Relax, de-stress and wind down with Gorgeous Shop

I make no secret of how much I look forward to my Sunday Pamper, it is something that has become quite the theme on my Instagram and one I get a lot of questions about when it comes to which products I use, which products do I use to relax and unwind and ultimately how do I create a relaxing atmosphere.  The true answer is, it all depends on which scents you like, which room is your favourite to relax in and what lighting helps.  For Christmas, my main present was a Himalayan Salt Lamp, something I had been obsessing over for quite some time.  I have read so many reviews as to how they help promote a relaxing atmosphere and it is also believed to filter dust, mould, mildew and pet odour from indoor air.  As well as using lights and candles, there is a whole host of products which I have used to help relax and create that calming atmosphere. 

The Gorgeous Shop was founded back in 2007 and they feature the latest offerings from over 100 amazing brands which include bareMinerals, ELEMIS, St. Tropez, Decléor, ghd, Kérastase and many more. I love how well set out the website is and how easy it is to navigate to what product you want, whether it is choosing by brand, subject or concern. 

I was kindly sent a package of products to help me to create that relaxing feel at home, especially after a pretty hectic week in the office, a trip back to my parents for a special occasion, a catch up with the family and then back to London before heading straight into the office and then falling ill.  So I had everything I needed in this package to take a few hours off to relax and recharge.

The first product comes from Decleor and as a brand, it is not one I am all that familiar with, so I was chuffed to see it in my box.  The Rose D'Orient Bath and Shower Gel (£18 for 250ml here) and it is described as being a gentle body wash infused with aromatic Rose Essential Oil.  

I love that there is an option to use it in the shower or the bath and I have used it both ways and for me, the preference is to use it in the shower because there is something incredible about the fragrance as it comes into contact with the steam of the water vapour.  Made with 98% natural ingredients, this product is perfect for all skin types, it has the freshest and most delicate rose scent which lingers on the skin, but also notes of both Lavender and Neroli which together help to soothe and calm whilst at the same time alerting the senses.  After using, I love how smooth my skin feels to the touch.

One of my absolute favourite brands is Omorovicza and I have raved about them many times on my blog.  The Refining Facial Polisher (£60 100ml here) works to deeply cleanse dull, lacklustre skin, whilst smoothing the skin's texture for a bright, even complexion. To do this, the facial polisher has a whole host of fascinating key ingredients and they include calcium and magnesium to exfoliate the skin's dead cells and impurities, leaving pores purified. Copper Gluconate which acts as an astringent to help regulate sebum production and ground pumice stone sloughs away dead skin cells to encourage new cell turnover. If you are familiar with any products from Omorovicza, then the term 'Hydro Mineral Transference™' will mean something to you, what it does is to help the minerals to deeply penetrate into the skin and its unique formula also contains exotic fruit extracts which plump and tone skin, whilst strengthening the surface barrier to help improve firmness. 

To use, it is a simple case of massaging onto the skin in circular motions starting from the nose area before moving outwards to the rest of the face. At this point, it needs to be left on the skin for up to two minutes before being removed with warm water and a cloth, once this has been done, there is an immediate change in how my skin feels, it is not only soft and smooth to the touch, but all the dead and dry skin cells that had lingered have now gone and it makes a lovely treat to use.

Next is the Tisserand Aromatherapy De-Stress Body Massage Oil (£9.95 per 100ml here). Described as being a calming body oil designed to still the mind and soothe the senses. This oil, which is widely available, a unique blend of lavender, marjoram and mandarin essential oils which help to soothe, restore and restore and they work alongside a vitamin and antioxidant-rich omega 6 and 9 blend.  Ideally, this oil needs the help of your nearest and dearest to help apply and massage it onto and into the skin.  

For me, one of the first signs of being stressed is my shoulders, they ache and are often painful to the touch, so this is always the place I am in need of a massage and this oil really hits the spot and helps to relieve that built up tension, from there, the tension moves down my arms and towards my lower back where a dull ache sets in, so again, a massage here is just heavenly.  The scent of this oil is just divine and it really comes to life when it is rubbed between the palms of the hands and then applied to the skin, if it could be turned into a candle, it would be one of the most relaxing scents you would come across and for me, whilst the Mandarin essential Oil is most definitely present, it is actually the Marjoram which has a slightly warm and spicy scent to it, which stands out for me.

The final item in my package comes from Spacemasks and it is the Self-Heating Eye Masks (£15 per box here). If you have never tried these masks, then you need too because they are just incredible.  To use, you should ensure you are fully ready to lay back and relax for at least 15 minutes, so for me, I will have showered or bathed, completed my skincare routine and either be ready for going to bed or having an afternoon nap. Inside each of the pouches is a Jasmine-infused eye mask, which you place over your eyes, attach the strings around your ears and then lay back and allow your relaxation journey to begin.    

What I love is how relaxing the Jasmine scent is, it happens to be one of my favourite fragrances and it is one which is just incredible for helping to de-stress, wind down and soothe the mind.  As the mask is removed from the pouch, they immediately begin to warm and the heating process works by a thin layer of iron filings entwining with the oxygen molecules in the air. It is totally safe to use and does not irritate the skin. 

Putting all of these products into one relaxation and pampering session is just incredible to clear the cobwebs from your mind and help wind down and de-stress.  I would love to know what products you use and whether there is anything you would recommend.

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

Calcot Manor Country Spa Retreat Accessories

I have never been to a spa. Seriously. Never spent a weekend being pampered and whilst I always look in awe of those in my social media feed who are seemingly in the most amazing surroundings, there is something about home comforts which I adore.

Calcot Manor Country Spa Retreat is a luxury Cotswold Retreat which looks just absolutely stunning and offers everything you need for that ultimate switch off, pamper, de-stress and calm experience, not to mention an incredible food menu to boot.  But, if you can't make it to the spa, thankfully, the spa can come to you and I have been trying out a few products from the range over the last few weeks which I am sharing today.

I am a big believer in using accessories which make your skincare work, a lesson I learnt a long time ago and here I have a whole host of products, which you can find in Tesco priced upwards from just £3.

The first one if the Cactus Bristle Body Brush (£7) and what I like about these brushes, an item I have had in my bathroom for years, is that you can use them wet or dry, depending on your preference.  

Using this brush wet, you simply massage your skin using your favourite shower gel, lotion or potion of choice and what it does, is to help you reach those hard to reach places, which for me is the middle of my back.  I also use mine with an exfoliating body wash to ensure my back, the back of my legs, shoulders and rest of my body are really given a thorough work out.  To use the brush dry, I tend to grab a coffee scrub and massage it onto my skin and then use the brush in circular motions to really get things moving, it is a great way to help improve and increase your circulation.

The bristles are made from Cactus and are not overly abrasive on the skin, though if you apply too much pressure then you might feel a slight tug on the skin. It has a fairly long handle, so for me, it reaches the parts of my skin that I need it to without problems.

Next, we have the Super Moisture Bamboo Gloves and these are an incredible purchase for just £3 and if you see them in your local store or online, grab some. I have purchased an extra pair so I have a backup.

If you have really dry skin on your hands or if you want to simply give your hands a really good pampering, then these gloves tick those boxes.  To use, you grab your favourite hand cream, smoother your hands in it and then apply these gloves and then let the cream works its magic.  If you are pushed for time then you can wear these gloves for up to 20-30 minutes but for me, the best use is to wear them overnight.  As a treatment, I tend to wear these gloves overnight 1-2 times a week during the colder months and then once every other week in the summer months, unless I feel my hands need more TLC.

The Super Smoothing Scrub Mitt (£3.50) is a great alternative to a shower puff or body brush and I have really enjoyed using this one. 

The glove fits over the hand and is a great way to exfoliate the skin. Again using natural Cactus Sisal, it isn't overly abrasive, but it does work incredibly well to remove dead and dry skin.  I use mine with my body lotion and if I feel I need to exfoliate some harder to remove skin, then I apply an exfoliating body scrub too.  The softer side of the glove is great for wiping down the skin after exfoliating and it is so soft and smooth and again, it helps to lather your body lotion and give your skin a really good clean.

When it comes to face products, I absolutely love to use a Muslin Cloth for cleansing with and from Calcot Manor I have a pack of two clothes (£3) and a double-sided Bamboo Face Cloth (£3).

For me, a muslin cloth is a must have item in my skincare collection. I always have a surplus of them washed ready to be used and because I double cleanse every single day, I always use a balm as my cleanse and this is when I use them.  I find them incredibly good at helping to remove everything from my skin that the cleansing balm has just lifted and because they are slightly more abrasive than a flannel, they also gently exfoliate your skin at the same time. It was a Liz Earle event I attended some years back who encouraged me to use a Muslin Cloth with the Hot Polish Cleanser and I have stuck to using them ever since.

The Muslin Cloths from Calcot Manor are so soft and smooth to the touch and do such an incredible job on my skin, much better than some of the more expensive cloths I have.

The final product is the Double-Sided Bamboo Face Cloth (£3) and it isn't something I had used before. It is made from luxuriously soft bamboo which has been delicately woven and on the skin, it feels just divine.

Said to be naturally antibacterial, this cloth is great for using with a foaming cleanser and it brings that product to life and really does give your face a good deep clean. If you feel your skin needs a really good exfoliation, then the rougher side of the cloth is the one to use, whilst it does remove dead skin cells, it doesn't irritate or scratch the skin. I use my cloth a few times a month when my skin needs a really good work out and it is just brilliant.

For me, this has been a really good introduction to Calcot Manor Country Spa accessories and I am delighted they are all so readily available in Tesco and alongside these products is a whole host of others I am wanting to try.

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

11 Things You Can Do For Better Self-Care This Week

Self-care is important. Taking the time to look after yourself can help you to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, and help you feel more energised. It’s surprising, however, just how many of us fail to make time for proper self-care. If you regularly feel tired, run-down, or you’re always rushing around then you might want to think about changing those habits. Sites like www.rollingpaper.com might just have some hints and tips that you can try!

Improved self-care can start anytime, so why not start now? Here are 11 things you can do for better self-care this week, and every week after that.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

1. Improve your sleep quality (and quantity)

It’s incredible how much better you can feel after a good night’s sleep. Imagine how good you’ll feel after a week of good sleep? Sleep makes a big difference to your mood, your energy levels and your health in general, so you should make the most of it. Focus on the ways you can improve your sleep so that you can get more hours of quality rest each night and wake up feeling refreshed.

2. Eat a good breakfast every day

Do you always make time for breakfast? They’re not lying when they say it’s the most important meal of the day. Having a nice, healthy breakfast is a great way to start your day, and with the right nutrients, you won’t have to worry about those mid-morning cravings. Some on-the-go breakfasts like smoothies or cereal bars can be packed with sugar, which will only provide you with a short-term energy boost. Look at healthy breakfast options that you can make in a hurry to help you fuel up in the morning.

3. Start a great morning routine

As well as a good breakfast, you can practice better self-care by establishing a great morning routine. Instead of fighting the snooze button, get up and make the most of your morning - even on weekends. From tackling some life admin to prepping your dinner for later on, try to make the most of your mornings so that you can enjoy some time to chill later on.

4. Take a walk at lunch

What do you tend to do at lunch? Sit and read gossip websites over a supermarket sandwich? That habit alone could cause you to feel tired and even possibly add to weight gain (depending on what’s in the sandwich!). Try something different this week and take a lunchtime walk instead. A brisk walk can clear the cobwebs and help you focus, as well as making up for that time, sat still at your desk. Try it this week and see if your afternoons start becoming more productive, and less of a battle against that clock.

5. Do some physical activity

Physical activity guidelines recommend you do 150 minutes of exercise a week. That seems like a lot, but that’s only 30 minutes a day - something you can easily fit in at the same time as watching your favourite soap or sitcom.

Your exercise routine should feature a mixture of cardio, strength and stretching exercises - does yours? Why not mix up the running or gym cardio with some weights and some yoga? There are some yoga poses to try that you can do with your other half - helping you both get into better shape. Exercise is great to de-stress and clear your mind, while also helping you to get in shape.

6. Don’t drink

Don’t you just hate that feeling of waking up rough from the night before, tired and barely able to move? It can feel like a waste of your day, while the money spent drinking can also feel like a waste. Laying off the alcohol, if only for a short while, can help you feel more alert, less bloated and help you be more productive. Instead of hitting the town this weekend, stay in and catch up on some relaxation time - it’ll do you the world of good.

7. Put your phone down

Always glued to your phone? It’s easy to rely on your phone more and more these days, but using it all the time can form some bad habits. It’s good to have a digital detox, it can help you spend some quality time with your partner, friends and family, and can be refreshing not worrying about checking your social media constantly. Why not make a new rule that you’ll leave your phone alone for a couple of hours each night, and remember what it’s like to enjoy meaningful time with others.

8. Read a book

Reading a book can be very therapeutic. It can help you switch off and think about something else for a while - which is great if you’re dealing with stress. Reading can improve your memory, your vocabulary and improve your focus, as well as give you new things to discover. Start a new book this week instead of a box set, you might just rediscover a passion for reading! Check out some of the best books to read this year and make yourself a reading list to enjoy over the coming weeks. 

9. Catch up on your checkups 

Are you on top of all of your medical checkups? Making sure your smear test is up to date, as well as other checks is important. Early detection of problems is important, and it doesn’t take long to make an appointment with your doctor.

The same should go for your dentist and if you need a dentist in London, it is easy to book online. Many people only go to their dentist when there’s a problem, but a regular checkup can help keep your teeth in excellent condition, as well as stop problems like gum disease from getting worse.

This week, take 15 minutes to make sure all of your appointments are up to date and make your health your priority.

10. Start a new skincare routine

How well do you take care of your skin? A new skincare routine can help you achieve soft, glowing skin while tackling some of the problems you might be facing like dryness or blemishes. A good skin care routine should consist of a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, using all three daily to help give your skin the boost it needs. You can also add in different serums and overnight products to help give your skin some extra nourishment.

Applying a face mask can be a treat for your skin, as well as an excuse to take 10 minutes to relax and pamper yourself. Sheet masks are affordable and can help give your skin an extra dose of nutrients, leaving it radiant and youthful. Try using one once a week to help perk up your skin.

11. Form better habits

After a week of making small changes to your lifestyle and habits, how do you feel? If you’re feeling more energetic and generally better in yourself, then perhaps some of these changes are worth making more permanent? Making better changes for the sake of your health can be a positive step forward and you’ll continue to see the benefits.

Taking better care of yourself can lead to a number of benefits. Self-care can help you feel better in yourself now, while also benefiting your future health. You don’t need to do anything drastic to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, as sometimes it’s the basic elements you might have been neglecting that make the most difference to how you feel. A few simple changes can make a big difference, so why not start with small steps this week and see if your health improves?

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

OPI Tokyo Nail Polish Collection Review and Swatches

My nail polish collection has really been slimmed down, I sat down and spent hours shaking bottles, swatching and binning anything that would be of no use anymore. When the OPI Tokyo Nail Polish Collection launched, I was delighted to see such an impressive array of shades, many that are perfect for the Spring and Summer months and others that would be perfect all year round.

Tokyo is a city at the forefront of fashion, beauty and nail art. It is said that Tokyo's unique balance of rich tradition and nature inspired a variety of nail colours that evoke the eclectic fashion, vibrant nightlife and world-renowned cuisine. The OPI Collection consists of 12 incredibly beautiful shades in their original Nail Lacquer formula and is priced at £13.50 each or £14.50 if you prefer the Infinite Shine Formula.

At the beginning of 2019, I reviewed the OPI Nutcracker collection and what I really love about these polishes is just how easy the brush is to use. One swipe across the nails gives such good coverage.

1) Kanpai OPI – Periwinkle Blue and Grey team up to make your day in this nail polish. Cheers!   I wasn't too sure about this shade to begin with but it has really grown on me.  Not quote pastel blue but not quite grey either, it meets somewhere in the middle to create a beautiful shade which sits perfectly between the two.  It does dry slightly darker than the shade shows in the bottle and I personally feel it needs two coats to give that perfect streak free finish.

2) Tempura-ture is Rising! – Get out of the heat and into a salon to experience this cool new orange nail polish! I loved this shade as soon as a saw it and it is just stunning.  A real bold orange which isn't quite on that neon spectrum but it is definitely one you will not miss whether it is worn on the finger or toenails. On my nail wheels, I did two coats and it applies like a dream 

3) How Does Your Zen Garden Grow? – Now and then you gotta go Zen with this luscious lime green nail polish. I liked this shade a lot more than I expected too and I think it is a lovely shade for the Spring.  With a white base, it isn't too dark a lime green and it does need at least three generous coats because it is one of the streakier shades within the collection.

4) All Your Dreams in Vending Machines – An electric pink nail polish that delivers instant glamification. If you like a polish which is not quite what it seems, then this is one to tick that box. It has a lilac shift which becomes more evident with more coats you decide to use, I opted for two because I found the formula to be much thicker than a few of the other shades. I do love the shimmer finish of this shade.

5) Arigato from Tokyo – ありがと THANK YOU from the bottom of our OPI hearts for loving this pink nail polish. This is very much a pinky lilac creme, and it’s perfect for spring.  It needs a minimum of one coat but two really makes the colour stand out.

6) Rice Rice Baby – Be a Nice Nice Baby and experience this mauve-lous shade of nail polish. Rice Rice Baby is more of muted, pastel version of Arigato From Tokyo rather than the shade I hoped it would be, but it is one which is definitely wearable and I found I only needed to apply just the one coat.

7) Chopstix and Stones – …may break my bones but this deep blue nail polish shade will never hurt me! This is my favourite shade from the whole collection and it is the one I have worn the most. It is best described as being an intense navy blue but with brighter blue shimmer which has a little sparkle to it. The darkest of all the shades within the collection and it needs just two coats to bring out the very best of the shade.

8) I’m On a Sushi Roll – Your manicure is hungry for this green nail polish colour. This is a light teal creme shade and it has possibly the thickest formula of all the shades, so I found I only needed just the one coat to get really good coverage, but two would be as good.  What I like about this shade is that it is one I hadn't expected to like at all, but I love it.

9) Suzi-San Climbs Fuji-San – Mt. Fuji is calling, so fill your backpack with this new essential emerald nail polish. This shade sits between the teals and greens and to me it is neither one or the another and I really like the shade.  I found I needed three coats of this one to ensure there was no streak in sight.

10) Samurai Breaks a Nail – OPI to the rescue! If purple is your colour of choice, then this is the one you will love from the collection.  It has a slight blue iridescent shift which looks amazing when it catches the light and whilst it is one of the formulas on the thinner side, I found I did need at three to get even coverage.

11) Hurry-Juku Get This Color! – Better be berry quick! This nail polish shade promises to be berry hot. Enjoy a kiss of dusty rose nail polish with your favourite bowl and beau. This is a beautiful bright fuchsia creme shade and I was surprised I only need to apply one coat when I had been expecting to add more. 

12) Another Ramen-Tic Evening – Enjoy a kiss of dusty rose nail polish with your favourite bowl and beau. One of my favourite named polishes from the collection, it is a really pretty cool toned pastel pink shade. It does need at least two coats for good coverage and to get the most form the colour, but it is just beautiful and delicate and perfect for that almost nude but with a bit of colour coverage on the nails.  Of all the shades within the collection, I found this to be one of the longest lasting on my nails.

It is fair to say that I adore this collection, it is just stunning. I love that there is a shade for everyone despite your usual 'go to' shade, which for me would usually be a berry red and here I am just as happy with Another Ramen-Tic Evening as I am with Chopstix and Stones.  I think the name of the polishes is superb and so in keeping with the collection and I also feel they match their shades perfectly.

I would love to know if any of the shades from the OPI Tokyo Collection is your favourite?

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