All the Beauty Crackers and Baubles for Christmas 2020

If you are finding it difficult to choose a Beauty Advent Calendar for 2020, then perhaps temptation can sneak in with one of these Beauty Crackers or Baubles which are capturing my attention already!  For the past few years I have featured Baubles and Crackers on my blog and they are always such fun to write.

All of these products shown above have recently launched, so there is a whole host of brands and their products to choose from and some have released more than one option. So this is what we have:

Omorovicza Perfecting Duo -  Housed in an elegant gift box, the Perfecting Duo pairs two Omorovicza essentials – the bestselling Queen of Hungary Mist which I just adore and the perfecting lip balm, both of which I have featured on this blog.  Priced at just £45* from Cult Beauty, it would make a great gift and I wouldn't mind it hanging off my tree!

Emma Hardie - This Merrily Moringa Bauble is already in my basket, its a product I cant ever be without! The Bauble contains Emma Hardie's award winning moringa cleansing balm with dual action cleansing cloth. Priced at just £10 here with SpaceNK.

Floral Street Baubles - One of the most amazing brands of perfume I have had the pleasure to work with, Floral Street have a whole host of perfume baubles to choose from which feature their amazing fragrances such as Wonderland Peony, Ylang Ylang Espresso or Neon Rose to name a few. They are really cute and make a really lovely gift and they are priced at £24 with Feelunique*.

Becca - The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Pressed Highlighter Mini Bauble Makeup Gift Set. This Bauble presents the best-selling highlighter in a giftable, prismatic ornament and all for just £16 via John Lewis.

Sol De Janeiro - The Exotic Escape Tree Hanger contains both of the brand’s bestselling Bum Bum cream and their alternative, Coco Cabana and all for just £12 via Cult Beauty*.  A great way to get to know the brand, if like me, you are yet to try anything!

Jo Loves Bauble - This bauble contains a mini fragrance, bath and shower gel, and body lotion in the fabulous scent of Pomelo which I happen to just adore and they will be priced at £40* via SpaceNK. Also from Jo Loves is the Christmas Cracker featuring their Tuberose Body Spray and that is also priced at £40.

YSL Cracker - This is one that I would absolutely love to see on my tree! Inside this exclusive Black Opium Eau de Parfum Holiday Cracker you will find a Top Secrets Natural Action Exfoliator 20ml, a complimentary mini Rouge Pur Couture N°1, a complimentary mini Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils, and a complimentary Black Opium Eau de Parfum 7.5ml. Priced at £40 right here.

L'Occitane Festive Crackers - This set of four crackers features mini shower gels and hand creams in four of our most loved ranges from L'Occitane and they are Cherry Blossom, Almond, Lavender and Shea Butter. Priced at £22 via John Lewis*, they make an amazing gift and one ive already snapped up.

L'Occitane Almond Christmas Tree Bauble - The Almond range is my absolute favourite range from L'Occitane and this Bauble contains 3 products from that range which are - Almond Shower Oil 35ml, Almond Milk Concentrate 20ml and the Almond Delicious Hands 10ml. All for just £12 right here.

Origins - From Origins we have a tree hanging bauble which is called Detox with Delight and it features a little trio of a cleanser, mask, and spot treatment. Priced at £16 here*. Then we have the Masking Must-Have Duo which features Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores 30ml and a Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask with Avocado & Glacier Water 30ml all for just £14 here*. If those two aren't enough to tempt you then there is a third offering of the Tiny Ginger Treasures collection which features three 30ml products from the range which includes - Ginger Burst™ Savory Body Wash, Ginger Soufflé Whipped Body Cream and the Ginger Hand Lotion and all for just £12 here.

Lipstick Queen - One of my favourite brands of Lipstick, the Indulge Me Lip Duo, which are full sized offerings of Nothing but the Nudes lipstick in shade Hanky Panky Pink and a Lipdulgence Lip Mousse in shade Pink Parfait. Together they are packaged inside a nice tree hanging bauble and it is priced at £24* here but are worth £44 if bought separately.

Olverum - I am a huge fan of Olverum, this bath oil is just so divine and such a treat to use, especially if you are feeling a little bit 'meh', its use of essential oils really help to perk you back up and help shift that mood.  Priced at just £13.50* from SpaceNK, it is an absolute bargain.

Evolve Skincare - From Evolve Skincare we have the Nourishing Tree Hanger gift which contains  Daily Renew Facial Cream 30ml for just £12 with Feelunique. I have featured this cream on my blog here if you want to know more about it.

Caudalie Vinosource Hydration Minis Cracker Gift Set - Inside you will find three mini products which are made up of a Lip Conditioner, Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum and Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet.  Priced at £10 but is worth £25, you can find this cracker here with Feelunique*.  Or there is the option to purchase the Caudalie Beauty Elixir Mist Bauble for £12* and it features a 30ml bottle of the cult product.

Molton Brown - One brand who does Crackers and Baubles well is Molton Brown. As with most years there is again a choice of crackers and baubles.  The Floral and Citrus cracker which caught my attention for just £20 here* features four 50ml Bath & Shower Gels in the scents Jasmine & Sun Rose, Suede Orris, Orange & Bergamot and Heavenly Gingerlilly. Then whether you want a single Bauble or a set, Molton Brown have more choices to be made.  The set of 3 which I have in my basket features three 75ml filled Baubles in the fragrances Jasmine & Sun Rose, Fiery Pink Pepper and Delicious Rhubarb and Rose and this set is priced at £30 here*.  If you fancy a single bauble as a bit of a stocking filler, then we have the Muddled Plum option for just £14 here. Inside this bauble features as 75ml bauble filled with the very festive scented Muddled Plum Bath & Shower Gel.

Slip Scrunchie Bauble - I am a big fan of Slip as a brand and aside from their amazing silk pillow cases, I do own a few scrunchies.  This bauble features 4 skinnie scrunchies and it is priced at £25 with Cult Beauty*.

Lanolips Coconutter Nutter Cracker Limited Edition - Featuring two products from the Lanolips collection, this cracker is just £10.99 here* and an absolute bargain. Inside you will find the Coconutter 101 Ointment Multi-Balm (10ml) and the Coconutter Hand Cream Intense (50ml).

Bamford Christmas Cracker - Bamford’s Christmas Cracker contains three of Bamford’s best body products: Geranium Body Wash, Geranium Bath Salts and One Morning Body Splash. It is on sale via Liberty for £28*and the cracker is so beautifully illustrated it would make a great stocking filler.

Clinique -  The Clinique Beauty Bauble Makeup Gift Set features two of the brand best-selling products - Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and High Impact Mascara, Black. Packaged together in what Clinique refer too as giftable packaging, it is priced at £15* from John Lewis.

OPI - The OPI Infinite Shine Shine Bright Collection Cracker features 4 mini polishes in the shades Naughty or Ice?, Red-y For the Holidays, Let's Take an Elfie and Heart and Coal. Each one of the nail polishes is 3.75ml in size. This Cracker is on sale now for £16.70* via John Lewis.

Tiffany & Co. - Something a little more lux from Tiffany & Co. with this cracker foursome. They feature Tiffany & Love Eau de Parfum For Her which is described as being a modern yet feminine floral woody perfume scent. Then for him we have the Tiffany & Love Eau de Toilette which is a citrusy, aromatic fragrance with a fresh and masculine scent. These crackers are priced at just £49 right here from John Lewis.

Elemental Herbology - This tree hanger features a miniature Bio-Cellular Super Cleanse and a Cell Plumping Moisturiser all for just £10 right here from the brand.

Skyn Iceland - An exclusive duo pairing featuring Skyn Iceland’s Berry Lip Fix and Pure Cloud Cream inside this bauble and worth over £14, it is currently on offer here* for just £4.80.

There will be many more Crackers, Baubles and Tree Decorations released over the coming weeks and as and when I get the information I will update this post, but this does give an insight as to what is currently on offer, if you want something a little bit different to give as a gift.

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

John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2020

I really like the look of the John Lewis Advent Calendar for 2020, as soon as I saw it and shared the original details here, I knew it would prove to be popular! 

The Calendar, which is a beautiful bright shade of pink will feature a mixture of full size and deluxe size products which range from skincare, and haircare to makeup and fragrance. It is essentially the John Lewis Beauty Hall in a big box, making it more exciting.  As with many Beauty Advent Calendars this year, sustainability is at the forefront of most of these products, so from John Lewis you have a product which is recyclable and reusable too.

If you don't want to see the entire list of contents, then scroll no further because they are listed below.  What I can tell you is that the contents are worth around £375 and the Calendar will go on sale for just £150 here on 1st October, exclusively to My John Lewis members first and then general sale on 6th.

Contents

• Acqua di Parma Mini Hatbox 2x 20ml 1x5ml
• By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Balm 3ml
• Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt 55ml
• Clarins Relax Body Treatment Oil 30ml
• Bobbi Brown Mini Smokey Eye Mascara, Black 3ml
• Lumene Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence 15ml
• Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser 30ml
• bareMinerals Prime Time™ Original Foundation Primer 7ml
• NARS Lipstick, Tolede 1.6ml
• Evolve Beauty Bio-Retinol Gold Mask 30ml
• Slip Pure Silk Skinny Black Scrunchie
• Disciple Discovery Kit Skincare Gift Set 2x10ml
• Neom Organics London Perfect Night’s Sleep Pillow Mist 30ml
• Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 15ml
• Rodial Snake Oxygenating & Cleansing Bubble Sheet Mask Individual Sachet 22g
• Hermès Twilly d’Hermès Eau Poivrée Eau de Parfum Replica 7.5ml
• Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum 15ml
• Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Dark Pearl 1.6g
• ESPA The Grounding Crystals 55g
• Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner 1.8ml
• GIVENCHY IRRESISTIBLE Eau de Parfum 8ml
• Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global anti-ageing cell power crème 15ml
• Laura Mercier Blush Colour Infusion, Pomegranate 6ml
• Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil 15ml
• Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Eye Concentrate 15ml

As a reminder the contents are worth around £375 and the Calendar will go on sale for just £150 here on 1st October, exclusively to My John Lewis members first and then general sale on 6th October.

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

BIRCHBOX ADVENT CALENDAR 2020 – CONTENTS REVEALED!

I am glad to see that Birchbox are launching a 2020 Advent Calendar and it is a beautifully designed with a dark red and gold casing and it is a 25 day advent calendar which also features individual drawers, inside which is a beauty product.

The contents are said to be worth over £450 and will include brands such as Sunday Riley, Bare Minerals and Benefit Cosmetics.  There is a waiting list to sign up to be alerted to the sale, but to access the pre-sale you need to be a Birchbox subscriber. You can find the list right here.

Contents

• Vitamasques Rose Gold Hydroglow Cream
• Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
• Hola Neon Lip Tinted Balm – Love Me
• e.l.f Poreless Putty Primer
• Melanie Mills Hollywood Gleam Face & Body Radiance
• bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Serum
• Dr Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil
• Eyeko Brow Gel
• Bumble & Bumble Invisible Oil Primer
• Nudestix Intense Matte Lip and Cheek Pencil – Purity
• St Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
• Dr PawPaw Original Balm
• NUXE Nuxellence Detox Serum
• Beautypro – Hand Therapy Collagen Infused Glove / Brightening Collagen Sheet Mask Evolve Daily Renew Facial Cream
• Color WOW Pop & Lock
• Algologie Hydra-Replenishing Booster
• Eyebrow Queen Growth Serum
• Real Her Eye Am Resilient Bronze Eyeliner
• Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment / A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum Iconic London Illuminator
• Laura Geller Color Luster Lip Gloss – City Lights
• Eight & Bob The Original OR EgyptGeneration Clay Ultraviolet Brightening Clay Mask
• Wander Beauty Wanderess Eyeshadow Palette
• Candy Kittens Sour Watermelon

Pre-sale September 13th and official launch Sept 16th at Birchbox but it is also worth noting that Birchbox currently have 20% off subscription using the code SEP20.

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

Holland & Barrett Vegan Beauty Christmas Advent Calendar 2020

For those of you who like Vegan Beauty Products, Holland & Barrett have exactly what you are looking for as a treat this Christmas. Launching today is their Advent Calendar and it costs just £40!

The calendar is a 25 day offering which features 14 full-sized and 11 sample sized products and you will find a whole range of items which includes serums, cleansers, oils and creams it is suitable for vegans and is also packaged inside a 100% cardboard packaging too.

Contents

• Sukin: Purely ageless moisturiser, 20ml
• Dead Sea Spa: BB Cream ,15ml
• Evolve: Hyaluronic Serum, 10ml
• Ayumi: Turmeric & Argan Oil Body Wash, 250ml
• Holland & Barrett: Wooden Mirror
• Holland & Barett: Reusable Earbuds
• Holland & Barrett: Headband Wrap
• Ethique: Bliss Cleansing Bar, 110g
• Natura Siberica: Hair Mask
• Weleda: Arnica Muscle Soak, 50ml
• Ecodenta: Organic Anti-Plaque Toothpaste, 75ml
• Dr Organic: Guava Gel Moisturiser, 50ml
• So Eco: Eyeshadow Brush
• Q&A: Liqourice Lip Oil, 15ml
• True Skincare: Rehydrating Facial Oil, 10ml
• Vitaskin: Vitamin C Eye Cream
• Whamisa: Toner Deep Rich, 33.5ml
• Ethique: Mini Shampoo & Conditioner, 2 X 15G
• Urban Veda: Reviving Night Cream, 20ml
• Tisserand: De-stress Roller Ball, 10ml
• Lamoora: Breathe Shower Bomb 30g
• Gallinee: Face Vinegar, 50ml
• Kili.G: Face, Eyes, Neck Mousse, 60ml
• Up Circle, Face Scrub Citrus Blend, 100ml

I love that there are so many brands in this that I have never come across and I am definitely wanting to grab the Lamoora Breathe Shower Bomb the next time I pass the store!

This Advent Calendar launches on 9th September both instore and online.

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

Megan Rose Lane x Feelunique Self-Care Kit

From Feelunique we have the newly listed Megan Rose Lane x Feelunique Self-Care Kit (£49), a kit which is described as being guided by *the* mindset and meditation blogger Megan Rose Lane. This Self-Care Kit is all about taking time to look after yourself and feeling your best from the inside out. 

Scheduling in some me-time to relax and unwind is something I try and do every single week. That could be an hour locked in the bathroom with no phone, no iPad and no interruptions, it could also be a lie in for an extra half an hour, a long walk by myself - literally anything that I can do by myself which requires no interaction from anyone else.

The limited edition bundle holds all the products you need to add a moment of calm to your routine each day - plus, a deck of affirmation cards for positivity, empowerment and self-confidence. 

So what is inside?

• Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm 15ml - My review
• Evolve Beauty AHA Miracle Mask 30ml
• Grown Alchemist Vanilla and Watermelon Lip Balm 12ml
• Urban Apothecary Oriental Noir Candle 70g
• L’Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist 100ml
• Velvet Pouch- Teal velvet with an embossed golden sun, there’s nothing more fitting to hold these complete bliss essentials

This is an amazing Self-Care Kit for those who want and need an excuse to just take some time for themselves and equally, it would make a great gift for someone who has had a bit of a hard time and needs some time out too!

This Megan Rose Lane x Feelunique Self-Care Kit is on sale now - purchase here.

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

Mother's Day Gift Guide

With Mother's Day on the horizon in just a weeks time, shops have been filled with cards and chocolates as well as balloons and candles in an attempt to get you to send your Mum/Mam/Mummy/Mother/Ma-Ma or however you might address her, a little something to celebrate the day.  If you haven't thought that far ahead because the news is full of other stories and you've been slightly distracted, I have a little gift guide that might just save the day!

I know not every Mam is the same, some are much older, some are younger, some are fitter and some not so, but I am hoping to have covered absolutely every angle with this gift guide.

If you saw my Glossybox Mothers Day post earlier this week and was lucky enough to get your hands on the box, then you have quite an amazing gift to give. 

Packed with 13 products from different brands it features everything from candles and facemasks to makeup and perfume and all for just £30.

If you mum likes to look after and style her hair, then Boots have an amazing range of products from InStyler.  Over the last few weeks, I have been using the GLOSSIE Ceramic Styling Brush which is described as instantly delivering shiny, straight and smooth styles that last. 

It features 65 powerful ceramic heated plates that simultaneously section and style as you effortlessly brush through your hair and with 4 different heat settings, whether your hair is thick, thin or somewhere in the middle, there is a setting that will work with your hair.  I have been so impressed with the Instyler Glossie Ceramic Styling Brush that there is a dedicated post coming next week to show off just how good it is and why I have liked using it so much.  It is currently on offer for less than £55 in Boots* and if you have a Mum who isn't quite ready to use hair straighteners to style her hair, then this might just tick the boxes.

For those who want to have a good nights sleep is the Sleep Master Eye Mask. It came into being after extensive research, the inventor of Sleep Master, who is also an insomnia sufferer, couldn't find a sleep mask that combined the conditions necessary for deep sleep: light elimination and sound reduction. Traditional sleep masks didn't fit or last. They all had thin elastic straps that shift uncomfortably during sleep, fray apart quickly or simply snap off after only a few uses, never mind the disastrous results from washing them!

It is a well known fact that my sleep pattern is quite erratic, so trying this mask has been quite the find. The Sleep Master utilises an incredibly soft to the touch, cool satin fabric which is not only lightweight but it is comfortable, flexible, it is a wide fit and it uses a velcro fastener. What makes it different to any other sleep mask I have used is the ear area, on the Sleep Master it is padded and this helps to muffle sounds, for anyone who is a light sleeper and finds the slightest sound disturbs them, this might just be what you are looking for. The Sleep Master is simply an all-in-one, one-size-fits-all product, which eliminates light and reduces sound, giving you a deep, refreshing sleep by shutting out the world in an immediate, intimate way. Priced at £19.95 via Amazon*.

One of my favourite skincare brands Emma Hardie has collaborated with the charity Look Good Feel Better and has launched a limited edition Pink Moringa Cleansing Balm.

At 50ml and priced at £25 from Marks & Spencer*, from every sale of the limited edition Moringa Cleansing Balm, Emma Hardie Skincare will be donating a percentage of proceeds from the sales to Look Good Feel Better, their goal is to raise £100k for the charity during the year of 2020.

For someone who is always on the go we have the Ember Travel Mug², an absolute revelation in re-usable cups which keep those hot drinks hot!  Everyone is trying to do their bit for the environment, using less take-away cups and more re-usable has been a huge change for me, but I find that those claims of keeping drinks hot for around 6 hours are not always that true.  Then I tried this!

Designed to be used on-the-go, the new Ember Travel Mug² does more than simply keep your coffee hot, this smart mug not only allows you to set an exact drinking temperature but it also keeps it there for up to 3 hours, so your coffee is never too hot, or too cold. I have been so impressed with this mug that I have written a separate blog post all about it, but if you like your technological gadgets and gifts, then this is the one!

There is no doubting every Mum needs at least an hour to herself and from Marks & Spencer, who right now have some amazing bathing products in store. My latest find has been these Rose Bath Salts.

These rose-scented bath salts are described as being perfection for the ultimate relaxation experience and they are infused with notes of pink peony and lily and when they come into contact with warm water, that floral fragrances comes to life and smells as wonderful as a freshly opened bunch of flowers and they cost me just £4.99.

I really like Shea Moisture as a brand and I have the Fruit Fusion Energizing Bath, Body & Massage Oil and there is something about the sharp fragrance of this oil that I absolutely love. Shea Moisture describe this oil as being one which helps to restore hydration as well as to revitalize dry, dull skin.

As well as the use of Shea Butter and Coconut Oil which replenishes moisture deep below the skin surface, there is the use of Imbe Oil which helps to protect against the damaging and ageing effects of external aggressors to leave skin feeling nourished. Then the fruity fragrance of both Green Apple and Lychee Berry are said to help stimulate the senses and for me, this is my favourite of the two products.

A brand I see a lot on my social media is Embryolisse and for Mother's Day I am including the Limited Edition London Lait-Crème Concentré.  In its Limited Edition packaging, this iconic French skincare brand is quite the cult product.  

As a multi-tasking cream, it works not only as a three-in-one moisturising lotion, but can also be used as a primer and as a make-up remover.  It has a lightweight but rich texture, this cream contains essential fatty acids and vitamins which help to reduce irritation especially after shaving and they also plump the skin for firmer results.  The inclusion of nutrients and water to balance the skin and promote cell renewal also lead to much more supple-looking skin too. You can find Embryolisse in Boots stores, and online via Cult Beauty, Feelunique and Lookfantastic where it is priced at £17.99. 

If you Mam is quite partial to a brew, which mine most certainly is, the gift of tea is definitely a worthy gift.  The Tea Makers of London work closely with the most celebrated tea gardens in the world as well as independent artisan tea farmers who continue to use traditional methods, which have been lovingly preserved and passed down to them by their ancestors over many centuries.

So the inclusion of a gift of tea is one which would always be welcome, whether that is a selection of fine loose leaf tea or a tea set, it is definitely something a little bit different and much about.

As a brand, Rubis isn't one I have come across until recently, but their Nail Scissors are definitely something my mum would have in her knitting box.  With their slightly curved, hand-sharpened blades which are crafted out of hardened martensitic steel, these scissors are designed to cut your nails to perfection. 

I am sure we have all had a pair of nail scissors which are as blunt as blunt can be and instead of trimming your nails, they hack at them.  Rubis scissors have ergonomically shaped handle grips which are said to offer supreme comfort and stability. The biggest claim however is that after many years, Rubis state that their scissors lose none of their original functionality thanks to their high-quality materials, design and workmanship.  You can find these scissors priced at £23.50 via Cult Beauty.

When it comes to haircare, I am always aware that as you get older, your hair changes. I am lucky enough to have a lot of hair and it has yet to show signs of thinning, but friends of mine are not so lucky, so this is where Nanogen Haircare comes in. 

The 7-in-1 Shampoo is described as taking a multi-targeted approach to hair thickening for women in one simple step. You don't need 7 different products, just this one. Best described as being a multitasking haircare treatment that cleanses, thickens, moisturises, strengthens, protects, balances and optimises for hair that’s thick, healthy and in prime condition. It uses hardworking surfectants which deliver the primary purpose of removing impurities, oil and dirt to clean the scalp and hair. It is also enriched with Glycerin and Panthenol, the formula drenches hair in vital hydration without weighting tresses down, whilst the brand’s patented Hair Growth Factor complex works to rejuvenate hair follicles to promote healthy growth and maintain hair anchoring. Priced at £10 from Boots*.

The Ramer Cleansing Shammy for Sensitive Skin is a little gem of a product and are a great alternative to using wet wipes, which we all know we shouldn't be using anyway.

We all know the importance of skincare and removing makeup, so these handy little shammy sponges work to remove all traces of make-up. The shammy can also be used with skincare such as cleansers and too and I love how soft they feel on the skin.  All Ramer sponges are made from a magic material, all Ramer Sponges harden as they dry, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria, and will instantly soften when soaked in warm water, ready to re-use again. Super-soft, non-scratchy, hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin, Ramer Sponges are machine washable at 40o C, durable and long-lasting. Prices start around £4 per sponge from Amazon*.

Recently launched to the UK is a brand called African Extracts Rooibos and it is one of South Africa’s leading skincare ranges and is infused with the potent antioxidant powers of Rooibos, a plant found and grown only in the Cederberg mountains of the Western Cape, South Africa. 

Rich in heritage, African Extracts Rooibos skincare strongly believe in the power of nature, and therefore Bio-Active Rooibos is supported by a host of proven natural active ingredients, carefully selected for their skincare benefits.  So included within this gift guide is the 3-step Everyday Starter kit which is the brand’s best-selling range and is suitable for women of all ages and most skin types. It contains a Cleansing Lotion (60ml), Toner (60ml) and Day Cream SPF15 (20ml) all in perfect handbag travel sizes.

Then for the more mature skin I have the exfoliating face scrub which uses Rooibos leaves and apricot kernels to gently remove dead skin cells and surface impurities to leave skin feeling clean, smooth and soft, followed by the Tissue Oil which comes in a spray bottle and is really light as well as being non-greasy. This oil is a bit of a multi-tasker because it can be used on your face, body and hair. It is formulated using antioxidant-rich Bio-Active Rooibos extract, Vitamin E, Soy Bean and Geranium botanical extracts in a blend of Grapeseed and Sweet Almond oils.  Prices for African Extracts Rooibos start as low as £7.99.

As well as this Mother's Day gift guide, I also featured the lovely brand Evolve Organic Beauty with their Facial in a box which also makes an amazing gift, as would the Gus and Bella 'Best Mum' Cat Box for those who have and adore cats, both would be a great alternative to flowers and chocolate!

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

Evolve Organic Beauty - Facial in a Box

I am a huge fan of Evolve Beauty and have featured them here on my blog quite a few times now, but with Mother's Day on the horizon, the Facial in a Box gift set (£50) is incredibly special and it features some of my favourite products, which I think my mam would also like.

The lovely people behind Evolve Beauty believe that you can achieve amazing results and have a truly relaxing experience using their natural products in the comfort of your own home. I am always someone who will willingly have a facial, I find it incredibly relaxing, but there are also just some times when I would rather pamper myself at home, sitting in my jogging bottoms and a T-shirt not looking very glam at all.  This Facial in a Box gives you the opportunity to take some time out of your daily routine, light your favourite candle and indulge yourself - I don't need to be challenged twice.

This organic facial in a box comes with complete instructions and a headband, beautifully packaged in a gift-wrapped box and inside there are 5 organic skincare products from the Evolve Beauty range to get to know and use.  Each step is clearly labelled along with some straightforward instructions on how best to use each product and what I absolutely love about this is just how much thought has gone into ensuring you get the most out of it, whether you are a skincare queen or an absolute novice.  Alongside all of these products is also a headband, a vital part of any facial to ensure you don't end up mixing your hair in with each of the products, so before you get started, that is your first task - put on the headband followed by lighting a candle.

Step one - Gentle Cleansing Melt (60ml) - This is one luxurious cleansing balm and it is so silky smooth on the skin, it is an absolute delight to cleanse with.

Using nourishing organic baobab oil which soothes and hydrates, there is also natural sugar extracts which turn into a creamy milk as it comes into contact with warm water.  The inclusion of Vanilla, which also has strong anti-oxidant properties whilst having a sweet and soothing aroma which is relaxing and calming.  Once the balm is rinsed off your skin, using a flannel, muslin cloth or whatever is your preference, you will find that your skin feels clean, calm and really hydrated.

Step 2 - Miracle Mask (30ml) - I am a huge fan of the Evolve Radiant Glow Mask and the Miracle Mask is one I have never tried before. This incredible smelling AHA fruit mask is blended using 100% natural fruit acids which includes glycolic acid from sugar cane. 

Using Peruvian Maca, an ancient energy booster which has been used for centuries by tribes, within this mask it helps to increase cellular renewal and skin radiance. Then we have Papaya Extract which is not only a good source of Vitamin A and Papain. Together these help to exfoliate the skin to remove dead and dry skin cells.  Once applied to the skin, it needs to be left for around 5 minutes to work its magic before removing using warm water and either a flannel or muslin cloth, depending on your preference.

Step 3 - Hyaluronic Serum (10ml) - This clear serum is ideal for anyone who has normal to dry skin and it contains 200mg Hyaluronic Acid per bottle to ensure your skin is left feeling moisturised, hydrated and refreshed.

Also used within this serum is organic pomegranate which is high in ellagic acid which helps to regulate cell turnover and strengthen the cell membrane, therefore, limiting water loss and free radical damage extract.  This serum is also delicately fragranced with organic rosewater which smells just absolutely beautiful.  To use, you need one pump of the serum into the palms of your hands and then gently pat it onto the skin and then massage, never rub.

Step 3A - Hyaluronic Eye Complex (10ml) - Using Exotic Tuberose flower plant stem cells help to reduce the appearance of eye bags, fine lines and puffiness whilst firming and brightening the eye area.

Hyaluronic acid helps to reduce wrinkles thus making the skin look younger with an improved skin tone and Organic Cucumber Extract which is traditionally known to cool, reduce under-eye bags and helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles around the eyes. What I love about this Eye Complex is the coolness of the rollerball which gives the ample opportunity to give yourself an eye massage.

Step 4 - Daily Renew Facial Cream (30ml) - This is the final step of your at-home facial and it features this incredible natural and organic face cream. It works to restore normal to dry skin by using a blend of pure organic oils, coconut peptides and Hyaluronic Acid. 

On the skin, this cream feels really luxurious, it isn't overly thick and it isn't too thin in texture either, but you do only need a walnut-sized amount to cover your entire face. Using Hyaluronic Acid helps to reduce wrinkles, making the skin look younger with an improved skin tone as well as offering intense hydration to skin cells. Argan Oil nourishes and helps to improve elasticity and leaves skin feeling plump and soft and because it is lightly fragranced using soothing hypoallergenic vanilla & coconut, it is an absolute delight to use.

I think this is a wonderful box of products and whilst I am slowly working my way through everything Evolve Beauty has to offer, this box of products would put a smile on the face of anyone. There is nothing I dislike about the brand or what is included and more so because I am incredibly lucky to own one of the Evolve Organic Beauty Serenity Candle (£16), it makes this gift all the more special and definitely something I would add as an extra to anyone I gifted it too.

The candle, which is made using Soy Wax it is blended using delicate floral, zingy citrus and gourmand vanilla notes which include the likes of Rose, Jasmine and Orange Blossom and it is one of those instantly calm scents that make this facial in a box all the more pampering.

The Evolve Beauty Facial in a Box retails for £50 and is worth every single penny, whether it is a gift for you, your mum or a loved one.

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

Good Housekeeping x Showcase Beauty Box

I love a good beauty box and I was really excited to learn that Showcase Beauty had partnered with Good Housekeeping to launch an Independent Beauty Edit, a beauty box that is packed full of some incredible brands. Showcase Beauty the new home of independent beauty brands and this beauty box is a collection of nine independent brands which includes eight full-sized products worth over £170 and it costs just £49. All of the brands featured within this box are all cruelty-free and many fully organic, vegan and pregnancy safe.

Each hand-picked independent brand has an amazing background story to tell based on performance, ingredients, approach to sourcing and sustainability. Each product has been “stress-tested” by a team of independent stylists, influencers and industry experts who give further feedback on each product before they become part of the Showcase Beauty collective.  

The first product out of the box is the MEMI, Lash to Lash in Carbon Black. Described as being a mascara to define, curl and lengthen your lashes with ease, this carbon black vegan mascara coats every single lash to give you flawless, water-resistant and smudge-free lashes every single day.

What I have liked about using this mascara is the wand which is slightly curved to follow the shape of your eye, as the wand coats the lashes, it does so without clumping.  The formula is wet enough to coat the lashes without dragging them down and because I have fairly long lashes, it does manage to hold the curl.

The second product comes from Studio 10 and it is the Lip Perfecting Balm Gloss in the shade Bellini. Described as being a universally flattering shade, this Balm Gloss with its sheer peachy-gold colour is non-sticky and tacky when applied and once it has been applied, it doesn't transfer. 

Using a blend of Omega-3 rich Plankton Extract and Volulip™, this product works to leave your lips feeling nourished and hydrated.

The third product comes from Vita Liberata with the Beauty Blur Skin Tone Optimiser in shade Latte which is a medium shade.  Described as being a multitasking skin tone optimiser, nourishing makeup primer and lasting self-tan for your most radiant, always on face glow.  

For me, this is quite similar to a CC cream in how it can be used, though I would need the lightest shade if I was to use it in that way. 

The next product comes from Dr Lipp with the Red Radish Tint.  I am a huge fan of Dr Lipp as a brand and have featured the original balm on my blog a few times.  

This balm uses protective medical-grade Lanolin which gives it a 100% natural formula, so it is free from fragrance, preservatives and as it protects, hydrates and repairs your lips, it adds a tint which is achieved through 100% natural vegetable pigments.

From Grown Alchemist we have the Hydra-Repair Day Cream Camellia, Geranium Blossom. Described as being a deeply nourishing facial day cream which leaves the skin feeling hydrated without being greasy or leaving a shine on the skin.

This cream is suitable for all skin types and is described as being botanically rich it contains camellia seed to lock in moisture and geranium blossom to calm irritated skin.  I really like the velvety texture of this cream on my skin and it makes a really good primer before applying your makeup.

When it comes to supplements, I am pretty rubbish at remembering to take them.  Within this box, we have a 7 Day Supplement Pack from Lumity, an award-winning day and night supplement to support the body's natural repair processes and nourish the skin, hair and nails.

Formulated without binding agents, fillers, coating, preservatives and flavourings what you will find is a formulation of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and omegas.

Getting the perfect nights sleep is high up on my list of things to do, its something that has plagued me for well over a year.  Within this box from Neom, we have the Perfect Night's Sleep Pillow Mist.

This Pillow Mist is blended with 14 essential oils to help you relax, the 100% natural and soothing scent of lavender paired with a touch of sweet basil and fresh jasmine which should help you prepare for a peaceful slumber. To use, all you have to do is spritz onto your pillow and inhale the calming fragrance to let your senses fully benefit from the wellbeing properties.

One of my favourite independent brands is Evolve Beauty, a brand I have featured on my blog many times.  Within this box, we have the Satin Body Gloss, a product I have fully reviewed on my blog here.

Described as being a lightweight multi-purpose silicone-free dry oil that is designed to nourish and deliver a satin-like finish. It can be used on the body, face and hair and thankfully, it comes packaged inside a brown glass bottle with a pump for easy distribution and on the skin, it leaves a lovely glossy, shiny finish.

The final product within this box comes from Jane Scrivner with Skinfoliate. This product is said to be a gentle exfoliator which is rich in natural AHA and BHA acids that naturally buff away dead skin cells to reveal brighter, softer and smoother skin.

Described as being step 2 of your skincare routine, Skinfoliate uses Malic, Glycolic, Lactic, Salicylic and Citric acids in a unique 'staggered penetration' blend to work on every level of skin exfoliation and stimulation, Skinfoliate works deep to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis and cell renewal.

I am really impressed with the brands which feature in this box and cannot believe it costs just £49 with free postage and packaging, but you'll have to be quick as it is Limited Edition and will sell out pretty quickly.  

I would love to know what you think of this box and whether any particular product stands out to you?

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