L'Occitane QVC Christmas Collection

If you hadn't guessed by now, I am a huge fan of L'Occitane and this Christmas (read right now) there are some incredible gifts that you need under your tree. As well as Advent Calendars (unboxed here), right now over on QVC, you can purchase one of three L'Occitane 6 Piece Gift of Giving Bath & Body Collection, worth over £100 for just £46.96 or you can spread the cost over 4 payments of £11.74, which is an incredible saving. 

There are three collections available are the Warm Collection, Aromatic Collection and the set I am showcasing within this post, the Floral Collection. Each collection contains 6 products which include a 150ml tube of Shea Butter Intense Foot Balm which is formulated with 25% Shea Butter to nourish dry and very dry feet This Foot Balm hasn't yet launched but I can tell you that it is just divine.  Also included as a little extra is a Shea Butter Body Lotion (75ml; travel size) - features 15% shea butter and calendula, and works to keep skin feeling supple and smooth.

I have L'Occitane's Cherry Blossom Collection and it smells just incredible, even before it is unwrapped.  L'Occitane state that the Cherry Blossom Collection celebrates the delicate, feminine flowers bursting with the scent of Spring. 

This floral gift contains

• 1 x Cherry Blossom Bath & Shower Gel (500ml; supersize rrp £30) - gently cleanses the skin, leaving it delicately perfumed. Also makes a wonderful foaming bath, releasing a rich, smooth foam and a sumptuous cherry fragrance
• 1 x Cherry Blossom Hand Cream (150ml; supersize rrp £30) - enriched with vitamin E and shea butter, this hand cream is delicately scented with cherry and works to keep hands feeling smooth, soft and protected 
• 1 x Cherry Blossom Bath & Shower Gel (35ml; travel size) - the pampering bath and shower treatment in a handy travel size
• 1 x Cherry Blossom Soap (50g; full size) - formulated with a gentle plant base to keep skin cleansed and softened, all with a delicate cherry blossom aroma

To love the Bath and Shower Gel at supersizes is amazing and they last for such a long time.  I also love that they come gift wrapped so beautifully in a matching big and small gift box which means less panicking over wrapping because they look just stunning as they are with the matching bows.

If Cherry Blossom isn't for you, then there is a choice of the Warm Collection or the Aromatic Collection and they contain the following:

The Warm collection:

• 1 x Almond Shower Oil (500ml; supersize) - this luxurious shower oil transforms into a softening foam when it comes into contact with water, leaving skin feeling satin-soft with a mouth-watering scent of fresh almonds
• 1 x Almond Delicious Hand Cream (150ml; supersize) - enriched with almond milk and almond oil, this silky-smooth cream helps to soften hands while enveloping them in a sweet and subtle almond aroma
• 1 x Almond Shower Oil (35ml; travel size) - the iconic shower oil in a handy travel size
• 1 x Almond Oil Soap (50g; full size) - with a gourmand soft almond scent, this soap will help to cleanse away the day without stripping your skin of moisture

In this household we absolutely love the Almond Shower Gel and go through refill after refill every single year, it smells just absolutely incredible.

The Aromatic collection:

• 1 x Lavender Foaming Bath (500ml; supersize) - with its captivating lavender scent, this bath foam works to leave skin soft, supple and sweetly fragranced with lavender - all you need is a small amount for a bath-full of bubbles 
• 1 x Lavender Hand Cream (150ml; supersize) - a pampering hand cream infused with shea butter and lavender essential oil from Haute-Provence, and offering a smooth, light texture and leaving a pleasant lavender scent
• 1 x Aromachologie Relax Shower Gel (35ml; travel size) - enriched with a foaming base containing lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium essential oils
• 1 x Shea Milk Soap (50g; full size) - this gentle soap features a 100% vegetable base, and is infused with shea butter and a comforting scent of milk, all with a foamy lather to gently cleanse and comfort your skin

Again, the Lavender Foaming Bath is another favourite in this household and if you are looking for a product which provides copious amounts of bubbles whilst at the same time helping you to relax, then you need to try this!

As you can see,  each irresistible gift collection promises to bring a joyful celebration for the senses and is all wrapped up and ready to go under the twinkling Christmas tree. 

Exclusive to qvcuk.com this winter 9th–13th November 2018

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

MUA Ultra-fine loose Setting Powders

I am quite the fan of setting powders and usually have one handy in my makeup bag and in the desk drawer for when I need to de-shine, re-apply and go quickly.  I find powders do an incredible job at ensuring my makeup is set quickly when I am in a rush.

From MUA, who have had some amazing new releases of late, come a few setting powders with a little difference, they have colours.  I am used to setting powders which have an almost talcum powder like finish to them, white in colour and somehow, they don't change or interfere with your makeup, which in fairness, I have only ever used one which did just that.

The first setting powder I wanted to use was Balancing Green and if you are familiar with colour correcting, then you will know how and why the green shade is significant.  The powder is really lightweight, much lighter than I was expecting it to be and it is quite the multitasker.

The green powder, which I apply using my Real Techniques Setting Brush, applies with an invisible finish over any foundation and concealer to set and prolong your makeup wear whilst at the same time working to neutralise red undertones.  I have flushings of redness on my cheeks, more prominent on the left cheeks, so I do use a green colour corrector before applying my foundation anyway, but this little addition makes quite the difference wh removes excess shine too.

The second of the powders I have is the Illuminating lilac powder and much like the Balancing Green powder, this one is also lightweight, applies invisibly over foundation and concealer and also helps to remove excess shine.

The lilac shade powder has the job of illuminating your complexion when applied and for me, it doesn't really do that as well as I had expected it too.  In contrast to the Balancing Green Powder which actually does help to neutralise redness, I didn't find that this powder illuminated very much at all, in fact all it did do was help keep the mid-afternoon shine at bay, the plus point being, it did this better than the green powder.

If neither green or lilac powders are for you, then there are some other options from within the collection, which includes:

• Banana Bake 
• Mattifying Translucent
• Neutralising Apricot
• Invisible Silk

Each powder comes packaged inside its own pot and is easy to use.  All in all, for the grand price of £4 these are okay setting powders and the green is my favourite of the two. 

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

The Emma Hardie Christmas Collection

With the festive season on the horizon, Emma Hardie has put together the most incredible gift guide and there is something for every budget whether you are a fan, never tried a single product or have been wanting to grab something a little special for yourself or a loved one.  

I was kindly gifted the Cleansing Kit (£30) and it is just so stunning.  Packaged inside a gold box and looking all festive with a bow tied on top.  Inside, this kit which is designed for those of us who are considered Cleansing Enthusiasts you will find a 50ml tub of the incredible Moringa Cleansing Balm, a Cleansing Cloth and a tub of exfoliating Rosehip seeds.

The Moringa Cleansing Balm was for my introduction to cleansing with a balm and I've not looked back since. Enriched with antioxidant Moringa Seed extract which gives that incredible scent, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E, this balm is not only nourishing but it also delivers balancing, hydrating and purifying properties too.  On the skin it performs a deep cleanse, and manages to remove anything in its path, be it your waterproof mascara or your foundation, as it does so, the balm also works to decongest the skin and pores too. This balm also contains a cocktail of Grape Seed and Sweet Almond Oils, rich in essential fatty acids to help plump and soften the complexion. 

For me, this is the perfect way to take off the day and it is a great first cleanser for my double cleanse. I apply with my fingers and gently massage onto the skin, moving in circular motions as I go. Then, when I am ready to remove, I use my Emma Hardie Cleansing cloth which will have been soaking in warm water, squeeze out the excess water and wipe away what is left. You can also use this balm as an overnight facial too.

The Dual Action Cleansing Cloth is one of my favourites to use and it feels so nice on the skin too. 

One side of the cloth features a mildly abrasive muslin side for controlled exfoliation and the other side has a much smoother, microfiber side for polishing and perfecting your complexion.

The inclusion of the Rosehip seeds within this gift set is quite a clever addition. The idea is that you add just a pinch of the seeds to the balm for a gentle exfoliation whilst you cleanse.

The rest of the Christmas Collection is just as fabulous and as budget-friendly as you can afford it to be.

At £10 we have the Merrily Moringa which includes a limited edition travel-friendly Moringa Cleansing Balm (15ml) alongside a mini Dual Action Cleansing Cloth.  This set can double up as a tree decoration and looks just stunning.

At £15 there are two options.  The first is the All Is Bright Cracker which contains a 15ml Moringa Cleansing Balm alongside a 15ml Moisture Boost Vit C Cream and a Dual Action Cleansing Cloth.  The second option is the Protect and Prime set and inside you can find a 30ml tube of the Emma Hardie Protect and Prime SPF30 which gives a perfect makeup base as well as SPF protection.

At £45 we have the Glow on the Go Kit and inside you will find a full-size Pump and Glow Facial Hydrating Mist and a 30ml Protect and Prime. I absolutely adore Pump and Glow, it is quite innovative that you have a mist in a tube but it is one which is so incredibly refreshing.

At £60 Emma Hardie has the Instance Radiance Kit.  Inside the beautiful gold box you will find a 50ml Moringa Cleansing Balm, a full-size Brilliance Facial Oil and a full sized Moringa Renewal Treatment Mask which is a brand new addition to the team and of course a Dual Action Cleansing Cloth too.  Now this kit for me is the one.  It has everything inside that I absolutely love and a product I am yet to try! 

Finally, we have the Ultimate Collection and it is just incredible and is priced at £140.  Inside is absolutely everything you need to try from Emma Hardie. The collection starts with a 50ml Moringa Balm with the Rosehip Seeds and a Cleansing Cloth, a full-size Moringa Renewal Treatment Mask, a full-size Pump and Glow Hydrating Facial Mist and a 30ml Protect and Prime SPF30 too.  All of this comes lovingly packaged inside a beautiful presentation box and if this was under my tree, I would be in Emma Hardie heaven.

I love that there is something for every budget here, whether you want to give a big or small appreciation of love, treat yourself or stock up on your favourites, there is nothing here that will disappoint.

Have you seen anything that catches your eye?

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

CryoPress - A Game Changing Beauty Gadget For Cryotherapy At Home

I love my beauty gadgets and when I was given the chance to try the CryoPress at home, I jumped at the chance to give it a try, intrigued by the name and the device. 
I have a weird fascination with Cryotherapy and what it can be used for - weight loss, skin problems, tissue damage and so on. 

“CRYOpress performs an exhilaratingly ‘ice-cold’ lymphatic facial that will dramatically improve blood circulation, help eliminate toxins and reduce sagging to alleviate a whole host of skin concerns from the core, not just the skin’s surface. This non-invasive biological trigger kick starts our skin’s natural active processes, giving it the foundation to recover and rejuvenate from all immediate and prolonged skin damage caused by internal or external factors.” - Ada Ooi, 001 Founder & Expert Facialist.

I have always been told that opening your pores with hot water and then closing them with a blast of cold water is a really good thing to do for your skin, not something I have ever professed to do because how cold is cold? To some, it is freezing and to others, it is anything not considered lukewarm. I do however use a facial steamer and that on its own produced enough gunk to make anyone feel slightly ill. 

The CRYOpress is a device which allows you to try Cryotherapy at home and in this way of using it, it helps to improve blood circulation, to eliminate toxins and to help reduce sagging in the skin. The CRYOpress device combines cryotherapy with a facial massage and not being sure what to expect at all, I absolutely love it. Described as being a 'Gym for your face' the instructions on the back of the box are really detailed on how best to use the device. Ideally, 15 minutes is the time needed but if that isn't an option, then 5 minutes is absolutely workable. The CRYOpress device should be kept inside its accompanying cotton bag and then kept in your freezer at all times.

It comes with a serum called the Alpha Glow Flash Facial (£85) a powerful serum that is described as being a 3-in-1 Serum, Primer and Mask which tackles four skin concerns that occur as we age - loss of moisture, collagen depletion, inflammation and melanin irregularities and to do that, it uses 9 active ingredients.  

• Loss of moisture, the ingredients are sodium hyaluronate, which is a low molecular form of hyaluronic acid that can deeply penetrate the skin and phospholipids, the head of which is said to attract water and then the tail holds water - admittedly I am totally fascinated by this ingredient.
• Collagen depletion the use of Vitamin A in the form of retinyl palmitate, which is described as being a much gentler form of retinol and it deeply penetrates the skin due to its small molecular size. Also included is salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates the surface of your skin as well as unclogging pores and it is also said to help reduce inflammation.
• Melanin irregularities (hyperpigmentation) - For this, we have the inclusion of alpha arbutin, which hinders melanin production and alongside it comes vitamin C, which brightens the skin.
• Inflammation - To treat this we have Aloe polysaccharides which hosts anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin E which is an anti-oxidant and it helps to protect against environmental damage and finally rose stem cells which help to constrict over-active capillaries which in turn helps to calm down redness in the skin. 

Using this serum alongside the CRYOpress is quite the team.  The device itself is much lighter than I had expected it to be and whilst it can be used in both the morning and evening, I tend to use it once a day and sometimes twice a day at weekends when I have a lot more time.  

When I use my device, I always start with my forehead and I move it across using an up and down motion - think using a paint roller on the wall (if you paint like I do) and then once I have been across my forehead once, I turn the device round and move from left to right.  From there I move to both cheeks and at this point, please ensure you don't do what I did and smack myself in the nose (it hurts... a lot), you need to pay attention to the contours of your face to get the best out of the device.  Again rolling upwards and downwards.  Next comes the chin and again, rolling up and down along the chin before finally both sides of the jaw.  If you are used to using a roller or a Jade stone (Hay'ou Method) then you will be comfortable with moving backwards and forwards as you do with your lymphatic massage.  You can also run this CRYOpress down from your ear to your collarbone and across your throat too.

After using, my skin does look a little more flushed than usual but this is nothing to worry about, it is due to the increased blood flow. When the CRYOpress is in contact with skin (usually at 27C degrees), the cold receptors are stimulated which causes what is called vasoconstriction, this is an opening of blood vessel 3-4times their normal size and this allows the increased blood circulation. The continuous rolling motions across the skin also improve blood circulation and both of these actions together work to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface thus encouraging new cell growth. Whilst all of this happens, the flushing of toxins and impurities away from the skin occurs. Continued usage is said to give you:

• Tightened, firmed and lifted skin
• Minimises pore size
• Releases muscle tension to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Soothes inflammation, redness and reduces puffiness
• Improves stress-linked skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, eczema and psoriasis
• Regenerates tissue to aid scar recovery
• Reduces pigmentation or uneven skin tone
• Rejuvenate fatigued skin for a clearer and more radiant complexion from every angle

I have been using the CRYOpress for around 6 weeks now and I have noticed changes to my skin, particularly where the dreaded double chin makes its appearance and oddly, one of my volunteers at work asked which new products I had been using on my skin because it looked much plumper and radiant than usual - I am clearly doing something right!

I think you can probably tell that I adore my CRYOpress and there is a Christmas Edition which I think would make the most amazing gift. Priced at £134 it comes with the CRYOpress device and the Alpha-Glow- Flash Facial.

Have you ever used a device like this?

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