Christmas Gifting with Dr Murad

The festive season has well and truly arrived with Dr Murad, who has some incredible gift sets on offer right now and I am sharing with you the Take Time Off collection*.

Sitting inside a custom designed, recyclable gift box which opens out to reveal quite the brilliant Skin Trivia Quiz and then sitting in the centre, almost on a stage is a 4-piece skincare collection featuring some of the best selling items.

Skip the lines. Visibly minimise fine lines, smooth away rough texture and rejuvenate for a radiant glow

Whether you have dry, normal or combination skin, this collection is designed for your skin type and inside you would find:

• Retinol Youth Renewal Serum Full Size (1.0 FL. OZ.) - Worth £75 on its own, this product is just brilliant and I have a full review of it right here. To be used after cleansing, this serum uses the Tri-Active Technology mentioned above as well as Hyaluronic spheres which impart long-lasting hydration for that radiant glow. Then we have Swertia Flower Extract which works to increase resilience which in turn reveals a luminous, youthful-looking complexion. 
• Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream Trial Size (0.25 FL. OZ.) - Using the Murad Retinol Tri-Active Technology so whilst you sleep, the Retinol is time-released to work its magic in minimising the appearance of wrinkles and smoothing out the skin. 
• Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel Trial Size (0.33 FL. OZ.) - I have a full review of this Peel right here. This is a daily bi-phase peel that accelerates cell renewal by 33% in just 7 days while nourishing skin to prevent dryness and reduce irritation which is all done thanks to its two-phase intensive treatment.
• Renewing Eye Cream Trial Size (0.14 FL. OZ.) - This Eye cream has been specifically formulated with a powerful mix of retinol and rich Marine Kelp Complex which both work together to reduce the appearance of crows feet and dark circles whilst at the same time keeping the eyes moisturised.

I love how this collection has been put together and I am already a huge fan of the entire contents included.  It is a great way to get to know some of the best products the brand has to offer and for me, it is a great way to stock up on some of my favourites too.

As well as Take Time Off, there happens to be five other Dr Murad Christmas Gift sets on offer, I have one being featured in my Stocking Filler Guide in a few days time, but there is something for every budget, starting at £15 rising upwards to £110.  

Find all the Dr Murad Christmas Gift Sets here*.

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

Stocking Filler Gift Guide 2020 - The Fragrance Edit

Fragrance gifting is such a personal thing to do, you can get it right or you can you can get it wrong.  Over the last 12 months I have discovered some amazing fragrances including Giorgio Armani My Way and Alive by Hugo Boss to name a few.  Today I am sharing with you three fragrances which smell absolutely beautiful, but won't break the bank and definitely won't be costing you more than £30!

First from Missguided we have Babe Vibes. Missguided fragrances have now been around for a few years and when they first released Boss Babe, everyone I knew wanted to have it, try it and wear it. Following on from Boss Babe came Babe Dreams and Babe Oud, all of which I featured here.

Babe Vibes is the next fragrance within the collection and it is described as being a vibrant Floral Fruity Fragrance. 

It opens with top notes of bergamot, pear and accents of pistachio which give that real hit of fruit which is uplifting and warm but the pistachio holds it from being too sharp. The heart brings together rose accords with almond milk, orange blossom and magnolia which bring to life those floral notes, dampening down on the fruit notes and together they are quite the force but it is the base notes cushion with patchouli, amber, sweet tonka, vanilla, musk and creamy sandalwood, which dry down to give this fragrance a sweet edge.  Priced around £28 from the Fragrance Shop.

From Beauty Pie is a fragrance I bought on a whim because the notes appealed to me and I could fit it into my monthly allowance when purchasing a few more items.  That fragrance is Orange Absolute.

Orange Absolute is described as being a glorious, modern, woody, soft citrus fragrance. It features top notes of Lemon Essence, Bitter Orange and Sweet Orange which as you can imagine give it that incredible hit of citrus and it really captures your attention. The heart notes of Aromatics, Florals, Jasmine Sambac Absolute and Solar settle the top notes down to take out the sharpness whilst giving a slightly warm and floral hint and for me this is when the fragrance really got my attention, I adore it. The base notes of Musk, Wood and Tonka Bean gives a whole new meaning to the word heavenly in a fragrance, it is just divine and I can't get enough of it. Beauty Pie has this priced at £100 per bottle but as a member, I got it for just £18.12 can you believe it? Neither could I, so a few of my friends have this a gift for Christmas too.

The final fragrance I am sharing comes from Ted Baker and she is called Amelia but is Limited Edition, so to get your hands on it, you will need to be quick.

Packaged inside a royal blue box, the fragrance bottle is very regal looking features a blue ombre design with a gold coloured lid, it is very eye-catching.  Described as being Lavishly opulent with a contemporary twist, Amelia is perfectly polished. With her glamorous style, fearless heart and effortless elegance, Amelia commands every room. With top notes of rhubarb, almond and magnolia, the opening of this fragrance is just stunning, it is sharp yet not overly strong and with the hint of almond, there is just a slight warmness. The heart notes are dark florals and with it comes jasmine, heliotrope and liquorice which add quite the twist on a scent because the liquorice I had expected to add an almost aniseed like stance, but it doesn't, it is the florals that come right through before the base notes of tonka bean, maple and patchouli turn this fragrance into a more mature scent than previous offerings from the Sweet Treats range.  You can find Amelia for just £20 at Superdrug.

So, three very differently packaged fragrances with very different notes, styles and prices to choose from.  If fragrances are gifts that you like to give for Christmas, or any other occasion, these three are suitable for all of those.

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

Moroccanoil Dreaming of Hydration Gift Set

I am definitely in need of a trip to the hair salon, I haven't been since February time and my hair is an absolute nightmare to deal with right now, my local salon however is all booked up, I wasn't quick enough to book in.  My hair is combination hair, much like my skin with greasy roots and dry ends, but over the last few weeks, i've noticed it has become a lot more dry from the mid-lengths to the ends.  So it is Moroccanoil to the rescue with this Dreaming of Hydration Gift Set*.

Moroccanoil have a whole host of gift sets available* this Christmas and whether your hair needs a bit of TLC, repairing, or like mine, some hydration, there is a lot to choose from. This set features a curated selection of products to hydrate thirsty hair and they come packaged inside a very large wash bag. Inside the bag is a trio of products which features the Intense Hydrating Mask, the Hydrating Styling Cream and a travel-sized Moroccanoil Treatment.

So the products inside this Gift Set are:

Intense Hydrating Mask 250ml - This mask is perfect for those with medium to thick hair and better still, it only needs 5 minutes of your time. The mask is rich, it is creamy and it smells like a Caramac bar! Infused with ingredients such as antioxidant-rich argan oil which is the star of the show, you will also find other nourishing ingredients such as Glycerin which provides hair moisturising benefits and Linseed Extract which is not only a good source of alpha linolenic acid but it is also an essential fatty acid that helps improve the health of hair. 

With this mask, once it is applied to your hair, of which you need a small amount, the advice is to comb it through an leave for between 5-7 minutes. It's job is to hydrate and condition while also improving hair's texture, elasticity, shine and manageability.

Hydrating Styling Cream 300ml: - Designed to hydrate and tame frizzy hair, this styling cream is a leave-in styling cream which is said to be the perfect partner for blow-drying as it smoothes flyaway hair, so gone is that static, which I definitely have a problem with, if I blow-dry my own hair.  Again, this cream is argan oil-infused, so it helps to add that shine and another ingredient worthy of a mention is Behentrimonium Chloride which is described as 

being an anti-static and conditioning agent.  

To use this product, you can either use it on its own, or if you have thick hair, you can combine it with the Moroccanoil Treatment - it should be applied to damp hair and having use it a few times, my advice is a little goes a long long way.

Finally we have the Morroconoil Treatment Original 25ml - This is the product I am sure everyone has heard of, come across and used. It is this treatment which created quite the buzz when it was first released and I remember everyone using it, raving about and just loving it. It has been a while since i've used the Moroccanoil Treatment, but my hair definitely needs it and it is probably the product most people have used or heard of when it comes to the brand. 

For centuries, women across the Mediterranean, where Argan trees grow, have used argan oil in their beauty regimen for vibrant, healthy-looking skin and hair. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help to hydrate and soften your hair, skin, body and nails. For the hair, it helps to increase elasticity and helps to restore shine to hair that is dull and lifeless (like mine right now)

This treatment is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine-boosting vitamins,which not only helps with detangling the hair but also helps to speed up drying time and boosts shine. To use, it is really easy. Simply apply Moroccanoil® Treatment to clean, towel-dried hair, from mid-length to the ends and then either Blow-dry or let dry naturally. You can also add this treatment on to dry hair to help tame flyaways, condition split ends and smooth hair.

This really is a great gift set and each product is also available separately too, so you could make up your very own hair care gift set for someone.  This particular set is priced at £44* and is available from Harrods.

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

Stocking Filler Gift Guide - The Makeup Edit 2020

Today as part of my stocking-filler gift guides, I am talking about make-up. I absolutely love make-up and I love discovering new brands and of course, I am a mascara-fiend, so you might find one those featured within this guide. Everything featured costs less than £30.

For me, 2020 lead to the discovery of the Israeli brand Gade (pronounced Jade) and with it comes a whole host of amazing products from across the skincare and makeup spectrum. Having made my way through quite a few products and having shared them on my blog, today I wanted to share an eyeshadow palette that has given me a lot of joy throughout lockdown and is probably the only reason i've looked human on Zoom meetings and events when I have dared to put the camera on!

Gade recently launched onto QVC and with it, a whole host of amazing products and one of those is the beautiful Imagine Eyeshadow Palette (£29.50). Imagine features 8 highly pigmented shades and is designed to take you from morning to the evening all in one. The 8 shades feature a mixture of different textures and finishes which range from matte, chrome metallic and crystal-inspired multi-dimensional option and whether you like your more neutral look or something that pops, Gade Imagine has those bases covered. Gade is a little unusual in its makeup because, like this eyeshadow palette, it is enriched with sweet almond oil extract to help protect and soften the eyelid, these shadows can be applied wet or dry depending on your preference, above they are dry swatches, so it makes you look good as well as looking after you and your skin.

From ByTerry is the is the Beauty Essentials Kit and this one is such a bargain at £25*, it is worth grabbing it if you see it on sale. 

Packaged inside a beautiful purple embossed limited-edition leather pouch is three of the brands cult products.

• The first product is a 1.5g Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder which is designed to perfect and smooth the look of your skin. This translucent setting powder, which helps lock your makeup in place or can be used on bare skin. It contains whipped Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres that 'fill in' pores and imperfections for smoother, more even toned results; it camouflages blemishes and blurs fine lines for a smoother, younger-looking canvas. 
• The second product is the Mascara Terrybly in Black Parti-Pris and not only is it enriched with what is referred too as ‘Lumicoat Care Technology’ – a cocktail of glycoproteins, collagen and hyaluronic acid which conditions and promoted thickness of the lashes, the formula is an absolute dream to work with because the wand grips and separates each individual lash without flaking, smudging and there is no sign of clumping either. 
• The final item within this pouch is the Baume De Rose Le Soin Lèvres, the much loved lip balm with a delicate Rose scent. Infused with Shea Butter, Rose Flower Essential Wax and antioxidant Vitamin E, the formula softens and moisturises lips, whilst delivering subtle, non-sticky shine. A bit of a multi-purpose balm, it can be used as an overnight lip treatment, or applied on the nails and cuticles to nourish, fortify and protect from dryness.

Such a fabulous gift set and one which I have purchased as gifts for a few friends over recent months, as I said, if you see it, grab it.

When it comes to Too Faced, you can always guarantee that not only are the products a lot of fun, but they are also amazing.  Featured within this guide is the Lip Injection Extreme and it comes packaged in a cute bunny rabbit cardboard holder.  

This Lip Injection Extreme is described as being a serum-meets-gloss that is powered by medically proven blood vessel-dilating technology to give you those fuller lips but without the need for fillers. As it is applied to the lips, there is a slight tingly feeling, which isn't uncomfortable. The lip gloss is clear and non-sticky and is said to be infused with a host of nourishing, smoothing and va-va-volumising extracts. It is on sale for just £12* and who wouldn't want it on their Christmas Tree?

From Beauty Pie is a palette I have ummed and ahhed about since I became a member and it is the one product I see most people raving about - The One Palette Wonder in Cool Neutrals.

Priced at £35, as a member I got this for less than £7, I am still shocked by the price if I am honest, but I am glad I took the plunge and bought it because it is incredible.  Described as being the all-you-need palette, it features 6 finely milled powders which have been selected for their cool and neutral undertones, which in turn give you the ability to create a smokey eye as well as to give you an all-day-long-glow.  The palette features one matte bronzer, a blusher, one highlighter and 3 longwear eyeshadows which are in matte and shimmer finishes. This palette is then finished with the inclusion of a mirror which fills the top half of the palette.

I am really picky when it comes to false lashes but I am a huge fan of the new Kiss Falscara Lash Kit which I reviewed here.

Described as being the 'New Way To Lash' if you are a fan of false lashes then you will absolutely love these offerings. Kiss Falscara Lashes includes wisps which have a unique microband and featherlight fibres which you place under your natural lashes rather than above them! They are so easy to use and apply, I adore them and all for prices which start at just  £8.99 and for the complete kit tp £24.99 and all available via Superdrug.

During the Lockdown, I have learnt that products with a multi-use can be and usually are a life-saver.  The same can be  for these Lid to Lip Balmies by Axiology, which I have used a lot more than I expected too.

I originally reviewed this kit here but they are just brilliant. Described as being a 3-in-1 one product which is more affordable, therefore more savings to be had, these Balmies are the same size as the Lip Crayons which Axiology also have within their collection and you might be looking at them thinking they look small, well they are but for a very good reason - the plastic tubing which most brands use to house their lipstick bullet in has been removed in its entirety.  The Axiology Lid-To-Lip Balmies are available right now via ASOS and there is the option to purchase the trio, as I have got for £29, here* or the shades are available singularly for £12 each* and there is around 13 shades to choose from - either way it is an absolute bargain to be had.

 

As you can see, there is a wide variety of products featured within this guide and there is so much more that you can add to it to make it even more amazing. I have a few items lost in transit from Black Friday sale purchases which have not arrived at the time of writing this post, so instead, I will turn into other posts in the New Year.

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

Timebomb Anti-Ageing Skin Superchargers on QVC

I think we can all agree that 2020 has been quite a year and many are looking forward to seeing the back of it, full of hope that 2021 is a fresh start, brings about something new, that Covid doesn't rear its ugly head and that we can finally get on with our lives. TimeBomb Skincare have one last gift to you in the form of supersized skincare.  This foursome launches tonight on QVC at 9pm and the price, at less than £40 is just incredible!

If you have never come across the brand before, TimeBomb Skincare, whose ambassador is the one and only Lulu, 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

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

Putting together 4 products, known as the skin-superchargers, ones which are designed to improve dull, stressed out, neglected skin. Those four products are:

Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel (£65 for 50ml). Described as being 'Ground Breaking' with a unique formula to increase the skin's ability to rebuild and maintain quality collagen. 

Designed to plump up the skin and leave it feeling velvety smooth and looking renewed, this Collagen Bomb uses a real mixture of ingredients including:

• Pycnogenol -  The hero ingredient which is derived from the bark of maritime pine trees found in the South of France, has been clinically proven when applied topically to help maintain skin’s structure by 1) binding to and reinforcing collagen 2) inhibiting collagen destruction 3) promoting better quality collagen 4) scavenging collagen-attacking free radicals
• Padina Povanica - A brown algae, found to promote healthy collagen renewal and preserve the integrity of collagen fibres
• Davilla Rugosa leaf extract found to protect newly synthesized collagen
• Borage Oil found to enhance collagen production
• Micro-collagen found to deliver intense moisturisation

Packaged in a pump-action bottle, this peachy coloured cream is designed both morning and evening using just 2-3 pumps. With products like this one, it is said that with continued use, you can expect fuller, firmer and tighter skin and boosted collagen production.

The next product is one of my favourites and it is the Complexion Cocktail with a Shot of H20mega (£30 for 150ml).

Described as being 'The Powerhouse' for quenching thirsty skin, it is perfect for skin that is withered, wilted and sucked dry of essential moisture.  So right now as everyone is at home with their central heating on a lot, going in and out of the hot weather to the cold weather, it all plays havoc with the skin. Using a host of ingredients which are referred too as hydrators, they have all been specifically chosen to help refill and repair the skins natural hydration system, so you will find ingredients such as:

• Chia Oil - One of the richest sources of Omega 3s
• Electrolyte-Rich Coconut Oil - known for exceptional hydrating powers and another top source of Omega 3s’.

Working alongside those, you will also find Centella, Ginseng and of course Vitamin B12 and they all work to help increase microcirculation which in turn helps to fight dullness and uneven skin tone. You only need a few drops of this tonic on clean, dry skin and I absolutely love the smell of this, to me, it smells like summer in a bottle.

The third product is 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. 

On the skin, this non-greasy cream, leaves behind silky smooth skin and it works incredibly well as a primer for your skin, giving that canvas for applying makeup.

Having a night cream within my own skincare regime is important and the final item within this collection is the Timebomb Flashback Night Cream (45ml).

Described as being a product to 'restore your glow as you sleep' it is said that this unique overnight moisturiser acts like a paraffin wax treatment to plump the skin. It uses a potent blend of phytolipids, oils, hyaluronic acid and vitamins to lock in hydration to help you wake-up with a dewier, fresher-looking complexion

This isn't a cream which is overly thick, when applied to the skin, not only does it absorb really quickly, it feels lightweight on the skin without being greasy and it does help the skin feel incredibly smooth.

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

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

A Quick Guide to K-Beauty and Its Most Common Ingredients

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K-Beauty has been taking over the beauty industry for the last 10 years. There are several reasons for its success, but the crucial factors have been quality, affordability and innovation. In this post, we’ll focus on innovation, as K-Beauty products use a lot of ingredients not typically found in the western world.

Here’s a short guide to the most common ingredients found in K-Beauty products and why they’re so useful for your skin. 

Coptis Root Extract

Also known as the Chinese goldthread, Coptis root is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce inflammation of the skin and ease redness. Inflammation of the skin can lead to hyperpigmentation, collagen breakdown and reactive skin. Coptis root serves as a defence against all three, keeping skin calm, cool and irritation-free.

Hyaluronic Acid

There has been a big buzz around hyaluronic acid for a long time in the beauty industry. This acid’s ability to naturally draw moisture up to the surface of the skin has proved incredibly useful for creating supple and hydrated skin. The super-hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid have made it extremely popular among those with dry and eczema-prone skin. 

Beyond the hydrating factor, it’s also been found to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, which is why it’s now a key ingredient in most new anti-ageing products on the market. Don’t be scared off by the word “acid”, as not all acids are harmful or drying for the skin. This acid is a powerful humectant that will help your body fight off the natural effects of ageing skin.

Liquorice Root

The use of liquorice root, or “sweet root”, goes back centuries, but only recently has it become a popular ingredient in skincare products. Its popularity has mostly come from its ability to help fight off acne, which is a prevalent skin issue in South Korea and all around the world.

Liquorice root is also effective at protecting the skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can cause hyperpigmentation, leading to dark spots. It’s also easy on sensitive skin, making it a useful ingredient for sun creams or moisturisers. 

Centella Asiatica Extract

Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, has a fascinating history in folk medicine, and legend has it that tigers roll around in this plant to help heal their wounds. The scientific world has recently become very interested in this plant, and what they have found so far is promising. 

It appears that centella asiatica is useful for dealing with small wounds, burns and scratches, as well as serving as an anti-inflammatory agent for eczema. Researchers also found that it could promote fibroblast proliferation and increase the synthesis of collagen, leading to firmer and more supple skin.

  

Fermented Rice Water

Women in South Korea have been using fermented rice water for centuries to improve their skin. Its ability to naturally fight against large, oily pores can help with acne, blackheads and excess sebum production. It has become hugely popular in skincare all over the world as a result. 

Those using fermented rice water will also note that it deep cleans the pores without affecting or aggravating acne and other skin conditions. It’s also known to help prevent wrinkles and saggy skin. Finally, rice water helps protect the skin from sun damage.

Birch Juice

Birch juice comes from the birch tree and is also known as “birch sap.” In some cultures, they drink the birch sap, which is a superfood in its own right, containing amino acids and antioxidants.

All this makes for one powerful skincare ingredient that deeply nourishes the skin and reduces inflammation and redness all while hydrating in the process. Birch juice is hugely popular among those with very sensitive skin, as it calms the skin and helps fight irritation. 

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

Christmas Gifting with Burt's Bees

Once again this year, Burt's Bees have an incredible range of Christmas products for 2020 and today I am sharing some of them with you from stocking fillers and medium gifts sets which promise to keep you looking and feeling amazing from head to toe.

First are the Burt's Moisture Duo of which I have three different ones to share. Each one of the sets contain best known and time-tested classics from Burt's Bees.  They each retail for just £6.99 and make a really lovely stocking filler.

Each one contains everything you need for naturally beautiful hands and lips, nourish skin and the trio of options include:

• Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E and Peppermint which is accompanied by a Mini Hand Salve. 
• Pomegranate Lip Balm with Mini Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream
• Honey Lip Balm with Mini Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

I really like the three different options and I am a huge fan of the lip balms, which are just incredible to use, if you have never tried a Lip Balm from Burt's Bees, then grab one! They are infused with Beeswax, a natural skin conditioner and Vitamin E to moisturise, nourish, protect and just give your lips some love. I believe everyone should have a tin of the Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream in their bags, on their desks, bedside table and so on. It has been specially formulated to moisturise and soften dry cuticles. Infused with sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter as well as vitamin E and sunflower oil all of which help to nourish nails. It also has a wonderful fresh lemon scent. The same can be said of the Hand Salve as with the Cuticle Butter, this Salve is Burt's Bees' most intensive hand treatment, this formula is packed with botanical oils, herbs and beeswax to moisturise and give some TLC to those hard-working, rough, dry hands.

Next I have the Kissable Colour Gift Set (£9.99) and it one of my favourite gift sets within this collection because I am a huge fan of the product.

Featuring three easy to wear shades of the best-selling 100% natural Lip Shimmers, each one is enriched with Shea Butter and antioxidant-rich fruit oils to moisturise and soften lips. The three shades are:

• Watermelon - A beautiful Mauve shade
• Peony - A light hint of pink
• Rhubarb - Pinkish red shade

Each one has a hint of Peppermint, so when applied to the lips, there is a very slight tingle, but they are all so moisturising and nourishing and perfect to be worn on their own or with lipstick - especially a matte lip!

The next gift is called Beeswax Bounty (£11.99) and a brilliant name if ever there was one for a Burt's Bees gift set. 

Perfect for the lip balm fiend, like me.  Inside there are 4 different lip balms which include:

• Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E and Peppermint
• Coconut and Pear Lip Balm
• Honey Lip Balm
• Pomegranate Lip Balm

Each one of these balms is 100% natural and they are infused with natural butters and oils which help to hydrates the lips, leaving them soft and smooth to the touch.

The Hemp Hand and Lip Kit (£12.99) is the perfect gift for those who need to moisturise and care for their hands just as much as their lips.  This has been one of my favourite Burt's Bees hand creams to date.

Featuring a moisturising Lip Balm which is made with hemp seed oil that is rich in vitamin E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to renew, moisturise and nourish the lips. Working with the Lip Balm is the hand cream and it too is formulated with hemp seed oil, which as it is rich in vitamin E and those essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it not only works to keep dry skin moisturised all day, but it does so without being greasy.

The final gift set to share with you is the Burt's Naturally Nourishing Treat Box (£16.99) and this is definitely the gift for fans of the brand, someone who wants to get to know the brand or just because.  

The kit contains 6 moisturising products that can be used at home, on the go and for travel and they include:

• Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E & Peppermint - Infused with Beeswax, a natural skin conditioner and Vitamin E to moisturise with an added touch of Peppermint with a delightful tingle.
• Mini hand Salve - an intensive hand treatment for those hard-working, rough, dry hands.
• Mini Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream - provides a great cleanse of the skin to remove of dirt, excess oil and makeup while Chamomile and Aloe gently soften skin and a hint of Menthol cools and soothes to leave you feeling fully refreshed.
• Res-Q Ointment - A wonderful salve which comforts and soothes skin with a blend of herbal ingredients
• Mini Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream - helps to moisturise and soften cuticles with Sweet Almond Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter.
• Mini Coconut Foot Cream - just the tonic to revive and rejuvenate dry feet. Enriched with a softening blend of Coconut Oil and nourishing botanicals, this cream will help prevent and protect dry, cracked and rough skin while daily providing a refreshing dose of Peppermint to tired, hard-working feet.

So everything you need from some head to toe pampering from Burt's Bees this Christmas and not only is everything moisturising and nourishing, it is all formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS or synthetic fragrances

The Story of Burt's Bees

If you haven't heard the story about Burt and this brand it is really one which warms your heart, even though sadly Burt did pass away just a few years ago. It began in Maine about 30 years ago. Burt the Beekeeper was happily selling honey from the back of his truck. But fate had other ideas for the bearded hero when he met Roxanne Quimby. Burt and Roxanne hit it off and before long she was making candles with unused wax from Burt’s beehives. From those original candles to the iconic Beeswax Lip Balm, to over 180 products — Burt’s Bees has been guided by a single principle: Nature has the best answers. 

At Burt’s Bees when they say ‘natural’ they mean natural. On average, Burt’s Bees products are 99% natural with over half of the products 100% natural. Burt’s Bees believes you’re at your most beautiful when what you put on your body is from Nature — after all, what goes on to your body goes into your body. Burt’s Bees formulations support your skin with the nutrients it needs – and none of the chemicals it doesn’t. 

Burt’s Bees products help you put your best foot, lips, skin, hair and sense of well-being forward. Every day. Available in: Lip Care and Lip Colour, Facial Skincare, Hand and Body Care, Baby Bee and many more! Over the years Burt’s Bees brand has become one of the world’s leading natural personal care brands. Burt couldn’t be more proud. None of the products from this range are tested on animals and nor do they contain petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

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

Christmas Gifting with Ted Baker

Christmas gifting with Ted Baker and their beauty collection is amazingly good, particularly this year when I am sure there is much more on offer than we have had in previous years.  Today, I am sharing with you three products, which if you go along to Boots, you can grab on an incredibly 3 for 2 offer!  So they are perfect for those last minute gifts you forgot you needed to go and purchase.

The three items I am sharing with you within this post, have been kindly sent to me. They are the Ted Baker Opulent Radiance Travel Mirror, the Ted Baker Pretty Little Bloom Opulent Crush Body Spray Gift Set and the Ted Baker Pretty Harmony Collection.

Starting with the Ted Baker Opulent Radiance Travel Mirror, which costs just £12.50 here*, and it is just absolutely beautiful.

With it's Sapphire blue outer casing, made from a strong, durable plastic, the detailing is quite something on the outside of the mirror. In the middle of the casing is a letter T, which stands for Ted and it clicks open to reveal the mirror.  Once opened, the mirror separates into three different panes of glass, the main one in the middle with two smaller ones to either side and when it is stood it, I was surprised at just how sturdy it is.  A much welcome edition to my travel bag, hotel mirrors are just not good enough along with the light, but the option to have this mirror with me is so useful.

Aside from handbags and purses, for me, Ted Baker is a brand I think of when it comes to perfume, fragrance and giftsets such as the next two I am sharing. Firstly we have the Ted Baker Pretty Little Bloom Opulent Crush Body Spray Gift Set.

At just £4, this Body Spray* comes packaged as though it is ready to hang on your tree and I absolutely love the grey and pink floral packaging. The Opulent Crush Body Spray which is 50 ml, makes a great stocking filler.   The Pretty Harmony Collection, which is made up of four products, one of which is the body spray, also includes a Body Wash, Body Souffle and a Bubble Bath.

With notes of white patchouli, raspberry and pear, this spray and the Pretty Harmony Collection is quite sweet but it settles to become quite a nice fruity floral scent.

For a Christmas collection, I am really impressed and there is a lot more to offer besides these three I am sharing with you.

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

Stocking Filler Gift Guide 2020 - The Bathroom Edit

The second part of my Stocking Filler Gift Guide features bath time gifts, something I have absolutely loved writing about this year as I have made some amazing discoveries.  The first part of my Stocking Filler guide featured Skincare, here and then Tools and Accessories here. Today is the turn of the Bathroom Edit.

I make no secret of how much I enjoy laying in a bath full of hot water, bubbles, oils, salts or all of the above. It is my down time, me time, time to chill out and relax, or if I am feeling run down or not quite myself, it is where I retreat too. I am often told that being a water sign (Cancerian) is the reason.

The first item in my gift guide is a product everyone needs to try and it comes from Mio Skincare - Liquid Yoga Bath Soak.  The Liquid Yoga collection from Mio is just incredible and as well as having the bath soak, I also have the room spray, candle and body oil.

The Mio Liquid Yoga Bath Soak (£28 here) first featured on my blog back in 2015 here and I have repurchased it so many times, I have lost count, but there is always a bottle or two in my bathroom. Infused with a 100% natural fragrance, this bath soak is designed to inspire tranquillity, just like a zen yoga session, hence its name. It combines a tailored aromatherapy blend of oils such as Lavender, Peppermint, Lemon, Mandarin and Eucalyptus which are all known for their relaxing and stress-relieving properties and they work alongside a blend of herbs and Manganese Mineral Extract salts which help to replenish and balance the skin while relaxing the senses, Finally, it is worth mentioning the blend of Indian Fig Extract and Monk’s Pepper Berry which promotes hydration, along with conditioning Almond Oil. It literally is bliss in a bottle.

My favourite range from L'Occitane is the Almond Collection and I have pretty much tried everything the range has to offer.  The latest addition to my collection is the Almond Milky Bath (£26 here*) and I am already one my second bottle with two more having just been ordered!

As the bath milk comes into contact with water, it transforms quickly into a milky veil and as it does so, the scent intensifies and if you are a fan of the range, as I am, that scent is just divine and incredibly relaxing. All you need to use is just one or two capfuls into your running bath water and because it is enriched with almond oil leaves the skin feeling nourished and soft to the touch, plus fragranced with the scent.

From The Bodyshop is another bath product and this time it is one of their new Bath Blends. A Black Friday purchase for me was the Pear Bath Blend and I am still waiting for two of the others to arrive too.

Described as being fragrantly fruity, which is it most definitely is, this Bath Blend takes on blended super fruits and vegetables, all of which are known for being rich in vitamins and antioxidants - think Sesame Seed Oil, Kiwi, Sunflower Seed Oil, Aloe Vera and of course Pear Extract. In the bath, it does turn the water green and it does create a few bubbles too. It wins on the scent for me and at just £8*, it is a great find.

I know not everyone loves to have a bath

A brand we have come to love having in the bathroom is Molton Brown and being intrigued by the Juniper Jazz fragrance, I managed to get my hands on the Festive Bauble (£14 here*).

A limited edition fragrance, Juniper Jazz has notes of juniper berries, metallic notes and creamy woody notes plus Patchouli, all of which are said to be an ode to the sensational Galaxy Ball, an homage to the centenary of 1920 . The Bath & Shower Gel comes housed in Molton Brown beautifully designed box and inside is an exquisite bauble, which looks just like a Molton Brown bottle, only bauble shaped and I defy you to not want a Christmas Tree filled with baubles like this one.

If you have never tried Bomb Cosmetics, then you should because not only is it a fun brand, it is also incredibly affordable and they make the best Christmas gifts. I am sharing the Santa's Sleigh Ride Handmade Wrapped Bath and Body Gift Pack (£12.41 here*) and inside the beautifully wrapped box are 5 pieces from the collection

The five pieces within the collection in the Pere Noel Bath Blaster, Candy Cane Mountain Bath Creamer, Stocking Fizzer Bath Blaster, Candy Box Soap Slice and the Snowdrift Bath Creamer. Each one of these items is brightly coloured, they smell absolutely divine and the whole lot is just fun!

I know what everyone is lucky enough to have a bath or even enjoy them, so for those people with a shower, we have Amoorra, which I featured here

Available from Holland and Barrett, Amoorra describe themselves as “The Original Bath Bomb For The Shower” Amoorra Shower Bombs are 100% natural, and claim to transform your shower into a spa-like experience... harnessing the powerful therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. Well that was a good enough description for me to make a purchase and I bought three - Breathe, Calm and Peace and the other three options are Sleep, Refresh and Awaken.

From Noble Isle, a brand I haven't used for some time, I managed to get my hands on the Fragrance Sampler Collection (£12 here). Packaged inside the most beautiful gift box, is four travel sized Bath & Shower Gels.

The four bath and shower gels include Tea Rose which is said to take inspiration from the British ritual of afternoon tea, Whisky and Water which might look like a measure of the alcoholic drink, it actually has the most incredible Fruity Floral fragrance, Golden Harvest which has a fruity yet Earthy scent to it. Finally is Fireside, the one I really wanted to try and it didn't disappoint. It is a woody, oriental blend which just makes you feel warm owing to the spiciness of Cinnamon and Cypress Oils.

Finally from Aromatherapy Associates is the Support Equilibrium Bath and Shower Oil (£35.90 here*) and if ever you need a treat, Aromatherapy are there to offer it with the most amazing of products.

This Bath and Shower Oil is described as being wonderfully comforting and uplifting, something I am sure we could all do with right now. It uses a blend of Geranium, Rose and Frankincense essential oils which help to lift your spirits and give you some comfort during challenging times. This oil can be used in both the bath and the shower, but a tip I was given a few years ago was to take a capful of the oil and apply it to your body before the shower, as it works its magic, bring your hands to your face and inhale the scent, up to three times to really get the best out of those oils!

This was my Stocking Filler Gift Guide - The Bathroom Edit and it contains so many amazing brands, you would be hard-pressed to find something you dislike!

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