Xmas 2015 / The Best of the Rest

Wow! I can't believe that another year is gone by and it's Christmas again. 

For me is especially bittersweet: my daughter was born in January and it is scary that this first year went so fast [plus, I'm back to work from maternity leave in January too :( - booooo]

Today in my last Christmas instalment, I'm sharing some gift ideas that are also perfect as a token of appreciation from self-to-self and for stocking up on some essential and talking advantage of great savings too.

First of all, from the website http://abeautifulworld.co.uk that stocks some exclusive international brands, not easily available in the UK otherwise.

Everytime I visit their page, my wishlist gets bigger and bigger - for example, I love their bundles with different brands like the one below; Indie Lee is a fantastic brand and the bath salts from Marble & Milkweed sound A-ok too.

For a quick stocking filler, these bottles from Plant definitely make an original and fun gift.

REN also have fabulous gifts with some great savings! These are perfect to stock up on your favourite products and come with an handy beauty bag too; Stop Being So Sensitive!  contains the Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk which I find great to use in the mornings and I think it would work for any skin type too.

Get Your Glow On! has everything you need for radiant complexion and especially the Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial which is a miracle worker and one of my Holy Grails!

Finally, Arbonne Christmas selection is nearly all sold out actually - well, no wonder with such good deals! I have an in-dept post about this brand, so you can read more here.

The Magical Minis Holiday Stocking is filled to the brim with minis and the perfect way to get an introduction to the brand.

... and the Pineapple Papaya Lip Balm sounds like something I can easily get addicted to!

So that's all for now... I hope you all have a Joyous Christmas and plenty of quality time with your families!

xxx

Xmas 2015 / L'Occitane Pierre Herme Hand Cream Trio

For me, it's not Christmas without a L'Occitane gift!

Last year it was the Delicious Almond Collection from the hubby, the year before The Secret to Beautiful Hands (review here)... and again we are spoiled for choose with many fantastic gift sets this year.

L'Occitane Pierre Herme Hand Cream Trio* is really one of these presents that make you scream with joy! 

It contains three Limited Edition hand creams, created in collaboration with Pierre Herme - the famous French Pastry Chef.

There are actually 3 whole ranges with these newly crafted fragrances that combine precious ingredients and that evoke the Mediterranean and the Corsica coast.

All three scents are peculiar and tantalising for different reasons: 

Jasmin Immortelle Neroli is a floral, feminine bouquet with the richness of woody and musky notes.

Pamplemousse Rhubarbe combines the bitterness of the grapefruit white skin with the sweetness and tartness of the rhubarb; a warmly combination, slightly spicy.

Miel Mandarine is the most delicious concussion; fruity notes from the mandarin perfectly marry the sweetness and warmth of the caramelised honey, epitomising the holiday spirit!

They all have the fresh and nourishing consistency of the classic L'Occitane Shea Butter formula that we love!

Bonus: they come in a beautiful illustrated tin to collect and house your treasures!

Xmas 2015 / Dermalogica Our Favorites Set

Give the gift of healthy, clear skin this Christmas with Dermalogica. They have 6 Limited Edition sets to choose from, targeting different needs: from intense hydration, to problematic skin, to a selection of top sellers. 

... and Dermalogica Our Favorites* is - indeed - my favourite! ;)

It contains 4 super-taskers, suitable for all skin conditions. The minis meet travelling standards and are perfect for trying out these products, if this is your first approach to the brand. 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a well known raved about product in the blogosphere. It is a dry scrub, in the form of a rice-based powder; you just mix it with some water and massage on the face to reveal a smoother texture. It's pretty amazing and you can really custom the exfoliating action, best suited for you.
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner comes in a pump bottle and it's ideal to prep the skin, before moisturization; it contains arnica and cucumber extracts to hydrate and refresh - especially after air travel.
Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque is an high performing treatment to inject much needed moisture to dry or stressed skin; it has a unique cross-linked hyaluronic acid that delivers hydration over time for, lasting results.
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm is one of my all time favourite eye product! It has a silicone/balm feeling that smoothes lines, protects against further damage and improves elasticity; it is really a cream & primer & treatment all together in one. Highly recommended!

Have you tried Dermalogica before? Which are your favourite products?

Xmas 2015 / Kiehl's Holiday Gifts

A beautiful wrapped present certainly makes an impact on the eye of the receiver, it shows that you care and an eye-catching packaging makes the gift even more appreciated!

Proof of that, Kiehl's has teamed up with Pop Art artist Peter Max to redesign their Holiday 2015 Collection, making their iconic products extra special and festive.

The inspiration comes from his masterpiece 'The Cosmic Runner' and the colourful drawings represent vibrant Holiday Flyer characters with an aura of magic. The all concept embodies values important at heart for the artist and the brand: love, joy, solidarity and respect for the environment.

There are several holiday edition bundles of products to choose from and my top pick goes to Kiehl's Essentially Yours Gift Set*.

This set contains a complete selection of skincare best sellers, from cleansing to moisturising.

In the roomy and chicly branded beauty bag, you'll find a full size Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser and a full size Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

The cleanser is very mild and suitable for all skin types; it's ph-balanced so it doesn't dry out the skin and also dissolves make up.

The night serum - well, who doesn't know this product?! - is a true skincare hero! It comes with a dropper and you only need to use a couple of drops, on its own or under moisturiser; it's paraben free and 99.8% natural and it promotes skin recovery during the night for a more radiant appearance in the morning - A miracle worker!!!

Finally, you also receive a sample of the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer that works in unison with the cleanser; this lotion is very light in consistency but still provide 24-hr hydration.

The Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate is an 100% natural and paraben free face oil which is full of antioxidants and provides protection against daily environmental aggressors. I haven to used this one before and it sounds pretty amazing - looking forward to try it out!

Peter Max has also rebranded several single items for the Holiday 2015 Limited Edition Collection. The Kiehl's Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter* is one of them.

I love the airy consistency of this moisturizer! It melts into the skin and leaves my skin soft for up to 24 hours.

The special soy milk & honey formulation also gives it its particular indulgent scent and I dare you not to smell your arm all day long. ;)

Again, the illustrations are cheery and Christmasy and just put you in a good mood at the end of a hard day.

Have you seen this Collection in store? Head over to http://www.kiehls.co.uk for your Christmas shopping.

Xmas 2015 / Melvita L'Or Bio Gift Set

Today's Christmas recommendation is for a luxurious bodycare set from Melvita.

Melvita is a french company, pioneer in organic cosmetics since the early 80s and it's a leader brand in the natural and organic sector.

I'm really fond of this brand and I just wish it would be more readily available on the high street - I'd love to see flagship stores where you can try the products, like the 'sister' brand L'Occitane; anyway, I get my stuff from feelunique.com or you can also visit uk.melvita.com

They have some really great Christmas ideas with some good savings too, like the Melvita Christmas Treats Bauble - that contains 3 minis inside a pretty ornament.

The Melvita L'Or Bio Gift Set* is a real treat for the body and the senses; the organic brand is kind-to-skin and kind-to-the-enviroment and this duo will leave you feeling pampered and relaxed.

This coffret includes Melvita Extraordinary Oil which is a multitasker for body, face and hair and contains 5 precious oils to nourish and beautify.

This oil is a best seller and leaves the skin silky to the touch, non greasy and sophisticatedly scented, thanks to notes of Italian bergamot, jasmine and tire flower.

It also comes in a beautiful glass bottle that certainly enhance that special experience.

The Melvita Extraordinary Shower is the matching cleanser with the same precious and rare oils and smell.

You get a generous 250ml and a drop of this golden gel transforms into a velvety foam for a pleasant and rewarding experience.

The Melvita L'Or Bio Gift Set retails for £25 which is a fantastic price for such high quality ingredients and performances. 

Have you tried Melvita before?

Xmas 2015 / Buon Natale from Kiko Milano

Kiko Milano does Christmas BIG style! The Cosmic Starlets Holiday Collection includes holiday gifts, holiday single make up items and also skincare & fragrances.

All the products come packaged in a festive red & silver design with bows and bespoken cases. 

Part of the Cosmic Starlets make-up range - Kiko Milano Cosmic Glam Kajal-Eyeliner Duo is a double ended pen with a bright kajal on one side and bold liquid eyeliner on the other.

03 Denim Blue* has a bright shimmer light blue teamed with an intense royal blue. The kajal is super smooth and easy to blend as an eyeshadow on the whole eyelid; the eyeliner applicator is easy to use, steady and doesn't drag on the skin. You can also use the kajal just to rim the eye and create a smokey look.

Kiko Milano Dazzling Highlighter is a cream, illuminating stick; it comes in 03 Pure Gold* and 04 Bright Rose* and they are both beautiful - I couldn't pick a favourite. They are subtly different but they are different!

The added radiance to the cheeks is guaranteed with a effortless swipe of the product, directly on the skin. 

They have high-reflecting pearls and the formula contains natural waxes, jojoba oil and rice oil giving it a silky soft feel. 

top - bottom: bright rose, pure gold

The gift sets are even more amazing!
The Kiko Milano Angel Kiss Set contains a jar of exfoliating scrub for the lips and a lip balm in matching colours.
Cranberry Crumble is in a purple hue - both name & colour ideal for autumn/winter season.
The scrub contains sugar crystals to soften and smooth the lips whilst the lip balm moisturises and soothes the skin; it leaves just an hint of colour with a glossy finish.

Kiko Milano Twin Stars Nail Lacquer & Lipstick is another well thought present; the elegant gift package is in the cute shape of a tree ornament and contains a matte lipstick with matching nail polish.

You can choose between 4 shades but you certainly can't go wrong with 04 Uniquely Red*!

Although matte, the lipstick is creamy and nourishing and with a great colour pay-off; the nail polish has a glossy finish and opaque with one application.

... and of course, I saved the best for last!

Even if you're not a nail polish super-fan, I dare you not to drool in front of this mini-vault.

The Kiko Milano Dream Wish Nail Lacquer Set* comes with 7 beautiful colours and a glittery top coat.

The shades are all beautiful and suitable for every skintone: from a milky pinky nude, to a bright coral, to a (rediscovered) warm brown.

The finish is super shiny and the formula contains resins that give the polish a gel effect and longevity, without the need of a UV lamp.

This is truly a winner collection - affordable and of impact!
What are you wishing for to find under the tree?

Xmas 2015 / Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette

Technically not part of the Urban Decay Holiday 2015 selection, BUT the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette* is certainly taking the spotlight concerning Must-Haves this Christmas. 

As the name suggests, the palette comes from the collaboration between Wende Zomnir (cofounder of UD) and Gwen Stefani, which apparently overlooked every detail - from the shades selection to the packaging; she also picked up the eyeshadow names, inspired by her songs.

The cool black & white graphic case is encased in a gold frame with a magnetic fastening.

The palette is considerably neutral orientated making it perfect for everyone; but with some jewel tones added to recreate Gwen iconic looks, if you wish.

Out of the 15 eyeshadows, 12 are BRAND NEW... so No Doubt you need this in your collection!!! ;P

No complaints about the quality either, it's there! True Urban Decay formulation: smooth and buttery with good pigmentation pay-off.

l-r: Blonde, Bathwater, Skimp, Steady, Punk

Top Row: Blonde is a pale ivory with pink sparkle; Bathwater is a light cream with warm undertone with a frosty sheen; Skimp is a peachy nude with a satin finish; Steady is a rose gold with metallic finish - Beautiful shade, one of my favourites! Punk is a matte brown with a warm, plum undertone.

l-r: Baby, Anaheim, Stark, Zone, Serious

Middle Row: Baby is another rose gold, pinkier then Steady, also with a metallic sheen; Anaheim is medium brown with cool undertones and with matte finish; Stark is also a matte brown, pale with warm undertones; Zone is another matte brown but with a strong yellow tone; Serious is a grayish taupe with very small shimmer. 

l-r: Pop, Harajuku, Danger, 1987, Blackout

Bottom Row: Pop is a coral/pink, very shimmery; Harajuku is a cool pink with a frosted finish; Danger is intense royal blue with a pearly finish; beautiful and another fave of mine! 1987 is a true yellow gold with metallic sheen; Blackout is a matte true black shade.

In the box you will also find a sneak peek at the continuing of the partnership, in the shape of a range of lipsticks (coming out in Spring 2016, apparently) - Can't wait!!!

Are you a Gwen Stefani fan? Have you swatched this palette yet?

Xmas 2015 / Frosted Plum Collection from The Body Shop

Like every year, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to The Body Shop Christmas selection; established lines include the Frosted Cranberry and the Glazed Apple (you can read more here btw) that come beautifully packaged in fruit shaped tins, or the fragrances gift sets - like White Musk or Italian Summer Fig.

The new scent for 2015 is the Frosted Plum which smells delicious and features a tantalising, purple packaging.

The trademark scent is sweet but not too sweet - with plum extracts from orchards in Turkey, mixed with elegant notes of peony and magnolia.

The range has an healthy selection of items to envelope the body with this inviting fragrance from tip to toe, from morning to night.

One of my favourite products is The Body Shop Frosted Plum Shimmer Mist* which is a perfume with silver shimmery particles in it; it's a real decadent addition to any collection and it comes in a glass bottle, making it a very special gift for anyone.

If you're a glitter lover, The Body Shop Frosted Plum Shimmer Lotion* is the one for you; whilst the mist is subtler and you can use it on focused points, the lotion covers the body with a veil of sparkle. The Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana leaves the skin velvety to the touch and  Perfect for the party season!

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Lip Balm* comes in a classic tin and it contains Community Fair Trade beeswax; it's the prettiest shade of purple in the tin, but it applies clear and glossy on the lips.

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Body Butter* has been keeping me company every evening after a shower, in the last couple of weeks; I love a good The Body Shop body butter and this new fragrance is putting me in the right festive mood.  It also contains Community Fair Trade organic Babassu oil from Brazil which leaves the skin moisturised and conditioned.

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Bath Fizzers* are any bath-lover dream; they will fill the bathroom with this juicy scent and the bathtub with an indulgent milky water. A real treat!

There is also a festive selection of cute bath sponges like the cute fellow bear below to complete any gift bundle.

The Body Shop Frosted Plum Collection also includes: Shower Gel, Hand Cream, Soap, Sugar Scrub, Candle and Home Fragrance Oil.
Have you tried this range from The Body Shop yet? What is on your wishlist?