Bathing Beauties - L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil and Almond Firming and Beautifying Milk Veil

I think I have found my holy grail of bathing products. I do not use those words lightly as I have used many, many bath/shower products over the years and nothing has come close to how wonderful these are.  I have never been so excited to share my favourite products as this combination has made a real difference to my skin and is so utterly pleasurable to use.

Almond is known for its softening, firming and toning properties.

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil - 250ml - £16


Pictured above is the 500ml version which was available in the L'Occitane Delightful Almond Collection (Ltd Edition) - £46 Christmas Box.

I was a little worried that almond would equal smelling like marzipan but this really is THE nicest shower product I have ever used. It has the colour of olive oil, a thick gloopy texture but when it touches water transforms into a lovely runny milky texture. It doesn't foam or froth but that doesn't bother me at all. It is fantastic used as a shaving cream as the razor just glides across the skin and leaves my skin feeling satin smooth and incredibly soft. The scent is a gorgeously light almond scent that I just love smelling on my skin ALL day.

L'Occitane Almond Firming and Beautifying Milk Veil - 250ml - £27

L'Occitane say - Formulated with almond oil and milk to soften and supple, almond proteins and silicium to smooth and firm, this body veil melts into the skin leaving the skin soft, smooth, firm and deliciously perfumed. Its formula contains micro-pearls that illuminate and visually smooth the skin.

I find the task of applying a body moisturiser quite often time consuming and laborious which means that I tend to skip it. The Almond Milk Veil actually makes the task so easy that since I have started to use it I have never been tempted to skip. As it is a runny milk texture there is no rubbing it in to ensure it has been absorbed. It sinks into the skin with so little effort it is amazing. There is no greasiness or tackiness so you can dress immediately. It does contain a very slight shimmer to it which gives the skin a gentle glow but this is very slight, there is no disco ball effect. The scent matches that of the Almond Shower Oil, utterly delectable.

Both products leave my skin smelling wonderful, feeling healthy, hydrated and incredibly soft and smooth all day. I honestly cannot ask for anything more.

*PR Samples 

Clinique Spring Trend 2012 Almost Spring

Good news for those that favour a fresh faced appearance, this spring, a lightly flushed cheek complimented by a natural lip and flirty lashes offer the perfect palette for a fresh-faced almost makeup look. The soft colour palette of the Clinique Almost Spring look combines a pretty collection of products with the latest formulas and smooth, light textures to achieve a natural, dewy glow.


Almost Lipstick - £16.

Not a lipstick or a gloss. Its sheer, smooth formula allows the natural lip colour to come through, creating a custom-fit shade that is unique to each woman.

Available in:
Tender Honey
Luscious Honey
Spicy Honey
Shy Honey
Flirty Honey
Lovely Honey
Chic Honey
Black Honey

Blushwear Cream Stick - £20

A modern cream-to-powder blush that blends effortlessly into cheeks to provide a natural punch of colour. This silky, oil-free formula provides buildable coverage. Contained in a portable swivel up, silver case.

Available in:

Peachy Blush
Rosy Blush
Shy Blush
Black Honey (Ltd Edition)

Available at all Clinique counters nationwide from 1st February 2012

Other products shown - Naturally Glossy Mascara in Jet Black and Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer are available now

Boxing Day Make Up - Face Of The Day

My Boxing Day make-up

Primer - Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
Eye Primer - Urban Decay EyeShadow Primer Potion Eden
Foundation - Airbase High Definition Airbrush Make-up Shade Medium 03
Concealer - Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light
Bronzer - Accessorize Baked Bronzer Duo - Bali Shade 2
Blusher - Accessorize Merged Baked Blusher 6 - Scandal
Eye Shadow - 17 Trio Eye Shadows in Enraged
Eye Liner - Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Intense Plum (Ltd Edition)
Mascara - Flawless You Forever Luscious Mascara in Black
Lip gloss - Laura Mercier Nude Lip Glace in Champagne

Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour - Review

Lid Smoothies are the latest eye shadows from Clinique. Creamy, crease-resistant eye colour that lasts for up to 8 hours. Instantly cools thanks to a unique applicator. Nourishing ingredients coax fine lid lines into a blanket of smoothness. Antioxidants help protect eye-area skin. Available in 12 shades.

I know I can do with a bit of help with line smoothing so was looking forward to trying them out. I was sent two shades to review

10 Impromptu Blue
08 Seventh Heather
Impromptu Blue is bluey/light purple in tone, it is flattering against my eyes but probably not a colour I would get too much use out of day to day. It is highly pigmented and strong and when blended has a slight shimmer to it,

Seventh Heather I love. This is just the kind of shade that I love to wear as an all over cover and it looks lovely on its own with just a bit of mascara. It really opens up my eyes and makes the whites whiter. Seventh Heather is a gorgeous, creamy light brown with shimmer.

With both a little goes along way as you can see below. You can always add product for more depth if necessary as this blends easily.

To get the wonderful cooling sensation apply the shadow with the special applicator tip. I then use a shadow brush to blend. Lid smoothies do what they say, they provide coverage that makes the eye lids appear smooth and unlined. Very nice indeed.

Swatch of  Clinique Lid Smoothies in Impromptu Blue and Seventh Heather

Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour costs £17 for 7ml

Lips Of The Day - Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Chilli

If you follow me on twitter you will know that I am loving the Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipsticks as I rave about them quite often. I adore the gold packaging that is very Estee Lauder and I love the range of shades available. They are so colour rich that you really only need one application and they last.

Earlier in the year I was sent 7 shades to wear in 7 days as part of an Elixir Challenge, I did manage to do this, which was very interesting (not least because you had to wear shades that you may not have chosen yourself)  but I didn't post about it at the time as I was dreadfully unwell. One of the shades - Chilli - I am wearing today. To be honest I may not have picked this up when buying make-up so I am mightily pleased that it was included as one of the 7 shades.

It is stunning. Great colour, fab texture with a very slight shimmery finish so its not flat. When I wear a lipstick I look at whether it lifts my eyes and makes them sparkle, that for me is a good indication of whether it suits my skin tone or not. Chilli does just that.

As an aside my mum has strawberry blonde (red hair) and Chilli looks incredible on her too. It made her look so radiant. Just beautiful.

Have you tried the Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipsticks yet?

My Hair Only Better

Last week I made a trip to the Fabulous Hair Company to have my hair cut and highlighted ready for Christmas. It is always a pleasure to go there, the staff are friendly and attentive. Best of all my hairdresser really listens to what result I am aiming for. However, I do love that he makes suggestions too as to what would suit.

This time I had around 2 inches off of the length, eradicating the split ends and leaving my hair incredibly healthy looking. Last time I had half a head of highlights using 3 colours, this time we chose to drop the darkest colour and go for a light and golden blonde.

I love the results, it looks so natural - My hair only better!

What do you think?

What's Inside My December GlossyBox

The postman knocked again this month with a delivery of the December GLOSSYBOX.  The first thing to note is the festive red box, very nice!

As this was the Christmas edition box it was supposed to contain products to get you in the mood for a party and a few. I have got to say I really liked the December box. Here is what was inside

A full size Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Shower Gel - Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil - £6.50/200ml


I haven't tried Rituals products yet but did spot one of their shops when out shopping recently and had planned to go in and pick something up so this is great, it smells incredible too.

Deborah Lippman Mini Nail Varnish in Razzle Dazzle and a Stripped To Go Sachet - A full size bottle would cost £14.


I have tried a few Deborah Lippman Varnishes so it is not a new brand to me, nevertheless the brand does induce excitement.
Razzle Dazzle is ideal for parties, a pretty glittery shade of dark red, almost wine in colour with flashes of brighter flecks.  I am not a huge glitter fan (I save it for special occasions as I hate removing it) so this mini size is perfect. I love that included in the box is a nail polish remover. I hope it removes the glitter with ease!

Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss (mini) in shade Morocco - Full Size £10

As a lip gloss fanatic I loved the inclusion of a gloss in the box, I haven't tried Cargo either so that was an added bonus. I really like the shade which is a pinky/brown with a slight sparkle. I have worn it a few times, there is no stickiness either. As it is so tiny I have nearly finished it.

BLINK+GO Eyeshadow and Blush Palette - Full Size £14.95

I have not heard of Blink+Go so this is a new brand to discover. I love the concept of this palette but I am pretty certain that I would never have chosen this particular combination as the colours look so bright. However on swatching they are actually nice and not as scary as they look in the palette, and I am looking forward to experimenting with a bit of colour on my eyes. The gold and green in particular stand out.
As I am also a bit of a blush addict, the addition of blush is very welcome..

The final product in the box is a small pot of Bionova Eye Wrinkle Treatment. A full size pot of eye cream costs £43.


Bionova are another brand that I have yet to discover, GlossyBox are doing a fab job in searching out products for its subscribers to try. I look forward to trying this premium eye cream out, it seems from reading that it is tailored to my age bracket, so here is hoping it works for me!

Cargo Lip Gloss Morocco Swatch

Deborah Lippman Razzle Dazzle Nail Varnish

Contents of Glossybox Opened

The eye shadow shades revealed

The blushes

A few different boxes went out this month, overall I am really pleased with the contents of mine.

If you are reading BeautySwot for the first time and want to know more about Glossybox and how it works please click here. Note that GlossyBox now costs £10 and £2.95 for P+P.

GlossyBox are now offering gift subscriptions For £30 (+P&P) you can give a three month subscription, for £60 (+P&P) a six month subscription and for £110 (+P&P) a 12 month subscription where you will get one box free!

*PR Sample

Oral-B Stages Power Electric Toothbrush - Disney's Cars - Review

I was having a bit of a nightmare trying to get Aaron (3) to brush his teeth, he would run away, barely open his mouth etc so when I was offered the Oral-B Stages Power Electric Toothbrush to review I was willing to see if this would convince him to brush his teeth.

I have an Oral -B electric toothbrush which I prefer using to a manual one so maybe if he had one like mummy...? All I can say is that once we opened the post that day we have never looked back. Aaron was so excited to try out his new 'Cars' toothbrush that I had to stop him from brushing his teeth several times a day and more!

3 months down the line and we have never had a problem since, in his words the review would be ' I like it'.

It has made brushing his teeth fun for him and much easier for us as parents.  The brush head is a good size and soft. He likes the novelty of the brush vibrating in his mouth, I like the fact that the brush buzzes 3 times after a minute so you know when the time is up to stop brushing the top and move onto the bottom. Ideal for the recommended 2 minutes of brushing.

I always feel that I get a better clean from my electric toothbrush (actually the dentist once told me that he could tell I used an electric toothbrush, and I hadn't even mentioned it!) so I do believe that Aaron is getting a better clean without brushing so hard.

The only negative for me is the price, quite expensive for a child's toothbrush and when you factor in the cost of subsequent brush heads - £10.29 for 2.

Inside the starter pack you get

Oral-B Stages Power electric toothbrush- Disney Cars
1 Stages Power Brush head
Charging station

Oral-B Stages Power Electric Toothbrush is suitable for children aged 3 years + and costs £35 (although it is currently on offer for £17.49 from Boots). Also comes in Disney's Princesses design.

Shellac Nails Review

Today I have a guest review of Shellac Nails from the very lovely and talented Lisa from Lou Lou Belle Designs.  Lisa specialises in gorgeous handcrafted jewellery and hair accessories for weddings and special occasions. 

I have always been more of a pedicure gal because my job means that my nails have to withstand a lot of damage so nail varnish doesn’t usually last more than a day. I make jewellery and tiaras and, along with pliers, my nails are also my tools of the trade (used to open spilt rings and twisting wire) so they take a bit of a bashing every day. I was interested to hear about Shellac nails with their claims that it would not chip for 14 days and is strong enough to withstand knocks and day to day wear as well as protecting my nails.

I saw Karen at Everley’s Beauty in Southampton. Karen has a gorgeous pink beauty room which made me feel right at home. After filing and shaping my nails, Karen applied a base coat and my nails were set under a UV lamp for a short time. The colour was applied in the same way you’d apply nail varnish (I chose a gorgeous aubergine) and, again, set under the UV lamp. The process was repeated to create a flawless opaque coloured nail. A top coat was then applied and set. The result was shiny, mirror-look, flawless nails. And the best bit, it was already dry. No drying time at all! Amazing! The whole process took about 45 mins.... but did it really last 14 days?

Well, yes! I didn’t change anything in my day to day routine and carried on jewellery making, cleaning etc in the same way to see if the Shellacs held up. After 14 days there was minimal wear on the nail tip of the nail that I use the most in jewellery making but it was only visible if I looked for it. Looking at them they were still pretty much perfect (there was regrowth of course) and they looked as shiny as the day I had them done with no chips at all. See for yourself in the photos below.

Verdict: Amazing results! And at £18 for hands and £15 for feet, I think it is excellent value.

Would I have them done again?: At the time of printing, I’ve already become a regular!

Thanks so much Lisa! 

Have you tried Shellac, what did you think?

The Friday Column - The Christmas Tree Fairy

The Christmas Tree Fairy

The fairy was so proud to be sat atop the Christmas tree. She had almost not been bestowed that honour, it would have gone to the attrative shiny golden star but with one small swoop Sarah’s chubby fingers had lifted her out of the box as she announced ‘Mummy, I want the fairy at the top’. That pride of place had remained hers year after year.

The fairy watched the highs and lows of family life. She watched the family's delight as a child was born. Sarah’s brother Andrew arrived and with him a whirlwind of chaos as Sarah’s parents struggled with two. Andrew was boisterous and mischievous and on more than one occasion the fairy found herself on the floor having been knocked off the tree by Andrew. Sarah would always pick her up, brush her down carefully and place her back in her rightful position. She watched the wrapping paper being ripped open by the excited children to reveal their presents.

One year although the tree was up and decorations adorned the room, the fairy noticed the family in sombre mood. Sarah’s father had taken ill and was missing from the family Christmas dinner table. The fairy never saw him again.

Aged 18 Sarah had moved out of the family home and taken the fairy with her to place on her own Christmas tree. The fairy had seen Sarah’s first Christmas without the family. She had witnessed as Tom yelled at Sarah, telling her she was useless, Sarah was sobbing in the corner, feeling alone and upset. That year there were no songs around the piano or the sound of loud bangs as the crackers were pulled. When Sarah finally found the strength to leave Tom, the fairy travelled to the other end of the country packed carefully in a box, taken to University.

Whilst at University Sarah met the quiet and softly spoken Adrian, the contrast between Tom and Adrian was remarkable. Adrian was caring and intelligent; in him Sarah had found her soul mate. That Christmas the fairy smiled down from the tree knowing once again she was part of a loving and caring home.

The fairy noticed the mood in the house gradually changing. At first Sarah and Adrian would invite family and friends over to enjoy the festive celebrations. The house would shrill with laughter and games, the wine flowed freely. As the years passed by fewer friends would drop in, they now had families of their own to entertain and be entertained by. In the beginning Adrian and Sarah didn’t mind, they knew it would soon be their turn. But the years turned into a decade and Sarah became more and more tense and sad, Adrian was snappy. The decorations became fewer and the only visitor was Sarah’s elderly mother.

The next year the fairy felt herself being removed from her box in the dark of the night, bundled into an even bigger box and listened to the sound of a car engine. She woke up to find that she was sat on a walnut chest and out of the corner of her eye spotted the sea. She was on a cruise. Adrian and Sarah may no longer be celebrating a traditional Christmas but they were happy and relaxed. Each year the same thing would happen, the fairy would get excited as she was lifted out of her box. She knew she was off to yet another exotic destination and Sarah always placed her where she would get the best view.

The fairy was worn and her wings falling off when she suddenly found herself back on top of the Christmas tree, unusually she had been placed on the top by Adrian.

As the lights twinkled on the tree, a warm light glowed around the room. Sarah walked in with a tiny pink bundle, her eyes bright and sparkly. At last she and Adrian had their Christmas wish.

The fairy beamed and for the final time fell from the top of the tree. Her work was done.

Merry Christmas x

Loved this story? Then please check out my debut novel - A Tempting Trio - Available now by clicking this link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B011ZEUQZI

*An original work of fiction - all rights reserved

Max Factor Earth Spirits Eye Shadow in Burnt Bark - The Perfect Crease Shadow

Max Factor Earth Spirits Burnt Bark Eye Shadow is an absolutely gorgeous taupe shade with a slight frost finish. Brown/grey, it is an ideal colour to create a smokey effect. It is such a great colour that can be worn during the day without it looking too heavy and also perfect for creating a stronger look for the evening. I have been applying it with a cream coloured base shade and then using Burnt Bark in the crease.

Texture wise Burnt Bark is ultra smooth a and very easy to blend.This has to be one of my all time favourite shades, non creasing and it lasts all day. I find it extremely flattering against my green eyes.

Burnt Bark Swatch With Flash

Burnt Bark Swatch Without Flash

With Flash

Without Flash

It has been said that Burnt Bark is a good dupe for MAC's Satin Taupe. Although I don't own Satin Taupe did a quick swatch of the two when out shopping and they are very similar (wish I had taken a picture now!)

I find myself reaching for Burnt Bark nearly every time I use eye shadow and that for me is a test of a great product. This is definitely a shade that everyone should own.

Max Factor Earth Spirits Eye Shadow in Burnt Bark costs £4.99

*PR Sample

Soap & Glory Christmas Bargain Deal at Boots - Big Splendour Gift Set

The very popular brand Soap and Glory have a fantastic Christmas gift deal launching in Boots tomorrow (Friday 16th) at 4am online and in-store when doors open. The Soap & Glory BIG SPLENDOUR GIFT SET, which normally retails at £60, will be available for £25.

Soap & Glory BIG SPLENDOUR GIFT SET contains all of these:

Larger-than-life lip plumper.
Clean On Me creamy clarifying shower gel 500ml.
The Righteous Butter body butter 300ml.
Pulp Friction body scrub 250ml
Face, Soap & Clarity fresh facial wash 150ml
Off Your Face cleansing wipes
Heel Genius foot cream 125ml
Hand Food hand cream 125ml
Mist You Madly fragrant body spray 250ml
Sexy Mother Pucker lip plumper in Candy Gloss 7ml
Calm One, Calm All bubble bath 500ml.

Such amazing value! I can imagine that these are going to go very fast indeed.

Will you be purchasing one ?

BeautySwot's Christmas Gift Guide For Men 2011 - Under £50

Today I am sharing with you my top picks of the gifts out there for men

Guinness Large Label Embossed Mug - £8 Debenhams

A fresh year in the office deserves a new mug and this is my choice. I know my man would enjoy drinking out of this ceramic mug. Features a cream interior and mock foam rim.

LINEA Multi Stripe Scarf - £15 House of Fraser

There is something so smart and attractive about stripes. I love this 100% fine knit black wool scarf. It is currently on offer at £15 as it is normally £30 it is excellent value.

Elemis Grooming On The Go - £22

A great value luxury travel set from Elemis contained in its own travel bag, looks good and smells incredible -

Deep Cleanse Facial Wash 50ml
Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel 100ml
Daily Moisture Boost 20ml

Vivabox for Men The Perfume Shop - £39.99

Men can be quite fussy when it comes to choosing an aftershave so let them decide in their own time with this  fab gift concept from The Perfume Shop.

Contains samples from top brands: Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio, Paco Rabanne Black XS, BOSS Bottled, Giorgio Armani Code, Lacoste Red, Paco Rabanne 1 Million, Diesel Only The Brave.

Once the recipient has tried them out and picked their favourite there is a voucher which they can take along to The Perfume Shop to swap for a full size bottle of their choice.

Ted Baker Week Planner Cufflinks, Silver £40 - John Lewis

These Ted Baker metal cuff links caught my eye and I am sure will be a talking point in the office or at parties. Features rotating day and activity detailing and embossed with the Ted Baker logo on the fastener. What fun!

Happy Shopping!

Perfect Spa Inspired Christmas Gifts - Mandara Spa at Sainsbury's

When I saw the Mandara Spa Christmas range earlier in the year it made me almost wish I was working in an office so that I could give something from the collection as a Secret Santa gift!

There is something at every price range, the products are great quality and they all come beautifully packaged.

Below is just a small selection of the products available from Sainbury's

Lip Butters / Soap Stacks - £5

Lip Butter - Contains 3 lip butters in Passion Fruit, Coconut and Shea Butter

Tropical Soap Stack - 

2 x Tropical Blooms Soap
1 x Honeymilk Dream Soap

Exotic Soap Stack -

2 x Amber Heaven Soaps
1 x Honeymilk Dream Soap

Bath Indulgence - £10

An indulgent collection of bath essences and milks from each Mandara Spa signature fragrance.

Amber Heaven Bath Essence 50ml
Tropical Blooms Bath Milk 50ml
Honeymilk Dream Bath Milk 50ml
Citrus Spice Bath Essence 50ml
Island Paradise Bath Essence 50ml

Ultimate Escape Weekend Bag - £20

Amazing Value Gift featuring these products - 

Amber Heaven Moisturising Bath Essence 300ml  

Amber Heaven Conditioning Shower Cream 150ml
Honeymilk Dream Nourishing Body Butter 200ml 

Honeymilk Dream Nourishing Hand Cream 75ml
Spa Getaway Gentle Cleansing Wipes 

Body Polisher

Happy Shopping!

The Friday Column - Closure

Closure 

I was inspired to write this Friday Column after reading an article in the local paper. The article was about an elderly man who had put a ‘where are they now’ notice in the paper for the girlfriend he had had when he was aged 19.

The piece was a follow up to tell us that a relative of the lady in question had contacted the gentleman to inform him that sadly she had died a few years ago. He had wanted to get in touch with her as he had walked away from the relationship without telling her why all those years before as he had felt he was too young for the commitment.  He wanted to explain to her why he had done this but alas he had left it so late that he never got the chance.  I think that it must have been playing on his mind all these years and it made me wonder how the lady in question felt, had it affected her at all.

Reading the article took me back to my own experience.. I was in a relationship once in which the other person one day just texted me to say it was over. That was it; I never had any contact from them again. I was devastated and hurt. I wondered what I had done wrong, what had happened, the questions I needed answers to but would never get. By walking away the person had denied me the chance to get closure and move on. I don't mean to be so dramatic but that is how it felt at the time!

Out of the blue he contacted me many years later, said he was going abroad for a while and just wanted to say that it wasn’t anything I had done, he was young and he had been an idiot. I was most surprised that he had taken the time to explain.  It was such a strange feeling receiving that email, a huge weight was lifted from my mind and suddenly I was able to forget about him, compartmentalise that period of my life and move on.

I don't think I am alone in having felt this way. I believe that all over the world there are men and women feeling this very same way from the lack of closure. A relationship break up his hard enough without knowing the reasons why.

If you have walked away from a relationship with no explanation, do you ever wonder if you should have explained or are you perfectly happy to have left it how it was?

Would you consider getting back in touch to explain your reasons for leaving?  

Have you been affected by the lack of closure on a relationship? Would it have helped to understand why your relationship ended? 

Amazing Deal! No7 The Ultimate Collection

Amazing value offer from Boots No7 this week, which would make a perfect Christmas present especially for a No7 fan. The star gift costs just £30, comes in a hat box and includes all of these items - 

Heavenly Hydration Mask - 100ml

Cleanse and Care Eye Make-up Remover - 100ml

Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum - 5ml

Protect and Perfect Night Cream - 50ml

Protect and Perfect Day Cream - 50ml

6 Eye Shadows in a Compact Palette

Liplicious Lip Gloss - 12ml

Exceptional Definition Nutrient Enriched Mascara - 7ml

Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes

5 Piece Brush Set

Available from 9th -15th December. Whilst stocks last, available in most Boots stores. Not included in the 3 for 2 deal.

BeautySwot Best Christmas Gift Guide Under £50 - 2011

If you still haven't got your presents all wrapped up and need some ideas, worry not as I have picked out my top picks of Christmas gifts and they all cost under £50!

Whether you are looking for a Secret Santa present or a stocking filler a trip to a Lush store is a must.

I really love Latte Lip Tint - £4.95 for 10g

Latte is a moistursing lip balm and tint that leaves a beautiful bronze shimmer on your lips. As well as looking gorgeous on the lips, it smells incredible thanks to the ingredients of icing sugar, fairtrade coffee, vanilla powder and vanilla absolute.

Ted Baker Cosmetic Purse - £8 - Selected Boots Stores

I was drawn to this pretty fairy print bag whilst out shopping on Saturday, the bag comes in various sizes and prices.

Aromatherapy Associates Little Star - £10 for 7.5ml

How about a gift that doubles as a decoration for the tree? This little star contains Deep Relax luxurious bath and shower oil.

It must be the year for decorative gifts as Paul & Joe have packaged some fabulous shades of eye shadow inside eye catching tree decorations.

Paul & Joe Ornamental Select Select Eye Colour - £12

Fa-La-La-La-La -Bronze

I have shown just one of the shades here but they are available in 5 beautiful colours, each one having its own outer packaging print. Shades are

001 Fa La La La La - Bronze
002 Deck The Hall - Green
003 Midnight Clear - Blue
004 Silent Night - Purple
005 Joy To The World - Pink 

These are highly pigmented eye shadows that are formulated to be easy to blend.

Available at Fenwicks, Bond Street and Harrods.

Nails Inc The Show Stoppers - £15

I love the shades in this set of 5 glossy mini nail polishes


Finsbury Park – Gold Glitter

Gloucester Place - Metallic Deep Red 

Regents Palace – Deep Metallic Purple

George Yard - Metallic Champagne

Chelsea Manor Street – Gun-metal Shimmer

Once again Benefit have brought out some must have limited edition Christmas kits with something for everyone.


Benefit Ticket To Glossytown - £19.50

Fans of lip gloss will love this set of 6 mini glosses all in gorgeous and wearable shades -

So frisk me (gilded berry)
Nudie-tude (goldspun twist)
Spiked punch (juicy coral)
Life on the A list (bubblegum pink)
Foxy lady (diamond rose)
Kiss you (clear fuchsia)

Give someone the gift of the glow with this great set -

Tess Daly Tricks of The Trade Face And Body Glow Kit £22 - Available at Marks and Spencer

This set featuring best selling products provides everything you need to for radiant glamour 

Body cream 200ml
Highlighter compact 15g
Lip balm stick 3g

Perfume is such a personal choice and yet remains one of the top gifts at Christmas. To avoid bottles sitting in cupboards unloved the clever people at The Perfume Shop have come up with the perfect solution

The Perfume Shop Vivabox - £39.99

Vivabox is a collection of 7 sample size designer perfumes -

BOSS Orange, Beyonce Heat, Paco Rabanne Black XS, Giorgio Armani Code, Emporio Armani Diamonds, DKNY Be Delicious EDP, Carolina Herrera 212 VIP


Once the recipient has tried them out and picked their favourite there is a voucher which they can take along to The Perfume Shop to swap for a full size bottle of their choice.

Way back in August I had a preview of the wonderful gifts on offer at Elemis for Christmas, below is the one that caught my eye the most.

Elemis Superstars Face and body award winners - RRP £45 

This fabulous gift set from the Christmas Starlight Collection not only has a lovely white bag to hold all the products but also contains some of my favourite products from Elemis and will be a real treat for the lucky recipient.

Inside -

Papaya Enzyme Peel - 50ml Full Size
Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules -14 caps
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream - 30ml
Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream - 50ml
Skin Nourishing Milk Bath - 125ml
Frangipani Monoi Body Oil - 35ml

L'Occitane are always a favourite of mine to visit at this time of the year as they have such great value gifts and this year is no exception. Many of the products are packaged in boxes complete with a gift tag so there is no need for you to do your own wrapping.

My choice would be

L'Occitane Delightful Almond Collection (Ltd Edition) - £46 

This wonderfully scented and body nourishing gift collection includes:

500ml Almond Shower Oil
250ml Almond Milk Veil
50ml Almond Delicious Paste
3 x 50g Almond Delicious Soaps

Happy Shopping!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - A Beauty Essential!

I am so excited to share this little gem of a product from Collection 2000. I know a concealer is probably not on your list of the most exciting of products but when it performs as well as this does, it really is something to shout about.

I picked up Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer in Light on Saturday in Boots and have been using it every day since. Three little tiny dabs and my under eye shadows are completely banished. I use my finger to blend it in, it looks natural and provides a flawless finish. 

This concealer comes with a good soft sponge applicator wand, it has the perfect liquid consistency to work with - not too thick or too runny.

Lasting Perfection Concealer claims to last up to 16 hours, I haven't tested this out but it certainly lasts the few hours that I have needed it to. I love the fact that it doesn't cake into the lines under my eyes and hides the dark circles perfectly to match the rest of my foundation. For the price this is a complete steal!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer claims -

Ultimate wear concealer conceals flaws, imperfections and blemishes for up to 16 hours

Oil free
Transfer proof and water resistant for full and long lasting coverage

In two words - buy it.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer is available in 4 shades - Fair, Light, Medium and Deep and costs just £4.19!

Gorgeous Christmas Gift Ideas from Clinique

As soon as the email landed in my inbox I knew I had to share with you some of the gorgeous Christmas Gift Sets that Clinique have brought out for 2011.

The first set is my absolute favourite of the offerings

Fall In Love With Colour - RRP £65

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Compact, 4g
Cream Shaper for Eyes in Chocolate Lustre, 8g
High Impact Mascara in Black, 7ml
Long Last Glosswear SP15 in Sunset, 6ml
Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips, 50ml
Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Currant, 4ml
Exclusive “C” Charm Keychain

Chubby Shine and Colour - RRP £27

Chubby Sticks were one of the undoubted hit products of the year and this gift set features four fab shades - 

Whole Lotta Honey, 1.5g
Mega Melon, 1.5g
Woppin Watermelon, 1.5g
Super Strawberry, 1.5g

Mix It Up Kisses - RRP £20 - A real treat for lip product fans 

Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Lilac, 4ml

Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Grapefruit, 4ml
Long Last Glosswear SPF15 in Juicy Apple,1ml
Long Last Glosswear SPF15 in Whisper, 1ml
Different Lipstick in Raspberry Glace, 1.2g
Different Lipstick in Glazed Rose, 1.2g
Exclusive “C” Charm Key Ring


Happy Christmas Shopping!