Christmas Gift Guide: Unisex Presents For All

This Gift Guide covers everything that adds that little or big extra to someone's present. All of the presents in this guide are unisex - so you have ideas for everyone! All the pictures are girly but the actual content of the presents are relatable to anyone - hoping this will give you a few ideas and everyone enjoys reading through it....
 
  
1. When candle lovers think of candle brands Jo Malone is definitely what people think of. The home candles are the most well known I think as its the collection with the most selection. However, there is a hefty price tag - £39. These are actually the cheapest out of all the collections though, there's so many different scents and they come in groups: Citrus, Fruity, Light Floral, Floral, Spicy and Woody. There is 15 in this collection in total including a limited edition one. The candles also come in travel sizes which are £22 and I mentioned these in my stocking fillers guide. If your feeling extra generous you could dip into the more expensive collections which are: Luxury, Deluxe and Cologne Intense. I was shocked to see the luxury collection has price tags of £260!!! I think this is a ludicrous price for a candle and would definitely be sticking to the £39 candles this year. The scents are just so lovely and long lasting and I think its a really appreciative gift as people do though they are expensive. The home collection candles are 200g and have a burning time of 45 hours.
 
 
2. Last year I received an organiser from Paperchase from my best friend at the time I was working a lot of hours and did never know where I needed to be and at what time. I always just went with what I thought but when I was trying to organise to do things with my friends I never knew when I was free. So when she bought me this I was a bit like what do I do with it I've never had a diary in my life! But oh my its been so useful, this one is £12 and includes 18 month mid-year pocket organiser for 2013 - 2014. It includes a decorative hanging tag, inside pocket with card holder and another pocket at the back and the most useful part a mid-year insert July 2013 to December 2014. Its just perfect for everyone male and female and once you've used the pages you can just buy inserts for the next year so its a present which someone can potentially use for years.


3. A magazine subscription is another great present to someone. Everyone has there favourite magazine whether it be weekly gossip or the monthly's. Its just a great little present and its an easier than them having to go to the shops each week/month. As well as this is you always get a really good extra present for signing up to a subscription and with a bit of research, over the year you can save a lot of money. The great thing is your guaranteed that your going to get it on the release day. month after month and some magazines are really expensive these days. For example Elle is over £4 now and you can get a 6 month subscription for £9.99. Its a really good saving for the person and I think its a really appreciated gift.



4. Now, cosy pyjamas are a must for Christmas! A lot of people buy a pair themselves for the festive period with Christmas novelties and designs on them. But, for the new year its nice to have a nice pair of cosy pjs that you can snuggle in in winter and are extremely cosy. Primark have the most amazing range of pyjamas and there always thick and have cute designs on them and there about £8. If you want to splash out a little more as a present these ones in the picture are from Debenhams and are £25, there really lovely material and the designs are nice and simple but still colourful. On this theme a nice new pair of slippers are always appreciated as well!


5. If your really struggling with presents and can not think of anything to buy people then gift cards are a great alternative. Growing up my mum used to always buy them my cousins when they got a little older because she used to hate giving people money. She says that you know with a gift card they can get something they really want and you know your money hasn't gone to waste. Gift cards are good for anyone, any retail shop now sells gift cards so you can buy them for anyone of any age. Another great idea is vouchers like love2shop vouchers which you can use in many shops, so your not restricting the person to buying from one shop and they have a bit of variety and can shop round for something they really like.


6. In these upcoming winter months its going to get even more chilly than it already is unfortunately. That means one thing - the need to wrap up warm. I think an excellent present for men and women is buying them a new hat/gloves/scarf. This year I've bought my mum some really nice new pair of mittens which are fur lined and I think its a present that everyone appreciates its not necessarily that exciting or a present that is that out of the thought box. However, I think its a gift that I think that you know they will use. When I buy someone something I want them to be able to use it and not have it sat in a box not sure what to do with it.


                             

7. Purses and wallets are another present which is an everyday essential and when people change up there wardrobes through the seasons people like to have a new purse/wallet. You are able to get them quite cheaply but you can also get more expensive ones which you know are going to last longer especially if its real leather and you know it will last. The only problem is they can be quite personal as in the design and what they like it to have inside it, but if its someone your close to have a nosy at there current one, if not ask someone who would know. Its better to get them something that there definitely going to like and has everything they need in it, than get them something you think that they might like and your unsure on it but get it anyway because they could like it.



8. Theatre/concert tickets are also a good present if you buying for a couple and there's always some really good deals on around this time of year. Maybe they really like a particular singer or band and have really wanted to see them for a while but just haven't got round to buying them for themselves. Some people really enjoy going to the theatre I know my parents do and so do my grandparents. Its just a really thoughtful gift and there's so many productions on in the new year, you will definitely be able to find something that you think they will enjoy. Its a memorable occasion and they will remember that the gift was thoughtful and from you. If you and your friend really fancy going to see something you could pay for you both to go it will be a really nice night out for both of you and you get a bit of pleasure as well!

9. I am a person who loves to wear a watch, whereas my sister hates them. I always have mine on and I think a nice watch is a great Christmas present. It is a personal gift and everyone likes different things so you might have to do a bit of investigating and look at the jewellery which they always wear to get clues but it really does make a lovely Christmas present. It can be an easy present really, watches come in all price ranges you can get a basic watch with nothing fancy for a tenner but if you fancy spending a little bit more maybe getting it as a main present. You can get a top of the range one with all the fancy bits to it and one which is better quality and will probably last a lot longer. People like particular brands of watches and the watch market is huge so I can definitely guarantee you will find one which is perfect for a man or woman. I think men are more interested in the gadgets, meanwhile women are more interested in the designer and the colour! Doing a bit of research first fill definitely give you a heads up and make you decision a little easier.

10. This my seem a little boring for a present but I think buying someone a gadget for there computer/phone/ipod or  whatever piece of technology it is there is usually something you can buy to go along with it. I have heard about these juice boxes recently and was really intrigued by them. They are pretty pricey but especially with an iPhone they have such bad battery life especially for someone who's phone is essential for there daily work.  They are a rechargeable smart battery concealed inside of a low-profile, light-weight, soft-touch case which means that the phone won't run out of battery it virtually doubles your battery life. Even other bits for their gadgets like an new case, bag or earphones something which they wont necessary ask for but would appreciate.

 

 

Hope you have enjoyed this second post in my Christmas Gift Guide series. If you missed the first one where have you been! Heres the link in case you did to my blog so you can check it out and see everything else I've been up to as well.. http://lucyalanamccann.blogspot.com/

21 sleeps to go!!!!!

Lucy
xoxo


Products Mentioned:
http://www.jomalone.co.uk/products/3560/For-The-Home/Home-Candles/index.tmpl
http://www.paperchase.co.uk/invt/00507041/
http://www.elleuk.com/subscribe
http://www.debenhams.com
http://www.highstreetvouchers.com/gift-vouchers/love2shop?sen=google&link=7&id=400336&gclid=CKnF3dXllrsCFWmWtAod4WsABw
http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/accessories/fashion-scarves/hats/knitted-scarves/_/N-9u6ZbyuZc08Zc34
http://www.marksandspencer.com/Bags-Purses-Womens/b/1625695031?ie=UTF8&intid=gnav_women_bags-amp-purses
http://store.apple.com/uk/product/H6249ZM/A/mophie-juice-pack-air-for-iphone-4-or-iphone-4s
http://www.debenhams.com/women/watches

 

Paying Delivery

Currently doing a bit of late shopping online Christmas shopping and I've come to discover how much I hate having to pay for delivery. The average price for shops is £3.99. If you paid that on every present you bought it would soon add up, its just a shame that some of the presents I want to buy this year you can only get online so I really don't have an option. I just think its so cheeky considering the amount that you are paying already and to send a piece of clothing in the post it definitely does not cost them £3.99 to post it. I think its should be part of the service so many people would be more inclined to shop online if everywhere just had it free, and especially with the amount of shopping which is done online it would for sure boost there profits!

Its just so frustrating when you want something really bad for someone but an extra £3.99 postage to wait 3-5 days for a pair of gloves I find it ludicrous. I think this is why online shops like ASOS are so successful as having free shipping and free returns you think to yourself oh well if it doesn't fit I can get a full refund whereas if you order it online and pay for delivery and it doesn't fit you've wasted paying for delivery and then some shops charge you to send it back to them. It for sure puts me off ordering something like a dress because you can't tell the type of fit by looking at the picture. Just on a little rant as for some people you may buy them 2-3 smaller presents from different places to make the presents really thoughtful but your still paying £3.99 on each that's a potential of an extra £12 on one person's present! That would surely add up, I think people don't realise how much it adds up to especially an occasion like Christmas. I have to admit shopping online is convenient and you can just find the present without having to barge past people in busy shopping centres, whilst trying to find exactly what you want and having to tramp round for hours and stand in queues waiting to pay.

Hope some of you feel the same as me about paying delivery and this post has let you express you anger!

Lucy
xoxo

Additional Christmas Posts Series

As well as doing my series of Christmas Gift Guides, I have decided to also run alongside it another  little Christmas series its not yet got a name but I am working on ideas for it. The basic concept is that it is going to the best picks from a few of my favourite shops and what they have on offer because within the gift guides I have tried to pick things from a variety of places and prices to suit all. But I think that within certain shops this year they have some extra special things that I have had to miss out the guides which is sad because I want to be able to share all my favourite finds with you!

Its all work in progress at the moment but the first gift guide is already out and there's another one at the end of this week then two next week. So in between, I am going to run this little post series as well.
I also am going to run a few posts on little DIY gift ideas as Christmas is a great time to get creative and I think a homemade gift can be really appreciative. Its all very exciting and I hope you all enjoy my picks and finds to make this Christmas extra special.

Its the 2nd December so we are definitely allowed to just talk about Christmas constantly now for the next 23 days and discuss nothing else!

Lucy
xoxo

The first gift guide if you missed it ... https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6702639481255126969#editor/target=post;postID=6185597967984069681;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=1;src=postname

Christmas Gift Guide: Stocking Fillers

It is the best filling in the morning when you was a child receiving your stocking hanging on your door and it being filled with lots of little treats all wrapped up. When you get older though, stockings are still as exciting as you can get bits of things of someone that they know you like and have thought about when buying them for you, just bits and bobs of things you will appreciate. Buying things for someone's stocking without going overboard and spending to much can be hard as there's so many little gifts and trinkets out there. In the guide most things are £10 and under, then there's two presents which just sneak over the £10 mark and then there's one that's a little more pricey but its a gorgeous gift and is extra special!

So this gift guide has ten little gifts which I think would be perfect things to fit into a stocking:

1. Okay starting off chocolates from Thornton's:
Everybody loves chocolates and personally I think Thornton's is the best for providing such wide variety of treats and chocolates. These bags are so nice and are £2.99 or if you buy two bags are 2 for £5. I think there just nice little bags and they come in literally every chocolate. An alterative of these ready made bags is that you can buy the chocolates from the display where you can mix and match as many or as little chocolates as you want, so can choose from all the different chocolates to give the person who the present is for a few different chocolates. These are great for anyone of any age!


 2. Thisworks is a brilliant brand and I have tried this actual miniature pack. The mini deep sleep pillow spray contains a peaceful blend of Lavender, Vertivert and Camomile essential oils for relaxation, while mini deep sleep stress less aromatherapy roller encourages clear breathing for a deeper sleep. Its a really nice little present to pop in a stocking and its a perfect size for travelling and just for people to try to see if the products actually helps them to sleep. The combination of these are great as the you can smell the spray on your pillows to help you relax and the roller just makes you feel chilled and helps you to breathe clearly. It is £10 for this little set, you can also give this to females or males so if your struggling for ideas I recommend this.


 3. Impulse is a massively popular brand over here in the UK and there body sprays always smell so amazing. This little set called - the Impulse Lovely Little Tin Set is so cute. It contains 3 miniatures and as the name suggests come in a miniature tin to keep them all in. The scents of the sprays are: Very Pink, Loving Words and True Love. The set is just £5 and can be bought at Boots where they have 3 for 2 across all there Christmas gifts. I think these are good for girls all ages but they are something I think a older girl or teenager would really appreciate because the smells are always nice and its just a nice little set and they can just pop one in their school bag.



4. The  Baylis and Harding Beauticology Mini Trio is another little present which I think everyone would like and appreciate and I have to say I think it is a bargain at £4. It contains a shower crème (100ml), body wash (100ml) and a soap (100g). All the products in the stock fillers are miniatures just for the fact that unless you have a huge stocking its best to just pop miniatures in them. This is another body set which will be really appreciated and the scents of the products are lovely and calming. I would recommend to give this to any age woman to be honest, its just an all round nice little set to experiment with the brand and see if you like there products.



5. Space.NK is usually a very luxurious shop for 11 months of the year but at Christmas they bring out some nice little Christmas presents from the brands that they sell, one being the Little Bell by Aromatherapy Associates. The Little Bell is called the Revive Morning and has a miniature bath and shower gel in it. The scent is grapefruit, rosemary and juniper and smells gorgeous. It says that this will last you for 3 showers or baths but I think it would last me about 5 unless you like to really lather up or like a lot of bubbles and this costs £12.


6. I think a candle is a lovely lift gift to pop in someone's stocking now this is a little pricey for a stocking but I think its really, really lovely. Its a Jo Malone candle and my god do they smell amazing. This one is Pomegranate Noir and is my favourite is this miniature candles which they have out at the moment. There's three to this collection, the other two scents are Red Roses and Lemon, Basil and Mandarin. They all smell nice and I think you would definitely be able to find one which you think someone would love. They are £22 but compared to the usual £39 I think its a nice, little present which would be really appreciated if you was a candle lover.

7. Now cosy socks are always an essential in a stocking its just a nice little present that's practically traditional in my household to get a nice new pair of cosy socks. I really like these sock there from Debenhams there £6 for both pairs but currently have 20% so there only £4.80 which is a great price for two pairs. There wintery as they've got snowflakes on the top of the socks and there all fleecy and cosy for them freezing days which are heading our way over the winter months.

8. The Body Shop always have such nice novelty presents at Christmas and this year they have not disappointed! They have these cute little mini cupcake gift sets which are only £5. They come in two different sets the strawberry one which contains strawberry mini heart soap 25g, strawberry shower gel 60ml and 2x crinkle bath lily – red. As well as the Chocomania set which includes Chocomania mini heart soap 25g, Chocomania shower cream 60ml and 2 x crinkle bath lily – orange. These are just nice little additionals to finishong off a stocking.

9.  Caudalie is usually a luxury brand but this Christmas they have brought out some really lovely little gifts. This hand cream trio set costs £12 which I think is really good value. The scents of the creams are Grapevine Honey, Blackcurrant Leaf and Pink Grapefruit. All the scents sound appealing to me and I am dying to try them myself. Miniatures at Christmas are just perfect for you to be able try a few different scents and textures and discover exactly what you like without spending a lot on one bigger product and not liking it.

 

 10. Topshop have brought out these Christmas mini nail varnishes which come in packaging which you can pop on your tree like a bauble. The colours which they come in are Jem (red glitter), Brazil (silver glitter), Dark Knight (blue glitter), and Magpie (gold glitter). They are £5 each and are really nice presents for someone who is a nail varnish lover. I usually like the formula of Topshop nail varnishes they have a good consistency and these are extra glittery for Christmas. These are just perfect for a last minute extra to pop in the stocking to make it extra girly. 

So there we are my favourite ten picks for stocking fillers. I hope you have all found this useful and can take some ideas away with what you want to put in your stockings this year.

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...

Lucy
xoxo

All Products mentioned:
http://www.thorntons.co.uk/thumbnail/Chocolate-Toffee-Fudge/Bags-of-Chocolates/pc/2198/2201.uts
http://www.thisworks.com/bestsellers-1/dream-team.html
http://www.boots.com/en/Impulse-Lovely-Little-Tin-Gift-Set_1390117/
http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&productId=1363312
http://uk.spacenk.com/little-bell/MUK200011219.html?start=26&cgid=SPUK20414&pmin=0&srule=By%20Review%20Rating&pmax=25
http://www.jomalone.co.uk/products/3562/For-The-Home/Travel-Candles/index.tmpl
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_081010746386_-1
http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/christmas/for-the-kids/strawberry-mini-cupcake-gift.aspx
http://uk.spacenk.com/hand-cream-trio-set/MUK200011230.html?start=2&q=fragrance&cgid=SPUK101&pmin=10&srule=price-low-to-high&pmax=20
http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/gifts-481/mini-nails-in-jem-2410795?refinements=Price%7b2%7d~%5b0%7c10%5d&bi=1&ps=200

Discovering SpaceNK

I have never actually stepped foot in to a SpaceNK.... I no its absolutely criminal.
I have just never had the need to go in before, I like luxury makeup but I usually just head to Selfridges. However, from all of this Christmas gift guide research my god have I found some beauty's on that site. There is one in Manchester which I have always seen but I have just never been in to. However, next time I am home I am putting it at the top of my list of things to do.

I think that my growing love for the place is due to all the lovely little Christmas gifts that they have on sale at the moment, you can literally buy presents for anyone of any taste in that heavenly shop. The little trinkets and sets that they have on sale are really reasonably priced and they are from well known brands that have good reputation for quality. Usually the prices are expensive every brand that they sell comes with a hefty price tag. Nars, Emma Hardie, Becca and Caudalie are just a few of the brands which they sell. I am excited to start dipping into these all these luxury's and see what all the fuss is really about. They also seem to have some really nice exclusives this year that other shops and company's just don't seem to have.

Oh and another bonus if you don't live in a city which has a SpaceNK there's free delivery online at the moment so there is no reason not to treat yourself or a loved one to something extra special.

All in all a lovely place to pick up some really special presents.

Lucy
xoxo

Satin Bow

I explained in a post last week that I had popped into Superdrug and had a good gander at the new Collection products. I picked up the volume sensation lipstick in Satin Bow (13) and I have honestly been loving it. It's a lovely nude colour which is perfect for autumn. When applied it feels silky and smooth on the lips and the colour is instant with one application. I have however realised that I do have to top up it up if I want it to keep it's colour intensity. But I really think it's a little gem at the price of £2.99.

I think this colour would suit all skintones and is such a lovely natural looking lipstick. I'm definitely going to take advantage of the 3 for 2 offer which is on at Boots and Superdrug at the moment and pick up a few more shades to put to the taste. 

All in all a very lovely lipstick that definitely gets my seal of approval, I love finding little gems like this! 

Lucy 

Xoxo

This Works Sleeping Products

Last year I went and stayed in a lovely hotel for a few days and I am one of those people who always checks out the miniatures that they leave in the bathroom.

I came across the this works sleeping little pack that was on offer. I didn't actually use it whilst I was in the hotel but I brought them home to try. I think I first used these during my exams last year when I was stressed with studying and was really struggling to get a good nights sleep. I seem to go through phrases of using them intensely and then not using them for a while. Well, I am currently in the middle of using them intensely - literally every night.

These miniatures came in a set with the deep calm pillow spray and breathe in, they are both 5ml. They spray smells like lavender and I'm not a massive fan of the smell of lavender but this really smells good on your pillow and really does help me to settle down. Breathe in is a product that you roll onto the pulse points and then your suppose to breathe deeply to help you unwind.

I've some how managed to use the pillow spray a lot more quickly, I guess I must get carried away when I'm spraying it across my pillows and I only have to tiniest bit left. I've already added the set called sleeping patterns to my Christmas list which basically consists of the spray and an oil which I am excited to try. I think I am going to have to repurchased these miniatures this week though to last my until Christmas and I can then use them when I am travelling.

All in all a brilliant brand with excellent products and there not to expensive and I definitely think they are value for money. If you struggle to settle down to sleep then I would 100% recommend you to try these, the brand also consists of other sleeping products which you might find useful.

You can buy the products in Boots and Space:NK. If you want to have a nosy online here is the link and you can also order of the site and it has free delivery at the moment: http://www.thisworks.com/?77tadunit=8a8f29e3&77tadvert=32502368193&77tentrytype=s&77tentry=22nov13.1&gclid=CPC-w86HgLsCFWmWtAodEB4AIQ


Lucy
xoxo

Christmas Gift Guides are on there way...

The first Christmas Gift Guide is going to be published on Sunday because its the 1st December. Just thought I'd give you a heads up that since I put the first post up I've had a little change of plan in terms of the categories which they will be in just because I've found an easier way to put them together. I'm not going to say what they are because they will probably change as I'm going along. I'm just going to put them into an easier order but I can say that the post on Sunday will be stocking fillers and then each post will go from there I think there's still going to be four posts overall. I keep making a decision of what I want then two seconds later I've completely changed my mind! I'm just so indecisive so this probably isn't the best thing for me to be doing. It's all coming together very nicely though and hopefully you will like it, I've put a lot of time in finding the best presents for yous. I am really hoping you enjoy my finds and actually find the posts useful and spread it around the blogging world. Splitting it up into categories and  costings will break each post up and I'm hoping it's the best way to this as I'm still new to the blogging business!

Okay best get on finishing Sunday's post I want it to be perfect.

Lucy
Xoxo

Lipstick Comparison - Candy Yum Yum & Fuschia Flash

A very exciting post for me I love finding lipstick matches! 

I did the post on winning the Maybelline Mollie lipstick in Fuchsia Flash last week and how I was hoping that it was going to be a perfect match for my complexion.  Well I put it on my lips and I actually thought that I had picked up my MAC Candy Yum Yum by accident. I am not kidding the colour is identical. I then further investigated and swatched them next to each other on my hand and I was shocked at actually how identical they were, it looked as if I had swatched the same lipstick next to each other. 

Both lipsticks are that neon pink colour that was big over summer which was when I invested in Candy Yum Yum. I think Maybelline must of been wanting to dupe Candy Yum Yum when this was produced because I just can't get over how similar they are. 

 

The top is Maybelline and the bottom is MAC.
 

I find it funny when company's practically copy others when they have a successful shade. I obviously understand fully why they do it. However, I do think that it takes away the experimental factor of trying new lipsticks. The MAC lipstick was £15.00 and the Maybelline collection are advertised at a more affordable price of £7.19.

In terms of differences between the products. I haven't been wearing either very much because it's a very bright colour for the daytime and it's not really an autumn shade.The textures are similar - smooth on the lips. You can see from the picture the MAC lipstick is a matte lipstick and the Maybelline one has more of a sheen to it. I would wear these colours on nights out though to brighten up my outfits. I wore the Maybelline lipstick out for the first time last week and I thought it had good staying power and had really good intensity on the lips. All in all there is very minimal difference between the products.

Lucy 

Xoxo

Brush Collection

My Brush Collection:

I like to keep all my brushes in these two pretty flowery pots, I bought these from w h smiths in the stationery departments a few months ago. They were on about £3-4 each and they were also on 3 for 2 at the time. I think they look like a nice statement feature on my desk.

  

 

I have a real variety of different brushes and a variety of difference brands and costs.

 



 

 





In the purple pot I have all of my face brushes which I use on a daily basis, I like to have a few different options when I am applying my base makeup. I have foundation, concealer, powder, highlighter and blusher brushes within this pot and it gives me such easy access as I can just grab and brush and start the application process.

 

 

 



 

In the blue pot I keep all of my eye brushes. I have eyeshadow, eyeliner and eyebrow brushes in here I definitely think having a variety of different brushes can certainly make application easier as well as creating different desired looks. My only high end eyeshadow brush is the MAC 217 and I use it every single day, it is hands down my favourite brush.

 

I am going to do a few more posts breaking down each of the pots and the exact content of them.

 



Happy Monday!

 

Lucy

xoxo



Hemp Hand Protector Cream

Recently I've some how managed to develop dry skin across my hands particularly over my knuckles and its actually got a bit red and rashy and can be quite sore throughout the day. I've never had any kind of dryness or rashes on my hand so I surprised when it appeared and gradually got a little worse. So I popped to the Body Shop to ask them what they would recommend.

The bottles a little squashed as I opened it straight away and applied it before I had time to take a photo of it. However, all in all I think that it was quite a bargain and was surprised at the price. I got this as a set with the nail file and it was £6 in a little Christmas set. The tube is 30ml but it looks like it will last me a while and I didn't want to buy anything bigger in case this was no good for me and therefore would of been a waste of money. 

A little definitely goes a long way in regards to this product, you all need a pea size blob to cover both hands. I do have a little proper with the lid thought, its really hard to get back on and doesn't just twist back on you have to sit there and fiddle with it until it gets exactly on the ridges which is a right pain. I bought this last weekend and it does seem to be helping with dehydration in my skin, but it seems to make my redness itch a little bit and it is 100% not clearing it up. I can't complain though as the products intensions is to rehydrate very dry skin.

Hopefully I will find out what is agitating my skin and they will be back to normal soon.

Lucy
xoxo

The Tartan Scarf Arrives

Yeahhh it's arrived!!!!

 

It comes in this lovely box I love it when company's make an effort with their packaging for customers it just adds that little bit of thought to the product especially when you pay for delivery aswell.

t came in this tissue paper all so nicely wrapped top score for presentation Zara!

I love the sticker that was used it all just looked so lovely and I didn't want to rip it whilst opening it, I don't know why but when it's so beautifully wrapped I'm so careful when I'm unwrapping it.

Just look at the colours!!! It's sooooo lovely....

The scarf lied out... You can see the two sides of the scarf the red tartan which is my fave and then the more subtle side where it is black and white tartan.

When posting this I've had the scarf 5 days it came really fast, had excellent service and the product is as amazing as I thought it was going to be. I love it when something you have wanted for so long on your dream list is as good in reality. It's so so warm in this freezing weather and I've been using it as a blanket on my bed as well. It was pricey at £19.99 but I already know it's a staple part to my autumn/winter wardrobe. I've worn it everyday since it arrived! That materials are so soft and cosy it can look a little big when it's wrapped round but I love that chunky look and most importantly it keeps you warm. 

There's prove about the amazingness of this as well as I nipped in Topshop yesterday and the guy on the till said that his best friend has this scarf and she has also wanted it forever and the other girl on the till was like omg where's it from its so lush! I was just like ohhh Zara! It's just so in demand...

I hope I've convinced you all to buy the scarf, I don't think I've actually ever recommended a scarf in my life to anyone but I've been telling all my friends and sending pictures and there all completely in love too. Think I may be a little obsessed with it if I'm totally honest... On that note hope enjoy the rest of you weekend :) 

Lucy 

Xoxo

 

Saturday Post: Beauty Advent Calenders

Now when I was a child, an advent calender consisted of you going to the supermarket and choosing a calender of your choice with your favourite chocolate in it and it costing my mum about £3.

But it now seems, advent calenders come in many other ways to. As I read many blogs during my day I have come across many people investing in beauty advent calenders. So I decided to pop online and see what the the craze was about and how many are actually on the market. I choose the top five which I think are out there this year....

1. Boots Beauty - http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Beauty-Advent-Calendar_1401928/

This calender is £30 and comes with brands such as Soap & Glory, Nails Inc, Paco Rabanne, Juicy Couture, Rimmel, Mavala and Umberto Giannini. It features a mixture of miniature and full sized products. At first glance, it looks like an interesting calendar, I think its great because you get so many different brands included. It would be brilliant for someone who likes to try different things before buying.

2. Ciate Mini Nail Lacquer - http://www.johnlewis.com/ciate-mini-nail-lacquer-advent-calendar-gift-set/p591610

This calender is £42 which I think is expensive at first glance. However, when I think about it you get 24 miniature nail varnishes which means they work out at £2 each. The calender contains nineteen of there bestselling mini Paint Pots, four textured manicure toppers from Caviar to Sequin and a surprise full size paint pot. So all in all for a nail varnish lover it would be perfect.

3. Selfridges - http://style.selfridges.com/whats-in/lancome-beauty-advent-calendar-launches-Selfridges

I think I'll start by saying the price tag - £84! It contains a selection of fragrances, make-up and skincare from some of the world's biggest beauty brands including Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, Kiehl's and Victor & Rolf. It has such a wide variety of iterms and if you add up everything that's in it some will say its a bargain! Everyone would love to receive one of these beautys. Unfortunately, they seem to be sold out online so I think you will only be able to get your hands on one if they have any left in the stores.

4. You Beauty - http://www.youbeautydiscovery.co.uk/you-advent-calendar/

This seems like excellent value for money all in all its £49.95 and the content of the calendar is worth over £240! It has products from Caudalie, ESPA, Dermalogica, Leighton Denny, Sisley and Stila . It seems to cater to those who love luxury skincare. I hadn't really heard about the website before I went on to look at the calender, but the calender is good value considering you get 24 minatures from all of the brands mentioned. This is different to the other beauty calenders on the market and the miniature skincare products would be great when travelling.

5. Benefit - http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/countdown-to-love

This baby is £50, it contains a bevy of Benefit bestsellers and three glitzy little look goods which are a charm necklace & bracelet and an adorable barrette. There are miniatures of all of Benefits well known products such as Hoola, the porefessional, badgal lash and coralista. Its great for someone who's new to makeup and also to someone who's a Benefit lover. It is an ideal way to test products that you have been wanting to try before buying them in full size.

All in all.... The Boots calendar is the cheapest and I think its a really lovely collection of brands and products. I think it caters to everyone and is a really lovely early Christmas to someone. The Ciate Manicure is great for those who are massive varnish fans. Although, for me I don't know if I would like to end up with 24 nail varnishes it seems a bit excessive to me. I think that the Selfridges calendar would be my firm favourite if I was choosing. It just contains so many different products from so many different brands and I would love to try a lot of the products included in this set. If only it was cheaper and I wasn't such a poor student. The You Beauty calendar like I said before is perfect for someone who loves skincare, and contains all high end brands and is a brilliant way to test different products which you usually might not have due to the price tag. The Benefit one is excellent for those who love to try products from the same brand and may have been Benefit lovers for years or might be new to Benefit.

So will you be splashing out this year and spoiling yourself or your nearest and dearest, or will you be sticking to your average chocolate advent calendar?

Lucy
xoxo

Dragging myself away from MAC... Not for long

I no, I no I said I wasn't going to buy any more MAC products as I was trying to spread my horizon. However, after doing my lipstick collection post I really realised that I am lacking another daytime lipstick to go alongside Syrup. As you head down the escalator in Selfridges MAC is slap bang right in front of you.

 

My sister is a fan so she dragged me in and I did my normal routine of swatching and came across to colours - Brave and A cup of coffee. I could not decide which one and by the end I was so indecisive, I asked the sales assistant  and they said Brave would suit my complexion the best and it was lighter so was more of a daytime colour. It was a creme sheen which means it was £15. Although, I know I will wear it a lot and I am happy I went for this in the end.

 I am very happy with my purchase and have been wearing it everyday since I bought it, so I could review it before I did this post. It's creamy as the name suggests and leaves a nice smooth feeling on the lips. I felt like the product lasted a while on the lips although I did top it up throughout out the day, but I do this with any lipstick whether it be £2 or £25.

I hope on the swatch you are to see the colour, its a nice dark nude with a slightly pinky tone added to it. I think its beautiful for the upcoming season and looks great as a statement lip. I will be able to wear it everyday and also to darken an outfit if I am heading out at night.

Hope you understand just why I was unable to drag myself away this time... next time I must be stronger!

Lucy
xoxo

Lush Fairy Wand

I bought one of the magic wands from the Christmas collection at Lush, it smells like the snow fairy bath products. 

 

I had really high hopes for it and the lady in the shop said it would last me 8-10 baths if you use it wisely. As I don't have a bath at uni I was looking forward to a nice hot bubbly bath back home.

The product looks amazing from first glance and I had real high expectations for it. However, I do not think it was worth the hype, it did create bubbles but I actually wasn't to keen on the smell. It wasn't that noticeable and was a little dull to me. I like exciting smells and this wasn't exciting at all to me.

 

 

The water was actually a slight pinky colour you can't actually see it on the picture but I hoped the colour would have been more vivid. The bath did however feel quite luxurious and my sister said I smelt nice when I got out so maybe it's just not a smell that I personally love. For the price which is £4.95 I think it has positives and negatives. To me personally I will use the product up but I won't be repurchasing next year, I was I had picked up something more exciting from the Christmas collection. Although I know a lot of people which adore this product but I wasn't a massive overall lover. 

Have a lovely day! 

Lucy 

Xoxo 

Makeover of the Blog

You may have noticed after my nightmare with blogger yesterday, that I some how managed to fix it by changing it up and making the blog a lot more colourful. I got so excited with all the templates that are available and all the different options that I spent nearly an hour deciding what I wanted the blog to look like and I am very happy with the outcome.

There is so many options that you can do regarding colours, font size, font type, backgrounds and pictures. You can pretty much have it however you want it, I love this as its a personal blog you want it to reflect you and how you envisage you blog to be.

I love the new layout of the blog and I now don't have my battle with the words on different lines which was literally making me scream yesterday. It automatically applies all your settings when its post so no fiddling around every time you produce a new post. It gives consistency to your blog - you can probably tell I am excited! I went with a purple and pink theme as this reflects my favourite colours and being very girly.

You can now easily subscribe and follow me so you know when I've posted something new - there's a little tool down the right hand side that I've put in that says follow me, which I think is simple enough! And you can +1 my posts so you can pass them on to others if you want to and its all really easy to use.

So hands up to Blogger and I am now friends with you again!

Lucy
xoxo

Christmas Markets

I always say my favourite time of the year is summer it's my birthday, it's sunny, holiday and festival season. Just love it! However, I know this is cheating but I equally love Christmas.

The markets in Manchester are something of a tradition back home. Every year the German markets arrive and line streets and streets with stalls. They mostly sell food and drink but there's also gifts stalls. There's over 300 stalls and it you can spend an entire afternoon just looking round.

First stop was a hot chocolate with cream soo yummy! 

This giant Santa sits in the centre of the city. 

A traditional wooden windmill on top of a stall...

There's beer houses everywhere.. 

The stalls are so much fun and the gift stalls sell jewellery, clothes, crafts, traditional toys and there's quite a few soap and bath stalls which always interest me. I picked up a few bits which I might review over the next week. 

I had such a lovely time and people travel for miles to come but there's so much to look at. The food is always amazing me and my sister always get the miniature pancakes which are so nice. We also got a chocolate covered marshmallow skewer which are also devine. There's so much food to choose from you just don't know where to begin. You think you have found something you fancy then you spot somewhere else that's also smelling amazing! You just want everything! 

I'm definitely feeling festive now I know its early but it's gotta be done! My mum bought me a wooden Christmas tree for my uni room which I'm not allowed to out up until the 1st December! Only 2 weeks to go ! 

Lucy
Xoxo