Christmas Gift Guide 2019: Green Beauty & Wellness Treats

This week's Christmas Gift Guide focuses on some beautiful Green Beauty and Wellness Treats which I'd love to find wrapped up underneath the tree this year! These are gift ideas which are free from excessive plastic packaging and instead have packaging which is either fully recyclable or reusable.

For Yogis & Frequent Flyers: Yogandha Salute Rollerball* (10ml, £16.95, link)

For the friend who loves yoga, I would highly recommend the natural Irish wellness brand Yogandha who have a lovely range of easy to use rollerballs. I particularly love the Salute blend which is an invigorating mix of nine therapeutic essential oils such as Grapefruit and Bergamot, and it smells so energising and happy! It's also perfect for those who fly a lot as it helps to alleviate some of the symptoms of jetlag too.

For Eco-Warriors: Awake Organics Unscented Probiotic Deodorant* (45g, £11.99, link)

Plastic-free gifts will be more in demand than ever this year as increasing awareness over our environment and oceans continues to grow, so why not treat someone who is trying to go plastic-free with this all-natural, vegan-friendly organic deodorant? Made by indie brand, Awake Organics, they have a small line of natural deos which are packaged in fully recyclable metal tins. Free from aluminium, bicarb and fragrance, this unscented version is great for sensitive skin.

For Busy Mums & Low-Maintenance Women: Zoya Naked Manicure Perfector* (14ml, £10, link)

Free from the big five nasties which are commonly found in mainstream nail polish products, Zoya's Naked Manicure Perfector is one of those brilliant low-maintenance gems that instantly pulls your look together and makes adulting look easy, even when you're running around like a headless chicken! This mauve shade compliments a wide range of skin tones and is perfect for busy mums who still want to look their best with a pretty mani.

For City Workers: Antipodes Blessing Anti-Pollution Light Face Serum* (30ml, £34.99, link)

Sadly, pollution is a fact of life for those who live and/or work in a city, but you can help your bestie protect their skin from the ageing effects of pollution with this clever serum from Antipodes. Formulated with skin-brightening Marshmallow Bloom extract and Liquorice Root, this bestselling product is packed full of antioxidants to help neutralise free radical damage and provide a protective natural barrier against the worst of city pollution. Best of all, it's suited for most skin types, especially oily skins, and feels lightweight on so it sits well underneath makeup.

For The Candle Lover: JOIK Strawberries & Sparkling Wine Candle* (145g, £13.50, link)

Described as a romantic, luxurious and intoxicating mix of Strawberries, Hyacinth, Cassis, White Flowers and Sandalwood blended with Lily Of The Valley and Apple Cider, JOIK's deliciously fruity and floral Strawberries & Sparkling Candle is ideal for the festive party season and beyond. The soy wax base is hand-poured into reusable/recyclable glass and makes a heavenly gift for any candle lover.

For Those In Need Of Some Calm: Kypwell Essentials KypCalm Organic Herbal Tea* (80g, £18, link)

Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year and whilst many of us juggle various commitments here and there, it's always helpful to gift some 'calm' to someone who may be struggling. Kypwell Essentials do a fantastic Organic Herbal Tea called KypCalm which features a bespoke blend of carefully chosen herbs that have been proven to have a relaxing effect during exhausting or distressing times. Sourced from organic cultivations in Cyprus, it contains the likes of Lemon Balm, Lavender, Crataegus, Passion Flower and Hibiscus to help improve stress levels and sleep, and it's also good for relieving PMS symptoms.

Are you buying any green beauty or wellness gifts this year?

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Currently Loving: Zoya Renew Polish Rejuvenator review

Nail Polish was the main beauty item that I collected before I started blogging, and now I have amassed quite the collection.  Despite my best intentions however, I am guilty of neglecting some of my stash which easily leads to some polishes becoming a bit thick and gloopy.  Which is where Zoya's Renew Polish Rejuvenator comes into play.

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The One & Only Make-Up Tag

I was tagged by the lovely Ana from Anagoesgreen to do the One & Only Tag that's currently circulating on the blogosphere.  It was tough going through my make-up collection and compiling what's essentially an ultimate favourites list, but here we go - these are my final picks to the question "If you could only have one.....what would it be?".

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5 Autumn/Fall Nail Polishes

From L-R:
Zoya - Petra (NOTD), China Glaze - Dress Me Up (NOTD), Zoya - Dree (NOTD), Nails Inc - Savile Row (NOTD) and Barry M - Mushroom (NOTD)

Let's face it, Autumn is a dreary, wet and miserable season if you live in the UK.  Summer is over, the nights are drawing in, it's time to put the heating on, and it seems like forever until xmas!  However, out of this misery, I do enjoy the traditional autumnal shades that come around every year, especially for nails.  Above, I have chosen five of my favourite autumn-friendly nail polish shades which reflect the changing season well and will match the current A/W trends that are everywhere right now.

Are you a fan of Autumn/Fall shades?  Which are your favourites?

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NOTD: Zoya - Dree

Whenever I think of Autmun/Fall in nail shade terms, I immediately think of dark olive and khaki greens.  Zoya's Dree is a firm favourite of mine.  This murky olive green applies beautifully in just two coats and like all of the Zoya polishes I've tried so far, doesn't chip on me for almost 5 days.

What are you wearing on your nails today?

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NOTD: Zoya - Yara

Khaki-green is more suited to the usual A/W trends, but Zoya's Yara has enough gold shimmer in it to make me want to wear it all year round.  I love this colour because I don't have anything similar to it in my collection.  

I hope you're all enjoying the extra long bank holiday so far, fingers crossed that the rain has gone from wherever you are today! 

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NOTD: Zoya - Cynthia

 

I have a thing every now and again for dark nail polish.   In particular, dark nail polish that looks almost black, but has enough of another colour in it to not be black.  Zoya's Cynthia ticks this box perfectly for me.  It can be described as a 'blackened blue' and always catches my eye whenever I search for a polish to wear.  This applies opaque in two coats (though you might be able to get away with just one coat if you wanted more of the blue undertone to show through) and goes on smooth and glossy.      

Are these colours your thing or not?

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March Favourites

The month has gone by so fast again hasn't it? Here are my beauty favourites for March:-

(1) Liz Earle Skin Repair Light Moisturiser* - (review) - This is one of the best moisturisers I've tried for oily/combination skin, it controls excess oil where needed and doesn't dry out the other parts. I'll be using this a lot over the coming summer months.
(2) Dr Organic Pomegranate Deodorant - (review) - Have been raving about this a lot recently and absolutely love it. Smells so good!
(3) Zoya Nail Polish in Jana - (NOTD) - Gorgeous mauve/taupe shade.
(4) Andrea Fulerton Nail Polish in Eliza - (NOTD) - One of my new favs shades for S/S, so pretty!
(5) Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie - (review) - I imagine that these little beauties will be on a lot of people's favourites this month! I have been wearing this almost everyday since the lovely Sandra sent it to me.
(6) Karma Naturals Lip Balm in Rhubarb and Custard - (review) - This smells good enough to eat and is very moisturising, love how natural it is too!

What are your beauty favourites this month?

*PR sample

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NOTD: Zoya - Jana

Zoya's Jana is a beautiful mauve cream/pale taupe and it's one of those neutral colours that I pick every now and again, especially when I'm feeling a bit indecisive. These shades are just perfect for everyday wear and always look simple yet chic. Like the other Zoya polishes I have, Jana applies perfectly in two coats with no fuss, and delivers a lovely smooth finish.

What are you wearing on your nails today?

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NOTD: Zoya - Kennedy

This is the Zoya nail polish that I received in my Amarya box, in the shade Kennedy. I liked the colour in the bottle but wasn't too sure of it when I actually applied it. It's a very grown up/sophisticated dirty nude beige kinda colour that I don't often, if ever, personally wear, but it's another shade that's begun to grow on me.

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Amarya Organic Beauty Box - February

I was very excited to receive this month's Amarya box today, especially after I'd already seen some spoilers of it.



The goodies!





This month's box was obviously Valentines themed, and what's the best way to represent that commerical holiday? By including a candle of course! I was very pleased to see this Neom Travel Candle in the new 'Happiness' scent, which has essential oils of White Neroli, Mimosa and Lemon. It smells very fresh and Spring-like, with a strong hint of freshly cut grass. Although it's technically a 'travel' candle, it's quite big and will burn for 20 hours. It's also in glass, so I'll be keeping it at home, probably in the living room. All of my other candles at home are sweet scents so this is a nice change.



If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know my love of Zoya nail polishes, so of course I was over the moon to receive this. I got the shade Kennedy, which is a pinky beige and from the Winter 2011 'Feel' collection. Will post a NOTD of this soon.



Lastly, there was a 15ml tube of Essential Care Avocado Replenishing Cream which technically isn't for my skin type (it's for dry/mature skin) but will no doubt get used up as a night cream instead. The sachet is 1.5ml of Essential Care Organic Rose Moisturiser which is described as a light day cream that can also be used as an eye cream too.

Summary: I think Amarya have set the standard for Valentines themed boxes this month. I am SO pleased with the Neom Candle and the Zoya nail polish :)

Are you hoping that the beauty boxes this month are Valentines themed? What products would you like to see in them?

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January Favourites

So glad that January is over and done with, I swear I thought it would never end! Here are my beauty favourites for January:- (1) Ecotools 6 Piece Brush Set - I have been using this every single day since I got them and they've washed perfectly with no problems, no shedding either. If you are looking for some new make-up brushes I seriously recommend these! (review). (2) Zoya nail polish in Petra (NOTD) and (3) Ciate nail polish in Wait Until Dark (NOTD) - I have been loving purple shades this month and these two have been worn the most. (4)Eyeko Fat Eye Stick in Satin Taupe - I know some people have been slating these since receiving one in this month's Carmine box but I really like it. The main criticism seems to be about how sheer they are, but you can build up the colour by adding one or two extra layers. I like how this can be used for a subtle smoky eye that's suitable for daywear. To get this to work for you, it's essential to use a good primer otherwise it will crease, but I've had no problems using it with UDPP. (5)Mac Paint Pot in Rubenesque - Oh Rubenesque how I love you so! You can see my swatches of it here. I love these paint pots and definitely want to pick up more! And finally, (6) Barefoot Botanicals SOS Daily Rich Body Lotion - I was so pleased to win this in a giveaway and it's been my new go-to body moisturiser in this freezing cold weather (review) Smells good too!.

What have been your January beauty favourites?

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NOTD: Zoya - Nimue

Zoya's Nimue is a dusky purple that has a silver metallic shimmer running through it. The formula is a little thinner than other Zoya polishes I've tried, but still delivered an opaque finish in two coats. I wasn't all that sure on the colour when I first bought it but it's one that has started to grow on me the more times I wear it.

Hope everyone's having a great weekend! x

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NOTD: Zoya - Petra

This shade Petra, from Zoya's Smoke and Mirrors collection, is unbelievably pretty in real life. The photo doesn't give it enough justice. Petra is a dusky purple/grey/taupe that looks like all three in varying lights. Like all of the other Zoya polishes I've tried so far, application is smooth and easy in two coats.

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December Favourites

I hope everyone had a great New Years! I'm a bit late doing this post due to the festivities, so here are my beauty favourites from last month:-



Barry M Translucent Powder in Medium - One of the best budget friendly (I think this was under £6) powders I've tried so far. It's finely milled and absorbs excess oil from the face to leave your make-up set and matte. Plus it's packaged in a generous size compact with a huge mirror. Elf Studio Line Cream Eyeliner in Black (swatch) - My new go-to eyeliner! Easy to use, with good pigmentation and staying power. Unbelievable that this is just £3.50! Japonesque Travel Size Smudger Brush - The perfect shape and size for doing a quick smokey eye with soft bristles. Barry M Lipgloss Wand in Toffee (swatch) - My new favourite nude lipgloss, so pretty for wearing everyday and non-sticky. Cargo Cosmetics Classic Lip Gloss in Tokyo - Another non-sticky, everyday colour that I've been wearing a lot since receiving in last month's Glossybox.



Zoya Nail Polish in Zeeka (NOTD) and Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Razzle Dazzle (NOTD) have been my recent favs for my nails. Elf Studio Line Complexion Brush - Another budget favourite, this brush really is perfect for applying any kind of loose powder and has the absolute bargain price tag of £3.50! Lush Cupcake Fresh Face Mask - I've been raving recently about this face mask and would recommend it to anyone with troublesome oily/combination skin. KMS California Freeshape Quick Blow Dry Spray - I wasn't all that excited to try this when I first saw it in my Carmine box, but I popped it into my travel bag and tested it out over the holidays. WOW! It really does cut your blowdrying time in half and left my hair wonderfully frizz free and soft without any product residue. Amazing stuff!

What were your beauty favs for December?

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NOTD: Zoya - Neeka

Since falling in love with the Zoya polish I received in a Boudoir Prive box a while back, I decided to treat myself to a couple more polishes from their Smoke & Mirrors collection. Neeka is a beautiful purple/grey with a hint of shimmer. I've been wearing it for the last few days and it's still looking great (with a coat of Seche Vite), no chips or anything yet. Impressed!

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September favourites

It hardly feels like September has passed, what with this glorious HOT weather we're having at the moment, but here are my five favourites for last month:-

(1) Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment - The ends/lengths of my hair often can feel quite dry so I'm a bit of a hair oil fiend. Macadamia Oil is virtually the same as Moroccan Oil in terms of them both being an amazing treatment for the hair and helping to repair damage. The only difference I can find between the two is that Moroccan Oil smells slightly stronger than Macadamia Oil (both smell quite similar anyway), but it really is just a tiny difference. I received this 10ml sample bottle in my Boudoir Prive box and I simply love it!

(2) Myface Mymix Foundation - I've been using this quite a bit this month, review and swatches here.

(3) Tropic Skincare Body Smooth Refreshing Polish - Another lovely new favourite that Boudoir Prive have introduced me to. I'm going to have to save up to get a full size pot of this! Mentioned in my monthly empties.

(4) Zoya nail polish in Jem - Boudoir Prive have really impressed me, this is my third new favourite item from this month's box. I've been wearing this ever since I received it. NOTD here.

(5) Barry M nail polish in 292 Navy - Probably my go-to Barry M favourite for autumn colours, I never get bored of this. Used as the base for my galaxy nails here.

What are your monthly beauty favourites?

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NOTD: Zoya - Jem

Here's that gorgeous Zoya nail polish that I received in my Boudoir Prive box. I absolutely love it. It's a bit similar to my favourite nail polish of last month, Mac's Formidable, but with a warmer red and gold undertone of shimmer. Formulation wise, it's really good too.

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