Valentine's Gift Ideas Under £50

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardener's Hands Gift Tin £18 // Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris EDP 30ml £46.50 // Next Large Alphabet Makeup Bag £14 //  Pearls Of Love Necklace £38 // The Balm Autobalm California Palette £16.50

Mi-Pac Canvas Backpack £30 // Crabtree & Evelyn Men's Mini Shave Duo £16 // Next Men's Skincare Gift Set £18 // Jimmy Choo Man EDT Gift Set 50ml £30 // Ben Sherman Tan Leather Watch £50

Valentine's Day is only a couple of weeks away so here are my top 5 picks for Valentine's gifts for him and for her, all under £50.

xo

Video: Mis Regalos de Navidad

Un video en español donde hablo de mis regalos de Navidad ♥ If you don't speak Spanish you can read about my Christmas gifts on my New In: December post.

xo

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

A couple of January sales ago I found an Origins gift set in the clearance section in Boots for around £7, and one of the 4 items included in the gift set was the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. I have heard good things about this face mask but since my skin is very oily I postponed using it. This winter I thought I might try it and use it to replenish moisture lost due to cold weather, heating and the use of purifying face masks and microdermabrasion. 

The Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is a very rich and hydrating overnight mask that claims to deeply and instantly quench compromised moisture reserves thanks to avocado and apricot kernel oils, while the use of Japanese seaweed helps repair the skin barrier to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature ageing. 

I use the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask 2 or 3 times a week after other treatments that might dry my skin out, and apply a small amount to my whole face, with any leftover applied to my neck. In the morning my skin feels plump, moisturised and soft. It is very rich so you don't need a lot, and it advises to tissue off excess, which I think would be a waste of product so just use the necessary amount and it should last a long time. This mask has a lot of natural plant oils and extracts, as well as hyaluronic acid, making it a great option to replenish moisture for dry or dehydrated skin. 

Find the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask in Boots. 

xo

Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Hand Recovery and Therapy

On the sale event at Boots a couple of Christmases ago, I managed to find a Crabtree and Evelyn hand care gift set for about £4, and picked it up because how could I not? It came in a lovely red collectable tin that I plan on keeping to decorate every December, and the Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Skin Conditioning Hand Recovery and Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy. 

When I first read the name of the products I thought they were both hand creams, but the Skin Conditioning Hand Recovery is a hand scrub that exfoliates the skin on the hands to leave them feeling "noticeably softer and smoother". And the Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy is an intensive hand cream formulated with pomegranate, argan and grapeseed oils, and claims to leave hands feeling softer after each use. 

The Hand Recovery scrub is formulated with macadamia seed oil and shea butter, and that is noticeable the moment you start massaging it onto your hands. After doing so for about a minute, I rinse the product off and my hands feel smoother and very moisturised. Then I proceed to apply a pea sized amount of the Hand Therapy, which smells delicious, slightly citrusy and fresh, and massage it on until it's absorbed, which doesn't take long. After using both products my hands feel so soft and nourished. I tried it on my husband the other day and treated him to a hand massage - he loved it so much in fact he asked me when we were doing the hand scrub again haha! ♥

If you have dry skin on your hands or just feel like pampering yourself, I would definitely recommend the Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Skin Conditioning Hand Recovery and Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy, available in Boots.

xo

Botanics Triple Age Renewal Oil

As I was about to run out of my serum and winter was coming, I opted for a facial oil to use before my moisturiser at night, and I selected the Botanics Triple Age Renewal Smoothing Facial Oil as it is quite affordable at only £4. 

The Botanics Triple Age Renewal Oil claims to be super nourishing, lightweight and non greasy, and to smooth fine lines and renew the skin. Easily absorbed and replenishing of essential skin lipids thanks to purple orchid and moisturising sugars and plant extracts, it will leave skin soft and supple. 

The first time I used this facial oil I noticed that it felt a bit greasy on the skin, however after a few uses I got accustomed to that sensation. I've been using the oil since around the start of winter to avoid the feeling of tight skin after washing my makeup off at night and I must say that it does that, plus it leaves my skin soft and moisturised. 

Lately I've also been applying it near my under eye area and it seems to be having a thickening effect on the thin skin under my eyes as some of the veins are no longer visible, which must be down to the retinol it contains. The Botanics Triple Age Renewal Smoothing Facial Oil also contains almond, jojoba and rosa moscheta oils and vitamin E. 

I would recommend this oil if you are looking for an affordable facial oil with natural ingredients to use during winter to keep skin soft and moisturised. 

Find Botanics Triple Age Renewal Smoothing Facial Oil in Boots. 

xo

Knee High Boots

H&M Wool Coat // Uniqlo Skirt // H&M Mohair Jumper // Next Knee High Boots // Topshop Bag

(Similar: Wool Reefer Coat, Grey Skirt, Mohair Jumper, Knee High Boots, Crossbody Bag)

So, the 2nd app I've been using to make gifs has died, so thanks for that cinemagram and gifboom, very annoying. Breaking news: I found another app and I think it migh be better as they gif looks better quality.
Anyway I finally rediscovered these knee high boots from Next that I received a couple of years ago, I forgot to wear them last year so didn't wear them once. I like them as they keep my legs warm and I think they make me look taller.
Also loving this new bag I got in the Topshop sale, there was another version of it in the style of the Chanel 2.55 but trying it on I found it is not really my style. This one is very simple, with a magnetic closure and though it's not very big, it's good as I'll avoid overpacking stuff into my bag.

xo

Favourite Autumn/Winter Lip Products

I'm not that much of a lipstick person, I prefer a tinted lip balm, and what better time to wear one than during the colder months, when the skin on your lips can get dry, uncomfortable and even chapped because of strong winds and low temperatures.

My three most reached for lip products these days are: 

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia: this 100% natural lip balm has a dark red tint to it and leaves my lips feeling soft, but of course needs reapplying after eating or drinking, which I don't mind. 

Bourjois Color Boost in Plum Russian: a bit more pigmented than the Burt's Bees one, this lip crayon leaves my lips looking shiny and with a wintery berry colour. It can be layered for a more opaque colour.

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose: this lip balm is definitely thicker than the other two, leaves lips feeling nourished and with a slight sheen and a rosy colour to them. This lip butter also works as a sheer stain when it wears off.

What are your favourite winter lip products?

xo

New in: December 2016

Last month I think I only bought one thing for myself, so the first 8 pictures are my Christmas gifts.

Dot got me some socks, Olympea by Paco Rabanne (which came with a reindeer plush toy), Get a Life by Vivienne Westwood, David Bowie Who Can I Be Now? Collection and an Instax Mini 8 in pink ♥

I also got a Lady Title, Ziggyology book, Notebook and Diary. Two H&M gift cards, money and tickets to see Justice later this year. Nivea and Along Came Betty Gift sets, and a hand made Patisserie de Bain Gift set. Pjs, dressing gown and 2 pairs of slippers. 

Two hair turbans, an avocado tool, dark Toblerone, apron and oven mitt. A quilt, food processor and a Bush digital frame. More toiletries, a reindeer toy and a calendar. 

And the only thing I got was a leather Topshop bag in the sale, the notebook I got this month and it's from The Works. 

Did you get anything nice last month?

xo

A Classic Tote Bag With Trendy Accents

As part of my collaboration with Zaful, I received this gorgeous tote bag. I picked it out because I really liked the sleek, classic and minimal style of the body of the bag, as well as the fun add-ons it comes with. 

The body of the bag is very sturdy and the faux leather is very smooth. It has an accessible front pocket with a snap button closure, a main zipped compartment and an interior pocket. The bag is not lined with any textiles so the interior is the same material as the exterior, which makes it waterproof.

This classic tote comes with 2 different removable straps: one adjustable in the same material as the body, and one thick and colourful fabric reversible one which is very trendy and can be used on other bags as well! It also comes with a grey super soft pompom with an elastic on the back so it can be attached to the front or side of the bag, or it could even be used as a key chain. 

All in all, very pleased with this bag, I like it even more than the last one I received from Zaful. 

Find this versatile tote bag on Zaful.com

xo

Happy New Year!

Wishing you an excellent 2017!

xo

Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream

A while ago, I had about £10 worth of points at a certain department store's beauty section that were about to expire, so I set out to find something nice to spend them on, and I found a Burt's Bees skincare set which included the Coconut Foot Cream. Even though I'm a big skincare fan, I tend to neglect the skin on my body and just focus on my face so getting said Burt's Bees set made sense. 

The Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream combines coconut oil, lanolin and glycerin to "revive and rejuvenate dry feet" and can be used daily or as an overnight foot treatment. What I noticed upon using this product for the first time is that it has a nice coconut smell and feels quite oily, so it takes a while to absorb, but I definitely saw that it leaves skin feeling softer the following day. If you fancy treating yourself to a new foot cream with natural ingredients, then I would recommend you try it.

Find Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Cream at Boots.

xo

L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara

I've been into mascara lately, and this is one that I never got around to writing about for some reason. I won the L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara in a giveaway some time ago, along with some other men skincare items. 

This mascara claims to separate lashes for a fanned out effect thanks to its millionizer brush. The excess wiper removes excess mascara to avoid clumps and the ultra flexible applicator with short and long bristles coats lashes evenly from root to tip. 

I normally go for bristle brushes, instead of the rubber ones as I find they can cause clumps, but surprisingly this one doesn't, it applies the product nicely without clumping and holds a curl, which is great for my short and straight lashes. Plus it doesn't flake or smudge on my oily skin and resists through rain and watery eyes. In summary, a good all rounder mascara that lasts, doesn't clump or smudge, so definitely recommended.

Find L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara in Boots and Superdrug. 

xo

Merry Christmas

All my best wishes for you this holiday season!

xo

Winter Dress

Wool Coat, Jumper, Knitted Dress, All H&M // Topshop Suede Boots // Pretty Polly Tights

(Similar: Jumper, Knitted Dress, Suede Boots, Tights)

It's Christmas on Sunday! Can't wait for Dot to open his gifts, I hope he likes them. I always get too excited and give him clues to what he's got but I've been good this year and so far no clues haha. 

This dress I got a few years ago and didn't really wear it much as it is 3/4 sleeve and I don't feel very comfortable wearing it because of that, but I realised I could layer it and it looks and feels better that way.

xo

New in: November 2016

A little Body Shop haul, I got everything for just over £10, including: Cocoa Butter Shower Cream, Almond Hand & Nails Set, Detangling Comb and Extra Virgin Minerals Powder Foundation.

I also got the cutest bralette and brief set (sold separately) from H&M. And last but not least, I won a couple of Tony & Guy label m products: the Dry Shampoo and the Texturising Spray, found the John Frieda full repair style creator in poundland so couldn't pass it up.

Didn't really get a lot last month, but maybe I'll find something great in the sales ;D

xo

Maxi Dresses At StyleWe

Party season is here, and with that the opportunity to dress up and wear some nice garments. At StyleWe they have a wide range of dresses so you are bound to find one that suits your taste and the occasion. These are a few of my favourites from their Petite Maxi Dresses line:

 

The dress on the left is a gorgeous emerald colour and has a Grecian vibe to it with its deep v-neck line and loose sleeves. It defines the waist by using a sash in the same fabric as the dress to make your waist stand out. The dress on the right is a bit more casual, still a maxi dress but in a more sheer fabric, this dress features a print all over that gives it a more bohemian feel. It also has an asymetric hem line, a lace framed v-neck, long sleeves to keep you warm this season and an elasticated waist to define your figure. 

 

Last but not least is another more occasion dress, this time in a turquoise shade, it features a wrap design on the front with a deep v neck and thin straps to frame the shoulders delicately. Again it defines your waist with a sash in the same fabric so you don't lose your shape under the floor length dress.

For more fashion news visit Stylewe's blog and for fashion videos visit Stylewe's Youtube.

This is a sponsored post.

xo

Festive Clothes & Accessories at Zaful

A few weeks ago Zaful.com contacted me to collaborate with them so I chose a couple of products to try out and review (one is still to be delivered). The items I have received so far are:

Textured Leather Metal Chain Tote Bag which I picked because I wanted a new bag for work, the backpack I was using was all floppy and stuff was very difficult to find inside it because of its black lining. This bag has a light lining and lots of inside compartments as you can see (including a zip pocket outside on the back of the bag) which is very practical to keep all your things in a specific place. The panel on the front is made out of real leather and I like that you have the option of carrying it on your arm, shoulder or across your body. Also like the gunmetal colour and the chrome effect of the hardware. The only thing I don't love about it is that there was a weird smell inside it, Dot said it was glue, and I think it's fading now but it's not very nice haha.

I also got the Merry Christmas Sweater, which is very season appropriate and funny if you have ever watched Home Alone (who hasn't?). It features the phrase Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal with some snowflakes, reindeers and pine trees for decoration. It is not very thick and it's made from acrylic, which I would normally avoid but I just couldn't resist this time. The sweater is a one size fits all but it's very oversized so it can be worn with leggings. The material was a bit stiff and it smelt of acrylic so I washed it and used softener and now it smells fresh and it's softer, ready to wear tomorrow as it is xmas jumper day at work. I will also be wearing it on Christmas Day and probably Boxing Day as well.

xo

Richard Ashcroft at The O2

On Friday we went to see Richard Aschroft at the O2 in London. The only downside of having a job in retail is that I had to go to work the next day, not until 11 but still. I felt a bit tired but as soon as the concert began I didn't feel like I was going to fall asleep any second ha. 

Don't really know many of his songs, but I do know that he was in The Verve and I know their song Bittersweet Symphony, which was the closing up song, complete with a live orchestra and air cannons blowing out lots of fake £20 notes in the air with the face of Richard Ashcroft on them. He also got off the stage during that song to have the crowd sing into his microphone (he walked right in front of me!). So even though I only really knew Bittersweet Symphony, I had a very good time and really enjoyed that last song.

xo

Pink & Grey

H&M Wool Coat // Topshop Pink Sweatshirt // Adidas Stan Smith // Topshop Leigh Jeans

(Similar: Pink Sweatshirt)

Last week Dot took a day off work to take me out shopping to Bluewater (exhibit A) ♥

On other news, I am nearly 5 full weeks into my xmas job, meaning I have just over 3 weeks left, just when I was starting to like it ha! But I said to myself that my next job is going to be the best ever, so it's gonna be even better than this one (better start looking then).

xo

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo

After I ran out of my shampoo, I went on to finish up the L'Occitane shampoo and conditioner samples I had, which lasted surprisingly long. Right before I ran out of them I had to get a new shampoo, and thought The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo might be a similar product to the L'occitane ones I had been using. 

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo claims to restore moisture in your hair, helping you achieve a smooth and shiny finish that doesn't weigh hair down. It is ideal for dry hair and contains community trade honey from Ethiopia and organic sugarcane from Paraguay, as well as pracaxi and manketti nut oils. The formula doesn't have parabens, silicones, sulphates nor colorants. 

The scent The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo features is slightly sweet, and it has a medium thick consistency and colour similar to honey. To use it is recommended you pour some onto your hand then lather up before massaging on the hair. As I rinse the product off, my hair feels quite soft though the only thing I don't love about it is that it needs a couple of applications to thoroughly cleanse the scalp, but other than that it's fine.

Find The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo online.