Archive August 29, 2025

You can currently save 50% on makeup, skincare, and even Yankee Candle gift sets with Boots’ newly released first batch of beauty Star Gifts, which are ready for early Christmas shopping.

August might seem far too early to be starting to think about Christmas, but with just four more paydays to go until December, now is actually the perfect time to start gathering your Christmas shopping. Spreading out the costs of your presents means you’ll be under less financial pressure by the time December rolls around, so you can focus more on the fun and family time of the season.

And Boots just announced its first roll of Star Gifts, which is all 50% off, to ease even more of your money worries. You can save up to £66 on beauty gift sets while also getting a head start on your holiday giving this year.

Read more: According to experts, these will be the top 4 children’s toys for Christmas.

READ MORE: Lush’s Halloween advent calendar features seven distinct, spooky bath favorites.

With gift ideas for everyone in your life, the Boots Star Gifts cover everything from makeup and skincare, to wellness items like diffusers and candles, not to mention beauty sets tailored for both men and women. From big name brands like Yankee Candle, Champneys, Mylee and Ted Baker, the sets are already a great way to save money on multiple beauty items, with the 50% off making it an even better deal.

There are also numerous other retailers who are lowering the costs of their beauty gift sets, which is a great way to save some extra money. While Space NK has reduced some of its top sellers like Sol de Janeiro, Augustinus Bader, and Phlur, LookFantastic offers discounts on sets from companies like L’Occitane, Kiehls, and Lancôme.

The Blushing Icon Gift Set from ICONIC London costs £130, up to £64.01.

The ICONIC London set has now been reduced from £65.99 to £65.99, which is currently a better than half price discount. For the ultimate soft glam makeup look, the set includes six of ICONIC’s favorite beauty products.

You’ll receive a face palette, liquid highlighter, mascara, kohl eyeliner, and lip-plumping gloss, all from the company’s bestseller Prep-Set-Glow mist. It’s the ideal makeup collection for those who love to travel and have everything, complete with a handy gold travel case.

Mylee Gel It Done Kit – was £100, now £49.50

This Mylee at-home kit would be a great gift if one of your loved ones enjoys getting their nails done or trying out new manicure designs. The kit now has £50.50 slashed off it, plus a better offer than the half-price introductory offer.

Four nail colors, a base coat, a no-wipe top coat, a 2-in-1 nail prep & wipe, an LED lamp, and more are included in the set. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, making it the ideal way for people to start doing their own nails at home.

Champneys Weekend Bag & Toiletries Set cost £50, but is now £24.50.

The Champneys gift set, which includes a generous weekend bag and toiletries, is the ideal present for the men in your life. The set also includes Active Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Active Hair and Body Wash, as well as Energise Anti-Perspirant Deodorant and Energise Hair and Body Wash.

With ingredients that nourish your mind, body, and soul, each individual set is inspired by Champneys’ renowned spa scents and senses. Ideal for frequent travelers or those who never seem to have their toiletries ready for the holidays.

Boots Star Gifts are available online and in-store only, though it’s worth noting that the savings are currently limited to online purchases. There are also plenty more stocks that are about to be released (yeah, Yankee Candle sets) or that are already available.

It’s been four years since Daniel Craig officially announced his departure from the James Bond franchise

It’s been four years since we last saw Daniel Craig don the iconic tuxedo as James Bond, and ever since he hung up his Walther PPK, fans have been left wondering – who will be the next 007?

The final film, No Time To Die, marked the 27th instalment in the legendary franchise, but so far, there’s been no word on the title of the next film or who will step into Bond’s stylish shoes. The character, created by Ian Fleming for his series of spy novels in 1953, was catapulted to global fame in the 1960s when it hit the silver screen.

Over the past six decades, a host of Hollywood heavyweights have portrayed the suave secret agent, including original Bond Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and of course, Daniel Craig. Now, with Amazon reportedly snapping up the rights to the franchise in a staggering $1 billion deal, anticipation is mounting over who will usher in this new era of Bond.

Bookmaker Betway has thrown its hat into the ring, releasing odds that blend established stars with up-and-coming talent, giving us a glimpse at who might be chosen to fill those legendary loafers – and tux. According to Betway, pop sensation Harry Styles is currently an outside bet to play the next James Bond, with odds of 200/1.

Will Poulter and Jonathan Bailey are in the running with odds of 66/1 and 50/1 respectively, but all eyes are on the top half of the list. The all-male lineup includes some of the biggest British actors currently in the industry, as well as some emerging faces, reports the Express.

However, leading the pack with the best odds is Aaron Taylor-Johnson, at 11/10.

Taylor-Johnson, who entered the industry as a child actor, has had an impressive career trajectory. From starring in the teen rom-com Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging in 2008 to featuring in Danny Boyle’s latest thriller, 28 Years Later.

At 35, he seems to be a fan favourite for stepping into Bond’s shoes, potentially bringing a new edge to the role with his long hair and full beard – quite different from the smooth 007 we’re used to.

While Taylor-Johnson is currently leading the odds, there are plenty of other contenders hot on his heels. Henry Cavill is a potential front-runner with odds of 3/1, followed by Callum Turner at 5/1 and long-rumoured potential Bond, Theo James, at 8/1.

James has taken on a number of roles that align closely with the genre, in The White Lotus and The Gentleman, demonstrating his ability to handle gritty action roles while maintaining the charm and wit typical of a 007 character. Fans were convinced he’d be the perfect fit, but the odds have started to slip, and it’s believed that he himself has ‘shut down’ the idea.

He confessed to The Guardian: “Everyone’s interested in playing Bond because it’s a big part of British cultural identity, but that probably wouldn’t be me… I do think there are better people for that job. And, honestly, it would be terrifying… You’re opening Pandora’s box.”

Meanwhile, Taylor-Johnson was quizzed by a reporter at the premiere of his latest film about his next venture, to which he responded, “I can’t talk about it.”

Fans continue to speculate as the iconic franchise gears up for its next instalment, and rumours are rife that the next blockbuster is already under development.

The full list of odds:

Aaron Taylor-Johnson – 11/10

Henry Cavill – 3/1

Callum Turner – 5/1

Theo James – 8/1

Harris Dickinson – 10/1

Jack Lowden – 10/1

Aaron Pierre – 12/1

James Norton – 16/1

Josh O’Connor – 25/1

Regé-Jean Page – 25/1

Paul Mescal – 25/1

Idris Elba – 33/1

Tom Hardy – 33/1

Cillian Murphy – 33/1

Stuart Martin – 33/1

Jonathan Bailey – 50/1

Will Poulter – 66/1