Last Minute Luxury Gifts

I've heard talks of pressies wrapped and under the tree since November when nothing was further from my mind. Us mere mortals don't need to panic just yet as most stores are still offering pre-Christmas delivery... I've rounded up some gorgeous ideas for last minute luxury gifts. 

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb EDP

My new obsession... I'm utterly smitten with this glorious scent and now understand why so many are infatuated with it. A little full on at first spritz, it settles on my skin with velvety, musky florals that I just can't get enough of. The perfume features top notes of tea and bergamot with sambac jasmine, orchid, freesia and rose at the centre on a base of patchouli. 

OSKIA Rose de Mai Massage Candle

The ultimate indulgence, OSKIA's massage candle is made with May Rose, nourishing soya and coconut oils. Burn it while you bathe, then massage the rose scented oil into clean, dry skin (the oil doesn't overheat). The smell is calming and the oil feels deliciously nourishing. 

Acqua di Parma Irish Nobile Gift Set

This purple satin box looks so beautiful it would seem a crime to wrap it up! Layer Iris Nobile EDP over the Bath Gel and Luminous Body Cream for an elegant scent that lingers til the party's over. The set includes 50ml of each product. 

Studio 10 Make Up Brush Set

I'm already a fan of Studio 10 make up and this brush set is the icing on the cake. It contains all the tools you need to apply a full face of makeup with beautifully soft and cleverly designed double ended brushes. I particularly like the Cheek and Eye Definer brushes. The snakeskin effect pouch to store them in makes it an even more glamorous gift. Purchased individually, these brushes would cost £154; the set is £75.

Roger & Gallet Bois D'Orange Fresh Fragrant Water and Hand & Nail Cream Cracker

Luxuries don't always have to be expensive... some provide all the luxe for a modest price, like these two from Roger & Gallet. Bois D'Orange is my favourite scent from this brand which I've raved about multiple times on here. Fresh, yet soft and woody it's a real crowd pleaser. The little cracker contains a Sublime Hand Cream and mini perfume sample. 

The Merchant Hotel Spa

If you really want to spoil someone or unsure what to give the woman who has everything, vouchers for a pampering session are always well received. The Merchant Hotel Spa is seriously decadent and offers gorgeous facial and body treatments. I was treated to the Hot Lava Shell Massage on my birthday last week and can't recommend it highly enough... I practically floated out! They have some great Winter Sale offers at the moment too. 

There are some great beauty deals to be found this month - here are just a few:

Free delivery at Space NK until 18 Dec

Beauty Sale at Very Exclusive (on now)

Free cleanser with every order at Pai Skincare until 21 Dec

Daily promotions at House of Fraser until 3 Jan, starting with 10% off mascara 24-26 Dec

I hope this helps some of you... I'm off to order a few last minute bits myself before I tuck into the mince pies... 

Roger & Gallet Bois D’Orange & Eau Des Bienfaits

Roger & Gallet Bois d'Orange 150th Anniversary Fresh Fragrant Water Spray

Roger & Gallet created a beautiful new Ltd Edition bottle to celebrate this week’s 150th Anniversary.  The luscious Bois D’Orange fragrance remains unchanged; simply repackaged in a striking screen printed bottle that pays tribute to one of the fragrance house's most famous benefactors, Napoleon Bonaparte…

“The bespoke emperor's flask was slim enough to slip inside his boot so that he could carry it with him everywhere, as requested by his beloved wife Josephine.”

I’ve blogged about Bois d'Orange perfumed body oil in the past {link}, a slightly softer version of this fragrance that spells sunshine to me.  The moment the sun appears, this is what I want to wear.  It’s been compared to walking through orange blossom filled garden of Andalusia and I couldn’t agree more. 

• Top Notes: Mandarin, Basil, Verbena
• Heart: Orange Flower, Neroli
• Base: Amber, Rosewood, Cedar

Fresh and invigorating but with a gentleness about it… this isn’t a sharp citrus. The woods and Amber provide a softness which in my opinion, help it strike the perfect balance.  And as it’s a fragrant water, it’s difficult to overdo this perfume - I often reapply it because I love the freshly spritzed hit I get from it, though the dry down is equally delicious!

Isn’t the elegant new bottle a thing of beauty…

The stark white screen printed design on the back creates a beautiful image when looking through the bottle (see above).  In the pic below you can see how the back of the bottle is flat, as if sliced off, allowing a perfect fit inside Napolean’s boot!

Eau Des Bienfaits Fragrant Body Mist

I’ve been rather spoiled by the opportunity to layer the perfume with Roger & Gallet’s Eau des Bienfaits Fragrant Body Mist.  While the fragrances are not the same, I think they work beautifully together.

This stimulating treatment fragrance includes essential oils and skin softening ingredients, lovely for this time of year.

“The joyful, invigorating water stimulates the mind and the skin. Its formulation of active ingredients includes hydrating aloe vera, quenching kiwi extract, toning ginseng extract and smoothing fruit acids derived from lemon. This caring cocktail works to pamper and soothe the body with its ultra-light and non-oily texture.”

With blood orange essential oil at its heart, Eau des Bienfaits is diffused with mandarin, bergamot and lemon essential oils. Violet leaves and orange blossom add a pretty floral softness.

• Top Notes: Mandarin, Bergamot, Lemon
• Heart: Blood Orange, Violet Leaves, Orange Blossom
• Base: Cedar, Patchouli

I love to spritz this all over, then top up with the Bois D’Orange Fragrant Water throughout the day… this exhilarating combo gives me such a buzz, a 100% feel good fragrance that isn’t overpowering, more like a breath of blossom-filled fresh air.  If I had to choose between the two, I’d go for the Eau de Bienfaits (in the Bois D’Orange bottle!). ;-)

Roger & Gallet Eau des Bienfaits Fragrant Body Mist Spray 100ml costs £28.50 at Escentual

Roger & Gallet Bois d'Orange 150th Anniversary Fresh Fragrant Water Spray 100ml is £34.00, also at Escentual.com

What’s your favourite Spring/Summer fragrance?

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