As I welcome you to the Weekend Read on this last day of October, I want to begin with a subject matter which is bothering rather a lot of us, that subject being night driving. Shabir has actually written an article about night driving, which I have shared before and I will reference it later, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that driving at night is problematic, if not dangerous, basically because LED headlights are far brighter than halogen bulbs, 200 lumens per watt versus 24, as Denise Voon, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, has explained.

From a personal perspective, it has started to bother me, but I am not alone, and it has become a topic of conversation with some of my closest friends. We are all ‘drivers’, as it were, in that we love driving, but I’m not entirely sure that any of us love driving at night any more. I don’t scare easily, but recently I was being followed in my car by something that resembled a spaceship, which almost blinded me when I looked in my mirrors, so I stopped looking, which isn’t ideal, but my eyes started to blur from the glare, so I kept my eyes on the road ahead.

Earlier this year, the College of Optometrists published findings from RAC research calling for better regulation for vehicle lighting. I am linking that report below, but key findings from the report, drawn from RAC research, found that 94% of drivers surveyed said they get dazzled by oncoming headlights, 62% occasionally and 32% regularly; 63% of all drivers said they are dazzled by vehicles behind them that they cannot avoid; a third of affected drivers feel less safe driving at night and 78% of those now driving less at night said it was because they found it more difficult or uncomfortable.
Too Bright To Ignore: Dazzling Headlights Problem Worse This Winter Than Last (published 10 February 2026)

So, to Shabir’s article, because it is also important to say that night driving is often associated with age-related vision loss, which has been extensively studied. The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies, AREDS and AREDS2, found that vitamins C and E, Zinc, Copper and the carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin may help to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration and we have long recommended Nutrof Total which contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin, alongside vitamins C and E, Zinc and Copper.
VH Editorial: Are Your Eyes Up For Night Driving; Nutrof Total £17.99 for 30 Capsules

In all of this, it remains crucially important to have regular eye tests and if you are experiencing difficulty with night driving, there are prescription glasses with anti-reflective lenses which may help to reduce glare, but I cannot write about eye health without mentioning Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is found in the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the back of the eye and helps to give it its shape.

Interestingly, the first medical use proposed for HA was in eye surgery, as a vitreous substitute in the late 1950s. In 1980, during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery congress, the original ‘Healon’ sodium hyaluronate gel was launched commercially and, after receiving FDA approval in 1983, it went on to be widely used in cataract surgery, protecting the delicate tissues of the eye during the operation. HA is also used after eye surgery, in drops that lubricate the surface of the eye to enable and support healing.

Since HA lubricates the eye tissues, Hyaluronic Acid eye drops are of great benefit for those suffering from dry eyes and here we recommend Advanced Triple Action Eye Drops by The Eye Doctor, with a note to say that we are offering a 20% discount across each of The Eye Doctor products, plus when you spend £16 or more on any of The Eye Doctor products, we will automatically send you their Eyelid Wipes, which are worth £6. 
The Eye Doctor Products; Advanced Triple Action Eye Drops (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 30 November)

On from that, we know that our HA levels decline with age, and that includes the eye. HA is one of the main components of the vitreous, and a 2009 study published in the journal Ophthalmologica found that levels of HA in the vitreous fall as we get older, which fits with research dating back to the 1980s showing the same pattern. Over time the vitreous becomes thinner and more watery, which is a normal part of ageing.

I first wrote about HA capsules over twenty-five years ago, stating that it was a crucial anti-ageing supplement, and I stand by that statement today, essentially because it helps to plump up skin, it supports joint health and it is a natural component of the eye. In a recent eye test, I was told that my eyes are incredibly healthy and I strongly believe that HA has played an important role in supporting the health of my eyes, which is why I will never stop taking it. In recognition, and celebration, of HA, when you buy Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength, we will automatically send you the travel size (15 capsules), which is worth £17.50, free of charge.
VH Editorial: Benefits Of HA Supplements; DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Capsules High Strength £35 for 30 Capsules + 15 Capsules Free (worth £17.50) (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 1 November)

On subject, let’s talk about dry eyes. A healthy tear film does more than keep the eye comfortable, it keeps the surface of the eye smooth and clear and the glare and halos around headlights can look worse if you have dry eyes. One study of adults found that poorer tear film stability and more severe dry eye symptoms were linked with greater difficulty driving at night, and this is also the time of year when dry eyes become increasingly problematic because central heating dries the air around us. Additionally, and this is not seasonal, many of us spend long hours looking at screens, which means we blink less.

Tear Support with MaquiBright® is a natural remedy to support tear production and help to alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes. Maqui berry plants grow in the rainforest region of Chile and Argentina and the small berries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. Japanese scientists isolated the chemicals within the Maqui berries and found unique compounds called delphinidins. In laboratory research, these delphinidins appeared to protect the delicate eye tissues against damage, including free radical damage.

In a small pilot study of adults with moderately dry eyes, 60 mg of a standardised Maqui berry extract taken daily increased tear production by almost 45% over sixty days. A later placebo-controlled trial of adults who spend four or more hours a day looking at screens found that the same dose reduced eye dryness and fatigue after four weeks. Tear Support with MaquiBright® contains 60 mg of Maqui berry extract, the strength used in studies, and it drops in price from £20 to £17 across the weekend.
VH Editorial: Symptoms Of Dry Eyes; Tear Support with MaquiBright® by Life Extension £17 for 30 Capsules (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 1 November)

As with rather a lot of supplementation, we often only notice what a supplement was doing once we stop taking it and that is certainly relevant to HA, but I also think it is relevant to Superior Hair, so some words. Whenever I write about hair loss, or thinning hair, I always caveat my words by saying that it can take several months before noticing any difference in hair growth and that is based on taking the correct therapeutic dose daily, so it is a commitment, a long-term commitment.

Hair grows slowly and the follicles work in cycles, so even when a supplement is helping, it takes time to show in the mirror, and I think it is important to state the facts because hair loss and thinning hair is such an emotive subject, affecting rather a lot of us. Superior Hair is a comprehensive supplement containing scientifically researched ingredients, including Biotin, Zinc, Copper, Saw Palmetto, Nettle root, Horsetail and DIM (diindolylmethane), that work in synergy to support the repair of damaged hair follicles as well as supporting the healthy growth of hair.

Superior Hair is our bestselling supplement in this genre, but of course I cannot write about hair loss and thinning without mentioning the Fulvic haircare products because together they offer an approach from the inside and the outside. Superior Hair works from within, while the Fulvic Shampoo, Conditioner and Mist, each featuring Ioniplex®, a patented Fulvic mineral complex, care for the scalp and hair directly. So, let’s keep it neat as I throw a 15% discount across Superior Hair and the Fulvic haircare products, the latter of which I would not want to live without. And thankfully, I don’t have to.
VH Editorial: Addressing Menopausal Hair Loss; DoSe Superior Hair; Fulvic Haircare Products (offers end at midnight GMT, Sunday 1 November)

As one thing leads to another, while Fulvic Mist was specifically formulated as a potent, revitalising hair mist to nourish the scalp and to help strengthen follicles, it is extraordinarily versatile and it can also be used to improve nail strength, in conjunction with Fulvic Nail Cream, and fortify sparse eyebrows and lashes. I have long believed Ioniplex® to be super-heroic and I often spray Fulvic Mist onto my skin, after cleansing. Notably, it has wound-healing properties, but it will also hydrate and protect skin against oxidative stress. So, that’s that, except having mentioned Fulvic Nail Cream, it also drops in price by 15% across the weekend.
Fulvic Nail Cream (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 1 November)

And so, skincare. Ipsum Skincare and, as promised, I am drip-feeding their wonderful products and today I want to talk about the Ipsum Best Skin Replenishing Mist. Yes, it’s another mist, but I am rather taken with misting skin at the moment and this superfine, super-hydrating facial treatment mist features pure and organic botanical extracts, supercharged with the unique bioavailable potency of Australian native plums, Illawarra, Kakadu and Burdekin. Formulated with the wellness benefits of Australian Fragonia, to instantly refresh, reset and revitalise healthy radiance in skin.

This complex balancing formulation includes nourishing and protecting ingredients, rich in antioxidants and vitamins, plus anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and moisturising properties, to soothe, restore and hydrate skin. The restorative benefits actively calm and rebalance the nervous system, helping to regulate the circadian rhythm, reducing symptoms of sleeplessness, including jet lag. The light, floral fragrance of Fragonia and Honeysuckle clears and calms the mind, so with a suggestion to pack this into your hand luggage when flying long haul, it also serves as a welcome addition to any bedtime routine. Actually, I rather enjoy spraying it on my bed linen.
Ipsum Best Skin Replenishing Mist £32 for 100 ml

From mists to serums and staying with skincare and having written rather extensively about Hyaluronic Acid, I am dropping the price of Hyaluronic Acid Serum from £15 to £12. Several reasons, but essentially I have tested rather a lot of Hyaluronic Acid serums, most of which I have bought myself because I don’t believe we should ever be complacent about any given formulation, it really doesn’t serve any of us.

It is not, and has never been my role, to write unfavourably about any given product. I don’t find it necessary, but also behind every product there is a founder, a creator or an investor, who can be crushed by unkind words, and I have seen this happen so many times across the years. So, no, I am not going to name names, save to say that I find rather a lot of HA serums to be sticky and they really don’t need to be. DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Serum has been formulated with high and low molecular weight HA, it absorbs rather well, I dose it into moisturiser, but you don’t have to. And I think I will leave it there.
DoSe Hyaluronic Acid Serum £12 for 30 ml (offer ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 1 November)

Right, seasonal gifts. This is fun from Lanolips, inspired by festive favourites, a trio bundled together in a limited edition set, Sugar & Spice Minis, bringing three seasonal flavours together, 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Toffee Apple, Cinnamon Roll and Cherry Chocolate. The Crumble & Crunch Duo is also a limited edition duo featuring two new 101 flavours, Butterscotch Cookie and White Choc Raspberry. Finally, the classic 101 Ointment arrives in a limited edition bauble and keyring, which you can either hang on your tree, give as a gift or keep for yourself.
Sugar & Spice Minis by Lanolips (3 x 4 grams) £12; Crumble & Crunch Duo by Lanolips £18; Classic 101 Ointment (9 grams) Bauble & Keyring £9

To bring you up to date, I started writing about seasonal gifts in September, primarily because rather a lot of the seasonal gifts we list were launched at that time, but also because so many of them are limited editions, or rather were, because some of them have sold through and are no longer available. For the sake of transparency, and clarity, once any given limited edition gift has sold through, it automatically gets removed from our site and I know that we are still in October, well only just, this happens every year.

Rather inevitably, I haven’t written about every single seasonal gift, so for ease we have sub-divided our seasonal gift category into five different sections, with the relevant links below. Actually, that’s not quite true because we also offer an E-Gift Card option, so I’ll link that below as well, which in and of itself has three different options, a Gift Card, a Merry Christmas Gift Card and a Happy Birthday Gift Card.
All Seasonal Gifts; Stocking Fillers; Gift Sets; Luxury Gifts; Trending Now; Gifts Under £50; E-Gift Card

Finally, I know that many of you read this newsletter in bed every Saturday morning, so I am offering you the opportunity to stay there for sixteen minutes longer as I link below a recent conversation between Trinny and Shabir.  They are talking about sleep, they are also talking about Magnesium Complex, together with Sleep Tight Plus, Cherry Night and Magnolia Rhodiola Complex.  So with a sweeping 15% off each of the products mentioned, a wave to Trinny with our heartfelt thanks for the love and support, so generously shared.   
Secrets To A Proper Night’s Sleep with Trinny and Shabir; DoSe Magnesium Complex; DoSe Sleep Tight Plus; Cherry Night by Viridian Nutrition; DoSe Magnolia Rhodiola Complex (15% discount ends at midnight GMT, Sunday 1 November)

Into the Saturday only treat, and with every order placed for £35 or above, excluding p&p, we will automatically send you Super Shower Power Body Cleanser (50 ml)* from Neom Wellbeing. I am linking the product details below, but on subject, I am also linking their Body Wash Discovery Set, which brings together four travel-size body washes, Squeeze The Day Body Wash, Feeling Grounded Body Wash, Real Luxury Creamy Body Wash and Great Day Exfoliating Body Wash. And we are done.
Super Shower Power Body Cleanser; Body Wash Discovery Set by Neom Wellbeing £30

As we come to the end of another Weekend Read, two songs for the ‘spaceship’ in my rear-view mirror, because I honestly can’t separate Rocket Man from Space Oddity. So I won’t.
Rocket Man by Elton John; Space Oddity by David Bowie; The VH Playlist

Finally, as I thank each of you for your loyalty and support, I wish you a restful weekend.

Be safe.

With love

Gill x