Last minute Valentine's gift for your man!

I always think that perfume makes a great gift for a loved one, especially for your man. If yours is anything like mine he will very rarely purchase scent for himself, but is always happy to receive it!

One of my favourite male fragrances is Hugo Man. It is a sharp and extremely masculine fragrance with satisfying notes of patchouli, bergamot and musk. With its fresh scent it remains quite versatile and adaptable.

Hugo Man EDT 75ML Music Ltd Edition £37.00 is available from The Perfume Shop nationwide http://www.theperfumeshop.com

A cool feature of this limited edition fragrance is it's link to music! HUGO Fragrances has collaborated with three up and coming artists – Kate Boy, Kasper Bjørke and Nina Kraviz – to reshape famous classic recordings for the new HUGO Man Music Limited Edition.

Each artist has selected a track which they have “turned upside down” to create an innovative cover. The result is a unique set of tracks that embody originality and the power of reinvention. Each fragrance contains a download code for the three exclusive upside down tracks. Downloadable from www.hugoboss.com

I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's Day this Friday!

 

*This is a sponsored post*

His and Hers Valentine's Gifts from Braun

Apologies for my hiatus of late! Wedding planning and work coincided with the beginning of the year being spent on jury service, leaving me quite time poor and pretty exhausted! I was lucky enough not to be involved in some of the more well publicised trials currently on at Southwark Crown Court, but nevertheless it was a very emotional and draining few weeks. However, I have lots of things to update you on so look out for a little flurry of posts…

Today I wanted to do a little feature on some cool new gadgets from Braun that I was sent to trial before Christmas - a ‘His and Hers’ grooming duo featuring the Braun CoolTEC shaver and the SkinSpa epilator.

My fiancé, who despite my best efforts is only interested in grooming under duress, has been dutifully putting the new Braun CoolTEC shaver (£199.99) to the test. Braun’s CoolTec is a revolutionary new dry shaver that has been designed to minimise irritation, making it perfect for sensitive skin and since Luke has eczema I thought he would be the perfect candidate for trials. It’s innovative feature is an aluminium cooling bar built into the head to remove the heat created during shaving, thereby cooling the skin, minimizing redness, burning and itching sensations, and leaving skin refreshed. It also has an adaptable 3 stage cutting system to adjust to the contours of the face and a SensoBlade, which has been specifically designed to target and capture hairs growing in different directions.

In essence, all these fancy specs mean that this shaver works really well, giving a smooth, comfortable shave with minimal irritation. My fiancé is a sceptic when it comes to electric shavers, having broken various models due to his coarse stubble, but the CoolTec has been going strong! He has explained that it does take him a little longer to shave in the morning, when compared to a traditional razor, but the fact that he can use it in the shower (it is waterproof up to 5m) still saves him time overall (and makes me happy as there are no messy hairs left in the sink). Overall the best testament I can give is that he has actually started using it quite independently, so much so that the last time I unplugged the CoolTec charger to charge my toothbrush the CoolTec had quickly taken its place! High praise indeed ;p.

For my part I have been using the Braun Silk-epil Skin Spa (£169.99) over the last month, which is an epilator and sonic exfoliator in one convenient gadget. As you may have read in my previous reviews I am a huge wimp when it comes to any forms of pain, so I am always very cautious when it comes to epilation. However, every time I try a new epilator from Braun I am impressed by the progress that has been made, and this was no exception.

This epilator can be used wet or dry, which I find super convenient not only with regards to saving time, but also clean up. The fact that this epilator is so good at picking up short hairs was also a welcome feature. In fact, it can remove hairs 4 times shorter (0.5mm) than waxing and some as small as a grain of sand! The exfoliation brush is a great addition as it works hard to make your newly smooth skin even softer. The brush refines the skin 4 times better than a manual scrub with more than 3000 micro-vibrations per minute. I especially love to use it before applying fake tan as it leaves no oily residues, like some scrubs can, and makes sure my skin is perfectly primed.

More info on both of these grooming gizmos can be found on the Braun website here or on the Boots website - CoolTec and SkinSpa


Have you guys tried the Braun CoolTec or SkinSpa? What do you think of them? Perhaps it’s time to treat yourself (or your partner) to a little preening this Valentine's Day! xxx

Oral-B Pink 600 Electric Toothbrush Gift Set

I think we can all agree that brushing our teeth is not the most exciting part of our beauty routine, but it is nevertheless one of the most important. Your smile is one of your best assets, so to make sure it is clean and healthy it's worth investing in an electric toothbrush. Since I purchased my Oral-B brush many years ago I have never gone back as it definitely makes a difference, especilly as an electric toothbrush can remover 100% more plaque than a manual!

The only disadvantage is that the fiance has also noticed the superiority of this brush and is constantly stealing it. Just to clarify before I get any outcries we are not sharing a toothbrush (Yuck! We are not Marshall and Lily from How I Met Your Mother). He has his own toothbrush head, but is constantly stealing the base and 'forgetting' to recharge it. Finally, I am feeling rather smug to have found the solution to this problem...

The new limited edition Oral-B Precision Clean brush has just been launched in pink! The girliest pink will not only brighten up my otherwise unisex bathroom, but I am hopeful will also ensure that it remains firmly on my side of the sink. I am tempted to wrap up my old one and give it to him for Christmas, just to make my point ;).

The new Oral-B Precision Clean 600 Electric Toothbrush Gift Set is exclusive to Boots and is available here for just £25.

Small Wonders

If you are struggling for a last minute gift or have forgotten that office Secret Santa present why not try your luck in Boots? They always have fun gift sets around Christmas and this Soap & Glory Small Wonders mini hat box is no exception.

With 5 mini products for just £10 it makes a great stocking filler too. Plus it contains some of my all time favourites from the Soap & Glory range:-

• Clean On Me
• Hand Food (great size for your bag)
• The Righteous Butter
• Scrub of Your Life
• Shower Puff

Or if, like me, you are far too greedy to give it away the minis are super useful for travel too. I have safely hidden mine away for my holiday in January! Yay! xxx

Organic Surge Nature's Winter Wonders Bundle

I am quite knew to the British brand Organic Surge so I was excited to try out their latest bundle of products designed especially for pampering your skin this season. The Organic Surge Nature’s Winter Wonders Bundle is the perfect gift for top-to-toe natural nourishment, wrapping your skin and hair in nurturing moisture to protect from the effects of cold weather and central heating.

This Gift Set contains:

• Organic Surge Moisture Boost Shampoo to boost moisture retention in hair
• Organic Surge Moisture Boost Conditioner to protect the hair’s natural oils
• Organic Surge Super-Intensive Daily Moisturiser to nourish, condition and rehydrate skin
• Organic Surge Spiced Lily Bath Foam to de-stress and revive the body and mind
• Organic Surge Sugared Almond Shower Gel to moisturise and nourish the body (my favourite)
• Organic Surge Gentle Meadow Body Lotion to leave skin soft, smooth and moisturised

…All packaged in an Organic Surge gift bag

At £29.95 for 6 products this bundle makes a lovely gift, as well as a great introduction to a natural brand free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate and artificial fragrances and colourants.

Neom Scent With Love: Home Scenting Gift Set

Have you ever bought a present for someone, but couldn't quite make yourself part with it? Well greedy guts over here has, and from discussions around my office it seems to be a common trait. Though the gift set below has been compiled as such, I think it would also make a lovely treat for you. After all you deserve it!

The Neom Scent With Love Home Scentig Gift Set comes in a beautiful, weighty box that bursts with fragrance even before you lift the lid. It contains a perfect mini reed diffuser in the scent Happiness (White Neroli, Mimosa and Lemon), a Complete Bliss (Moroccan Blush Rose) scented travel candle and a Pillow Mist in send-you-to-sleep Tranquillity (English Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmine).

With a beautiful mix of the most popular Neom scents this gift is a great introduction to the brand, letting you try out three of their most popular fragrances.

The Neom Scent With Love gift set can be purchased for £50 here.

Timothy Dunn Arabian Fig

Christmas is all about setting the scene, and my favourite way of doing this is with scent. We all deserve a little luxury and my indulgences often include candles. The latest candle I have been sampling is Timothy Dunn's Arabian Fig, which I think is the perfect scent for the festive period.

The candle comes in leather look packaging, which contains a beautiful burgundy hand-blown glass holder with a classic silver lid.

The look of this candle is incredibly sophisticated and makes a proud addition to my coffee table. I think it would make a wonderful Christmas gift as it evokes luxury and smells absolutely amazing.

The inspiration behind this candle is the sophistication of ancient Constantinople – the largest and wealthiest city of the Middle Ages.  With notes of fig, basil and clove enhanced by frankincense, cassis, rose and jasmine, as well as rich sandalwood, cedarwood and musk this candle creates a festive aroma that warms the room. Plus with a burning time of 60 hours it will ensure the atmosphere lasts for weeks!

The Timothy Dunn Arabian Fig Candle can be found for £45 here.

Gift Edit: The Body Shop

The Body Shop have brought out a fantastic selection of Christmas gifts this year! From stocking fillers to luxurious sets all encased in adorable packaging there really is something for everyone! Plus with 40% OFF their entire website with the code SANTA for 10 days it's definitely worth a look!

Born Lippy Fruity Lip Balms (£10)

Apart from the amazing packaging this set is also great value as it contains five juicy, moisturising lip balms in a selection of flavours including strawberry, raspberry, satsuma, watermelon and passionberry.

 Body Butter Collection (£20)

This selection of scrumptious body butters features the nutty scents of shea and cocoa butter as well as delicious chocolate and coconut. Beautifully packaged in a reusable aluminium tin this makes a great present that doesn't even need wrapping.
 

Cranberry Joy Moisture Collection (£15)

This festive cranberry selection is not only great value, but smells absolutely delicious. The set contains Cranberry Joy Shower Gel, Body Butter, Soap and Scrub.

 Dazzling Rocks (£16) and Slanted Kabuki Brush (£16)

This limited edition tub of shimmering copper and gold beads gives an irresistible dazzle to cheeks, temples and décolletage. It's great to use as a bronzer to lift the skin and add some subtle glow.

The Slanted Kabuki is made with soft, fluffy synthetic hairs designed to sweep a fine, even dusting of powder onto face and body. Its unique slanted design makes sculpting, layering and contouring a cinch.
 
This Reindeer Washball is so completely adorable I am very tempted to order one for myself! At just £3 it makes the perfect, fun stocking filler.

Smoky Eye Palette in Smoky Moonstone (£14)

This gorgeous palette features four on-trend eyeshadows in cool shades of moonstone and espresso, a mini eyeshadow brush and mini eyeliner brush so you can touch up on the go. I love the colours in this palette as they would suit any skin tone and can be layered for a gorgeous smokey eye, or worn alone for a sweep of shimmering colour.

Coconut Butter Up Duo (£7)

This cute coconut body butter and lip butter duo comes packaged in an ornamental bauble, perfect for any tree or stocking.

I have also heard that The Body Shop will be the official headline sponsors of the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2013! The line up includes fantastic acts such as Kasabian, Russell Brand, Noell Gallagher, Rizzle Kicks and Labrinth. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
Have you purchased any gifts from The Body Shop this Christmas? Do let me know your favourite! xxx

Gorgeous Ted Baker Gift!

I just spotted this beautiful Ted Baker gift set on the Boots website and had to share it with you as I think it makes such a lovely gift. Plus at a fantastic price of £22 (down from £45) it really is a savvy purchase!

The Ted Baker set includes:

• Body Wash
• Bath Foam
• Body Scrub
• Body Souffle
• Body Lotion
• Hand Cream
• Purple Vanity Case lined with ballet shoe pattern, built-in mirror and jewel fastening.

I absolutely adore this Ted Baker gift set, and am pretty tempted to pick one up for myself, if only for the gorgeous travel case! xxx

Win NARS Andy Warhol Collection!

As a special Christmas treat NARS is hosting a giveaway every day up till December the 18th. For 15 minutes each day starting at 12pm EST NARS will post an Andy Warhol-inspired question on their Facebook wall here. The most sprited answer posted within 15 minutes will win all three of their gorgeous limited edition gift sets!

This is definitely a competition worth setting a daily reminder for! xxx

Lacoste Girls Night In Gift Set

The Lacoste Girls Night In Gift Set is a great present for the girlie girl. It contains all the tools you need for an evening of pampering, as well as the Lacoste Touch of Pink fragrance.

The Gift Set Contains: Eau de Toilette 50ml, body lotion, shower gel, toe dividers, cosmetic pouch, slippers, cotton headband and two nail files.

The Lacoste Touch of Pink perfume is a fruity-floral which captures the essence of a woman full of youthful sensuality. This is a really fun and wearable fragrance that is a modern take on a classically feminine, floral palette of jasmin, violet, musk, vanilla and orange.

This set usually retails at £60, but is currently on sale in Superdrug for just £29.50 here.

*Sponsored Post*

Christmas with Origins

When the press release for these little Christmas gifts from Origins at Selfridges dropped into my inbox I couldn't help but squeal a little. They are just adorable! Whether you are looking for a stocking filler or a gift to hide under the tree Origins has it all wrapped up, and in cute packaging too!

My absolute favourite is the Origins Christmas baubles (£6 each or £10 for 2). Each one contains 5 best selling Origins products:

• Plantscription Anti-aging Serum 7ml
• Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask 7ml
• Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion 5ml
• Ginzing ™ Refreshing Eye Cream 5 ml
• Plantscription ™ Eye treatment 5 ml

Plus with every purchase you will be entered into a prize draw to win £1000 worth of Origins products and for every bauble purchased Origins will also plant a tree!

If you get a chance to check these out in Selfridges let me know! I will definitely be picking up a few for Secret Santa presents. Shhh... 

My Favourite Fragrances

Favourite Fragrances

I've recently been playing around on Beautysets to create some fun collages to be used in my latest blog posts. As much as I love blogger I feel that the layout is somewhat limiting so it's fun to try something new! Let me know what you guys think!

What perfumes are you loving recently? xxx

Laura Mercier Signature Brush Collection

Usually I get very annoyed when people talk about Christmas in October. Perhaps purely for selfish reasons as my birthday is on the 28th (this Sunday... Yay) and it is obviously the main event of the month! However, when the press release for this beautiful Laura Mercier Brush Collection popped into my inbox this week I was swept away with thoughts of Christmas gifts.

The signature brush collection includes an essential edit of Laura Mercier's beautifully crafted wood handle brushes in an opulent case. I especially love the easel back stand which can be used to display the brushes, or removed to be used as a chic travelling case. The brushes included are:

•Finishing Brush

•Cheek Colour Brush

•Camouflage Powder Brush

•Pony Tail Brush

•Eye Colour Brsuh

•Crème Eye Colour Brush

•Smoky Eye Liner Brush

•Flat Eye Liner Brush

•Lip Colour Brush

This beautiful set is priced at £195 and is exclusive to Harrods for a limited time.

Will it be making it onto your Christmas list this year?

Neom Inspiration

After waxing lyrical about Neom's beautiful reed diffuser (check out my review here) I was keen to continue my sensory journey with Neom's organic body and hand creams.

Neom's luxurious Organic Hand Cream is packed with anti-oxidising extracts which are great for anti-ageing. They include Acai extract and nourishing Argan oil, known to aid collagen production and tighten the skin. It penetrates rapidly, leaving hands super-soft, smooth and non-greasy. It is a fairly thick cream, but you only need a very small amount to hydrate and release the gorgeous scent. This hand cream comes in a handbag friendly size of 75ml and can purchased for £20 here.


The Neom Organic Body Cream comes in a hefty 200ml jar that has made a permanent home on my bedside table. The cream is rich and luxurious, boasting ingredients such as antioxidant Acai extract, Cocoa Bean to promote skin elasticity plus Rosehip Oil, Avocado Oil and soothing Almond Oil which are packed with essential fatty acids. I prefer to use this cream straight after showering to lock in moisture and makes sure my skin remains hydrated. However, the scent also makes it perfect for the mornings as a re-energising and uplifting little treat.


Have you tried any of the products from Neom's Inspiration line? What are your favourites? xxx