Christmas Gift Guide for Men

When it comes to purchasing gifts for men, I tend to find it quite an enjoyable challenge looking for the perfect gifts.  If you ever walk into a department store, much of the displays and stands are geared towards us women and it takes some time before you find something for the man/men in your life. So this Christmas, most of the work staff are male, I have male family members to buy gifts for and this includes 5 nephews and of course my mister over at Beautykinguk.

Christmas traditions for me have always included having a new pair of pyjamas and it is something I have had or done since I was a child and it is something I still do now.  If you want comfort and luxury but also something that extra special, then this Blackspade Mens Leaf Figure Print Pyjama Set is worth looking at.  

Super comfy and a great size fit, these pyjamas have a charcoal grey torso and leaf pattern and they come with the matching bottoms which are a nice loose fit and have pockets. The mister said they are the most comfortable pyjamas he has ever tried and worn and because they are made of a cotton modal blend, it makes them some of the softest he has ever tried

Not too long ago I mentioned the fabulous Danish Beauty Brand Ecooking which I had been lucky enough to spend quite some time getting to know (review here).  

Within this gift guide, I am including the Starter kit for Men which comes packaged inside this handy travel packaged and includes:

• 100 ml Hair & Body Wash - Cleanses and nourishes using ingredients such as Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Glycerin and Organic Abessin Oil.leaving the skin, hair and scalp well-groomed and with renewed energy.
• 50 ml Cleansing Gel - Suitable for normal and oily skin, this gel is enriched with Organic Cucumber Extract, Organic Sunflower Oil and Organic Vitamin E. Perfect for using both in the morning and in the evening.
• 20 ml Beard & Body Oil - This is a multi-functional oil for men that can be used for shaving, as body oil or beard care with a fresh scent of lemon.
• 50 ml Face Cream - Ecooking™ Men Facial Cream can be used both day and night and/or after shaving and has a long lasting moisturising effect and also improves the surface and structure of the skin. It is non-greasy and is scented of fresh lemons.
• Wet Wipes - A pack of 10 wipes which are cooling and refreshing on your skin with Aloe Vera Extract.

This is a lovely introduction to Ecooking and each of the products is very generously sized to give you an insight into which work for you and your skin.  Priced at £50, this set is available from FeelUnique.

Whilst I actually like the mister to have a beard, we do always ensure there is a razor in the house for when he gets bored and randomly decides to shave it all off. 

The Gillette Mach 3 Limited Edition black handle limited edition gift box has a sleek design and a razor stand for what is described as being an elevated shaving experience. Inside the box, you will find a limited edition Mach3 chrome handle razor and razor stand.  It is currently on offer in Superdrug for just £11.99.

If you want to find something a little bit different to the usual afterhave, socks and body spray then Manly Man Co.® have an amazing array of fun gift ideas for men. 

They have everything from quirky jerky gift baskets, single malt scotch caramels and beard balm, all the way though to products such as this one which features an Authentic 30 Cal 7.62mm ammo can, used by U.S. military personnel in the field. - something my mister would love given his fascination with military history.

FCUK Socks & Body Duo Gift Set (£12.50 Boots) - You can rarely go wrong with a set like this, even better when it is on a 3 for 2 offer at Boots. 

This exclusive gift set has three products and they include: 

• FCUK Vintage: Hair & Bodywash
• FCUK Vintage: Bodyspray
• FCUK Striped Cotton Socks

The FCUK Vintage fragrance features wood aromas and notes of orange citrus and spices and got the thumbs up from the Mister, even though it isn't for him and the socks, which he already has a pair of, are also apparently incredibly comfortable.

Staying with Boots, we also picked up this Ted Baker Refined and Invigorating Tin (£14 Boots) and apparently Ted pledges to make you more than presentable with the help of cleansing bar, plus a smooth-yet-spicey Hair & Body Wash and Body Spray. Does what it says on the tin - and then some. 

Inside, this collection features:

• Refined and Invigorating Hair and Body Wash
• Refined and Invigorating Cleansing Bar
• Refined and Invigorating Body Spray

The Refined and invigorating range is formulated with notes of pink pepper, cardamon, tobacco and vanilla and it actually smells incredibly good but better than that, the tin is absolutely lovely.

The final product is the beautiful SAMAYA’s earthy Kapha skincare range which is described as being an all-natural luxury skincare range marries a blend of high-performance Ayurvedic infusions such as Ashwagandha, Vetivert and Frankincense while embracing the unique scent of Sandalwood Oil - a distinctive soft, warm, smooth, strong woody scent, perfect for the man in your reader’s life. The Kapha range includes four luxurious skincare products, a rich Hydrating Cleanser, a powerful Anti-Ageing Cream, an indulgent Anti-Ageing Treatment Oil and an over-night Renewing Exfoliant - all of which contribute to healthier, radiant looking skin.

We have the Kapha Overnight Renewing Exfoliant which is an all-natural, gentle and highly effective enzyme exfoliant which safely removes dead skin cells and impurities without damaging healthy skin below. Instantly revitalises and softens skin. Helps minimise the appearance of pigmentation and pores to impart a much more even skin tone. The ingredients include Pineapple enzymes which help to break down dead and dry skin cells, Sandalwood Oil which not only smells incredible but is also has anti-inflammatory properties help smoothe and soften rough skin, Tumeric Root Oil which is also an anti-inflammatory as well as an antioxidant and it works to heal the skin’s barrier while protecting it from free radical damage and Amla Fruit Pulp Oil which is known as 'the Indian Gooseberry' and it is naturally high in Vitamin C; anti-ageing and immunity-boosting; rich antioxidant content reduces oxidative stress and protects from free radicals.  All of these ingredients, as well as many other, come together to work to transform clogged pores and dull skin into smooth, radiant and healthy skin. This overnight exfoliant costs £59 and is available right here.

I hope this gift guide has given you some ideas as to what to get the man in your life, be it your hubby, brother, dad or even grandad.  There is no doubting that my mister would more than love everything within this post and add to that a few new aftershaves which I can't share within this post or he will see them!  What have you bought for the men in your life?

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

Beautiful Blends - Stocking Fillers For Christmas

If you are still looking for those last minute stocking fillers to finish off your Christmas shopping, or in my case start it, then let me introduce you to Beautiful Blends, a range which is described as being a collection of beautifully scented bath and body treats which are designed to indulge both mind and body this yuletide. Beautiful Blends have products for all budgets and are exclusive to Waitrose.

Beautiful Blends have a signature scent which is described as being a delicate white floral fragrance combined with a woody, green and musky scent and the notes are as follows:

• Top Notes - Apple, Aquatic and Leafy
• Middle Notes - Cucumber, Cyclamen and Muguet
• Base Notes - Sandalwood, Cedarwood and Musk

I had expected, given the design and look of the products to have something more floral and rose like but instead, you are greeted with a scent which reminds me personally of walking into a florist for the first time as all the scents come at you at once and then, after a few minutes everything settles down and the main fragrance note is Apple and Cucumber which is really pleasant.

The first item fulfilling its role as a stocking filler is the Beautiful Blends Trio of Minis (RRP £8).  These would be perfect as a thank you gift or even for your Secret Santa.  The trio of minis comprises of a Beautiful Blend Shower Gel (50ml), Body Lotion (50ml) and Hand Cream (50ml) and I love that the packaging of the box matches that of the tube of products. 

The beautifully fragranced Shower Gel (50ml) and Body Lotion (50ml) will leave skin feeling cleansed and smooth whilst the luxurious Hand Cream (50ml) contains Shea Butter to leave skin feeling nourished.

Coming next is Bathing Petals (RRP £10/80g). I couldn't wait to chuck these in my bath, so this box no longer looks so pristine but I do love how is they don't go immediately limp and soggy as soon as they come into contact with the water and instead that they do manage to float around and they do release the most amazing fragrance into the steam vapour. 

Once you get out of the bath, thankfully the petals are really easy to remove and don't clog up the plug hole, always my biggest fear of having to unblock it.  A bargain at £10!

The final gift in this collection is the Beautiful Blends Treat Gift Set (RRP £18) and it has a little bit of something in which really shows off the collection. 

This luxurious gift set contains three Beautiful Blends’ products which have been specifically curated and brought together to give a relaxing treat. Inside, you will find the beautifully fragranced Shower Gel (100ml) and Body Lotion (100ml) and some of the Bathing Petals (25g) which are detailed above. 

I think the Beautiful Blend range is absolutely stunning and there are a few more options to choose from within the range such as a Hand Care Duo and some Hand Cream and much more.  If you shop in Waitrose regularly, then you might have seen them on offer in the Beauty aisle.

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

Time Bomb Gift of Glow Collection - QVC TSV

TimeBomb Skincare is described as being the first skincare range that has targeted, with laser-like precision, the skin’s Core 4 deficiencies which are: 

• loss of sloughing ability
• loss of moisture
• loss of oil (sebum)
• loss of collagen

Using specific products that work to isolate specific breakdowns in skin’s abilities, then solve the problems with new technologies....formulas blending highest concentrations of natural, naturally-derived and cutting-edge ingredients. the goal: immediate, visible, skin-transforming.....life-changing! results.

Right now on QVC, Timebomb has this incredible 'Gift of Glow' Collection on offer for just £47.68 which is an incredible saving of over £159 and the entire collection is described as featuring "Time Bomb’s most revered “Illuminati” to re-ignite your skin’s radiance…and spark your spirit" with five incredible products.

The first product is the Complexion Cocktail with a shot of B12 (100ml) -  When you’re tired it shows on your face. Your skin looks dull, lifeless…a little slack. Loaded with B Vitamins plus two types of Hyaluronic Acid, this cocktail absorbs instantly to restore the look of brighter, tighter fresh, glowing skin. I am literally slapping this on!  I used this a few years ago and really liked it, so am glad to have it back in my stash because I am currently suffering with the worlds heaviest cold and chest infection, so my whole body feels like absolute death.

Up next comes the NEW Divine Intervention Glow Oil (30ml) - From the targeted essentials collection, this is said to bring the offering of precious elements, oils and extracts to calm, smooth and awaken your skin’s inner incandescence. This radical formula blends ancient sacred oils which include Frankincense and Myrrh, with the modernity of Cannabis Sativa oil. It also contains Pomegranate, Tsubaki, and Rice Bran oils are used religiously in the East to achieve a smoother, brighter skin tone.  I have only been using this for a few days but I can see already that it is an incredible oil and one I am looking forward to getting to know.

If it is the eyes which are proving problematic them we have the Smart Balm Eye Cream (15ml) - Described as being The all-round ‘eye-lighter’ it is super moisturising as well as being peptide-rich and is referred to as being the “eight hours of sleep in a tube”. It works to target puffiness, shadows, lines and crow’s feet for a smoother, firmer, less recessed-looking eye to leave them looking bigger, brighter…refreshed and well-rested. Other ingredients include Borage Oil which is recognised for its anti-aging properties, steeps skin with moisture, Licorice extract which targets dark circles and Hydrolized Cornstarch which produces an immediate tightening, lifting effect.  I am quite picky when it comes to eye creams because I don't want anything that is too thick or has too much of a perfumed scent to it, or it irritates my skin, this is neither of those and it feels lovely and soothing.

Having a night cream within my own skincare regime is important and for Timebomb they have the Flashback Night Cream (45ml) - Described as being a product to 'restore your glow (in the dark) while you sleep' it is said that this unique overnight moisturiser acts like a paraffin wax treatment to plump the skin. It forms a light shea butter and rice bran waxy barrier that locks in a slew of nourishing, hydrating actives: phytolipids, antioxidants, hyaluronic acids and vitamins.  I like this isn't a cream which is overly thick and one which absorbs really quickly.

The final product within this collection is the Glory Days Day Cream (100ml) - This cream is described as being the four-way glow-getter 4-in-1 multi-tasker.  Not only does it moisturise but it also primes, tightens and brightens. It uses a high concentration of Borage Oil,  plus a powerful blend of Glucose and White Flower Oils and Hyaluronic Acid all of which come together to moisturise and plump up fine lines, and micro-reflective particles catch the light for even surface tone with all over glow.  As with the night cream, this is a lovely texture and one which abosrbs quickly without leaving a trace on the skin.

This is an absolutely incredible bargain to be had over on QVC and if you are stuck for those last minute gifts and you know someone who loves skincare, then this more than ticks those boxes!  

Have you ever tried TimeBomb Skincare before?

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