Christmas Gift Guide 2017: The Last Minute Edit (Online & Highstreet)

Still on the hunt for some Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers? Forgot someone's Secret Santa? It's not too late! Here's my handy Last Minute Edit filled with beauty treats and featuring a wide range of brands and stockists.

 MasqueBAR Pretty Animalz Reindeer Calming Sheet Mask* (£4, link) & iN.gredients Cream Masks* (£3 each, link)

For a super cute stocking filler, MasqueBAR have released a range of festive Animalz Sheet Masks which feature the animal printed onto the mask itself for the ultimate Christmas skincare selfie! Each one has a different purpose and this Reindeer mask is perfect for hydrating and soothing. Available online from ASOS or from your local House Of Fraser. Also available from ASOS are the festive-themed face masks from MasqueBAR's iN.gredients range which include the delicious Hot Cocoa (hydrating), Candy Cane (purifying), and Egg Nog (anti-ageing). These are all cream masks that smell exactly like their names!

 Skin79 Golden Snail 24k Hydro Gel Mask* (£5.90, link) & Venetian Carnival Shiny Star Mask* (£3.90, link)

If you're looking for a sheet mask stocking filler that's more luxurious, cult Korean brand Skin79 have a massive range of different masks for all skin types and concerns. Two of my favourites are the Golden Snail 24k Hydro Gel Mask which is fantastic for anti-ageing and extra radiance, and the Venetian Carnival Shiny Star Mask that's a great pre-party mask for a gorgeous hydrating glow. Both available online from HQ Hair. 

 KISS Looks So Natural Iconic Lashes* (£4.99, link), Lash Couture Strip Lash Adhesive* (£4.99, link), Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails* (£6.99, link) & imPRESS Press-On Manicure* (£7.99, link)

Popping into Superdrug or Boots? Head straight to the KISS stand and pick up some of their beautiful lashes and nail kits. I love their Looks So Natural Lashes for a pretty, fluttery, easy-to-wear style and a tube of their Lash Couture Strip Lash Adhesive would make a fab stocking filler for any girlie girl who is always wearing fake lashes! Their Gel Fantasy and imPRESS nail kits are also a must-buy for DIY mani-fans with lots of shades and styles to choose from.

 Brushworks HD Midi Sponge Set* (£9.99, link) & HD Oval Brush Set* (£12, link)

Makeup accessories and tools are huge Christmas gifts this year and Brushworks have something for everyone. Their HD Midi Sponge Set contains four high-quality, latex-free blending sponges that can be used with a variety of liquid and cream based products, whilst the HD Oval Brush Set is a brilliant affordable dupe of the popular Artis brushes that have dominated Youtube tutorials this year. Best of all? These sets and much more are currently in the 3 for 2 offer online at Feel Unique - win win!

 MUA Matte Supreme & Cashmere Collective Eyeshadow Palettes* (£8 each, link)

Eyeshadow palettes are also insanely popular this year and MUA's latest 25 Shade Eyeshadow Palettes are a budget-friendly way to gift the makeup lover in your life with a whole bunch of new colours! There are several colourways to choose from, but my personal favourites are Matte Supreme (this really is the ultimate neutral matte palette) and Cashmere Collective (a selection of beautiful matte and shimmery, neutral and smokey shades). Available online from MUA direct and Superdrug. 

Joan Collins I Am Woman Eau De Parfum* (12ml, £15, link) & Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré* (£15, link)

Some stocking filler ideas that I think mums/aunties/older female relatives and friends will enjoy, include Joan Collins' popular I Am Woman fragrance (a classic feminine scent with citrusy top notes layered over a woody and musky base with hints of floral), and the French skincare guru's favourite, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, which is an ultra-rich multi-purpose cream that's perfect for Winter and currently available in a ready-to-gift, Limited Edition Paris design.

 Know Cosmetics No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner* and No Dark Shadows Complexion Enhancer* (£12.50 each, link) & Carmex Skinny Dip Limited Edition Lip Balm* (£3.95, link)

Your local Lloyds Chemist might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to shopping for Christmas gifts, but my local one is a great place to find some beauty bargains from bestselling brands. If your local stocks Know Cosmetics, look out for the No Bleeding Lips Secret Lip Liner (a clear lip liner that can be used with any lipstick) and No Dark Shadows Complexion Enhancer (a cheeky YSL Touche Eclat dupe that provides more coverage for pesky dark circles). 

If you need a cutesy little stocking filler for a teen or young daughter, I think they'd love the new Limited Edition Carmex collab with Skinny Dip which has been given a festive twist with a yummy Sugar Plum flavour, and it features a unicorn! Available from Superdrug.

 Superdrug Studio London Metal Hair Accessories* (£2.99 each, link)

Also from Superdrug, you'll find these new, on-trend metal hair accessories from their Studio London range which make brilliant stocking fillers, especially if you have teens or young girls to buy for. Plus they're in the current buy one, get the second half-price offer on Superdrug hair essentials so now's the time to stock up! 

Clipper Snore & Peace Gift Caddy* (£10, link)

Tea lovers will adore this beautifully presented and reusable Gift Caddy that contains Clipper's bestselling Snore & Peace blend in 30 enveloped tea bags. This relaxing infusion of Chamomile, Lemon Balm and Lavender will help to send your recipient off to the land of nod so that they can get a restful night's sleep during the busy festive season. Certified organic by the Soil Association and available from Amazon.

US ONLY! Image Skincare Forever Young Gift Set* (link)

Lastly, as I've had some requests from a few of my American followers for gift recommendations, I wanted to include the Forever Young Gift Set from Image Skincare. Available in the US only, this set contains a great travel-size selection from Image's Vital C range (Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Anti-Ageing Serum, Repair Creme and Moisturiser), alongside a gorgeous Silk Eye Mask designed by DANNIJO. 

What last minute Christmas gifts are you buying this year?

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July Empties: Products I've Used Up

Can you believe that another month is coming to an end?! You know what that means - it's time to rummage through my rubbish and see what beauty products I've managed to use up this month. Here are my July Empties!

Bee Good Honey & Wild Flax Daily Moisturiser

My skin can be quite fussy with moisturisers in the Summer months, but this one is a winner for oily/combo types! It's perfect for balancing the oiler areas, whilst keeping the drier parts hydrated and there's Honey and Propolis in the formula which have great antibacterial properties for keeping blemishes at bay. I've gone through a couple of tubes of this over the past few years! Repurchase? I have some other moisturisers to finish up first, but will definitely pick this up again in the near future.

STARSKIN Walk of Fame Foot Mask Socks*

Loved these, have used them in the past and they are one of the best products of this kind out there. They really do help to sort out any dry bits and they'll leave your feet feeling wonderfully soft for days afterwards. Repurchase? They're pricey, so I'll be keeping an eye out for an offer or discount code first!

NUXE Splendieuse Anti-Dark Spot Perfecting Mask*

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my rather unflattering selfie wearing this last night in my Instagram Stories and it was the last one in my pack. I really like these ones for brightening up a dull complexion as they have Vitamin C in them so they're great before a special occasion or a night out. Repurchase? I have a bunch of sheet masks to use up from various brands before I can justify buying anymore, but once I've got a handle on my stash I will be treating myself to some more of these!

Masque Bar Eye Treat Dark Circle Reducer Minimizing Patches*  

If you have dark circles and need help brightening them up, these eye masks from Masque Bar are fantastic. They're not a miracle worker but they do give me a noticeable difference whenever I use them and are perfect to use the next morning after a late night or before a special occasion. Repurchase? Like the sheet masks, I have a couple of eye masks to get through, but I'd definitely pick these up again.

Vita Liberata Self Tanning Night Moisture Mask

This travel size sample was from a recent GWP and although I've gone through a full size tube of this mask before, I'm still undecided about this product - how weird is that?! Sometimes I put it on and love it, other times I just think it's a bit 'meh' as the colour is very subtle. Repurchase? No, I think I'm just going to stick with the James Reed Sleep Mask Tan for the time being.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've lost count of how many tubes of this cleanser I've gone through over the years and I always, always have one or two in my skincare stash. It gets rid of every single trace of makeup so effortlessly (including waterproof mascara), and I really like using it as a first cleanse in the evenings to remove everything else like daily grime and sunscreen. Repurchase? Already have!

Caudalie Premier Cru The Elixir

Another sample freebie from a GWP, I actually have the full size bottle of this which I'm about halfway through, but I used this up first as it was in my travel bag. It's a beautiful half oil/half serum type of formula and is amazing for keeping the skin hydrated. Feels like such a treat whenever I use it! Repurchase? Will do after I've used up the full-size.

Urban Veda Purifying Hydrating Toner

This is a lovely summer skincare product for my oily/combo skin. It contains Ayurvedic Neem, Witch Hazel and Tea Tree Oil to rebalance and detoxify congested skin, but there's also Rose Water in the formula to put some essential moisture back in so you get the best of both worlds. If you have blemishes or breakout prone skin, you need to try this! Repurchase? Will do after I've used up some other toners first.

Hairy Jayne Pre Shampoo Treatment Oil*

If my scalp feels dry or itchy, I'll use something like this to re-balance and rehydrate it. This one from Hairy Jayne has an Olive and Argan Oil base, plus several key essential oils like Clary Sage and Lavender to make my scalp feel happy again. You only need to use a few drops per treatment, so this bottle has lasted me a long time! Repurchase? Yes.

Hairy Jayne Citrus Hair Perfume with Heat Protection

Another product that I love from Hairy Jayne are their all-natural hair perfumes as they also double up as a heat protector for blow-drying and straightening. I've tried all of their scents, but this Citrus one is my favourite and I think this is my second or third bottle that I've gone through. Again, a little goes a long way so they're great value for money and last ages. Repurchase? Yes. 

Origins Maskimiser 

Despite initially liking the concept behind this product (it's designed to be a hydrating spritz that you use before applying any face mask to 'maximise' its benefits), I didn't notice any differences from using it. It just feels like a regular hydrating toner which is nice, but it doesn't seem to enhance or 'maximise' anything in the short or long term. Repurchase? Nope!

Weleda Arnica Sports Shower Gel

Although I absolutely love Weleda's Creamy Body Washes, this shower gel is something that I like to go back to during the summer months because it's so lovely and refreshing to use. Great for using after a workout or just if it's been particularly hot and sticky that day. Repurchase? Yes. 

Aveda Stress Fix Composition Oil

You guys all know how much I adore the Composition Oils from Aveda and their Stress Fix scent is one of my all-time favourite fragrances from a luxury pampering brand. Whenever I use this, I always feel instantly more relaxed and you can use these oils in the bath, all over the body and as a scalp and hair treatment too. It's a multitasking superstar! Repurchase? Definitely.

What beauty products have you used up this month?

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April Empties: Products I've Used Up

It's that time of the month again where I share with you all of the beauty products that I've managed to use up recently, and my thoughts about whether I would repurchase them again or not. Here are my April Empties!

Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque

This is one of my favourite hair masks that I often recommend to anyone who has very dry and/or damaged hair. It's on the pricey side, but you don't need to use a huge amount of it each time, so I find that these tubes last me a few months as I only need to use it once a week or fortnight depending on how dry my hair is feeling. Works a treat and is something that I'll always go back to. Repurchase? Yes.

Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

As I have a sensitive scalp, I have to be quite careful with the dry shampoos that I use, as some can really irritate me. I've been using this Oat Milk infused one from Klorane for a while now, and I really love it. It's one of the best that I've tried for absorbing excess oil and dirt, and it leaves my hair feeling super fresh and clean afterwards. Repurchase? Yes.

Pinks Boutique Anti-Ageing Deep Cleanse Melt

If you enjoy using balm cleansers as much as I do, you need to try this one! This is my second tub and I absolutely love it. I use it in the evenings after I've removed my makeup (you can use this to remove your makeup as well, but I feel like I'm wasting it if I do that!), and it's so good for doing a proper deep cleanse/facial massage with as you can really work it into the skin. Afterwards, my skin is as soft as a baby's bum and feels wonderfully clean and hydrated. A little goes a very long way as well! Repurchase? Yes, will do once I've used up a few other cleansers first.

Masque Bar Hydro Gel Eye Patches*

I like to use eye patches during pampering sessions, before special occasions, or when my eyes are feeling particularly puffy, so I've had this tub on the go for a while now as you get 30 pairs in there. These hydrogel eye patches are blissfully cooling on puffy or dry eyes (great for hayfever), and they help your eyes look brighter and much more awake. A great cheeky quick fix to have in your skincare stash! Repurchase? I'm trying out some other brands at the moment, but I would definitely buy these again in the future.

Angela Langford Clean Sweep Softening & Smoothing Cleansing Balm*

Does exactly what it promises to do and does it very well! It destroys makeup within seconds of massaging a small amount onto a dry face, and always leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft once I've washed everything off. Angela Langford has some wonderful gems in her skincare range and this cleansing balm is certainly one of them. Repurchase? Will do when I've used up some other cleansers first.

Fushi Organic Hydrating Lip Balm

Although I've finished it up, I wasn't overly impressed with this lip balm as it didn't feel as moisturising as I wanted it to be and I know that there are so many other lip balms out there that I love more. It's not terrible, but it's not great either. Repurchase? No.

Madara Brightening AHA Peel Mask

A fantastic face mask that uses natural fruit acids to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. I've gone through several of these travel size samples now and I was over the moon when LoveLula included a full-size tube in April's Beauty Box! Highly recommended - a must try for anyone who has dull skin or an uneven skin tone or texture. Repurchase? Already have ;) 

Earth Kiss Million Year Clay Facial Revitalise Bamboo Sheet Mask

Another product that I've used a couple of times in the past are these clay based sheet masks from Earth Kiss. I picked up a bunch of them the last time that they were on offer in Holland & Barrett (I think they were half price so around 99p each - bargain!), and I particularly like this Revitalise one that contains Rhassoul Clay and Juniper extract. I haven't come across many clay based sheet masks before, but these ones are brilliant. Repurchase? I still have some left to use.

Weleda Evening Primrose Age Revitalizing Body Oil*

This little sachet sample was tucked away in Love Me Beauty's makeup bag so I forgot to photograph it with those contents, but I believe it was added as an extra freebie anyway. I currently have the Body Wash from this same range from Weleda in my bathroom, and the Body Oil is just as lovely. Very pampering and moisturising, with a lovely subtle natural fragrance. Repurchase? Would definitely consider buying a full-size bottle at some point. 

What beauty products have you used up recently?

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March Favourites

March was a difficult month for me to get through as I've been quite ill, but nevertheless, I still managed to find a good handful of new beauty favourites to take my mind off things! Here are my March favourites.

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New In: 4 Brand New Skincare Products To Try Out from Dermalogica, B., Masque Bar & REN

Is your skincare routine in need of a Spring shake-up? I've been testing out these four new releases from the likes of Dermalogica, B., Masque Bar & REN over the past month, so here are my thoughts on them!

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January Favourites

How quickly did the last month fly by? Here are my favourite beauty products for January 2016 which features a mix of both budget friendly and high-end goodies.

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Tried & Tested: Masque Bar Green Tea and Anti Wrinkle Sheet Masks review

It seems that us Brits have firmly established a long term love affair with Asian beauty brands, as more and more are becoming readily available here in the UK.  Masque Bar are one such example and they swiftly arrived in Boots late last year.

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