Christmas Tree Buying Guide

Locally where I live, the Christmas Tree shops are open and the queuing will some begin with people rushing to ensure they have that perfect tree for Christmas, if it isn't up already, which I have noticed on social media! I always find it really hard to decide which kind of tree works and find it quite stressful deciding whether I want a real tree or an artificial tree. Thankfully there is a handy Christmas tree guide which helps to cut out all that stress.

When it comes to buying a real Christmas tree, there are different varieties of Spruces, Firs and Pines to choose from - Norway Spruce which is the more traditional type of tree with its vibrant green colour and pine scent. The Blue Spruce which has a different range of coloures from a greyish blue to a bright blue-green. The Nordmann Fir which has a conical shape and is a dark green shade or the Fraser Fir which is great for tight spaces and has a unique balsam fragrance.

The alternative is an artificial tree but again there is a lot of variety. The PE which is the most realistic Christmas tree. Made from polyethylene, the needles produced are 3D so you can enjoy the look of a real tree without the clean-up. The we have the pre-lit trees such as the Easy Connect which can save time and stress untangling those lights and checking the bulbs to make sure they work! Finally we have Flocked which are the artifical tress which have that snow dusted appearance and look very wintery. Or you can have the twigged tree variety which is essentially just that - twigs and lights, they are quite ordinary but look amazing in the right setting.

Once you have decided upon the tree, you need to ensure you get the right height and width. Anyone who, like me, is a fan of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation possibly still cries laughing when they select their tree and it is just massive and far too big for their house.  Anyway, height and width are important because buying a tree that is too high or too small and then to wide or not wide enough can ruin your Christmas theme. 

For me the past part of buying a tree is decorating it and each year, I always ensure to buy at least one new baubel that has some meaning to it.  This year that baubel comes from EuroDisney where I have been for a week with my family and it serves as quite a reminder. I know a lot of people like colour themes and matching items, but just sometimes, it is good to go with yoour gut and decorate that tree so it isn't instagram or pinterest worthy, but is done for you and how you want it.

From L to R Top Linea Flamingo With Presents Decoration £5.40, Linea Super Dog Decoration £8.40, Cat in a Santa Hat Decoration £6,  From L to R bottom - Linea Santa Pug Decoration £8.40, Unicorn purple Christmas decoration £4, Linea Bat Dog Decoration £8.40

I am really looking forward to seeing how you all decorate your homes, from the instram/Pinterest worthy looks to the more wild and wacky ideas that you might have.  For me, I have decided on an artificial tree for convenience and the fact I have 3 cats who will no doubt attempt to trash and climb whatever it is I have bought!

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Black Friday Deals with LookFantastic

LookFantastic Black Friday Beauty Box - Come and discover the best of Beauty Box 2016! LookFantastic have brought together their favourite products from our 2016 Beauty Boxes to create a Bumper Black Friday Edition Box.

The box will contain products from brands including:*

• Nuxe 
• Benefit 
• Rituals 
• Caudalie 
• Decléor 
• Vichy 
• Christophe Robin 
• bareMinerals

And many more... Every box will have a minimum of 10 beauty products AND will be worth over £100! For only £20, this is a deal you just can’t miss and you can grab it HERE.

Other offers which are too good to miss:

FOREO - Have you ever wanted to try a Foreo Cleansing Device? Well the amazing Black Friday Discounts on FOREO at Lookfantastic this cyber weekend gives you 25% off the Luna, Luna Mini and Issa. Use the code CYBERX5 for an extra 5%* off too! Valid: 25/11/2016 – 29/11/2016. *Exclusions apply

Beauty - Time to stock up on those favourites with 20% off Premium Beauty, including Estee Lauder, Origins, Clinique and Aveda*. Use Code: PREM20 and the offer is Valid between 25/11/2016 – 29/11/2016. *Exclusions apply

GHD - Need some new hair straightners? Well GHD are offering £22 off selected ghd stylers*.  Offer Valid between 21/11/2016 – 29/11/2016.*Exclusions apply.

Mio - If you have never ever tried Mio Liquid Yoga Bath Soak, then now is the time to ger it! LookFantastic have a 25% off Mio Skincare + an extra 5%* with the code CYBERX5
Valid: 25/11/2016 – 29/11/2016. *Exclusions apply.

Kerastase - Haircare favourite Kerastase has an offer of up to 30% off their products + an extra 5% off* using the code CYBERX5. Offer is valid between 25/11/2016 – 29/11/2016.
*Exclusions apply

Have you managed to grab yourself a bargain?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

Black Friday Deals and Offers!

Who knew Black Friday would be one of those 'things' to take off here in the UK! It has and there is no point missing out so here are some of the top offers I have found.

Benefit - They are offering 20% OFF and it begins on Friday and goes through the weekend to Sunday. It does excludes Christmas kits, and best of benefit kit builder, and porefessional primer bundle (new). Use the code: BLACK20 here

Birchbox - From 25/11 Get 50% off your first Birchbox with code “JUSTFORME” or 20% off subscriptions and at the shop with code “CYBERWEEKEND” Click here to redeem

Bodhi & Birch - From Friday 25th November you can save 15% off your Bodhi & Birch shopping using the code FRIDAY15.

Elemental Herbology - They are offering 20% off products on their site right now and this offer runs until 28th November.

Escentual – They are offering up to 50% off, so to see the latest items on sale click here

FeelUnique - They have deals that have already started and they changed daily so keep looking back to see what is on offer here.

GlossyBox - Are offering customers 50% off their first box over Black Friday Weekend if you enter the code FRIDAY50 at the checkout. This offer will end at midnight on Monday 28th November.

Marks and Spencers - Are offering up to 50% off with offers across Beauty, Sleepwear, Home and Lingerie here

Latest In Beauty - From now until Tuesday 29th November you can have 30% off everything*, all you need to do is enter the code CYBER at the checkout. *collection boxes, one-off boxes and first subscription box

REN - Until 27th November, REN are offering an amazing 35% off plus a complimentary Kangan Arora stylish eco drawstring gift bag with every order.

Rodial - 30% off all full priced items, you just need to use the code BWKD30
Starts: 25th November and Ends: 28th November end of day

Ts&Cs: 30% off valid on individual full priced items only. Code not valid on items from outlet, skincare or makeup kits or Christmas special collection kits.

Rodial Black Friday special 12 Days of Magic Advent Calendar, now just £80!!
Starts: 25th November and Ends: 28th November end of day.

The Body Shop - Are offering 40% off in store and online right here.

Kiehls -  20% off everything at Kiehl’s UK with the purchase of 2 or more products. Offer is open on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th November.

Omorovicza - For Black Friday you will receive 30% off all skincare plus a complimentary Perfecting Lip Balm, worth £32. Find the everything here.

Tam Beauty - From the people who bought you Makeup Revolution - here you can find as much as 80% off products!

Benefit – are offering a different deal every day- to see them click here.

Fabled by Marie Claire - 15% off EVERYTHING* limited offer available from Monday 21st November until Monday 28th November, inclusive! 

Grow Gorgeous - Save up to 35%* off on the Grow Gorgeous range, plus a free Mini Cleansing Conditioner when you buy 3 products here. Use the code: BLACKFGG

Ts & Cs: *Can’t be used with other codes

Boots offers: 

Boots have some pretty amazing offers for Black Friday and these are some of my favourites:

Benefit Besties Kit - This Benefit kit is packed full of amazing mini's such as Hoola Bronzer, POREfessional primer, High beam highlighter, Gimme brow shade 1, They’re Real mascara black They’re Real double the lip lipstick in Lusty Rose – our NEW lipstick and liner in one plus many more and all for £30 right here.

Soap and Glory -  Half Price SOAP & GLORY™ EXTRAVA-GLAM-ZA - Was £50, Now £25 right here.

Real Techniques have their mega set on offer from £100 down to just £40! Inside the kit you will find base, eyes and finishing brushes (10 of them) as well as sponges. Too good an offer to be missed and available here.

Sanctuary Spa - From 24th-30th November the Sanctuary Spa Make A Wish gift is being reduced from £45 to £23. If that isn't enough to tempt you in, then this might be - inside every box is a golden ticket for the chance to win house cleaning for a year! 

The Make a Wish Gift Set contains:

• Cleansing Burst Body Wash 250ml
• Gentle Polish Body Scrub 200ml
• Foaming Creamy Bath Soak 250ml
• Luxurious Body Butter 300ml
• Velvety Hand Cream 75ml
• Intensive Heel Balm 75ml
• White Lily & Damask Rose Body Wash 75ml
• Ultimate Salt Scrub 60g
• 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask 15g

No.7 Beauty Vault - The No7 Beauty Haul Colour Vault looks incredible. The kit contains 7 lipsticks, 7 eyeshadows and 7 nail polishes and is currently priced at £75. However from November 24th it will be reduced to £42.50 so grab it quick here.

Boots Rose Gold Illuminated Mirror - Exclusive to Boots and on offer (here) for just £18.99. Designed to eliminate shadows and glare, this mirror has been developed and tested by our specialists for a product you can trust

Deciem has an amazing range of products within their black Friday offerings and if you have never given them a try then now is the time to be doing just that!  Available from midnight, November 25th you have the choice of the following kits here:

These offers are constantly being updated, so I would love to know if you have managed to snag yourself an amazing deal!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise

Beauty Advent Calendars STILL Available

One question I am asked quite a lot is which Beauty Advent Calendars are still available to buy. Naturally many of them sold out within a matter of hours, days and weeks but there are still some available which are amazing and here they are:

• Estee Lauder Holiday Countdown Advent Calendar - £205. Start each day with a little luxury, including 24 beauty surprises from our best-selling skincare, makeup and fragrance. Available now but limited stock 
• Makeup Revolution - £30 and available now in Superdrug, this Advent Calendar features lipglosses, lipsticks, a primer, face brush, strobe cream, eyeshadows, highlighters, baked blushes and a whole lot more. A pretty impressive feature and one whose price keeps changing so grab it quick!
• Tanya Burr 12 Days Of Christmas – £25 and it has 12 doors and behind each one, you will find lots of festive goodies from a Christmas Stocking Matte Lip to Sleigh Bells Nail Polish, Iced Glitter Liner, Treasured Glitter Liner and Berry Pavlova Lip Gloss to name but a few. This Calendar is available now from Superdrug.
• Sanctuary Spa - £25. Let Go Days of Christmas Advent Calendar is packed with 25 pampering products, from creamy bath soaks to cleansing facial products such as the Thermal Detox Mask and scented candles. Available from Boots and boots.com.
• Cheeky Nails Advent Calendar – £50 and is for nail polish lovers. Cheeky nails, if you have never heard of them, are the sister brand to Cowshed and inside this Calendar, you will find 24 x 5ml with long-lasting, quick-drying and high-shine formulas in an array of shades. It is available to buy now from www.urcheeky.com.
• Ghost - £25. If you're a fan of Ghost fragrances then this 12 days of Christmas calendar, is for you because behind each door are mini scents and perfumed beauty treats. Exclusive to Superdrug and is available anytime now.
• Ciaté Mini Mani Month - £49 and is the second nail polish lovers dream advent calendar. Inside you will find 24 treats which includes 18 bottles of Ciaté mini paint pots and 1 full-size polish and this includes 4 new and exclusive shades and a limited edition surprise. There is also a treatment and two nail toppers and a sneak peek at a new nail care superhero ‘Nail Saviour’. Ciaté Mini Man Month is available from October at www.ciatelondon.com
• Dirty Works - £15. If like me you are a fan of Dirty Works then this is the one for you. Twenty Four doors to open with lots of little treats. Available in Sainsbury's From November!
• Technic Cube - This is the first of two offerings from Technic by way of Advent Calendars and at £20 you will find a selection of products from the range behind 24 doors. Available now from Superdrug.
• ASOS - £50. This year ASOS have decided to join the game with a Beauty Calendar which contains 24 products and features skincare, make-up and hair care from brands such as Nip + Fab, Yes To, CowShed, Dermalogica, Elemis and Philosophy. Contents are worth £175 and it is available now right.
• Charlotte Tilbury - £150 this is a 12 drawer calendar it is pretty stunning to see and as someone who owns nothing from the range (bad blogger) it looks like a Calendar to own and a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the brand. Watch out on the official website for the release date in October.
• Molton Brown Scented Luxuries - £150 and available now. This Advent Calendar with Molton Brown and with 24 doors to open you will find some lovely mini versions of both & Shower Gels, Body Lotions, Body Polishes, Hand Washes, Candles and a Hair Mask to name but a few. Available now right.
• Paul & Joe - £56. I love Paul & Joe products and their beautiful packaging, so this was a delight to see. With 24 windows to open, oddly there are only 6 products hidden behind the doors so it feels like one of those Kinder egg challenges to build the items. That said it is really lovely illustrated. Will be available in November from ASOS.
• Lush- £52.95. Now, this is a beauty of a calendar and one for all the Lush fans out there right now. Packed with some of my Lush favourites such as Candy Mountain, Snow Angel and The Christmas Penguin. Available NOW.
• NYX - £60. I think this is quite an amazing Calendar to try and grasp, especially if like me your local Boots don't bother to ever tidy up the NYX counter and it looks like someone has tried absolutely every product on. Available from Boots and Boots.com later this month it will include long-lasting lip colours and eyeshadows ideal for the festive season.
• Rodial - £100. This 12 Days of Magic Advent Calendar is worth £200. It contains 12 of Rodials beauty heroes, from our bestselling wrinkle plumping and skin rejuvenating Bee Venom Moisturiser through to a full-sized Lip Liner. Available right now.
• Vintage Cosmetics Company Calendar- £89 at John Lewis. Count down to Christmas Day with this fabulous selection of 24 full-size beauty treats from Vintage Cosmetics Company, all housed in a beautifully illustrated calendar box. Snap one up for yourself and get one for a fellow beauty lover, so you both can bring in the festive season in style.
• The Body Shop 24 Happy Days - Well The Body Shop never do things by half do they? This year there is a choice of 3 Calendars which range in price from £60, to £80 to £99. Inside each calendar will be 24 Body Shop products which include the Spiced Apple shower Gel, Vitamin E Moisture Cream, Chamomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, Shea Lip Butter, White bath gloves and an eye shadow brush to name just a few. Available from November from The Body Shop
• Nuxe 10 Beauty Treasures - £49. Give the gift of Nuxe skincare and body care with these 10 Beauty Treasures. Includes a range of products such as the Nuxellence Eclat (15ml), Crème Fraiche de Beaute (15ml), Reve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream (15ml) and the divine Huile Prodigieuse Oil (10ml). Available from Marks & Spencers so keep an eye out.
• Arran Aromatics - £45 and available via John Lewis. Step through the delicate frost to discover a secret escape, an unspoiled space within Arran's winter landscapes. Cherish the moments of the 2016 holiday season with this unique limited edition Advent Calendar. Filled with 24 luxurious treats from candles to shower gels and much more, this fabulously-festive advent calendar is the perfect way to share the joy of the season with those in need of a little pre-Christmas pampering.
• Oh K! Oh K! Advent Calendar - £18. One for the Korean Beauty lovers with this 12 days of Beauty calendar. It features Nail varnish / Eye shadow / Lip Gloss / Lip Balm / Nail Stickers and more and is available now.

Have you seen a calendar that has taken your fancy from this lot?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise