Space NK The Essential Candle Collection Box - BACK IN STOCK

I adore candles, I mention them a lot on this blog and last year I did a Christmas Candle Gift Guide to share which featured candles in all budgets but all Christmas related.

This year, Space NK has launched something a little different, as part of their Space NK Christmas collection and no it isn't a beauty box, it is instead their very first Candle Box and it is glorious and it is on sale for just £50 now.

Introducing Space NK’s first ever candle collection, a handpicked edit of four uplifting fragrances guaranteed to bring light and warmth to your home. Includes a full-size, limited-edition Space NK Shimmering Spice candle.

Inside the box there is 4 candles from some incredible brands and I would be absolutely thrilled to find this waiting for me under the tree!  Want to know what is inside the box?

Contents

• NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Scented Candle (75g) - If you struggle to drift off once the lights are out, fill your bedroom with the dreamy aroma of this sleep-inducing blend of 19 essential oils including English lavender, jasmine, and basil, to help you prepare for the perfect night’s sleep.
• Jo Loves White Rose & Lemon Leaves A Scented Candle (70g) - Fragranced with the white Norma Jeane rose, this candle - plus your sexiest Spotify playlist - is the epitome of a romantic night in. Notes of lemon peel lend a sophisticated edge, while cedarwood adds a sensual softness and creates the perfect backdrop for a special occasion, intimate dinner, or dreamy sofa date.
• Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Scented Candle (85g) - The perfect companion for cold winter nights, this earthy, spicy scent reminiscent of smoky Japanese cypress, jasmine petals and fresh moss combine to create a space to relax and reflect in the comfort of your own home.
• Space NK Shimmering Spice Scented Candle in red (175g) - Nothing says Christmas quite like our exclusive Shimmering Spice candle. Over the years, its unique cosy cinnamon, cedar and all spice scent has garnered a cult following and this year its decadent golden design makes it a must-have for any hearth or table centrepiece.

As you can see there is some amazing candles and the Space NK Shimmering Spice Candle from the description already reminds me of my family kitchen at Christmas as the Christmas Cake is waiting to be unwrapped. It’s such a beautiful candle box, giving you one Christmas scented candle, and three fresher candles, from luxury brands like Boy Smells and Jo Loves.

You can find the Space NK The Essential Candle Collection Box here

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

Ultimate Indulgence For Happy Feet Christmas Gift Set

I first introduced Bare Feet, a brand by the fabulous Margaret Dabbs on my blog back in July and it is such a wonderful collection of products to keep your feet in tip top condition.  For Christmas the Bare Collection arrived just in time to ensure my trotters are continuing to look their best as I enter into party season.

Featuring four products, this is such a wonderful kit to find under your tree or to gift to someone who is in need of a pamper session and it costs just £29.95.

The first product in this gift set is the Foot File. I don’t like my feet being touched, I have to really grit my teeth whenever I have a pedicure because I just am not a fan, though anything that can make feet look prettier is an absolute must.  As you know, the easiest way to remove hard dead skin which can be really unsightly and in some cases if left for too long, very painful is with a tool such as this . 

This file is podiatrist approved and with its long handle, it is easy to grip so that your can work your way across that hard skin, especially on those heels which is where I always have a problem, but since using this file, my heel skin is left feeling soft and smooth

The second product in this gift set is the Exfoliating Foot Scrub and if using the foot file is too much, then this scrub is a great alternative.

This scrub, which includes the natural exfoliant of coconut, apricot stone and sweet almond shells to gently buff away dead skin cells and whilst it isn’t too abrasive, it does an amazing job. Blended with Ginger extract to energise the skin as well as to ease muscle and joint aches, it works alongside the antibacterial and antibiotic properties of Manuka honey and also has the most wonderfully uplifting scent of of the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea and zesty Lime.

Once your feet have been scrubbed and rubbed into submission, the next product is the Conditioning Foot Cream. Suitable for all skin types, this cream is designed to hydrate dry or rough skin of the feet as well as to help to reduce the build-up of hard skin and any callus that usually form, leaving feet feeling soft and smooth.

This intensive foot cream not only helps to treat dry, damaged feet and severely dry, cracked feet, but it also hosts antibacterial properties which help to keep feet hygienic, healthy and protected. With that, it can also help to treat the symptoms of common foot conditions such as Athlete’s Foot.  This cream is every bit as luxurious as it sounds and it is once again blended with energising Ginger extract, skin soothing Manuka Honey and nourishing Avocado Oil not forgetting the inclusion of the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea & zesty Lime which I mentioned appearing with the scrub.

The final product in this gift is is theSoothing Foot Soak (200ml £7.00) and after a  long walk, some exercise or a night on the town, when you have tried aching feet, this is the kind of treat your feet really need and it is my my favourite product of the range.

I do suffer with Plantar Fasciitis in both feet and it is incredibly painful when it flares up, usually at the most random of times. One of my favourite things to do when I want to sit down and catch up on a few episodes of my current favourite TV show is to fill a bowl of either really warm or really cold water for my aching feet. This soak, is designed to cleanse, hydrate and refresh tired feet and legs and it uses reviving Ginger extract and calming and moisturising Manuka honey alongside antibacterial Eucalyptus.  Again, the inclusion of the uplifting fragrance of of the uplifting fragrance of Green Tea and zesty Lime are present and it smells just incredible.

As you can see, I am a huge fan of Bare Feet and I think this Ultimate Indulgence For Happy Feet Christmas Gift Set is an amazing gift not just for Christmas but for anytime and it is on sale now.

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

Stocking Filler Gifts - For Her

One of my absolute favourite things to shop for at Christmas time are gifts for stocking fillers, a tradition for me which dates back to high school with my close group of friends, both boys and girls, for whom we used to set a budget and create a gift. Having just had Black Friday and what feels like 12 months of continuous sales and deals, here is just some ideas to create your own Stocking Filler.

Stocking Filler gifts don't have to be expensive, if you set a budget you can easily find a whole plethora of gifts to create something quite amazing.  I have chosen to go with everything from skincare and makeup to hair care and fragrance.

Hair care

This is a topic I have seemingly mentioned a lot this year!  I have had so many people telling me I need to try Olaplex and I finally bit the bullet and ordered the Intense Repair Kit which was on offer for less than £15 so that I can finally give it a try.  The kit features  No.0 the Intensive Bond Repairing Kit and No.03 which is the Hair Perfector.  

Then to keep my locks tangle free, I have the Manta Hair brush (£20) which I have been using for over 3 years now and it is one of the best brushes I have ever used and one with such a lovely story behind why and how it was made.  It can be used on both wet and dry hair and is one of those brushes that doesn't snag your hair or pull if you have a tangle, it is so incredibly gentle.

Make Up

I think anyone who reads my blog or follows me on social media will know that I absolutely love the brand GA-DE.  So within this gift guide I have the Black Intense Mascara which with its quick drying formula is designed to designed to deliver superior volume and striking intensity.  I have also included the Everlasting Lip Colour in shade Pure Love and it is incredible, non-oily, full coverage, doesn't stick to dry lips, though always use a scrub first, it doesn't dry uncomfortably and it lasts all day, better still as this is a double ended product, there is a clear gloss at the opposite end to apply over the top. Then we have a GA-DE Everlasting Lip Liner in the shade Hazelnut which is my current most used, nourishing, creamy texture, doesn't smudge or budge and you could wear it on its own with a gloss over the top.  Plus use the code QUEEN20 to grab yourself a discount.

NARS Mini Wanted Palette (£26) - The perfect travel companion and for doing your eye makeup on the go, this palette features 6 shades which are matte, satin and shimmering metallic finishes in warm-toned hues from rose gold to copper and cranberry. It is such a good palette, I have bought it for 3 different people so far!

Aldi Desert Rain Eyeshadow palette - This Palette is priced at just £5.99 is, you could say one which has been inspired by the Anastasia Beverley Hills Soft Glam eyeshadow palette, at a fraction of the cost. This Velvet Eye Shadow Palette, which costs just £5.99 features 14 eye-shadows which are described as being ultra-pigmented, matte, metallic and shimmer shades and they come packaged inside an almost velvet-like palette, which alongside a double-ended brush is also a mirror which runs along the top of the palette lid.

Skincare 

This is a huge topic for me on this blog and there is no end of new released and product upgrades and packaging changes.  However, when choosing skincare for other people, you can be as picky and careful as needs be and here I have some pretty amazing products.  

Two products that I have really enjoyed using come from a brand called NeuroSkinfeeds with the MicroOil and the Micromilk.  The MicroOil is described as being an oil that takes care of your skin, your mind and your mood. As a formula, it is also a lightweight super skin serum, packed with omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. I have combination oily skin, so whilst I can have a shiny face come mid-afternoon, my skin is also quite dry, especially around my t-zone, so I do find that oils are my friend.  Then with MicroMilk, which is a hydrating and ultra-light body moisturiser, it is designed to be used daily to keep dry skin at bay and skin silky soft. With its Holistic Formula, it also helps to boost your mood as well as care for your skin.

From Primark, who have the most amazing gifts in all kinds of budgets, but the Gua Sha & Rosemary Skin Care Mantra Kit.  Gua Sha has become quite the phenomenon with so many brands now offering their own version of the original tool. This kit, which costs less than £5 is perfect for anyone who is starting out with their own facial massages.  I always find the Gua Sha tools work so much better in conjunction with another oil and this Rosemary option, which has antiseptic and antibacterial properties is a lovely, non-oily oil to try. 

Jurlique Travel Mini Duo (£40) - I am a huge fan of Jurlique and have already listed some of their amazing gift sets for Christmas, but for anyone who is new to the brand or already loves it, this duo comprises of a luxurious hand cream with the uplifting natural scent of Rose and the hydrating and refreshing Rosewater Balancing Mist.

Glow Hub Calm & Soothe Stick Mask (£10) - I love a good face mask and this one happens to be a mask in the form of a stick and I love the concept. Described as being a hemp infused face mask stick, its job is to really chill irritated skin out, enriched with both Jojoba and Hyaluronic Acid too.   To use, it is really easy and not at all messy, you simply apply a thin layer to the skin and leave for 10-15 minutes before removing.  The stick part of the mask, which my hubby did say looked like a Prit Stick, is designed to be applied direct to the skin.

Bath Care

One of my favourite places to be is in the bath, one of the most relaxing places for me in beside or in water - the joy of being a water sign! Within this part of my stocking filler Guide is some bath products. 

From the Aldi Hotel Collection comes the No.3 Pomegranate Luxury Bath Foam which I’ve been hiding from view in my bathroom for some months now.  If you are a fan of another brands version of a bath oil, then all I can say is that for less than £5 this is absolutely delightful.

Up next from Grace Cole I have the White Nectarine and Pear collection (£16) which features four products. The scent is described as being zingy scents of luscious Nectarine and English Pear blend with sophisticated yet delicate floral notes of Lily and Rose and it smells just wonderfully floral with a hint of citrus. The four products within the collection is a bath and shower gel, a hand and body lotion, a refreshing body mist and a hand and nail cream. They also come packaged ready for flying or taking away with you for that much needed long weekend away.

I have shared the wonderful Skin Alchemist on my blog before and once again I am featuring them in this guide, this time with the Cardmom and Rose Artisan Soap (£10). Hand crafted with balancing Geranium and a spiced concoction of Cardamom and Clove it is also infused with nourishing Coconut Milk, Cocoa Butter and Olive oil.  Again, this soap smells absolutely incredible and even before the box was opened. 

Fragrance

When it comes to fragrance, I am a bit of a perfume obsessive and I like a whole host of scents from high end brands to the more high street brands and in this gift guide I am sharing three different products that I really like. 

First up is a brand I have mentioned on my blog before, Potion Paris and for anyone who, like me, would prefer to find a fragrance they like in their own surroundings, rather than a high street store, then this is a great way to do just that.   This sampler set features 7 different fragrances to test and try and it gives everything from the florals and woods to an Oud and Musk.

From Primark comes PS Love Noir which is actually a favourite of someone I work with. It is sweet and fruity without having that 'too manufactured' scent to it and impressively it has a really good sillage, which I was not expecting to find.  Within this set you have a 20ml roll-on which is handy for carrying with you and also a 100ml bottle.  It is priced at just £9.

The next fragrance is the newest one to be added to my collection and it comes from Floral Street and happens to be their latest release with Sunflowers. Priced at £24 for this 10ml size, which by the way is such a good way to test and try these unique fragrances before splashing out on a full-sized bottle.   This is a citrus, fruity fragrance which you might have guessed has been inspired by Van Gogh's Sunflowers painting and I just absolutely love it.

Those are just a few last minute ideas or a good start to creating an amazing stocking filler gift, even if it is for yourself!

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

The Body Shop Gift Sets £40+

In the final part of my Gift Guide series with The Body Shop, I am sharing those gift sets which are at the higher end of the budget, ranging between £40 and £50, but those gifts I have are incredible value for money.

In todays post, I am going to share some of those amazing gift sets across a range of budgets.

The first gift set is one that would be perfect for absolutely anyone and it is the Floral's & Frost White Musk Big Gift (£40). White Musk as a fragrance was relaunched earlier this year and I am delighted to see it has a gift set.

The White Musk Fragrance collection is infused with notes of cruelty-free musk, rose, jasmine, amber and wood and it smells just so refreshingly floral and musky all at the same time.  Inside this gift collection you are treated to four products which includes:

• White Musk® Shower Gel 250ml - As soon as this shower gel comes into contact with warm water, the lather is as intense as that fragrance and on the skin, the silky smooth texture of the gel lightly scents the skin.
• White Musk® Body Lotion 250ml - When it comes to layering your fragrances using a body lotion helps to intensify the scent.  This body lotion, which is silky smooth to the touch, hosts that same fragrance the shower gel offers and it is enriched with Shea butter to ensure your skin is hydrated and moisturised.
• White Musk® Eau de Toilette 60ml - Originally developed back in 1981, this fragrance was re-launched with some toppers and now sits firmly in the vegan category, all without changing that original scent too much. Described as being floral, sensual and clean with a bit of sweetness,there are notes of aldehydes, jasmine and musk.
• White Musk® Perfume Oil Roll On 10ml - As with the fragrance above, this roll-on version is perfect for carrying with you on the go.

As you can see, this gift collection would be perfect for anyone who is a fan of the White Musk fragrance and if you have ever wondered what the scent is like, then this is the collection for you.

You can find the Floral's & Frost White Musk Big Gift set right here.

Moving to skin next with the Skincare & Chill CDB Skincare Set (£40) and it is just the tonic for anyone who has stressed out skin.

Inside this skincare collection you will find two products which are not only vegan, but one which is made with natural-origin CBD and hemp seed oil. Stressed out skin to The Body Shop is something that they classify as skin that is or does experience discomfort from dehydration, dryness, loss in luminosity and an decline on skin's overall appearance.  

Those two products are:

• CBD Hemp Restoring Facial Oil 30ml - This oil is enriched with natural origin CBD and hemp seed oil alongside Squalene and patchouli extract to create a non-greasy formula which helps to restore your skin’s moisture levels and relieve the discomfort of dehydrated skin. What I like about this oil is how quickly it absorbs into the skin and leaves mine feeling soft and smooth to the touch.
• CBD Hemp Moisturiser 50ml - Enriched with the same ingredients as the oil, this moisturiser helps to restore the skins moisture level as well as soothe and de-stress the skin.

If you have been or still are curious about CBD skincare, then The Body Shop has been as good a place as any to try some products to see how they react and interact with my skin.

You can find the Skincare & Chill CDB Skincare Set right here.

To finish off my gift guide series we have a set called the Nutty & Nourishing Shea Ultimate Gift (£50).  

This collection is absolutely huge as it features a total of 7 products from the Shea range and is the ultimate pampering experience from The Body Shop.

• Shea Shower Cream 250ml - Vegan certified, this shower cream is exactly what it says it is. Made with Community Fairtrade Shea Butter, I absolutely love the warming nutty scent that this cream imparts. Suitable for all skin types, it forms a really good lather and leaves your skin soft and smooth.
• Shea Body Scrub 250ml - With its sugary nutty texture, this scrub works to slough away dead skin cells, leaving your skin supremely smooth.
• Shea Body Butter 200ml - Intensely creamy and luxurious on the skin, this body butter is also enriched with Shea Butter and with it we have Babassu Oil which is an emollient oil high in fatty acids and vitamin E, so perfect for nourishing and moisturising the skin.
• Shea Hand Cream 20ml - Never one to leave the hands to suffer, this hand cream is perfect for those hands that need a little extra TLC. Infused with Shea butter, you again have that nutty scent and it absorbs quickly with no trace left behind,
• Shea Intense Repair Shampoo 250ml - Designed for hair which is described as being dry to very dry and prone to breakage, this shampoo features Shea butter and the Vegan Silk Protein I've mentioned in previous posts. 
• Shea Intense Repair Conditioner 250ml - The perfect partner to the shampoo above, this conditioner helps strengthen hair and reduce breakage as well as to replenish dry locks with moisture so they feel healthier, intensely nourished and more manageable. Excitingly there is a hair mask coming soon for this range.
• Shea Hand Wash 275ml - This wash has conditioning properties which are said to leave the hands feeling clean and soft with a subtle scent of Shea butter.

This is one incredibly gift collection that anyone would be lucky to find under their tree and I am so impressed that there is so much included and all full size too!

You can find the Nutty & Nourishing Shea Ultimate Gift right here.

So there was my final gift collection from The Body Shop and if you haven't seen what else is on offer, you can find the Hand & Body Gift Sets, Bath time Gifts and Skincare Gifts all live on my blog if you are in need of some inspiration.

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

Ren Clean Skincare Christmas Gift Sets

This year, Ren Clean Skincare has been on quite the journey, it has released a new collection called the Bio Retinoid's which I will be sharing with you shortly on my blog and 87% of their products now meet their zero waste target of getting to 100% and that is quite the achievement if I am honest, for a brand to make as many changes without ruining or spoiling what they have, without increasing their costs to the consumer and its loyal fan base but with the environment, the planet and you in mind.

As ever, Christmas is coming, a little quicker than I would quite like because it is mid-December  and I haven't even thought about who is getting what as yet. Thankfully, REN are on hand to give you a bit of help in choosing something for that special someone and here I am to share two of those gift sets with you.

The first option is the Limited Edition Deluxe Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic (£39) and it has been supersized, it is so big it is almost as big as me at 500ml.

I am a huge fan of this AHA Tonic and first featured it on my blog back in February 2018 when it was first released.  The AHA Tonic is described as being a toner that provides the skin with a daily dose of clean bio-active extracts to help you get glowing. This tonic is formulated with the pH of 3.5; the optimum pH at which your skin naturally exfoliates. Within Ready Steady Glow, REN use and harness the power of three sustainable, natural bio-actives - Lactic Acid, Salicin and Azelaic Acid Precursor and each one of these ingredients works together to dissolve dead and dey skin, cleanse your pores, help balance the skin's natural sebum levels and helps to boost radiance, hydration and elasticity.

You can find the Limited Edition Deluxe Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic on sale with REN, Selfridges and Cult Beauty.

The second gift set is one that is just brilliant and something that REN does so well. Called the All is Bright Gift Set (£57) and it is described as being a tonic and overnight cream to help brighten and correct an uneven skin tone.

Inside the accompany gift pouch, which is a 100% recycled travel kraft bag, you will find two of REN's incredible products the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic shown above and the Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream.

• Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, 100ml  - As mentioned above, this is one of REN's bestselling products and even though it is incredibly gentle on the skin, it used the properties of Lactic Acid (AHA), Salicin (BHA) and Willow Bark which come together to exfoliate, brighten, tighten and hydrate but that isn't all, this AHA tonic also helps to minimise the appearance of pores; for a smooth, even and energised complexion. 
• Overnight Glow Dark Spot Sleeping Cream - This is a wonderfully rich and hydrating overnight treatment which has been specifically formulated to target hyperpigmentation as well as to re-energise your skin without affecting or lightening your natural skin tone. It uses 94% naturally derived ingredient blend of Phyto Glycogen to help recharge skin, and an Encapsulated Algae Complex to target the appearance of hyperpigmentation without lightening the rest of your complexion.

This is a wonderful gift for anyone who is suffering from dull, dehydrated skin that is in need some of urgent TLC because together these two products are quite the powerhouse and you can find it on sale with REN, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic and many other stockists.

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

Image Skincare Brightening Essentials Gift Set

IMAGE Skincare is described as being a clinical skincare brand which is powered by proven ingredients and smart botanicals. Founded by aesthetician and plastic surgeon husband & wife, IMAGE is used in over 400 spas, salons and clinics in the UK. Their results driven skincare have many celeb fans including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Winnie Harlow, Hasley, Whitney Porter and Jamie Chung.  Today, I have their Brightening Essentials Gift Set to share with you!

Described as being the collection you need to add radiance to your routine with a trio of products which includes a soothing botanical cleanser, a calming and brightening serum and a mattifying moisturiser.

The first product is the ORMEDIC balancing facial cleanser and it is described as being a mild gel that clears impurities from the skin whilst soothing and hydrating it. It is made with Aloe Vera and botanical extracts that remain kind on delicate skin as it works to restore the skin’s softness and maintains skin balance.

This cleanser using a combination of organic aloe vera and green tea extracts with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and deliver those essential nutrients and with them is the likes of Chamomile extract which promotes skin rejuvenation and has antibacterial qualities and also Panthenol (vitamin B5 derivative) which also has hydrating properties and works to smooth the skin's appearance.

As a gel cleanser, this is really light on the skin, but it does an amazing job as a first cleanse which is how I have been using it in an evening when I double cleanse and it can also be used in a morning too.

The second product is the Iluma Intense Brightening Serum and it is described as being an amazing, lightweight serum that works to lighten and prevent dark spots.

The first thing I noticed about this serum is that it smells like holiday and has the most delightful texture and it is really soothing. With the inclusion of vitamin C, Bearberry. Mulberry, Liquorice, Kojic Acid, and Rumex, Image Skincare state that these ingredients all serve triple-duty to help naturally brighten the skin and prevent further sun spots, soothe and calm, and provide antioxidant protection.  Add to that impressive list is  Green Tea, Echinacea, Chamomile, and Gotu Kola which give an extra boost of soothing antioxidants, while Vectorize Technology allows the active ingredients to work for up to 48 hours once applied to the skin.

Ideal for application both morning and evening, even though I've only used this a few times, I love how soothing it is and it absorbs really quickly, a big bear for me with any serum is that it is too thick a texture to absorb, it is not the case with this serum.

The final product within this trio is the PREVENTION+ daily matte moisturiser SPF 32 and not only is this an oil free broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen which gets a huge thumbs up from me, it also, the name being a giveaway, delivers high sun protection in a mattifying, antioxidant-rich base.

Said to use micro-sponge technology which absorbs surface oils and gives skin a flawless, shine-free finish, it also doubles as a protective primer to create a healthy glow before makeup application too.

On the skin, for me products like this either get used over and over again or are consigned to the never using again bin. If it is too thick I don't like it on my skin, I like products which are lightweight, easy to massage in to the skin and then don't leave white cast on my skin, which so many products do. This one, is really easy to massage into the skin, it doesn't irritate or leave a white cast, but again, I have only had it in my possession for a few weeks, so it is something I will update on in a few months time when I have given it a good try.

As a first impressions of these three products, they are ones that I intend to continue to use, especially the serum which I absolutely love and am a huge fan of and really want to see how my skin works with it over the coming months. As a trio of products, they are an easy welcome to Image skincare as a brand, especially if like me you have limited knowledge about them.

On sale now, the Image Skincare Brightening Essentials Gift Set is priced at £99.

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

Celebrate. Create. Gift with Alpha-H Skincare

This year, Alpha-H have decided to celebrate the holiday season differently and in the spirit of giving, they have partnered with five Australian, female founded businesses. Each brand will share the Alpha-H platform, from which they will promote a series of curated gift sets that are available right now. 

From Alpha-H, I have the Glow Kit (£44.95) which features three Alpha-H favourites in an exclusive 100% rPET (recycled) wash bag designed by Australian artist Morgan Jamieson. The Holiday 2021 packaging celebrates the Australian landscape and is said to be a nod to Morgan's colourful and intense style, which showcases Australia's iconic native flora.

Inside the wash bag, those three products are designed to transform dull, tired skin to reveal a radiant and glowing complexion, so you will find a Balancing Cleanser, Liquid Gold and a Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF50+.

I am a huge fan of the Balancing Cleanser (30ml) and it is a product I loved from the very first time I used it.  Described as being a 3-in-1 treatment - a makeup remover, cleanser and toner, it is enriched with ingredients such as Aloe Vera to condition and soothe the skin alongside Vitamin E to hydrate and neutralise free radicals. I absolutely love how my skin feels, instead of being dry or taut it is instead cleansed and smooth so I don't feel the need to smother my skin in as much moisturiser as possible.

Would this be an Alpha-H kit without the inclusion of the holy grail that is Liquid Gold? Inside we do have a 30ml bottle.  If you have never used Liquid Gold before, it is a product I have featured on my blog many, many times.  It is described as being a powerful night-time resurfacing treatment, works to tighten and revitalise tired, ageing skin as well as helping to radically improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, open pores and acne-prone skin conditions. It is packed full of amazing ingredients such as Liquorice which helps combat acne and hyperpigmentation and Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar cane) to jump-start the skin's metabolism - refining its texture by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, so they're sloughed away.

Finally we have the Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+ 30ml - This cream has an SPF 50+ and is described as being a broad spectrum, sweat-resistant, water-resistant cream which is just as impressive as it sounds. Enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E, calming Aloe Vera and pure Cera Alba (extracted from Honeycomb) these ingredients come together to help to lock in moisture and support the skin’s lipid barrier for longer lasting hydration.

This is such an incredible kit from Alpha-H and it is perfect for anyone who is an Alphaholic, an affectionate term given to fans of the brand, or a really good way to introduce someone into the world of Alpha-H with three incredible products.

The Alpha-H Glow Kit is on sale right here.

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

The Body Shop Body and Skincare Gift Sets

Having shared quite a few products from The Body Shop in the shape of different gift guides - makeup, season fragrances and bath time, today is the turn of skincare and I have chosen particular gift sets which are priced at £35 and under.

Starting with one of my favourite gift sets of the entire collection The Body Shop has to offer and it is the Calm & Chamomile Cleansing Gift (£18). Cleansing has always been the favourite part of my skincare routine, especially of an evening. 

There is something relaxing about removing the entire day off your skin and just thinking about nothing.

Inside this gift set is three products from the cleansing range that The Body Shop offers and they include:

• Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover 250ml - Designed for all skin types and gentle enough to be used for those with sensitive skin plus for those who wore contact lenses. This make-up remover is enriched with camomile extract, this removes every last trace of eye make-up to leave your skin feeling incredible smooth and hydrated as well as freshly cleansed. This is one of my all time favourite eye make-up removing products.
• Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter 90ml - This buttery cleanser is amazing at removing pretty much everything that it comes into contact with when cleansing your skin, even that hard to budge mascara that everyone raves about! Again, this cleansing butter, which feels like butter on your skin, though without the greasy feeling, is enriched with camomile extract which soothes and smooths the skin as well as removes everything in its path and I love that you use it on dry skin before washing off using warm water.
• Camomile Muslin Cloth - This cloth is designed to be paired with your favourite cleanser and it helps to gently remove make-up and cleanse your skin with our super-fine muslin cloth, for skin that feels softer and smoother.

You can find this gift set for just £18 from The Body Shop

The second gift set within this section of my gift guide is the Kindness & Pears Essentials Gift Collection (£22).  I have already shared some of the products from this seasonal fragrance collection and am delighted to see that it also comes as a gift set too.

This entire collection is enriched with pear extract from Italy and notes of juicy pear, strawberry and with it we also have the addition of warm tonka bean. This sweet, vibrant and fruity scent is said to guarantee to leave you feeling that Christmas kindness. Inside this kit you will find four products:

• Kindness & Pears Shower Gel 250ml - As a shower gel, this one has a fairly thick texture, so you only need a small drop to create a lot of lather.  As it comes into contact with warm water to create that lather, the scent of juicy pear comes to live and mixed with it is the warmness of the Tonka Bean.
• Kindness & Pears Body Butter 50ml - If you love this scent and want some real luxury, then this Body Butter offers you just that. It is thick and luxurious without being too heavy on the skin and as well as being non-sticky, it has that wonderful fragrance which lightly scents the skin.
• Kindness & Pears Body Yoghurt 200ml - I have been using this for a few weeks and I love how light the formula is and more so when it absorbs with minimal contact on the skin. Again that fresh scent of pears with the hint of strawberry comes through and leaves your skin lightly fragranced.
• Kindness & Pears Hand Cream 30ml - One of the nicest hand creams ive used from The Body Shop and it is in part due to the wonderful scent. On the skin it absorbs quickly without being greasy or tacky and it is perfect for using in your cuticles too.

You can find this gift set for just £22 from The Body Shop

The third gift set that I am sharing with you in this part of my Gift Guide series is the Clean & Comfort Hemp Gift (£22) and if you want a hydrating treat for ultra-dry skin from top-to-toe, then this is the gift that needs adding to your list.

I have friends and family who rave about this collection, particularly those who suffer from Eczema and whilst it isn't something I suffer from, seeing the changes it has made to them is amazing. Hemp, also known as c annabis sativa oil, is known for its high levels of hydration thanks to those essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, which skin loves.

Inside the hessian bag you will find

• Hemp Shower Oil 250ml - This softening shower oil which has quite the earthy scent to it, is designed to cleanse the skin without dry it out, this in turn helps to relieve very dry skin and help protect skin’s natural moisture barrier.
• Hemp Nourishing & Protecting Dry Body Oil 125ml - A body oil which comes in a bottle with a spritz is always going to get the thumbs up from me! This one is fast-absorbing, non-greasy and uses less than 10 ingredients to create it. The main ingredient obviously being hemp seed oil for its nourishing and protective properties.
• Hemp Hand Protector 30ml - Perhaps the best known Hemp product, this hand cream is known as the grafter and is said to be used by gardeners and carpenters to mechanics and everyone in between. Using hemp oil to protect and hydrate, this hand cream gives 24 hour protection.

This Gift Collection, like others on offer from The Body Shop, offers a routine in one bag, from stepping into the shower with the oil, to adding further nourishment and protection with both the dry body oil and hand cream.

You can find this gift set for just £22 from The Body Shop

Finally we have If you prefer a gift set which is juicy and fresh, then Sweetness & Sunshine (£35) might just be the one to catch your attention. This is the kind of product whose scent you can smell before it has been removed from the box, it that is good.

Inside the box there is six products to take you through an entire Mango experience in the shower, said to 'lather up and transport yourself to tropical paradise'.  Within this box you have a complete bathing ritual for the shower, starting with a Mango Shower Gel which is enriched with Mango Extract which gives it that amazing scent and to create lots of lather there is a Body Shop Ramie Lily to help.     Once you have completed your shower routine, to enhance that scent, there is the fast-absorbing Body Butter which just feels so good on the skin, it is creamy and luxurious but lightweight and alongside that mango juice is the inclusion of Community Fair Trade organic almond milk  and the best thing about the product is that you can use it on damp skin and it absorbs really quickly.  The next product within this set is the Mango Hand cream and these products are another that The Body Shops incredibly well, this version uses Mango Seed Oil and Shea Butter to hydrate and nourish your hands. Not forgetting the importance of still having to wash your hands, you will also find a Mango Soap. Vegetable based, this soap creates an impressive lather when it comes into contact with the water and it smells delicious too, using Mango seed oil from India and Certified sustainable palm oil to keep your hands clean, beautifully scented and moisturised.  Then finally there is the Mango Body Mist which is designed to leave you feeling refreshed and smelling delightfully mango.

The contents of this Gift Set are

• Mango Shower Gel 250ml
• Mango Body Butter 200ml
• Mango Hand Cream 30ml
• Mango Body Mist 100ml
• Mango Soap 100g

Plus the Mini Ramie Bath Lily which is a shade of creamy white.  

You can find this gift set for £35 with The Body Shop.

So there you have some amazing gift sets which are so reasonably priced and each one of the products is also available individually, so you could even create your own gift package for a friend, work colleague, family member or for your Secret Santa!

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

Burt's Bees Stocking Filler Gifts

Every year, Burt's Bees have some amazing gifts for Christmas and for every budget imaginable, with prices starting at just £3.99.  This year, I have a selection of Stocking Filler Gifts to share with you and, if you are a fan of the brand like me, then you will love them.

Burt's Bees is synonymous with Lip Balm and it is a product you can never have too many of, be it in your handbag, your desk drawer, on your bedside table, in your makeup bag and even in your suitcase - just in case you forget to pack one. 

A Bit of Burt's Bees Christmas Cracker - Vanilla (£8.99) - Described as being the perfect duo for nourished skin, this festive cracker ornament is ideal for hanging on someones tree, even your own and the hanger is a re-usable hair-tie which is really clever.

Inside the cracker you will find a Vanilla Bean Lip Balm which is formulated with nourishing Shea Butter, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E and finally 100% natural vanilla which gives it that fresh scent of vanilla. Also inside the cracker, you will find a tin of Hand Salve and its job is to provide relief to super dry hands and to do that it is infused with the soothing effects of botanical oils, herbs and Beeswax.

The second gift set to share with you is the Burt's Bees Kissable Colour Holiday Gift Set (£11.99).  Inside the festive packaging you will find a trio of warm-tone lip shimmers.

When these Shimmers first launched, I shared them on my blog. This gift set includes three warm shades;

• Peony is a pale beige mauve,
• Rhubarb is a bright cool pinky red
• Fig is a warm red brown with hints of coral.

These everyday shades are enriched with Shea Butter, Vitamin E and antioxidant-rich fruit oils to moisturise, nourish and soften the lips and there is also the inclusion of Peppermint Oil, which you can immediately detect as soon as the lid is removed.

The final Gift Set is the Burt's Beeswax Bounty - Assorted (£11.99) and this is a 4 pack of naturally soothing lip balms that nurture and hydrate dry lips.

I have mentioned you can never have too many Burt's Bees Lip Balms and this set of 4 is perfect for topping up your collection. it features 4 of the much-loved and bestselling Burt's Bees Moisturising Lip Balms:

• Classic Beeswax - This is the original lip balm which was crafted back in 1991 and I am not surprised to see it within this gift set.  It uses Beeswax to condition the skin, antioxidant Vitamin E to moisturise and Peppermint Oil which provides that refreshing tingle
• Vanilla Bean - This lip balm is formulated with nourishing Shea Butter, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E and finally 100% natural vanilla which gives it that fresh scent of vanilla.
• Cucumber Mint - This is the most refreshing of all the lip balms so far, it uses Cucumber Extract alongside a hint of Peppermint Oil to give that cool tingly sensation and of course Beeswax to nourish dry lips while keeping them revitalised and hydrated.
• Coconut and Pear - Using Coconut Oil, Pear Extract and Shea Butter, this is a moisturising and hydrating lipbalm which smells just delightful, the coconut scent being all too evident and the pear just lurking in the background.

Each lip balm is 100% natural origin and power-packed with responsibly sourced Beeswax to condition and antioxidant-rich Vitamin E to richly moisturise and soften dry lips.

So there you have a few ideas from Burt's Bees for Stocking Fillers this Christmas and if you want to see the rest of their collection, you can find it on the Burt's Bees website.

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