Murad - Joyful And Renewed Collection

Over the next few weeks I am going to be sharing with you some amazing skincare gift sets that would make an amazing gift for Christmas. Today it is the turn of Murad, a brand I have got to know via beauty boxes and a brand that I absolutely love. The Murad Joyful and Renewed Collection set features a complete 3-Step Skincare regime: Cleanse, Treat and Hydrate. Worth a huge £118 this set is currently on offer for less than £60 here and inside this delightful box you will find:

Renewing Cleansing Cream (200ml) (RRP £26) - Described as being a nourishing, radiance-reviving formula which works to expertly eliminate dirt and impurities that have been acquired throughout the day on the skin. 

It is infused with essential vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants such as Papaya, evening primrose oil and borago oil which work to dissolve dead and dull skin cells, whilst defending against environmental aggressors to leave skin fresh and healthy-looking after use.

Retinol Youth Renewal Serum (15ml) (RRP £32.50) - This serum is described as being a fast-absorbing formula that works to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is powered by Retinol Tri-Active Technology (a fast-acting Retinoid, a time-released Retinol and a Retinol booster). 

What I like about this serum is how lightweight it is when you apply it to the skin, it absorbs itself pretty rapidly and is designed to deliver a firming effect to smoothen and refine skin, whilst Hyaluronic Spheres provide long-lasting hydration to reignite a radiant glow.

The final product within the box is a 50ml Age-Balancing Moisture (RRP £59.50) and it is described as being ideal for dry, dehydrated and slackening skin.  As well as having an SPF30 this cream deeply nourishing moisturiser uses a blend of Shea, Sunflower, Grape Seed and Avocado Oil which provide long-lasting hydration, while Phytoestrogens work to smooth your complexion. 

Add to that the inclusion of a Copper Peptide Complex which is said to "stimulate cell turnover and the production of collagen, resulting in a more supple skin".   On the skin, this moisturising is so luxurious and smooth and a real treat to use.  I love that it isn't too thick a texture and it absorbs pretty quickly.

This is such a beautiful skin care set for Christmas and more than worth its price tag.

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

Stocking Fillers - The Beautyqueenuk Gift Guide

Growing up, I was always given a main present followed by a series of little stocking filler gifts, a tradition I have seemingly carried on to my adult life.  I often think that gifts described as being stocking fillers bring about just as much excitement anyway and today I am bringing to you my little stocking filler gift guide and everything here costs less than £25.

Antipodes Skin-Plumping Mini Set - I am a huge fan of Antipodes and this perfectly sized duo is not only a fab little stocking filler but they are also perfect for travel and slip easily into handbags or makeup kits. 

They are also a great way to trial Antipodes for those who are new to natural skincare. Hosana Serum, which works to stimulate the synthesis of collagen using rose, cardamon, mamaku black fern and vinanza grape it rejuvenates and keeps skin protected against free radical damage. Rejoice is an antibacterial, lightweight hydrating daily moisturiser that helps to keep skin clear. Manuka honey cleans up blemishes and prevents future ones for clearer skin, whilst avocado oil encourages the production of collagen to smooth our fine lines and reveal firmer skin. Priced at just £12 they are an absolute bargain to be had.

Soap and Glory have some incredible Christmas Gifts this year and Lip Lip Hooray is the perfect Stocking Filler. 

Inside this pretty star-shaped tin you will find three Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss Sticks in Nudist and Pink-A-Boo and a Matte Stick in shade Choco-Berry.  At just £8.50 and on a 3-for-2 offer right now.

ESPA Star of The Night comes housed in star-shaped packaging that doubles as a Christmas tree decoration. Inside the star is the ESPA best-selling Overnight Hydration Therapy; an intensely hydrating overnight treatment mask that nourishes and replenishes skin whilst you sleep. 

With ingredients such as the extract of Chicory Root with Konjac Root and Hyaluronic Acid to help reinforce the skin's natural barrier function whilst hydrating and smoothing the complexion. Its pure blend of Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang and Lavandin Essential Oils promote feelings of calm and encapsulated Lavender gently releases its soothing and restful properties as you lay down your head.  It costs just £12 and is just so undeniably cute.

Leighton Denny Nails - For the nail polish fans out there, I am sure there is an abundance of products to suit their needs and one set which stands out in its festive packaging comes from Leighton Denny.

This stunning Kit which retails for just £10 features Jewellery Box, a deep plum and gold glitter infusion and Images Of The Past which is a delicate pink rose gold shimmer.

EcoTools Bamboo 6 Piece Brush Set is packed with the 5 high-quality brushes you need to look beautiful, inside a natural cotton and hemp case. The set includes a Blush Brush, Eye Shading Brush, Lash and Brow Groomer and a Concealer Brush.  Priced at £15.99 it is a great starter kit and a great gift for any makeup enthusiast.

Eco Tools Tree Hanging Brushes - The first brush is the Contour Buki Brush is designed to add natural-looking definition to hollows of cheeks, jawline, or forehead and it is just so easy to use and grip.  Packaged inside this tree hanging tube it costs less than £5 here.  The second brush is the Contour Perfecting Applicator which comes in a Burgundy and Gold  design is designed to sculpt cheekbones, highlight and perfect with a simple sweep. The firm sponge tip delivers natural-looking definition while soft edge highlights and blends, all with the precise control of the handheld wand.  Again it costs less than £5.

Tangle Teezer - For anyone who needs a handbag-size hairbrush which has been designed to remove knots and tangles from hair without causing damage, then the Tangle Teezer is the one.  

Goldrush, the one shown in the photo is perfectly seasonal, bright and merry and retails for around £13.

Yardley English Rose Hand Cream which comes presented in a cracker is light and easily absorbed Nourishing Hand Cream containing floral extracts, shea butter and moisturising oils that leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and delicately fragranced. 

Priced at just £4.

REN is one of my favourite brands and if you read my blog regularly you will know that the Atlantic Sea Kelp and Magnesium range has become one of my trusted product range when I need help relaxing and sleeping.  

The Christmas ranges from REN are everything bit as unique as you might expect and this Bath Oil stocking filler, £10 and it is luxuriously rich and has an uplifting in scent, which will leave skin moisturised, supple and beautifully-soft and it is the perfect size for discovering the range and the brand.

brushworks HD Oval Brushes Detail Set is described as being a high-performance trio that applies and blends both liquid and powder products and are able to perform a multitude of tasks, from a smooth and seamless eyeshadow application to an expertly carved contour. 

The set includes Detail 6 Brush (F) which is designed for controlled application of eyeshadow, blush, concealer and contour products. Detail 1 Brush (H) that has a narrow brush head which is the ideal shape for applying and seamless blending eyeshadows, as well as sweeping on brow products, lip colour and eyeliner. Domed Round Brush (J) is perfect for helping to cover and conceal dark circles, blemishes and other imperfections. If you like your oval brushes, then you can find this set for less than £10.

Harley Street Skincare - Behind the famous skin clinic here in London comes a range of skincare and you can choose something from a wide range of serums and creams created to deliver the best results possible and give your skin a natural, glowing, youthful look.

This little try me kit is an offering this Christmas and what it does is give a real insight into the brand.  I have really enjoyed using the Restorative Hydro Moisturiser (red bottle) which is fantastic for my dry skin.  The Mini products start from around 12.50 and depending upon your skin type, you can really give some of these products a thorough testing before purchasing larger sizes.

label.m Diamond Dust Body Lotion cracker is not at all what I expected and for a brand whom I would usually associate hair care with, this was delightful to discover. Described as being luxurious and skin perfecting, Diamond Dust Body Lotion delivers intense moisture and silkiness, leaving skin glowing with a radiant diamond shimmer. 

Containing Real Diamond Particles that refract light and impart radiance on the skin whenever in contact with light plus White Rose Petal Oil to deliver deep moisture that’s instantly absorbed, resulting in soft, silky and supple skin. Priced at just £11.95 and it is incredibly packaged and just beautiful.  With it and the purchase of any two items is the Limited Edition Diamond Dust Candle which has a unique and sophisticated fragrance of romantic florals and aromatic citrus notes for a light, but sensually regal scent and it is priced at £22.

So there you have my Stocking Filler Gift Guide for 2017 and I hope it has given you some inspiration and some ideas.  I would love to know what Stocking Filler you are hoping to find this year!

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

Rock and Ruddle Hair Brushes

Rock & Ruddle create some incredible hair brushes and if you are like me I believe you should always have a back up option incase you lose your favourite brush. The brainchild of both Jackie and Alexandra who worked at the beauty giant L’Oréal together for many years and it was there that they developed an interest and love for hair and haircare.

Since their launch, Rock and Ruddle have grown quickly.  Starting out at consumer fairs to test the market and to get to know their customers, then moving on to wholesaling in the UK through such amazing retailers as Harvey Nichols and John Lewis and then on to export. Rock & Ruddle hairbrushes can now be found in department stores all over the world.

The brushes come in two sizes, large (£30) and handbag-sized (£20) and more excitingly, a selection of them can also be personalised with a name. In categories such as The Classics which allows you to choose from vibrant stripes, soft and pretty flowers to a fun variation of the Union Flag there are Neon Prints, Animal Prints, Characters, Metallics and many more besides. I have the Zebra print which comes from the Animal print collection and there are three bristle types to choose from. 

The brushes are made using natural bristles which have microscopic scales that release and spread the natural oil produced in the scalp (sebum) down each hair shaft making it shiny, supple and healthy. The bristles also keep the hair clean as the scales pick up dirt and excess oils as they go through the hair. When choosing your brush you will be given the option of:

• Natural bristle & nylon tips: One nylon tip per bristle bundle to thoroughly but gently brush the hair. For all hair types, great for detangling thick hair.
• Pure natural bristle with no nylon tip: For people with less thick hair or more sensitive scalps. Also great for small children
• Very soft bristle for babies: Ideal for the under 2s, only available with the small size brush.

What I really like is that you have a choice of bristle and essentially as an adult it is whether or not you want or need the nylon tips for your hair.  As it happens, the brush I have does have the tips and it is perfect for working its way through my hair and they don't scratch my scalp.

If you are in need of a new hair brush and want something that is hard wearing but funky, you can read more about Rock & Ruddle right here as well as seeing the entire hair brush range.

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