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 / Beauty Kitchen Create Your Own Lip Balms

Beauty Kitchen is a Glasgow-based store of 100% natural, effective and affordable beauty products - but if you're not in Scotland, you can easily place an order on their website here ->  http://www.beautykitchen.co.uk/

They have a wide range of skin & body care, from bath bombs to an excellent hand exfoliant to the most fab natural soaps.

Stuck with the same old 3x2 Boots gift sets? (Believe me, there's just as much Soap & Glory that a girl can take), I have the perfect original stocking filler for your loved one: Beauty Kitchen Create Your Own Lip Balms*

First of all, it is beautifully packaged in a quirky can and it contains all you need to make 4 homemade lip balms!  

Wrapped in some festive, red paper you'll find some beeswax, cocoa butter, four tins with labels, a spatula... and some natural glitter!!! How cool!

There are instruction too, of course - they seem pretty easy and you only need to add some sunflower oil. They have also included a bag of wildflower seeds that are not needed for the recipe but you can plant them to help the bees. :)

I haven't tried to make them yet but keep an eye on my Instagram account that I will certainly post the finished product.

After all the fun, you can decide to keep them all for yourself or share them with your friends... What will you be then? Santa or Scrouge?! ;)
Do you like DIY beauty kits? Have you heard of Beauty Kitchen before?

Xmas 2015 / Weleda Pomegranate Christmas Tree Lantern

Weleda is one of my top favourite brands all year round.

I will say it again, again - their baby range is also fantastic and worth investing in and I also used their products during my pregnancy because it's a brand that I trust.

For the Festive Season 2015, they came out with the cutest little stocking fillers in the form a Christmas Tree Lantern decorations - they will look lovely hanging from a tree branch too! :)

You can choose from a few different scents, I got the Weleda Pomegranate Christmas Tree Lantern* which contains a miniature Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash & a miniature Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil.

The Pomegranate range is nourishing and regenerating to help fight the signs of ageing; it improves firmness and elasticity. The milky body wash is refreshing and invigorating to the senses, thanks to sandalwood and neroli too.

I like to use the oil on damp skin, just out of the shower; the oil is rich in nutrients and it has shown to accelerate renewal by 50% in only two weeks... a real treatment for the body.

Anyway, I recommend that you visit www.Weleda.co.uk because they have an excellent selection of gift ideas for every budget. The Weleda Christmas Tree Lanterns are only £5 which is a really fantastic price for these luxurious items.   

Have you tried Weleda before? Which is your favourite range?

Xmas 2015 / Erborian Pink Mania Gift Set

It's the most wonderful time of the year... yes, it's less than a month to Christmas (can you believe that!!!) and time to share some gifts ideas!

Let's start with a bang - Today I've picked the Erborian Pink Mania Gift Set* which promises to achieve a baby doll complexion.

This is certainly a cracker of a present, one of those that as soon as you buy it... you wanna keep for yourself!

It will work for so many loved ones too: your teenager cousin (who would be more perfect to sport a baby doll complexion), the beauty aficionado friend (that will certainly appreciate a cult brand like Erborian) or your mum (that can treat herself with these high end products).

I have to admit that - although I love skincare gifts - they can be a bit boring; I love that this box set also includes a blush... and what a pretty blush!!!

The gift set contains:

Erborian Dongbaek Camellia Essence: you get a 2ml sample of this face serum that contains 73% of extra virgin Camellia oil which is a wild flower that grows in Korea and it's also known as the 'winter rose'; this blend of precious oils nourishes the skin, creates a barrier to protect the skin from premature aging and improves elasticity.

Erborian Pink Perfect Creme Au Diospyros Kaki: this full size face primer is the secret to the Korean glow. The cream delivers 4-in-1 benefits - blurring imperfections, minimizing pores, enhancing skintone and providing a flawless base for make-up.

Erborian Pink Perfect Blush: this is the cutest mini blush that comes with a cushion applicator. The candy pink hue looks really pale but works! It certainly delivers in adding a healthy, translucent colour to the cheeks and removing any dullness; it's really a pretty colour and will subtly work on many skintones. The powder is ultra fine and blends really easily.

What did I say? Did I not promise to start my gift guide with fireworks? ;)

I think it's very well priced at £40 and it also gives you the chance to try their products, if you're not familiar with this French/Korean brand.

Have you tried Erborian before? Are you gonna add this to your Santa's list?

Christmas 2014 / Botanicals Offer!

Dear Beauty Addicts,

I'm happy to share that Botanicals is running a fantastic offer until the 19th of December!

First of all, they are providing free delivery on all orders AND - when you order any 2 Botanicals Gift Collections - you will receive a complimentary Botanicals Daily Essentials Facial Collection - worth £25.

The gift set contains a cleansing milk, an hydrating mist, a moisturiser and six organic cotton pads and you can choose from Rose & Camellia for dry and mature skin or Mandarin and Chamomile for normal, combination and sensitive skin.

...and you're spoilt for choice with 6 gift sets for face and body to choose from; my personal favourites are: 

Luxury Handcare Essentials Collection that includes everything you need to pamper your digits, nails and cuticles and the particularly impressive Botanicals Hand Serum and Botanicals Hand Soak.

The other set that I'd recommend is the Balance My Skin Facial Trio, perfect for sensitive and problematic skin. It contains a gentle facial polish, cleansing melt and radiance serum.

I've been personally testing the Botanicals Mandarin & Chamomile Cleansing Melt* in the past week and I was so impressed on how gentle yet effective it is at removing make up and grime at the end of the day.

It comes in the form of a solid balm that melts in contact with your body heat; it penetrates deep into lower layers of the skin and doesn't strip it of its natural oil.

Finally, you simply remove the product with a hot, damp cloth (a muslin cloth is also included in the set).

Let's not forget that Botanicals is an award-winning brand that still makes its natural products by hand; they are free from artificial colours, fragrances and petrochemicals, including parabens.

They are also Soil Association approved  and, with their charming packaging, they are guaranteed to make an impression on your loved ones!

You can browse the collections and take advantage of this offer at www.botanicals.co.uk 

Have you tried this brand before?