’ll pop that all-important question.
The budget retailer first launched its affordable engagement rings back in 2020, and they proved massively popular.
At just £1 each, Poundland says these symbolic rings – which are available in more than 10 different designs – are a “thoughtful” way to showcase your love for Valentine’s Day and beyond, and can help make the occasion “unforgettable”, all without breaking the bank and keeping your budget intact.
From timeless solitaire designs, to romantic heart-shaped details, each ring in the 2025 range is “uniquely crafted to add a touch of charm and elegance to your Valentine’s Day proposal”, according to the retailer, so whether your partner adores classic simplicity or something with a playful edge, there’s supposedly a ring to match every style.
And the best part? Each £1 ring comes beautifully presented in a red velvet heart-shaped box, so your proposal can “feel as special as the love you’re celebrating”.
Poundland’s £1 engagement rings are now available both online and in stores nationwide, and you can view the full range here.
Featured Image – Poundland
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LEGO-loving little Mancs can now compete against the world to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’
Emily Sergeant
Little Mancs who love LEGO can now enter a worldwide competition and battle it out to become a ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Is your child a LEGO super fan? Do they reckon they could build impressive LEGO creations in their sleep? Well, if they’re feeling brave enough and are ready to put their skills to the test, then you’ll want to take them down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester, as the hunt is one for a talented youngster to be crowned the UK’s newest ‘Mini Master Model Builder’.
Young LEGO fans will have the chance to let their imaginations run wild in a “bricktastic” competition, by building the most epic creation entirely out of LEGO bricks in an attempt to take home the coveted title.
Participants are invited to “demonstrate their imagination and creativity” by constructing something extraordinary that will leave the judges in awe – with the judges particularly interested in an array of building techniques and a strong creative flare, so entrants should “think outside the box” and let their personality and interests shine through.
Finalists will be chosen by the LEGOLAND Master Model Builders and Playmakers.
Each Discovery Centre in Manchester and Birmingham will then crown its own ‘Mini Master Model Builder’, and the winners will work with the local Master Model Builder to create their final models, which will then compete in the global final.
Winners will be given the unique opportunity of having their creation displayed at the iconic LEGO House in Denmark, plus a prize of £100 to spend in the LEGOLAND store, and a Local Annual Pass for them and their family too.
Up to the challenge then? All hopeful Mini Master Model Builders will need to get themselves down to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester at Trafford Palazzo – which is next to the Trafford Centre – any weekend up until the start of February.
Entry into the competition is included in the price of one standard admission ticket to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester.
All entries must be made by those under the age of 18, and only one entry per person can be made.