W7 Star Gazing Soothing Eye Mask - Gold

Every Sunday, without fail, I make sure I have one whole hour of time to myself.  That means no Husband asking for a brew, no cats constantly wanting to be let in or out of the house and no phone pinging every few seconds with a message, update or email.  Instead, I zone out, switch off, head to the bathroom, fill it with as much hot water as I can, chuck in something soothing and read my book (Kindle). But it doesn't end there, once I am out of the bath, on goes the face mask and eye mask and I lay down on the bed and enjoy those few extra minutes.

I really like masks that have a multipurpose, are a little bit different and are not always designed to do something for my skin.  By that, I mean masks like this Gold W7 Star Gazing Soothing Eye Mask (£9.95 but on offer with Amazon here). I am not new to products like these, I have quite a few for the eyes and one for my entire face and actually find them really soothing.

These masks can be used hot or cold which makes them really interesting and really the preference of heat is down to your own personal preference.  For me, if I have a stress or a tension headache then I like to use something that is cool to help with the aching, but if I am wanting to relax and chill then I prefer to use the mask warm. You can also use the mask at a cool temperature if you want to reduce eye puffiness too.  I have also used the full face mask (linked below) which is really good for use before applying a skincare face mask.

The W7 Star Gazing eye mask contains a gel filling that can be heated or cooled to your preference for relief around the eye area. So to use cold, you need to place the mask into the fridge for an hour or two before using. Before applying to anywhere near your skin, you will need to check the mask is at a temperature you are comfortable with.  Likewise, to use hot, you place the mask in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and again check that you are comfortable with the temperature.  If you find the mask too cool, then place it back into the microwave and reheat at 5-second intervals until you reach a temperature that you are happy with.  Everyone has different levels of heat or coolness at which they are happy with, but just remember it is not a hot water bottle, it is designed to soothe.

The mask uses an adjustable strap so they are a perfect fit for everyone and are neither too tight or too loose.  I like how snugly the mask fits against my eyes and I do like how soothing and comforting it is and I love that I can use it hot or cold depending on my preference. 

Have you ever tried anything like this before?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Burt's Bees Limited Edition Chai Tea Lip Balm

I absolutely love Burt’s Bees and their lip balms are just incredible and they have featured on this blog many times (here, here and here) and I always ensure I have one to hand for those little emergencies. Did you know that Burt's Bees launched its iconic Lip Balm over 25 years ago and that one is sold every second somewhere in the world? 

New to the Lip Balm family is the Limited Edition Chai Tea Lip Balm. 

Indulge your lips with a touch of sweet and spice with Burt's Bees new Chai Tea Lip Balm

Designed to not only hydrate your lips but to also moisturise and soothe, this balm is made with a blend of cinnamon, cardamon, clove, nutmeg, pepper and tea extracts, this lip balm is as well as it is spicey and if you have ever tried a Chai Tea, then this is that exact same scent and it is just perfect for the colder months. As with all Burt's lip balms, this one also contains responsibly sources beeswax and is enriched with 100% natural ingredients, this natural lip balm is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Packaged inside some delightful looking packaging which is perfect for the scent it represents, it retails for £3.99 and you can find it right here.



*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Indulgent bathroom ideas for a winter soak

Looking to unwind, relax and reflect on your day? There’s nothing more appropriate than an indulgent soak in your bath, especially on a cold winters evening. In this post, I’m going to tell you my top bathroom ideas for an indulgent winter soak.

Get the temperature just right

With ice-cold winds and frosty windows in sight we all yearn for a hot and fulfilling soak in our baths. However, the one thing you must be sure to get right is, the temperature. Too cool and you'll end up feeling disappointed. Too hot and it'll feel like your stripping the skin off your body! Preparation is the key. Make sure the hot water settings on your boiler are switched on well ahead of time. 

If you have a thermostatic mixer tap, you can set your perfect temperature, then set your taps running.

Set the mood with lighting

There’s nothing more relaxing than the perfect ambient light to wash away your thoughts, so set the mood with your bathroom lighting. This can be anything from turning on the mirror LED’s, switching on the whirlpool bath lights (if you’re so lucky) or have a light on in another room close by. 

If you don’t have built-in bath lighting or the options for lower dimmed lighting in your bathroom opt for candles for the perfect ambience. 

Add bubbles and scents

Bubbles are the perfect treat for any indulgent soak. Choose from a variety of different scents, like fresh and fruity or luxurious and warming, to suit your mood. Some come with a range of health benefits, enriched with essential oils or containing blends of herbs and spices. I’d suggest going for lemongrass and peppermint to ease muscle tensions and joint pain. Magnesium Booster Bath Salts are also perfect for restoring muscles. 

Lavender and ylang ylang are well known to help combat stress and create a sense of calm. 

Entertain yourself

Listen to your favourite tracks or playlist whilst you bathe, using a waterproof bathroom speaker or a Bluetooth shower head. Simply link it up to your phone and you’re away. Waterproof bathroom TVs are becoming increasingly popular, meaning you never have to miss your weekly soap opera or wash away your thoughts with that all-time favourite film. 

Extra comforts

Your winter soak doesn’t have to stop the minute you step out of your bath so make sure you have a fluffy and sumptuous bath mat at the ready too. Step out of your bath and warm up with underfloor heating. 

Heated towel rails are also a great addition and help to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom design.

By following these tips this winter, you can enjoy a warm and relaxing soak whatever the weather may throw at you. Head to VictoriaPlum.com for more great bathroom ideas.

*this post contains PR samples, a paid for link and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here