Christmas Gift Guide: Body Beautiful

L'Occitane-Pamplemousse Rhubarb-Gift-Set-Christmas-2015

I’ve already touched on Christmas in my Jo Malone post, but this is the first of my official gift guides focusing on quality body products from brands that I know and love. If you knowing someone who deserves a little pampering, this one’s for you. I often find that sets like this offer an economical way to try new things or stock up on favourites.

I’ll try and let the pictures do most of the talking here… not my greatest strength I know, but here goes!

L'Occitane-Pamplemousse Rhubarb-perfume,bodylotion,soap,showergel

Pamplemousse Rhubarbe Tantalising Collection, £55  (worth £73) - Kicking off with a really special gift from L’Occitane, a beautiful gold & confetti box packed with products from the limited edition Pamplemousse Rhubarbe Collection, a collab with pastry chef Pierre Hermé. The presentation of this is really luxurious and I’m loving the fresh new scent.

L'Occitane-Pamplemousse Rhubarb-Gift-Set

Grapefruit is my favourite citrus and this is really authentic; the grapefruit is stronger than the rhubarb, though its tartness is still there. Think fresh and zingy, yet softly, just lovely. It’s one that can be sprayed liberally without overpowering and I love layering these products - a real feel good fragrance and lovely alternative to heavier winter scents.

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Orla Kiely Geranium Hand Set, £22 - Not gonna lie, Orla Kiely packaging is a big pull for me and the cute storage tin that this hand wash and lotion come in is a real bonus. I’ve used the Geranium hand wash before, so am already a fan of its fresh, pretty scent. The little ceramic dish pleases me too as it fits neatly on the sink area and I can pretend to be all posh (even when I refill the soap with a cheaper alternative as I might have done in the past - shhh!).

Aveda-Stress-Fix-Christmas-gift-set

Aveda Stress Fix set, £32 Aveda has launched a number of gorgeous gift sets for Christmas and the simplicity of this one really appeals to me - who wouldn’t be happy with a giant tube of gorgeous hand cream? The acupressure roller ball with certified organic french lavender, lavandin and clary sage is honestly brilliant... a few deep breathes inhaling this from my wrists and I can actually feel the tension leave my shoulders. Both are brilliant for your desk or hand bag and I can’t think of a lovelier way to unwind on the go, which most of us could benefit from, stressed or not.

Balance-Me-shower-gift-set

Balance Me Bathing Beauties Trio, £12 - Balance Me Body Wash is one of the few shower products that I can use when my skin gets intensely dry. There’s nothing in there to irritate, they smell gorgeous and feel wayyy more luxurious than the price tag. Rose Otto is my favourite, but Super Moisturising and Revitalising are also lovely. This set works out at brilliant value (worth £18) and you could always divvy up with two for friends and one for you!

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Vita Liberata Perfect Party Glow Set, £29.50 (worth £46) - You’ve heard me rave about Vita Liberata self tanning products on multiple occasions and this set is brilliant for those devoted to remaining golden all year round, or at least until after New Year! The Tinted Lotion works particularly well on dry skin so is a good choice for Winter. Trystal Minerals is a loose bronzing powder (with dispenser) which adds warmth to your face or décolleté. Applied over moisturiser, it leaves a very subtle tint of colour with repeated use, so you even look healthy the morning after! The set includes a mini tanning mitt and full size, supersoft Trystal Minerals brush. The bronzing powder is around half the regular size; still loads and should last for ages.

Soap Glory-Christmas-set

Soap & Glory Bright & Bubbly, £10 - Soap & Glory do gifting brilliantly and have really pulled out all the stops this year. Bright & Bubbly is packaged in a mini hat box , about the size of a large square tissue box with gorgeous graphics and a silver glitter lid, definitely a keeper.

Soap Glory-Christmas-gift-hat-box

Inside are some of my favourites and a cute pink shower puff. Scrub of Your Life, Hand Food, Clean on Me and The Righteous Butter are all best sellers with good reason and smell absolutely delicious. I think they’re some of the best body products on the High Street and can’t believe this set is only a tenner (also on 3 for 2).

Which beauty gifts are you hoping to find under your tree? I’ll be back with suggestions for makeup, nails and more!

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Omorovicza Skincare Review & 30% Off

Omorovicza-skincare-review

After we graduated, my best friend moved to Budapest to teach English… I’d pop over to visit her when I could get a cheap flight and we’d while away the hours in the amazing thermal baths, where locals of all ages would gather to socialise. Little did I know that one day I’d try a luxury skincare range originating from the walls of the beautiful city I fell for back then, based on the healing properties of its thermal waters.

Omorovicza is one of many skincare brands I’ve discovered through blogging and has been on my wish list for a while, so it was amazing to have the opportunity to try it recently. When I heard that you can save 30% on the (rather hefty) price tag for a few days, I figured this was a good time to share my thoughts.

Omorovicza-Illuminating-Moisturiser, Queen-of-Hungary-Mist 

Queen of Hungary Mist is one of the most hyped products from the range and when I heard people rave about it, the cynic in me would roll my eyes at the idea that it could be any better than any other facial mist. I’m always happy to be proved wrong (even if it will end up costing me a fortune) and hands up - this is a really beautiful product, which I’ve reached for multiple times daily this month.

It tones with orange blossom, rose & sage waters, hydrates with apple pectin and contains multiple minerals in a base of Hungarian Thermal Water. The ultra fine mist smells incredible, feels refreshing and hydrating and works well on its own or over makeup.

I spritz first thing in the morning - literally the minute I get up, post cleansing and as I work at my desk. To be fair, I’ve introduced a few other products recently which I’ll share soon, but I do think this boosts my dehydrated skin, which hasn’t suffered the usual dryness that kicks in at this time of year. And it’s really such a treat to use.

Radiance is a big selling point for me when it comes to skin care, so Illuminating Moisturiser was next on my must try list. Aimed at normal to dry skin, apple pectin and plum almond oil hydrate, while ruby crystal blurs the appearance of fine lines. A little lighter in texture than I expected, I pair this with a serum and need a richer moisturiser at night, but find that it makes a great base for makeup and the pump bottle is so quick and easy to use (I need all the help I can get in the morning rush).

Omorovicza-Gold-Eye-Lift

If you just fancy trying *something* from Omorovicza and aren’t sure what to treat yourself to, I’d definitely go for the Queen of Hungary Mist. It’s beautiful, hydrating and a pleasure to use.

For anyone concerned about lines and dehydration around your eyes - and of a certain age (I’d let you decide what that is, but I’d say 35+) - then my best discovery is Gold Eye Lift.

I try a lot of eye creams and few make a notable difference, but this one definitely has done. I took a second look in the mirror when I noticed - and am not saying the lines around my eyes have disappeared, but they absolutely look better. Better as in less noticeable, slightly softened and well hydrated. This is a rich cream and a teeny dot goes a long way.

It treats dark circles with vitamin K, resurfaces with vitamin A (retinol), reduces puffiness with arnica and offers a string of other benefits. Darkness, lines and puffiness = my main boxes ticked and I’m absolutely loving this. Unfortunately it’s also one of Omorovicza’s priciest products, though the 30% discount makes it slightly more palatable. I’m saving for my next pot already.

Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist | Illuminating Moisturiser | Gold Eye Lift

Prices shown include 30% discount, available until Tuesday 1st December 8am GMT, only at omorovicza.com/uk

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Dream Purchase: Rosie for Autograph Luxury Dressing Gown

M S-Rosie-Autograph-Hooded-Luxury-Dressing-Gown

A little off piste for me today but this M&S Rosie for Autograph Hooded Luxury Dressing Gown is truly one of my favourite purchases of the year - and kind of pampering related, right? Although pricier than your average dressing gown (worth every penny in my opinion), it has just gone into the sale at 30% off, so I had to share the love.

To set the scene, my previous dressing gown was a skanky 8 year old leopard print number around 3 sizes too big, purchased when (enormously) pregnant with my son. So I deserved a new one, right?

M S-Luxury-Dressing-Gown-black 

The Luxury Dressing Gown is really thick, cosy and kitten soft, more like a velvet coat than a dressing gown, with satin trims and a HUGE snuggly hood. If I haven’t already worn it during the day (so cosy it saves putting the heat on when working from home!), I purposely get into my PJs early so that I can wear it in the evening.

Good Lord who even am I - is this a middle life crisis or am I allowed to feel this way?!

I originally bought the Shimmer Bird Print dressing gown (now down to £19.25), also really pretty, but decided I needed a hood! I’m freezing in the mornings and a hood makes all the difference, so I now wander the house looking like the Sith from Star Wars according to my 7 year old son - and probably scare the pants of the postie.

I ordered the long, which is a couple of inches above my ankles (I’m 5.85) and sized up following the advice of 300+ rave reviewers on the M&S site. I’m glad I did - you can tell from Rosie’s pic that it doesn’t wrap around very far (not that I’d mind if I looked like her) - I’m a size 12 and bought the 16-18, which fits perfectly.

The M&S Hooded Luxury Dressing Gown is reduced from £39.50 to £27.65 and also comes in berry, ivory and a couple of other shades in-store. I’ve tried them all and think the black and ivory are nicest… I was unsure about black at first but it looks so velvety and plush that I really like it.

Beauty chat shall resume tomorrow…

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Instant Shine in a Can

Colab-Luxe-Shine-Spray.ColorWow-Pop Lock-Crystallite-Shellac,CharlesWorthington-ColourReviveMousse-ClearGloss

Have any Strictly Come Dancing fans noted how shiny Claudia’s hair is? I’ve never seen anything quite like it… oh how I covet that glossy mane. Blondes and redheads tend to be less blessed when it comes to the shine stakes, so I usually seek mine from a finishing product. I’ve been testing out three formulas that promise instant shine… here’s how I got on.

 Shiny-Hair-CharlesWorthington-ColourReviveMousse-ClearGloss,Colab-Luxe-Shine-Spray.ColorWow-Pop Lock-Crystallite-Shellac

Charles Worthington Colour Revive mousse is all about enhancing colour and shine, but since there’s no redhead version (boo hiss) I plumped for the Clear Gloss option. Applied to wet hair pre blow drying, this adds subtle shine, though didn’t blow me away. I imagine that the colour formulas would have a more noticeable effect - have any of you tried these yet? (on 3 for 2 at Boots if you’re interested).

COLAB Luxe Shine spray is the latest launch in this line by Ruth Crilly aka A Model Recommends. I’m hooked on the dry shampoo, one of the best I’ve tried, so was keen to give this a go. First up, the can itself is very luxe and reminds me a bit of Oribe, at a much more palatable £4.99. The second thing I noticed about this was the scent, which I personally really like. It wasn’t until I’d used it a few times that I noticed the label said ‘glossing hair fragrance’, so it’s actually marketed primarily as a hair fragrance, which adds subtle gloss.

*must keep up*

With notes of Bergamot, Oud and Cashmere (yep, hair spray has perfume notes now), the scent is soft and woody, not sickly sweet like a lot of hair products. The formula is light enough to use on fine hair and sprays a lovely fine mist which does add shine when my hair catches the light. A brilliant option for anyone who can’t wear perfume, or wants 3rd day hair to smell better than it looks! Normally £4.99, COLAB Luxe Shine spray is currently £3.99 at Superdrug HERE. (highly recommend adding a can of the Dry Shampoo while you’re at it - Monaco fragrance is the best, currently down to £2.49 HERE! *fills basket*).

Color WOW Pop & Lock Crystallite Shellac (brilliant product name) can be used on wet or dry hair and works by sealing the hair cuticle to lock colour in and dryness out, while a UV filter helps prevent colour fade. This adds a subtle shimmer without the disco ball effect. I like to add a little on the very surface of my hair post styling to smooth it out and add a sheen; I find that it also gives a little extra hold. While I do like this, the shampoo and conditioner remain my Colour WOW favourites… oh and I’m still hooked on the Speed Dry Blow Dry Spray (featured in My Most Used Products of 2014). I always use this when I’m in a hurry… brilliant for a late night blow dry before falling into bed - or when racing out the door.

My top pick of these three (and conveniently the cheapest) is COLAB Luxe Shine glossing hair fragrance.

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Bobbi Brown Sterling Nights Collection

 Bobbi-Brown-Sterling-Nights-Collection-Christmas-Holiday-2015 

If you think of Bobbi Brown as a neutrals-only range, think again, as the new Sterling Nights Collection is anything but. There’s a staple eye palette to balance things out and the rest is all about colour. Of course I’m not talking neon; this is grown-up, sophisticated colour with a sprinkling of festive sparkle… think jewel toned eyes, luminous cheeks and a WOW bright lip.

Bobbi-Brown-Sterling-Nights-Eye-Shadow-Palette

If you do prefer a neutral base, the limited edition Sterling Nights Eye Palette has you covered from day to smokey night looks. Inspired by star-studded skies, it includes a mix of matte and sparkle shades in mostly cool tones, wrapped in a luxuriously heavy black and silver compact.

Bobbi-Brown-Sterling-Nights-Lip-Color-Lady-Ruba-Atomic-Orange-swatches

Four limited edition Lip Colors include Lady Ruba (top), a festive orange-red and a sizzling hot Atomic Orange. Although they have a semi matte finish, these are rich and creamy with a fair bit of movement, so I like to wear them with an invisible lip liner to ensure a crisp edge. While I think these two shades will be very popular, personally I’d go for the Nude or Vixen Red shades, both quite dark and vampy (see here).

Bobbi-Brown-Sequin-Eye-Shadow-StarBeam-bronze-Constellation-purple-swatchesBobbiBrown-Sequin-Eyeshadow-swatches-Constellation-Starbeam

The stars of this collection are the baked, pearl-infused Sequin Eye Shadows, available in 4 shades and unsurprisingly selling out quickly. The bronze, Constellation (above) is my favourite, though Comet (emerald) and Moon Rock (sapphire) are stunning if you enjoy wearing brighter jewel tones. I’ve shown them swatched over NARS Smudge Proof Primer here, which as you can see, intensifies the already strong pigment.

The left swatch is Star Beam and right, Constellation. Star Beam looks like a blackened purple in real life and Constellation is way more shimmery and foil-like… their magic was impossible (for me) to capture on camera. I’d definitely opt for purchasing these in person as the colour marbling will vary between them and some will have more shimmer and sparkle than others. The gold in Constellation can be used pressed over another shadow, with the darker brown in the crease, or the two blended together for a shimmery brown - they really are very versatile. (I tried to show the ombre effect of gold at the top, brown at the base and a mix in the middle in the above swatch.)

BobbiBrown-SterlingNights-Collection-swatches

This pic shows the Sequin Eye Shadows without primer. Directly below them is my second favourite from this collection, a new shade of Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner - Black Ivy is a blackened green, which makes my grey-blue eyes look almost teal. Below the lipsticks are two of three new Face Highlighters, Seashell and Sunlight Bronze. The formula of these is really beautiful - smooth, creamy and pearlised (no glitter) - and I love the pump mechanism of the bottles. Also available in Pink, which I’d probably go for as I like a cool toned highlight, though pale gold Seashell also works well on me. Probably not one to invest in unless you wear highlighter regularly, but if you do, the formula is on point.

I’m loving the rich tones of this collection. If I had to choose, the Sequin Eye Shadows and Black Ivy Eyeliner have my heart.

Bobbi Brown Sterling Nights Collection for Christmas 2015 is available now at House of Fraser, Selfridges and Nordstrom. As I publish, some of the shades are available with 15% off at John Lewis.

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Shea Moisture UK Launch: Bye Bye Dry!

Shea-Moisture-Raw-Shea-Butter-Shampoo-Conditioner-UK 

Shea Moisture hair and body products have been around since 1912 with an extremely loyal US customer following, so it’s great news that the hair range has now launched in the UK. Originally developed to treat the specific needs of Afro hair, the line has been extended to suit many hair types, and remains particularly effective on dry, damaged, brittle, curly or colour treated hair.

As the name suggests, the products are shea butter based and smell SO good I’d probably plaster them on my head even if they were rubbish. Which they’re not. I’ve been enjoying the Raw Shea Butter Extra Moisture Retention Shampoo and Restorative Conditioner with Sea Kelp and Argan Oil, designed to moisturise, add shine and improve hair elasticity.

Shea-Moisture-Jamaican-Black-Castor-Oil-Strengthen Restore-Leave-in-Conditioner-review

The real star for me is Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave-in Conditioner with shea butter, peppermint and keratin. This one smells so good I’ve been known to open the tub for a sniff on my way past - a properly swoony sweet vanilla gourmand type smell. Honestly if the body range smells anything like this then I can only hope it arrives on our shores pronto.

As the name suggests, this leave-in conditioner is for properly screwed up hair, so avoid if you’ve got fine or oily locks - this is all about intense nourishment and repair. Chemically processed, colour treated or heat styled hair will lap it up! I spread a small amount between my hands then comb it through mid lengths and ends with my fingers pre styling. No need to rinse. Despite feeling super rich and leaving my hair extra soft and frizz-free, I was amazed to find that this didn’t weigh my hair down or leave it feeling lank the next day. I’m genuinely so happy to have discovered it.

Shea Moisture hair products contain no sulphates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil or synthetic colour. They come in huge tubs (the latter is almost half a litre), are reasonably priced at £10.99-12.99 and are currently on 3 for 2 at Boots HERE.

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What’s New (Puss) in Boots?

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I can often be found stalking the Beauty Finds section at Boots… it’s where all the new products are housed - from new releases to new at Boots. I know from working with beauty brands that making it onto Boots shelves is a huge deal, so I like to keep an eye on what’s there to see if there’s anything new worth trying. I was recently sent a selection of Boots’ latest Beauty Finds and thought I’d share my thoughts with on how I’ve got on with them after a couple of weeks’ testing.

You may have heard me rave about the Wet Brush before, basically the best detangling hair brush since sliced bread (and yes, that includes the Tangle Teezer). I have several in a range of colours which me and the kids bicker over each morning. Named the Wet Brush as they don’t damage wet hair, the flexible bristles also work brilliantly on dry hair.

I’m also a long term fan of EOS lip balm… not only does it work hard at keeping my lips soft and smooth, it’s also made with nothing but good stuff. This is particularly important to me in a lip product; a little of what goes on my lips inevitably ends up in my mouth, so the vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil content is reassuring as well as effective. This one is Honeysuckle Honeydew - it comes in lots of lovely flavours, all encased in a cute sphere.

Egyptian Magic is a don’t judge this pot by the cover style of product. If you suffer from extremely dry skin - or dry patches - then this is worth forgoing any prejudice towards pretty packaging and sweet scented products. The no nonsense rich emollient cream contains olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis extract; no synthetic preservatives or fragrance. It’s a solid formula that melts in your hands and a godsend for dry shins and ankles. Why do they get so dry? It does leave a slightly oily sheen on the skin for a while, worth bearing in mind if you’re planning on wearing a silk jumpsuit or similar afterwards… a girl can dream.

If you’ve ever tried Crest White Strips, Mr Blanc is a similar product - coated cellophane-like strips that stick to teeth for half an hour and help reduce staining. I didn’t like the amount of sticky residue these left in my mouth (brushing is required immediately after use) and know that repeated use is required for best results, but it’s good to have such a product on our doorstep at last. (I’m starting a professional whitening treatment soon which is why I didn’t continue to use these - I’ll let you know how I get on with that too!)

Wunderbrow, Billion-Dollar-Brows, HairBurst

I’ve noticed such a difference in the strength of my nails since I stopped using a specific supplement for them. I generally find that hair supplements improve them too as they benefit from the same nutrients, so I have high hopes for Hair Burst premium vitamins packed with essential nutrients including collagen, biotin and folic acid. Obvs hoping it gives my hair a boost too!

Wunderbrow and Billion Dollar Brows are both new to me… I’m forever trying new brow products in search of The One. These suit very different needs and work completely differently… Wunderbrow contains hair-like fibres infused with pigment and gel, designed to lock onto your brows and last several days. Not gonna lie, I was cynical, but pleasantly surprised at how well this worked. The Brunette shade is more of a dark taupe and comes in a thick gel-like liquid, which I found worked best with my own brush for a full brow look. Best for those experienced at doing their own brows, sportspeople or anyone in a hot climate - the colour really can last a few days, which is great if that’s what you’re after. I did cleanse gently in the area and avoid oils when using this, but still - impressive.

Billion Dollar Brows Brow Brush is a twist-up pencil with a spoolie on one end. Quick and easy to apply, this is soft and well pigmented with strong colour payoff, so works best with a light hand.  While the colour is very natural looking, I paired this with brow gel as I’m used to a harder, waxy pencil. The nib is thicker than I’m used to, so best for filling in rather than adding individual hair strokes and the spoolie is great to tidy brows before hand and remove any excess product after. I like this - it just requires a little more care than I’d spend on a five minute face in the morning rush.

 WAH-London-Immerge

WAH Immerge by WAH London is a set of 3 nail polishes designed for nail art, particularly the ombre effect. While the psychedelic Lava Set shades aren’t what I normally go for, I like the concept and the polishes do seem to merge together well… I was able to create a marbled effect with a cocktail stick in seconds.

Wet-Brush,EOS-Honeysuckle-Honeydew-lip-balm-Boots

These two tried and tested favourites are my pick of the bunch: I’ve loved the Wet Brush and EOS Lip Balm for a long time and am so happy that I can now purchase them easily in Boots! 

You can find all of Boots’ current Beauty Finds here.

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Clinique Days of the Week Lipstick

Clinique-Days-of-the-Week-Lipstick-colours

I’ve always slightly begrudged not owning days of the week pants as a child. Mum clearly thought I had my Monday to Sunday down, but that’s not really the point when you’re 8, is it? I can finally lay this woe to rest, thanks to Clinique’s Days of the Week Lipstick set - waayyy more exciting than pants. 

Clinique-Days-of-the-Week-Lipstick-set-Christmas-2015

The seven cutely-named miniatures come housed in a colourful hot pink and purple glossy box. Fully extended, each lipstick bullet is around 1 inch long, with 2.4g of product, more than half the 4g full size. I love that the silver packaging is of equal quality to its bigger sister and the size is perfect for a clutch or pocket.

Clinique-Days-of-the-Week-Lipstick

The colours themselves are on the whole, very wearable and I’d personally wear all except one (second left). Far left and far right are my faves. I can’t stop staring at them. What is about miniature makeup that makes it so much more desirable?

Clinique-Days-of-the-Week-Lipstick-swatches

The Soft Shine formula feels lightweight and moisturising on the lips, with a slight sheen. Not quite as full on or long lasting as Pop Lips, these seem to mesh into the skin for a slightly more natural look. I used one swipe of colour for these swatches to give you an idea of intensity, which ranges from semi sheer to full - depending on the colour - and can of course be built up into a deeper shade.

From the bottom up:

  1. Sweet Sunday - beige rose nude and my personal favourite of the bunch.
  2. Monday Mojo - semi-sheer fuchsia with a blue toned shimmer, the only one I’m not so keen on.
  3. Take-on Tuesday - a warm coral, quite Autumnal
  4. Welcome Wednesday - a deeper browny nude, also lovely
  5. Throwback Thursday - semi sheer mid rose pink
  6. Finally Friday - well pigmented deep rose pink
  7. Sassy Saturday - berry toned red with a tonne of pigment, reminds me of red velvet - gorgeous!

Clinique Days of the Week would make a gorgeous gift for one person (yep, that includes you) or divided up into stocking fillers. Brilliant value at £35 - that’s £5 per lipstick (worth £79). It’s sold out in some places already, but still available at clinique.co.uk, lookfantastic.com, harrods.com and harveynichols.com.

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Pixi Book of Beauty: Touch of Blush, Contour Creator & Minimal Makeup - Review & Swatches

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Pixi Beauty has launched new limited edition Book of Beauty palettes: Touch of Blush, Contour Creator and Minimal Makeup. I’m a fan of kits like these rather than lots of individual products… they encourage me to experiment more with colour and are fun to use, a bit like applying makeup from an actual artist’s palette. I may have worn 3 of the blush shades at once today *things I shouldn’t admit.*

You probably won’t need all three Books (if need is in your vocabulary), so here’s a rundown with swatches to help you choose.

Pixi-Book-of-Beauty-Contour-Creator,Minimal-Makeup,Touch-of-Blush  At first glance, there are quite a few similarities, but there are quite a variety of tones. Minimal Makeup (bottom of the pic above) is the obvious choice for a gift, or if you fancy a bit of everything in one palette. It contains two highlighters, bronzer, blush and four eye shadows, two of which are shimmery. The palettes are made from cardboard and very lightweight… I do love the packaging but wish the rose gold and colour detail continued inside.

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Pixi Book of Beauty - Contour Creator

I’m not the biggest contour-er as my face is already quite angular and I’d prefer it to look fuller if anything, though do sometimes use a little under my cheekbones or to make my forehead look a little less vast. Less of a problem since I was reunited with my fringe (which I may have trimmed myself this weekend in a desperado moment, oops). Contour Creator is a lovely palette if you’re really into sculpting your face… I can see myself using these for a subtle bronze and highlight. It contains 3 shades for brightening and highlighting and 3 for adding shadow. The peach at the base has the most shimmer and the white is completely matte. Applied with a brush, each shade of course gives a much more subtle effect than my finger swatches. If you’re into highlighter and finishing powders you may also like the Book of Beauty Glow Getters.

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Pixi Book of Beauty - Touch of Blush

I’m a real blush fanatic, (typical pale face) so was naturally most drawn to Touch of Blush. I’d use all of these shades at different times of year, except the bright peach. My favourites are the top middle shade (2nd swatch) - coral with gold shimmer, quite NARS Orgasm-like. Bottom left (4th swatch), a beige-rose nude, similar to the now discontinued NARS Douceur and bottom right (6th swatch), a really sweet baby pink, perfect for pale faces. I think the variety of colours here would work on a lot of different skin tones, possibly best on medium to olive/tanned skins.

The limited edition Pixi Books of Beauty, £24 are available now at M&S.

PS Minimal Makeup is incorrectly named at the moment but this is it!

PPS I’ve been missing in action a little lately as family has taken priority (it always does, but  lately more than usual)… I have lots of loveliness I’m bursting to share with you, so keep an eye out over the next week or so. xx

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Jo Malone London Christmas 2015

Jo-Malone-London-Pomegranate-Noir-Candle-Christmas2015 

So I’ve stayed true to my word and not mentioned Christmas until November, starting with one of my favourite collections from Jo Malone London, just launched this week.

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I love that this year’s gifts are wrapped with green velvet ribbons and tissue paper - so classic, yet a little different from the usual red and more sophisticated in my opinion.

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I couldn’t believe how much the Pomegranate Noir candle FILLED my room with scent. Even before it was lit, that distinct warm fragrance was in the air and it lingers for hours after I blow it out, into the next day. Pomegranate Noir is one of Jo Malone London’s most distinctive fragrances - and while the perfume itself is loved by many, I prefer the candles and bath oil. They still have that richness, but in a softer way and are definite Autumn-Winter scents in my book. A sensual mix of pomegranate and raspberry with Casablanca lily, warm guaiac wood and amber, in case you’re wondering.

As ever, this year’s Jo Malone London Christmas Collection features an amazing line up of limited edition gifts - here are a few of my personal favourites…

JML Christmas Cologne Collection

The Cologne Collection - perfect for anyone who gets bored of wearing the same fragrance every day *puts hand up* or sampling a range of perfumes to choose which one you’d like in the full size! This set includes 9ml bottles of the following colognes: Lime Basil Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, English Pear & Freesia, Peony & Blush Suede and Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne.

 

 JML Christmas Cracker_with product

The Christmas Cracker - the classiest filled cracker I’ve ever come across this contains miniatures of Peony & Blush Suede Body Crème 15ml, Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash 15ml and my favourite, Blackberry & Bay Cologne 9ml.

JML Christmas Travel Candle Collection

Scented Travel Candle Collection - 60g miniatures of Blackberry & Bay, Pine & Eucalyptus and Roasted Chestnut candles. All 3 of these are ah-mazing and I’d be just as excited to receive this as a perfume! Blackberry & Bay is my favourite Jo Malone perfume, which I’ve raced through faster than any other… the thought of my whole home smelling like this (incredibly uplifting) is amazing. The other two scents are limited editions for Christmas only. Of all the gifts, this is the one I’m most tempted to buy for myself! Part of the pleasure of wearing fragrance is being able to smell it yourself, so the idea of my home smelling this gorgeous is hard to resist.

JML RC Deluxe Candle

Roasted Chestnut Deluxe Candle - the stuff of actual dreams. This is a pricey gift but genuinely, one of the most incredible candles I’ve ever smelt. Rich and smokey, it really does smell of chestnuts roasting by the fire. Naturally these Jo Malone London chestnuts are seasoned with nutmeg, cinnamon and clove, sweetened with soft caramel. Also, that striped green glass. This is a whopper at 600g and should last well through the festive season. I just wish it came in a regular size so that I could afford to buy one, though it is included in the Travel Collection.

The Jo Malone Christmas Collection 2015 is available now here. It always sells out quickly so now is the time to snap up your favourites!

Which of these would you like to find under your tree?

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