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.

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.

L'Occitane Loves

While browsing the internet in search of amazing Christmas gifts to share with you all one particular brand has really stood out to me this year, which is L'Occitane. It is already a given that I love their products, but their gift sets offer such great value that I thought they deserved a post of their very own!

My pick of L'Occitane Gifts:

Delightful Almond Collection (£48)

I am a huge fan of the Almond Shower Oil and its many uses in the shower, bath and even as a shaving oil. It works like magic - cleansing while moisturising and leaving behind a delicate almond scent. This is a product that is adored by all (my mother and the fiance are even united in their love for this oil). This set comes with a very generous 500ml shower oil (usually £16.50 for 250ml), as well as Almond Milk Concentrate, Almond Delicious Paste (exfoliator), two almond soaps and a tube of Smooth Hands hand cream.

Best of L'Occitane Collection (£60)

This set really has it all and is the perfect gift for a mother, or even to impress a tricky mother in-law (to be). With a fabulous selection of seven body and skin care items it's certain to impress and cover all bases. This set includes the amazing Almond Shower Oil, the fragrant Cherry Blossom Shower Gel, Almond Milk Concentrate, Lavender Foaming Bath, Shea Butter Hand Cream, Shea Butter Foot Cream and (my mother's personal favourite) Verbena Eau de Toilette.

Precious Immortelle Collection (£60)

Having had the chance to sample a few products from the Immortelle range, as well as having discussed it with my fellow beauty bloggers who were equally impressed, I would wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone. This award winning anti-ageing line works wonderfully on sensitive skin and really infuses soothing moisture into stressed skin. The set includes Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam, Immortelle Essential Face Water, Immortelle Precious Cream (my personal favourite), Immortelle Precious Night Cream and Immortelle Precious Eye Balm (which is on my purchase list).

Hand Cream Trio (£20)

 

For the budget conscious this cute hand cream trio would make a lovely gift or stocking filler. L’Occitane's international best-selling Shea Butter Hand Cream is accompanied by two exclusive seasonal fragrances (Marvellous Flowers and Magic Leaves) in a gorgeous limited edition box.

Plus when you spend £35 you can purchase the Enchanting Winter Collection (originally priced £25) for just £14 in store, or by entering XPWP at the checkout on the website!

This set contains the Bonne Mere Honey Soap, Lavender Foaming Bath, Pivoine Flora Shower Gel, Verbena Shower Gel, Immortelle Essential Water for the Face and Shea Butter Hand Cream all in a handy Travel Bag. 

Will you be purchasing any L'Occitane gift sets for your loved ones this Christmas? xxx

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

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... 

Christmas Gift List

This is the first in the series of my Christmas Gift Guide and I think it has a little something for everyone!

Christmas Gift List

Which item would be your perfect Christmas gift? xxx

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

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Stuck on what to get your dad for father's day? Here are some last minute ideas... with free delivery to boot ;).

Kent: The Wet Set Shaving Kit £17 here.

 Crabtree & Evelyn Nomad Traveller £22 here.

Elemis Travellers Gift Set £45 here.

Arthur Price Hammered Style Hip Flask £39 here.

 Ted Baker Wallet £33.60 here.

Personalised Holdall £55.50 here. 

And if all else fails there's always Mooooonpig.com ;). xxx

Valentine's Gifts for Her

Although I am under no illusion that many men frequent this blog (if you are one then please identify yourself!) nevertheless I thought it would be fun to create a little Valentine's gift guide for girls. Most boys need a little nudge in the right direction... ;)

Dior Garden Clutch Palette (£55) - What could be more romantic than this beautiful Dior palette with three sumptuous eyeshadows and two pretty lip glosses? The packaging is absolutely adorable and luxurious - absolutely perfect for Valentine's day!

Spineless Classics Full Text Novel Posters (from £14.99) - Her favourite book can come to life in these amazing prints. Whether you go for romance with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet or Mary Shelley's Frankinstein, I am sure she would appreciate such a thoughtful and original gift.

Folli Follie Bonding Ring box set (£110) - You can never go wrong with something sparkly! Every girl loves a little variety, so now is the perfect time to invest in a beautiful rose gold or silver set of four stacking rings. Each one can be worn alone, or combined to create some serious bling.

 

Joe & Seph's Gourmet Popcorn (from £4) -  Instead of queuing up in Thornton's or Godiva to purchase the usual box of chocolates, why not treat her to a delicious bag of handmade popcorn from Joe & Seph's. They have an amazing selection of flavours from salty caramel (my favourite) to a special Valentine's day concoction that combines rich Belgian white chocolate infused with caramel with a fruit cocktail of pure strawberry. Yumm!!!

Ted Baker ROCKSY purse (£55) - This cute patent leather purse with a heart detail clasp would fit into any girl's bag and with space for six cards and two note sections it's also small enough for a night out, or romantic meal out... whether or not she is paying ;p.

Beauty Box Subscription - The gift that keeps on giving with a beautifully presented box of cosmetic treats arriving on her doorstep every month. There are so many to choose from, but my favourites are:

• GlossyBox (Valentine's 50% off code: AFF50GLOSSYBOX) - £10 per month here.
•  Jolie Box/ Boudoir Prive - £10 per month here.
• Amarya Beauty Box (natural & organic products) - £10 per month here.

Nail Wraps from Myleene Klass (from £5.99) - I love these cute little nail wraps with the perfect heart shaped design. Each pack comes with 24 stickers, enough to cover both hands and feet, plus a handy (see what I did there?) nail file.

More Than Words... (from £75). Personalised gifts are always extra special, but can be a little tricky to source or make. This website creates beautiful artwork to your precise specifications. Tell your special someone one what you love about them, or create art featuring memories you share.

ClaireaBella Canvas Bags (from £14.99) - These have been popping up in the hands of celebrities everywhere. Although the canvas bag itself is perhaps not the most exciting accessory the cute designs and individual details, such as the name and bespoke cartoon, make it absolutely adorable!

Mulberry Alexa (from £650) - If you are looking to really spoil her you would struggle to do better than a classic Mulberry Alexa bag. I am absolutely in love with the new Silky Snake Print in playful pebbled beige, or the smart nightshade blue. 

What are you hoping to receive this Valentine's Day? Will you be treating yourself or a loved one to something special? xxx

Natalya's Christmas Gift Guide: Best Gift Sets!

It's December and the countdown to Christmas has officially begun! I will be the first to confess that this fills me with an equal measure of panic, as well as excitement. There is still so much to do - presents to buy, decorations to put up and perfect outfits to find!

Luckily, I am usually uber prepared when it comes to gifts as I absolutely love shopping for my loved ones, so I thought that I would share my little finds with you all in a series of Christmas Gift Guide posts!

Many brands put together amazing gift sets at this time of year, which not only look fantastic, but also create fantastic bundle savings. Sets or kits are usually my fall back for tricky customers (mother in law, family, colleagues, secret santas) or those who have it all! Everyone loves receiving sets and trying out a range of products, so I highly recommend checking some of these out.

Neal's Yard Aromatic Shower & Body Care Collection - (£28)

This set contains four mini products to cleanse, soften and smooth with their unique blend of natural skin-nourishing ingredients infused with pure aromatherapy essential oils, to lift the spirits while delicately scenting the skin. The Geranium and Orange shower Gel (100ml) has an amazing energising and fresh fragrance, which is the perfect pick me up in the morning. The Rose and Geranium body polish (50g) works hard to gently remove dull winter skin, while the body lotion (50g) moisturises and hydrates the skin. The Citrus Hand Wash (100ml) had an invigorating and zesty fragrance, leaving hands clean and soft.

Best of L'Occitane Collection - (£60)

My mama and I both adore L'Occitane for their amazing, luxurious quality products that use the best ingredients. This is an amazing set that contains a collection of L'Occitane's most popular products and some of my absolute favourites! With a value of £93.50, but at an RRP of £60 this set is also a great saving. The set contains full size products that include Almond Shower Oil (250ml), which is my most highly recommended product. It smells amazing and cleans the skin so gently, while leaving it soft and moisturised. The Pivoine Flora Body Milk (250ml) has a delicate, feminine peiony scent and a gorgeous, soft texture that effortlessly sinks into the skin. The Shea Butter Hand Cream (150ml) is a classic product that works hard to deeply moisturise and soothe winter skin. The set also contains Almond Milk Concentrate (100ml), Fleur Chérie Soap (75g), Shea Butter Foot Cream (30ml) and Verbena Eau de Toilette (20ml).

L'Occitane Shower Gel Quatro - (£20)

A more affordable set from L'Occitane - this pretty little quartet contains beautifully scented shower and bath gels in Cherry Blossom and Fleur Chérie, as well as shower jellies in Délice des Fleurs and Délice des Fruits. 

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Christmas Gift - (£16)

Many of you have already heard me wax lyrical about Liz Earle's Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (if not you can read more in my review here). The shampoo is suitable for any hair type and smells absolutely amazing, filling my whole shower with a sweet yet invigorating and uplifting fresh fragrance. It lathers well, given that it is SLS free, and cleanses my sensitive scalp without any drying or irritation. From the selection of three conditioners available (normal, dry or damaged, oily or fine hair) I prefer the one for dry hair as it is rich and moistuirising without feeling too thick and leaving behind a noticeable residue on my hair. This set leaves my hair feeling super clean and shiny and it feels much more smooth and manageable, while still retaining a 'natural' feel, instead of that slippery silicone coated texture. This is one of my absolute favourite hair products and after having discussed it with ladies of many different hair and skin types I have never heard a bad word uttered about it, so am confident in recommending it to everyone!

Neal & Wolf Shine Gift Set - (£25.15)

Neal & Wolf is a professional hair care range, developed by Neil Capstick that focuses on glamour, effectiveness and affordability. The range aims to provide salon quality at a reasonable price. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into each product, with even the fragrances being created by the perfume house behind some of the world's finest scents, and I can testify that after trying the majority (while filming a tutorial for Glossybox, which you can watch here) they all smell absolutely amazing. The set contains three full size products: RITUAL Daily Shampoo (250ml), RITUAL Daily Conditioner (200ml) and GLOW Super Shine Spray (100ml), in a stylish cylindrical gift box.

Soap and Gloary Yum at Heart Skincare Gift Set - (£16)

This cute little set is presented in a fun cookie tin and contains two of my favourote Soap and Glory products - delicious, maple scented Breakfast Scrub Sugar Body Smoother (300ml), Hand Food Hand Cream (125ml), and a pretty, practical Soap & Glory print apron.

FCUK The Woman Travels Toiletries Bag - (£18)

I absolutely adore FCUK's seasonal gift sets as they cram in lots of products at a great price. The bags they come with are also great quality and I have collected quite a few over the years for use as washbags, and even clutches for going out. This toiletries bag comes packed with some of FCUK's most popular products including:

FCUK Signature Bodywash (300ml)

FCUK Signature Bodyspray (150ml), which smells delicious

FCUK Signature Body Butter (200ml)

Body Polisher

Last on my Christmas list is not a gift set per se, but a subscription to a beauty box service!

This would make an ideal gift for any girlie girl, or perhaps someone who doesn't spend too much time treating herself and really deserves to be pampered and reminded how special she is each month! My favourite is Glossybox -£10 per month + P&P (you can read my review here). I have been an avid supporter since their beginning and think the range of brands and products they bring to your door is absolutely fabulous. I'm also excited to tell you all that they will be launching a Glossybox for Men this month, which will be sent quarterly and contain 7 luxury samples. Other beauty boxes worth checking out are:

• Boudoir Prive £10 per month + free P&P (my review here)
• Feel Unique £9.95 per month/ £109.45 per year + free P&P
• Carmine £10 per month + £2.75 P&P, £110 per year + P&P

I hope you find this gift guide useful! Let me know what gift sets you recommend and are lusting after this Christmas! xxx