Polaar | Arctic Beauty Secrets

I love discovering new beauty brands and the latest one to land in my lap comes from Polaar, a brand which has quite the story to tell and it looks just as good as it sounds.

The Polaar adventure began 30 years ago with a lovely story which goes like this:

During his Arctic expeditions, Daniel Kurbiel discovered the unique ability of native plant life to survive in extreme weather conditions thanks to their natural active ingredients. With this knowledge, Daniel joined forces with Karine Roche to found Polaar - a range of hard-working skincare using concentrated ingredients from these plants to strengthen, purify, and protect your skin in all seasons.

So having been kindly sent The Genuine Lapland collection box, I was keen to get to know these products and try them out.

The first one to catch my eye was the Polaar Genuine Lapland Cream which comes packaged inside a beautiful tin which fastens tightly to keep the freshness.

The cream is formulated to be used on either your face and body. It uses a unique mix of three berries – arctic raspberries, cloudberries, and lingonberries all of which are known for their antioxidant properties, and all are rich in vitamins A, C, and E. On the skin, this cream not only nourishes and pampers dry skin but it also leaves behind a protective layer of hydration.

What I particularly like about this cream is that it doesn't have an overly thick texture, it glides onto the skin smoothly and absorbs quickly.

The second product from the package is the Polaar Genuine Lapland Handcream which comes packaged inside a squeezy metallic tube.

I am a huge fan of hand creams and without question, it is a product I always have on my desk, in my handbag and beside the bed. This particular hand cream, like the cream above, is enriched with Arctic Berries. Its job is to deliver a cocoon of moisture and protection to the hands to soften, replenish and relieve. 

When I use a hand cream, I want something that absorbs quickly without being greasy and I want something which isn't oily. From Polaar we get a hand which ticks both of those boxes and it leaves my hands not only feeling soft and smooth, but also hydrated and without too much of a fragrance.

The final product within this trio is the Polaar Genuine Lapland Lip Balm and like hand cream, for me, a lip balm is a must-have beauty product and it is something I go through quite a lot of.

Again, it will come as no surprise that this lip balm, like the two products before it has a formula which is infused with a vitamin-rich blend of arctic raspberries, blackberries and lingonberries for powerful antioxidant protection against wind, cold temperatures and pollution.  Alongside the berries, this lip balm is also packed with Shea butter, Beeswax and Coconut Oil, all of which come together to repair dryness, moisturise and comfort the skin.

This balm has a slanted tip, so the application is really easy.  Once on the lips, it absorbs really quickly, much quicker than some other balms I have tried.  It is non-greasy and has little fragrance to it.

As a brand, Polaar has other collections available which include Northern Lights, IcyMagic and Eternal Snow to name just a few and you can find them all here from lookfantastic.  The range is cruelty-free, vegan and contains no mineral oil or alcohol.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

MOR Precious Pomegranate Giftset

With a newly renovated bathroom comes the excuse and excitement to open new products and make the bathroom look all pretty, I promise there is a post coming about the changes soon.  As a brand, I have featured MOR a few times on my blog, here with a beautiful candle and again here with the Marshmallow range.

Recently added to the bathroom from MOR is the Precious Pomegranate Giftset (£35) and it smells just as divine as the name might suggest. Packaged inside a beautiful red tin with fetching black bow, you will find a Pomegranate Hand & Body Wash and a Pomegranate Hand and Body Milk.

Discover a fragrant Orchard. Rich with fruity perfumes and bursting with ruby pomegranates and blackcurrant berries, it's a paradise of deliciousness to delight and pleasure your senses.

The one thing about MOR as a brand is that their descriptions of the product scents have always been absolutely spot on and this range is no different.

The hand & body wash is blended with oils of Blackcurrant, Rosehip, Neroli, Apricot and Hazelnut Seed to nourish the body and it also contains Ginger Root, Mango and Peach extract known for their skin conditioning properties.  As soon as the wash is released onto the skin, the boldness of the Blackcurrant is not something you can miss and it is so fresh a scent that you cannot help but really enjoy it.  It lathers slightly when in contact with the water and in doing so, it leaves the skin slightly scented with the fragrance after use.

The hand & body milk is the perfect accompaniment to the wash, again it is blended with oils of Blackcurrant, Rosehip, Neroli, Soybean, Sweet Almond and Macadamia Seed for silky-soft skin and alongside this comes Mango and Peach extracts known for their skin conditioning properties before the final inclusion of nourishing SheaButter to hydrate body.  What I really like about this body milk is that it is much more of a lotion than a milk, it isn't as runny as I had expected it to be, but once on the skin, it absorbs quite quickly and without being greasy or tacky on the skin, it leaves behind a beautiful fresh scent of berries. 

This Precious Pomegranate gift set would make a lovely gift for anyone who not only loves luxurious products in their bathroom, but it makes a nice alternative to what other brands have to offer.  You can find MOR products readily available online from sites such as Lookfantastic and Feelunique.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Stocking Filler Gift Guide

One of my favourite things to shop for at Christmas is stocking fillers and there are so many amazing products out there to choose from. Today's post is my little guide to finding the perfect stocking filler.

Within this stocking filler gift guide, you will find everything from skincare and makeup to perfume and sleep aids to everything in between.  Most of these products can be found on the High Street and many of them already on sale.

The first item comes from Kat Von D with the Big Saintly Lashes Gift Set (£37) and this gift set contains two full-size products inside a beautiful white and red gift box, with its silver foil branding. 

Inside this gift set is a full size of the Kat Von D Go Big or Go Home Mascara and a 30ml size of the Kat Von D Saint Eau de Parfum.  The 'Saint' Eau de parfum features notes of warm vanilla, jasmine petals and musk which is absolutely stunning as a scent, quite the feminine fragrance which is perfect for daytime wear. The 'Go Big or Go Home' Mascara is powered by plant-based fats and it comes with quite the big bushy wand to give volume to the lashes.

Next from Balm Kind, we have the 3D Limited Edition Christmas Tree (£13). This tree hanging gift contains a full-size tube of our award-winning Alpine Rose & Lysine Lip Balm (10ml).

This formula contains a nourishing blend of antioxidant-rich fruit and flower oils and extracts with an essential amino acid, hydrating oat lipids and soothing liquorice root which work to nourish, soothe and protect even the most parched winter lips.

From Emma Hardie, we have Merrily Moringa (£10) which I featured in this post.  Anyone who reads my blog will know that I am a huge fan of Emma Hardie and in particular the Merrily Moringa Cleansing Balm.

The perfect stocking filler, secret Santa or something to hang on your tree, this Merrily Moringa kit is one to grab. Inside you will find Emma Hardie's Award-winning Moringa Cleansing Balm and Dual-Action Cleansing Cloth in a deluxe travel size (15ml).

One brand who always has some amazing gifts for Christmas is Burt's Bees, which I dedicated a post to (here).  With stocking fillers. Burt's Bees have some amazing tree ornaments in the shape of baubles (£6.99).

Inside the gold-coloured bauble are two products. The first product is the Beeswax Peppermint lip balm which gives a lovely coolness to the lips and it is designed to moisturise and hydrate your lips. The second product inside the bauble is the Burt's Bees Hand Salve and with its fresh herb scent, this hand salve is used to bring hydration and moisturise to hard-working hands, particularly good if you have dry skin.

Next, we have the Morning Glamour Satin Pillowcase (£12.99). If you have read my blog in recent months, you will have noticed that I am a convert to silk pillowcases.

Available in different patterns, I chose the Leopard Print option and absolutely love it. As you might expect, the Satin pillowcase comes with many benefits, some of which include helping to eliminate hair loss, snagging, reducing sleep wrinkles and creases and they also ensure that any beauty products you apply to your skin before bed are not transferred to the pillow, but instead stay on your skin. 

Again with Kat Von D is the cutest cracker (£20). Titled Love Big or Go Home Beauty Cracker Gift Set.

Packaged inside the matte black cracker you will find two Kat Von D products. The first product is a 3ml sample of the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the shade Lovecraft. Lovecraft is best described as a ‘mauve pink nude’ and it is a shade I really like and will wear.  The second product is a full-sized Go Big and Go Home Volumizing Mascara, which is featured above in another Kat Von D giftset.

From REN Clean Skincare we have some of the cutest gifts this Christmas and one of those gifts includes this Now To Sleep Stocking Filler (£12).

I first featured Now To Sleep on my blog over a year ago (here) and is described as being a scent which will send you to deeper sleep. Enriched with a unique blend of pure essential oils, it works to restore calm and pre-sleep tranquillity, so that you and your skin can renew and regenerate naturally. Within this stocking filler are two 10ml tubes of product.

For those who love natural skincare, we have the Antipodes Beauty Icons gift set (£38). I am quite a fan of Antipodes as a brand and have featured them on my blog quite a few times over the past few years.

Inside the box, you will find three luxurious moisturising products which are designed to replenish tired and thirsty skin. The first product is the water-based Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum whose job is to target pigmentation and brighten skin. Then we have the international bestseller Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream and I already adore this cream, its job is to soothe skin while reducing the signs of ageing. The final product is the nutrient-rich Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream featuring antibacterial manuka honey.

Caudalie is a brand I absolutely adore and one of my most favourite products from the brand is the Beauty Elixir and this stocking filler is just perfect (£12).

This Elixir, once spritzed, fills the air with notes of benzoin, myrrh, orange, blossom, grape and rose, all of which work to give your complexion a rosy glow. Add to that astringent rosemary and the stimulating essence of lemon balm and mint and the scent is really quite incredible and it is of course really gentle on the skin.  The ingredients coming together to smooths away fine lines tightens pores and gives the complexion an instant boost of radiance, helps calm redness and not forgetting that this product can also be used to set makeup! 

Feelunique has a whole host of Stocking Fillers and whether you prefer makeup, skincare or fragrance, there is something for everyone.  I have a beautifully packaged mini Jimmy Choo perfume.

Packaged inside a holographic box, the fragrance Fever is described as being a hot floral fragrance, a bit sweet and with a dark background. With top notes of black plum, litchee, grapefruit; heart notes of heliotrope and base notes of benzoin, sandalwood, tonka bean, what I love about this fragrance is how natural the scent of plum is when the fragrance is first applied and then as it dries down the fruit notes make their mark to create quite a fragrance and one I would purchase a full size of.

The third and final stocking filler from Kat Von D within this gift guide is the Everlasting love Liquid Lipstick Set (£13.50).

This set features six liquid lipsticks in the shades Lovecraft a Mauve Pink Nude, Hawkind which is also a Nude, Nocturna which is a Deep Grape, Bow N Arrow which is more of a light Nude, Nahz Fur Atoo which is a stunning Blood Crimson and finally we have Bauhaus which is a Deep Rasberry shade. This set makes a great gift for anyone who is a fan of the Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks.

The Pretty Little Present from Too Faced (£14) is one of the cutest stocking fillers within this gift guide and one that is a must for any Too Faced fan.

Inside the beautiful box you will find two products. The first is a Travel-sized Better Than Sex Mascara.  This mascara has one of the best wands I have ever used and it is described as being an hourglass brush with extra stiff bristles which work to ensure even coverage of carbon black pigment. This mascara is also enriched with collagen to create thick, curled lashes and protective acacia Senegal tree extract which will hydrate the lashes to keep them in optimum condition.  The second product is a travel-sized rich & dazzling High-Shine Sparkling Lip Gloss in shade Sunset Crush.  These lipglosses are non-sticky and as well as giving multi-dimensional colours, these glosses are infused with light-reflecting glitters and natural oils for a nourished, comfortable colour.

The final product within this stocking filler gift guide comes from Murad, a brand I am absolutely loving to get to know right now. Glowy Vibes (£10) features a Hydro-Dynamic™ Ultimate Moisture in a travel-ready size.

Described as being the most hydrating moisturiser Murad has ever created. The non-greasy, easily absorbed formula contains some amazing ingredients which include avocado, sunflower and olive fruit which work to enhance skin’s moisture levels, and a collagen support complex to boost skin’s resilience and plump dehydrated skin.

So there you have my 2019 Stocking Filler gift guide and if you are wondering what to grab as those last-minute gifts as you head to the shops over the next few days, hopefully, I have given you some food for thought.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Ritual Anti-Dark Spot gift set

If you haven't guessed by now, I am a huge fan of Caudalie* and in particular, the Vinopure range which I purchase the Purifying Toner over and over again.  Today it is Christmas gifting with Caudalie and this Vinoperfect Radiance Ritual Anti-Dark Spot gift set.

This gift set features three Caudalie Hero products from the Vinoperfect Collection and it contains the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum 30ml, the Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting 
Glycolic Night Cream 15ml and the Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream 30ml

Reveal clearer, more luminous skin with the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Ritual, a triad of skincare treatments brought together in a luxurious Christmas set.

Putting this trio together you have a great introduction to the Vinoperfect range for those who have never tried it and a great way to top up on the best products from within the range for those who have and love it.

The Vinoperfect Radiance Serum is described as being effective and natural. This anti-dark spot serum contains Caudalies patented Viniferine that is said to be 62 times more effective than Vitamin C at boosting radiance and evening the complexion. It is suitable for all skin types and works to reduce the appearance of dark spots, including pregnancy mask, acne marks, sun pigmentation and age-related dark spots, and prevents them from reappearing.

I really like the silky smooth texture of this serum and it has the most wonderful refreshing and subtle fragrance which combines notes of citrus blossom, orange tree leaves, watermelon and mint.  So when applied it is as soothing as it is refreshing.

The second product is the Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream which is described as being a protective night cream that works overnight to renew the skin, leaving it brightened and glowing come morning. This cream is really lightweight on the skin, it doesn't feel heavy or greasy and it doesn't have a tacky finish once applied.

Again, it has a fresh and subtle fragrance combines notes of bergamot, sweet orange, mandarin and citrus tree bark.  Working well with the serum, it should be applied afterwards and I really love how my skin feels after using.

The final product within this gift set is the Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream. It is described as being an innovative hand cream corrects dark spots while protecting and nourishing the skin, making your hands more beautiful. It combines the power of vine sap Viniferine with brightening white peony, to visibly reduce dark spots. Then we have the inclusion of both avocado oil and shea butter to nourish the hands throughout the day.  On the skin, the texture is quite fine but creamy and it melts instantly into the skin without being greasy.

As with the Vinoperfect Serum, this hand cream also has the refreshing and delicate fragrance of citrus blossom, orange tree leaves, watermelon and mint.

This gift set is priced at £46 (here) and is a must-have for any fan of the brand and of the collection, more so if you are yet to try this range!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ecooking™ Starter Kit With Cleansing Milk

It was just over a year ago that I was first introduced to the Danish brand E-Cooking, one which was created on the kitchen table of its founder, Tina Søgaard, who took it upon herself to create her own skincare. Producing noticeable results, it wasn't long before family and friends became desperate to get their hands on Tina's creations and thus E-cooking was born.  Since that introduction, I have become quite a fan of the brand's products, especially Multi Balm, which I have purchased a few times.

Today I am sharing with you the E-cooking Starter Kit with Cleansing Gel, something that would make an incredible gift for anyone you still have left to find a present for, more so if they are on a journey to find the perfect natural skincare.  This kit is described as being:

A luxurious skincare kit with everything you need when travelling. Ideal for flight journeys as the kit comes in a practical, transparent bag, that meets rules and regulations onboard international flights. The EVA-material is environmentally friendly.

Inside you will find 8 products from the brand to test and try and what I love about it is that each product is a decent enough size that you really get a good feel as to whether or not it is for you.  

So what will you find inside this Starter Kit?

Cleansing Milk, 50 ml - This Ecooking Cleansing Milk not only nourishes and cleans but it also moistens your skin too. Described as being ideal for those with sensitive or dry skin, this Cleansing Milk is a gentler form of cleansing than cleansing gel and it contains among other things organic sunflower oil and organic glycerin that together calms and moisturises.

Face Mist, 50 ml - This Mist is described as being a refreshing and firming spray for the face which uses organic Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Cucumber and Chamomile. On the skin, when spritzed, it is really refreshing and definitely a great pick me up for that mid-afternoon slump. It moisturises without removing or moving any makeup that you are wearing.

Day Cream, 15 ml - This cream is described as being a moisturising and nourishing day cream which reduces fine lines and prevents the signs of ageing. It uses Hyadisine, which keeps the skin moisturised and improves the structure and the surface of the skin. Hyadisine adds an instant and long-lasting moisturising effect and an instant improvement of the lines and structure of the skin. You will also find Trylagina which is an ingredient that leaves your skin with refreshed glow and attacks any kind of problem that might occur to your skin during a long life. The cream also contains Wheat Extract, Sunflower Oil and Shea Butter.

Night Cream, 15 ml - This is a cream which ensures you long-lasting moisture balance and reduces the depth of fine lines in the skin visibly when used over a period of time. Using Argireline, a Hexaptide, which means 6 natural Amino acids come together to work and reduce the depth of the fine lines. The fine lines appear due to the facial muscles being overly stimulated. Argireline works in the same way as Botox and makes the facial muscles relax naturally. Trylagen works to boost the collagen of the skin to give it a fresh glow.

Multi balm, 15 ml - As I have already mentioned, Multibalm is one of my favourite products from E-Cooking. Described as being a multi-purpose-product that can be applied on dry skin in the face as well as the body.  It will come as no surprise that it contains a whole host of amazing ingredients which care for the skin - Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Organic Argan and Olive Oils all of which hydrate and protects the skin.  Delisens which reduces itching and inflammation, Xpertmoist which is a highly moisturising and regenerating ingredient.  

Multi Oil, 10 ml - Sticking with multi-use products, next we have Multi Oil and this is a first-time use for me and it definitely won't be my last.  Described as being a unique, multi-functional 100% organic oils and essential fragrance extracts from orange and lavender, it can be used for several purposes and they include - a conditioning treatment for your hair, a cuticle oil, a shaving oil, a massage oil, eye makeup removal, an oil to be used under your serum, a scalp treatment and many more options. 

Serum Capsules - I am a huge fan of skincare when it comes in capsules like this because not only does it make travelling much easier, you also don't have to think about how much product to use, it's been decided for you.  These capsules are described as being an anti-ageing serum with a natural Botox effect. One of the main ingredients is Hexaptide, which is said to help reduce the depth of the fine lines of the skin with a visible effect. Hexaptide is a natural alternative to Botox and it is said to have a documented effect when used continuously.

The final product within this kit are the E-cooking wet wipes and you get ten of these in a packet. Described as being extra soft wipes with a cooling and refreshing effect. These E-cooking Wipes are designed to help with the cleansing and moisturising of face, neck and decolleté. Can also be used on dirty fingers. The product is also enriched with Aloe Vera extract, which is well known for its nourishing and softening effects.

I think this is an incredible introduction to E-Cooking as a brand and definitely, a great way to get to know some of the hero products which has to include Multi Balm.  It is priced at £40 but if there is one product you really love the sound of, then the good news is that they are all available individually and you can find them all on Feelunique.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Ambiance London Phoenicia Cedar Candle

One thing I love about Christmas is the cosiness of getting home from work, lighting some candles and watching the TV or curling up with my blanket and a book.  The lastest candle to my collection comes from Ambiance London with the Phoenicia Cedar Candle and ever since it arrived, it has been burning for a few hours every single day. I am already a huge fan of the candles from this brand and last year feature the Bacca Berry candle on my blog.

Ever since we had our bathroom renovated, I have been lucky enough to use some really incredible products and accompanying this candle was two bottles of bath salts which will feature within their own blog post soon. For anyone who isn't aware of the brand, Ancienne Ambiance is a London-based luxury niche brand which was founded back in 2004 and they specialise in creating fine fragrances, home fragrances, body-care, perfumes and natural hand-poured scented candles. Everything you find from Ancienne Ambiance is paraben free, has been created using natural ingredients and has recyclable packaging.

The Phoenicia Cedar Candle is described as being warm and woody and one which is 'An inspiring scent which is uplifting and warm, perfect for a cozy ambience'.  So this candle was placed in my new bathroom and it is just as described - warm and uplifting.

When it comes to burning a candle, we can all just go out and buy something that smells alright, but for me, a candle is so much more than that, it is something that should be relaxing, clear the air or even be uplifting in the scent it releases.

A fragrance of freshly cut cedar-wood blended with fresh herbs, Phoenicia evokes the lovely aromas found in the forest of Becharreh, in Lebanon, home to the oldest cedar trees in the world. The Phoenicians believed the wood of the glorious cedars to be the sacred wood of the gods and used it to honour their ancestors, a task to which the ancient orient attached deep importance. The cedar tree was also thought to be an emblem of prosperity.

The first thing about this candle to stand out is the scent before the candle is lit, the beautiful woodiness of the cedar notes which gives it a spicy warmness which just fills every room of the house and rather than being the more masculine scent I was expecting, instead what you get is quite the opposite.

Each candle within the Ambiance range has been hand poured right here in the UK, and it’s a slow-burning natural wax with a lead free wick. Each candle also comes packaged inside a straight glass jar and because it is a huge 200g sized candle, it has a burn time of around 60-65 hours which is really impressive and it costs just £44.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Hello Kitty OPI Collection

Over the past 18 months, OPI has had some incredible collections, some of which I have featured on my blog - Disney Nutcracker, Toyko and today we see the turn of the Hello Kitty Collection. 

 When a huge Hatbox arrived by courier with the word OPI written across the top, I had no idea what I was about to find inside.  If you follow me on Instagram, then you would have seen on my grid a photograph detailing exactly what was inside.  A huge 1.5kg white chocolate Hello Kitty shaped structure with a hammer and I could not wait to give it a whack to see what was inside.

As you can see, hidden inside this white chocolate Hello Kitty structure was a whole host of sweets that the mister and I made our way through as well as a box of nail polishes, 12 Hello Kitty nail polishes from the Hello Kitty collaboration and if you are an OPI fan and love a bit of Hello Kitty, then this set could not be more perfect and they are still available now.

On the top row, we have Hush of Blush, All about Bows, Let's Celebrate, A Kiss On The Chic and Many Celebrations to Go.  Along the bottom we have My Favourite Gal Pal, Let Love Sparkle, Pile On The Sprinkle, Let's be Friends, isn't She Iconic, Hello Pretty and Glitter to My Heart.

Celebrate the 2019 season with The Hello Kitty Holiday Collection by OPI. Find limited edition color shades in lacquers, GelColor, and Infinite Shine.

The Collection features a host of different shades and finishes and with 30 options to choose from, you won't be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your favourites.  What I found with these shades is that some need to be applied with just one coat, some need two and others need three and it is all about your preference of colour.  I swatched them all and this is what they look like.

The first swatches feature My Favourite Gal Pal which is a classic dark blue nail polish, almost denim-like in colour. Quite sheer and needs two coats. Next is Let Love Sparkle which reminds me of Frozen. Almost a silvery-white shade, this polish features small iridescent lavender glitter and to get it to appear smooth and glittery, it is definitely one you have to persevere with and apply at a minimum two, if not three coats. The final swatch is Pile On The Sprinkle and this is a polish which works amazingly well on its own if you just want a bit of sparkle or as a topcoat with purple polish to really show off its iridescent shimmers, fine lavender and holographic glitters. I found one coat was more than enough, but two adds quite the dimension.

If pinks and sparkles are more your shades then this trio might just capture your attention as we have a Hush of Blush, Let's Celebrate and Glitter To My Heart.  On the left, we have Hush Of Blush and it is a soft lavender-pink which is packed with super-fine iridescent shimmers and it needs 2-3 coats to really let the colour show through as it is quite sheer.  Let's Celebrate is the sister to Pile On The Sparkle and it makes a great little polish on its own on top of clear varnish or over the top of anything that has a pink or purple colour too it. Again as above, it features iridescent shimmers, fine pink and holographic glitters and I really like this one. The final swatch is Glitter to my Heart and I absolutely love it. When applied you can see the scattered white hexagonal glitter sitting alongside a much finer silver glitter particle and for me, this is one you would wear over a deeper shade of purple, red or maybe even a black to let it stand out.

With this trio of swatches we have Let's Be Friends, Isn't She Iconic and Hello Pretty and all three shades are beautiful but ones I found the hardest to work with.  Starting off with Let's Be Friends, a polish I am told featured in the 2016 Hello Kitty Collection and proved to be quite popular.  Best described as being a powder pink cream, I found that the application was really patchy and it definitely needed three coats for a smooth and even coverage, but the downside of that is each layer had to dry completely before another application could be applied, so this is a time consuming one to say the last. In the middle we have Isn't She Iconic which is a really beautiful deep silver shimmer shade which in the light has a gold undertone. Again, another shade that needed two coats but looked much better with a third. The final swatch is Hello Pretty and it is best described as a dark purple navy shade, again quite sheer and needs two if not three coats to really show off its shade.

A nail polish collection wouldn't be complete without a red shade or two being thrown in right? Well within the Hello Kitty OPI Collection we have two to choose from as well as a beautiful gold.  The first shade is All About Bows which is a deep cranberry red shade and whilst it appears quite sheer on the first application, once it dries, the colour settles really well.  In the middle, we have Many Celebrations To Go which can be best be described as a pale iridescent champagne gold shimmer and one which is too sheer with one application but with two, or even three, it really looks perfect for the festive season. The final polish within the collection is A Kiss On The Chic which is a deep warm red and whilst it is sheerer than All About Bows, after two coats, it is much brighter and definitely that Christmassy red shade.

I absolutely love this collection, whilst I do think a lovely deep burgundy would have been a nice inclusion, there is definitely something for everyone and I love the option of applying a glitter topper to any one of these shades depending on my mood, outfit or occasion.  

The OPI Holiday 2019 Hello Kitty Collection is available right now in the original, GelColor, and Infinite Shine formulation with prices starting at £13.50 per polish.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Christmas with Burt’s Bees

Once again this year, Burt's Bees have an incredible range of Christmas products for 2019 and today I am sharing some of them with you. I have a selection of everything from stocking fillers and medium gifts to full-on gift sets which promise to keep you looking and feeling amazing from head to toe.

The first items from the Burt's Bees Gift Collection is called 'A Bit of Burt's Bees' (£6.99 each) and over the years, it has become one of my favourite items because it looks so festive in red or in gold and I usually purchase a few of these for friends of mine as well as having them hanging on my Christmas Tree, usually to entertain the cats more than myself.

Inside the red coloured bauble, you will find the Pomegranate Lip Balm (4.25g) and this is one of my favourite lip balms from the range. It is infused with hydrating Coconut oil and vitamin-rich Pear Extract to moisturise and renew your lips and it smells just absolutely heavenly. The second product is the Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (8.5g) and I always have a tin of this on my desk. It has been specially formulated to moisturise and soften dry cuticles. Infused with sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter as well as vitamin E and sunflower oil all of which help to nourish nails. It also has a wonderful fresh lemon scent.

The second bauble, which is gold coloured features the Beeswax Peppermint lip balm which gives a lovely coolness to the lips when used and as before, it is designed to moisturise and hydrate your lips. The second product inside the bauble is the Burt's Bees Hand Salve and this is one product that always needs to be in your stash. With its fresh herb scent, this hand salve is described as being 'Brimming with botanical oils, herbs and beeswax' and its job is to bring hydration and moisturise to hard-working hands, particularly good if you have dry skin.

If Lip balms are something you are a bit of a fan of, then the next gift item, Mistletoe Kiss (£9.99), is definitely something that you will want to see hanging on your tree, if not in your stocking.

Inside the festive packaging, you will find three of Burt's Bees favourite products which includes a Tinted Lip balm in hibiscus. These balms are designed to give a hint of colour and hydrate the lips for up to 8 hours. The second product is a Lip Shimmer in shade peony which I absolutely adore as it is such a flattering shade. Enriched with shea butter and antioxidant-rich Fruit Oils which work to moisturise, nourish and soften lips. The final product within this trio is the Pomegranate Lip Balm, which is really hydrating and moisturising on the lips and if you have never tried a lip balms from Burt's Bees before, this is one you should try.

As I have said, you can never have too many lip balms in your stash and the Beeswax Bounty (£11.99) is definitely the one you need to be snapping up and adding to your gift/wish list.

What this Beeswax Bounty does is give you the chance to stock up on your lip balm stash or it gives you one of the best ways to become acquainted with the brand and what makes them most famous.  Inside you will find four different balms which include:

• Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E and Peppermint
• Coconut and Pear Lip Balm
• Vanilla Bean lip Balm
• Cucumber and Mint Balm

Within this foursome, my favourite Coconut and Pear Lip Balm features and what I love is that there is an array of scents and flavours to try.

The final set within this gift guide is the Naturally beautiful gift set (£17.99) and this is an absolute must for any Burt's Bees fan, someone wanting to find a new favourite brand and of course, it makes a beautiful gift for a loved one.

Inside this gift set, you will find a handbag-sized red cosmetics pouch which I am already using to keep the products I use daily safe within my rucksack.  Added to the pouch you will find:

• Beeswax Lip Balm with Vitamin E and Peppermint
• Matte Lip Crayon in shade Sedona Sands
• Tinted Lip Balm in shade Hibiscus
• Lavender and Honey Hand Cream with Shea Butter

All of these products have featured on my blog and if you are looking for a new hand cream, I have already raved about the new additions to the Burt's Bees range here on my blog.   

So, if you are looking for a custom-curated gift set this Christmas, Burt's Bees has absolutely something for everyone and because each set is so beautifully presented, you don't need to wrap them!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.