Maison Margiela Replica - Springtime in a Park

Maison Margiela fragrances have been on my watch list for some time and with Spring having pretty arrived, I took the plunge and purchased Maison Margiela Replica - Springtime in a Park from the Replica Collection.

I have tried a few samples of fragrances from Maison Margiela over the past few years and I absolutely love Lazy Sunday Morning and Bubble Bath, but it was the description of Springtime in the Park which caught my attention.Springtime in a park captures the gentle light and fresh floral atmosphere of a nice and romantic Spring afternoon at the park. Blossoms appear everywhere and nature is calling us.

The bottles for the Maison Margiela Replica fragrances are very unique with their couture design, look quite stylish in a hand-crafted flaçon with its eye-catching label to give the bottle that more personal look, as though someone has just created it for you.  

The fragrance notes for Springtime in the Park are delightful whether you are a fan of floral, fruits or a mixture of two notes within your scents, this one has an abundance of everything. 

Opening with the top notes of pear, bergamot and blackcurrant give that sweet and fruitiness to catch your attention before the floral middle notes of lily of the valley, jasmine and rose damascena come together to help recreate what is referred to as being the floral atmosphere of spring, that walk through the park when everything has started to blossom, then the base notes of musk, vanilla and ambrox which add depth to the scent without being overly powerful are warming and comforting. 

If you wanted to compare this fragrance to another that is incredibly well known, Givenchy Very Irrésistible springs to mind when Springtime in a Park starts to dry down on the skin.  Longevity, this one lasts really well for me and I can get a good 4-5 hours wear time before the need to re-apply.

If you’re looking for a fragrance which is fresh, light, floral and sweet with a hint of springtime then this is one that will captivate you as much as it has me. 

Priced at £49 for 30ml and £99 for 100ml it is an investment for sure and if you’re wanting to test and try before making a purchase, there is a Maison Margiela Memory Box which is priced at £33 and it features 10 fragrances from the collection, including Springtime in the Park and each fragrance is 2ml which is more than enough to get an insight as to which one you really like.

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

Cult Beauty The Five Minute Face Goody Bag

If you are looking to update your makeup bag ready for Spring then Cult Beauty has The Five Minute Face Goody Bag offer, which I think is too good to miss.

The Goody Bag, which features 12 incredible brands - such as Charlotte Tilbury, Vieve and Natasha Denona is worth over £105 but is yours for free when spending £75 across the site.

Contents

• Shiseido Controlled Chaoas Mascara Inc (4ml Deluxe Size)
• Vieve - Skin Nova (5ml Deluxe Size)
• Benefit - Precisely My Brow in 03 Medium - Deluxe Size
• Nudestix - Nudies All Over Face Colour Glow Highlighter - Bubbly Babe (Deluxe)
• NARS - Orgasm Blush (Deluxe 1.2g)
• Charlotte Tilbury - Matte Revolution Pillow Talk (Deluxe)
• Natasha Denona - Zendo Eyeshadow (Deluxe)
• Honest Beauty - Liquid Lipstick in shade BFF (Full size)
• Pai Skincare - The Impossible Glow Bronzing Drops (Travel Size)
• Mike Makeup - Rise Mascara (Deluxe)
• Anastasia Beverley Hills - Loose Setting Powder, Translucent (Travel Size)

All of these products come packaged inside a Cult Beauty medium sized see-through travel bag (£15). These travel bags come in really handy and I have this exact one in a medium size and it fits all my skincare inside.

The Cult Beauty The Five Minute Face Goody Bag is on offer right now, whilst stocks last.

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

The popular gems and crystals used in fashion today

Gems and crystals have been prominently featured in a variety of fashionable looks throughout time. Whether you’re exploring fashion in Korea or assessing the best options for a wedding you might have coming up, gems and crystals are popular globally and have been for quite some time. From subtle diamond earrings to beautiful rose quartz necklaces, the options are extensive.

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Alongside their evident beauty and ability to top off a particular look, adding gems and crystals to your next outfit can also help provide a great deal of confidence. Alongside this, crystals are also believed to have metaphysical properties - something that appeals to be many people who wear them. Not only do they look good, but the fact that they potentially bring positivity into a life makes them a viable option for many fashionistas. 

Of course, for some people, the only way they’re likely to come into contact with gems or crystals is through popular gem-themed slot games like Starburst or through seeing them being worn at major red carpet events by Hollywood celebrities, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. In fact, some gems and crystals are more affordable than many people think and can really help elevate a particular look and feel. In the modern world, these types of accessories are being heavily featured in the fashion sphere. With that in mind, below is a look at some popular gems and crystals worth considering. 

Pearl 

One of the more expensive options on the list, pearls never fade in someone’s wardrobe and provide females with some additional elegance. A pearl necklace, for instance, is subtle but can make a massive difference. Also known to provide calmness, the addition of a pearl-themed piece is a must for many people. Pearl is popular in the fashion industry on the whole, with it being included in powder cosmetics and a variety of beauty products, too. 

Pink rose quartz 

Featured heavily on bangles and earrings, pink rose quartz is steeped in history after being retrieved from Roman and Egyptian tombs. As such, it is in high demand and represents an excellent option for many fashion lovers. Alongside its notable beauty, this particular crystal is also said to boost feminine energy and universal love. Also championing harmony and all-round positive vibes, pink rose quartz is stunning. 

Diamond 

Diamonds are forever, and that’s probably exactly why they’re so incredibly expensive on the whole. Never going out of fashion either, diamonds are usually associated with weddings and engagements, but they can also be incorporated into other everyday looks. Said to provide peace, prosperity and happiness too, a diamond-studded bag or a diamond ring can not only make you feel good, but look good also. 

Citrine

Citrine rings, earrings, necklaces and a whole host of other pieces of jewellery are a go-to option for many people. Enabling someone to stand out from the crowd, they’re commonly seen at formal occasions such as birthdays or weddings. 

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A positive gemstone that fights off negative energy and aids personal growth, citrine’s orange shade is instantly recognisable and lends itself beautifully to a number of fashionable looks. 

Garnet

A stone that is associated with warrior battles and treasured due to its undoubted natural beauty, garnet is one of the more affordable crystals on the list and is a popular choice for many people. Although most shades of garnet are typically red in colour, there are a variety of other versions, namely in purple, pink, green, yellow, black and brown. Depending on your favourite colour, it will look beautiful in a variety of pieces, from necklaces to bracelets. 

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

Ways To De-Stress When You’re Living with Depression

Living with depression at any stage or for any length of time is really challenging. Depression is usually either the result of a difficult life circumstance, or a chronic chemical imbalance. Regardless, it’s so important to reach out for the necessary resources and support. You need to know you’re not alone.

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If I could recommend anything, it would be to connect with a therapist who can help you overcome these challenges using tools tailored to you. If you’d like to learn more about therapy and how it can help with depression, head on over to BetterHelp. There is one aspect of depression people often overlook: the stress and anxiety that can come with it. In fact, anxiety is actually a very common symptom of major depression, and people living with depression may also experience panic attacks. That’s why de-stressing when you feel your anxiety rising is crucial to preventing panic and managing depression. Read on for some simple and enjoyable ways to de-stress.

Create a soothing nightly routine.

There’s no better way to de-stress and get a good night’s sleep than creating a soothing bedtime routine for yourself. This can include whatever you personally enjoy. Make sure that as a rule of thumb, you turn off screens at least half an hour before sleep. 

For your nightly routine, you can burn a candle and take a long shower or hot bath. You can apply a new face mask. You can do some stretching on a yoga mat before hopping into bed. Whatever it is that relaxes your body and releases your racing thoughts after a long day.

Incorporate daily exercise and movement.

Exercise is one of the best ways to get rid of stress, especially chronic stress that lives in the body. It keeps our minds focused on the activity at hand, and it releases tension in our joints and reduces inflammation. It’s best to incorporate some form of movement every single day, even if it’s just a 30-minute walk. You can lift weights at the gym, jog around the block, go for a bike ride, or join a yoga class. Even stretching gets that essential de-stressing motion in. 

Pamper yourself with new skincare or beauty products.

If your depression and stress has been especially bad lately, it can feel really good to pamper yourself with some new beauty products. Is there a new face mask you’ve been wanting to try? What about a sweet-smelling body scrub or bath bomb? All of these can offer the benefits of aromatherapy, healthier skin, and soothing sensations. Bath & Body Works has an incredible Stress Relief collection with a variety of products to try out.

Pick up a creative hobby. 

Creating something with your hands can be very therapeutic and de-stressing. Like exercise, it allows you to focus your attention on something other than anxious thoughts. 

If you find a hobby you’re really passionate about, you may even reach a “flow” state while doing it, which is a very meditative and healing state for your body and mind. Sky’s the limit with these hands-on creative hobbies. You can try out an adult coloring book, painting, playing an instrument, journaling, or wood carving. Anything you connect with!

Meditate or deep-breathe.

One of the best ways to reduce stress and heal from chronic, long-term anxiety is to incorporate a daily meditation or mindfulness practice. This doesn’t have to be as intense as it sounds. 

Meditation can be done using a podcast guided recording, or just sitting on a comfy chair with your eyes closed for ten minutes. Even deep breathing while you focus on your breath is an excellent form of meditation, and can release tension in the body and ease a stressed-out mind. 

Take some obligations off your plate.

When you think about methods of de-stressing during a tough, overwhelming time in your life, you may not immediately think about time management. And while things like good sleep and exercise treat the symptoms of stress, it’s important to think about what’s causing your stress in the first place.

Our stress levels often skyrocket when we are taking on more work, appointments, and commitments than our lives can reasonably accommodate. Everyone has a different threshold for how “busy” they are capable of being before they become too overwhelmed. You need to pay attention to the rhythm of your mind and body. 

Is that additional client you just took on making you miss out on your soothing nightly routine because you’re backed up with work? Are you frazzled during the day as you run from appointment to appointment? Maybe it’s time to allocate some of your obligations to others who can help, or simply dropping commitments and mastering the art of saying “no.”

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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