Jo Loves Shot Candle

It's not every day that you get to meet someone truly inspirational and someone whose name is iconic when it comes to perfume and candles. Readers of my blog will know I am a huge candle fan and it is a household item I wouldn't be without, but when you are given the chance to create your own candle with Jo Malone, you can definitely count me in!

So off I went to the amazing Jo Loves store in Belgravia here in London to find out more about more about what this unique candle shot was, meet Jo Malone and have a go at making my very own candle.

Naturally it was just totally amazing, not only is Jo just brilliant at what she does, but as she described to those present how the idea came to her (it is on my Periscope if you haven't seen it) her eye lit up and then the magic began.

What Jo has done is to create a very unique Jo Loves Candle Shot studio which gives you the opportunity to create your very own bespoke candle from a stunning range of fragrances on the Jo Loves menu and she says of this creation:

"The Shot Candle™ is such an exciting innovation which we create together. This is the first time I have designed a product which invites you to become part of the creative process and a make a candle unique to you"

So how does it work? There are three steps involved in the entire process:

• Step One - You start with your base and you choose from a range of different fragrances. For each one Jo explained where the inspiration came from. The choice currently is between Mint Mojito, Charcoaled Lemons, Tahitian Gardenia or Fig Trees. Each scent is fresh scented and not in the slightest bit manufactured. 
• Step Two - Once you have chosen your base, you choose your shot and the choices are Lemongrass, Pettigrain, Mango, Salty Caramel or you can just choose another from the base fragrances.
• Step Three - You need to seal your base and the shot together and it is done by using a blow torch before being gift-wrapped and presented in this stunning white, Union Jack embossed box and tied with a beautiful red bow - it is truly exquisite. As a final gesture Jo hand signed our labels after we had painted them with the scents we had chosen as a reminder of our time.

What choice did I make?  I have to admit it, the choice is difficult and I struggled to choose between Mint Mojito and Tahitian Gardenia for my base, but as I wanted a fresh scent that reminded me of summer, I opted for Mint Mojito and my shot of choice was Lemongrass.  Together they are absolutely stunning, fresh and incredibly amazing.

The entire experience was absolutely mind-blowing and unique.  I couldn't wait to get home and try my candle.  For the first three hours of it being alight you will get your shot and then the two shots begin to blend and voila, your signature scent.  Each Shot Candle has a burn time of 60 hours.

If you can’t make it down to Belgravia then you will be pleased to know that the Jo Loves Candle Shot studio has opened online and you can create your own candle that way, the Shot Candle retails for £75 and in my opinion, it is worth every single penny. It will also make an amazingly unique gift for you or someone special.

Which two scents do you think you would choose?

Jo Malone Christmas Cracker

I am totally new to Jo Malone, of course I know all about the brand and have been green with envy at some of the products people have bought or been given, some sound truly amazing and others I simply need in my life, but haven't quite got round to sorting it out.  Then the lovely Louise from LouLovesBeauty held a giveaway just before Christmas to win a Jo Malone Christmas Cracker, which I had looked at many times whilst in John Lewis, but I've never actually bought anything, so I am mighty glad to have won the giveaway!

The cracker itself is as you would expect it to be. Designed in the well known Jo Malone packaging with the cream background with black letters, it is hard not to like it just for that purpose.  Tied at either end with a red ribbon, it looks exactly like a cracker you would put on the dinner table to pull on Christmas Day (multiple versions of this would be amazing!).

Inside the candle it is filled with three gifts which comprise of. a mini 9ml perfume (Lime, Basil and Mandarin), 15ml body lotion (Nectarine Blossom and Honey), and 15ml body wash (Blackberry and Bay) which is a perfect introduction to just some of the products you can purchase from Jo Malone.  

As each product is a mini, you don't get much use out of the body lotion, there certainly isn't enough to cover your body once, but there is enough to moisturise both arms and hands which really lets you see how amazing the scent is, it is one I could easily get used to using.  

The shower gel again seems exactly as the name suggests it too and possibly not a scent I would personally purchase, but it is nice enough and is incredibly moisturising, the perfect size for a weekend away with a bit of luxury.

Finally the perfume, now for me 9ml is a brilliant introduction in the world of Jo Malone perfumes and there are a few I have my eye on, the main object of my obsession being Peony and Blush Suede which I personally think is the best scent.  That said Lime, Basil and Mandarin is both fragrant and refreshing, the combination of the citrusy limes and mandarins with the aromatic herby basil is one great scent and it lasts for hours and hours on the skin, for me becoming more stunning as it settles and fades slightly.

I am really pleased with this cracker and am so glad that I was lucky enough to win it, the downside for the Hubs is that I now desperately want to try a candle and get my mitts on another perfume! Well Valentines Day isn't that far away!

Are you a Jo Malone fan? do you have a favourite scent/product? Is there anything you really rate and recommend?

Top 10 Perfume Gift Sets for Her | Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas time for me is a time of year upon which a new perfume is something I look forward too, perhaps the only time of year when I am bought something new.  This year, there are so many perfumes that I have enjoyed using testers of or spritzing when in a store that I have combined them all into one big post - top 10 perfume gift sets for her!

1) Viktor & Rolf BonBon Eau de Toilette 50ml Gift Set. RRP £73

Bonbon, a timeless sensation inviting a pure and absolute pursuit of pleasure. She who wears Bonbon, dresses herself in perfume whilst creating her own story. She is empowered, beautiful and complete. Set contains 50ml Eau de Toilette + 50ml Body Lotion + 50ml Shower Gel

2) Elie Saab Le Parfum L`Eau Couture 50 ml Christmas Set RRP £43

L`Eau Couture, or the unique contrast between the sophistication of a Couture look and the springtime freshness of an Eau. This set contains: L`Eau Couture 50ml and Prestige L`Eau Couture 10ml -

3) Jo Malone London House of Jo Malone London. Set RRP £125

The elegant home of Jo Malone London. Open the doors to reveal our most-loved scents.

Red Roses Glass Decanter Bath Oil 30ml,Blackberry & Bay Cologne 30ml,Orange Blossom Body Crème 50ml,Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash 100ml,English Pear & Freesia Travel Candle 60g,Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion 100ml

4) Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set RRP £62

Discover Black Opium, the new feminine fragrance by Yves Saint Laurent - new glam rock fragrance full of mystery and energy. An addictive gourmand floral with notes of: Black Coffee - for a shot of adrenaline; White Florals - to instantly seduce; and Vanilla - for sweetness and sensuality.

5) Dolce and Gabbana Dolce Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set. RRP £62

Dolce is a gentle, feminine mix of white flowers, introduced by the freshness of the Neroli leaves and defined by the White Amaryllis, a South African flower used for the first time ever in scent. A unique and opulent combination of White Water Lily and bold White Daffodil blend perfectly with the full-bodied White Amaryllis. Set contains 50ml Eau de Parfum + 100ml Body Lotion

6) Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum 50ml Gift Set. RRP £66

To celebrate the end-of-year season, Guerlain invites you in its fairy universe to discover an enchanted Christmas tree, where every decoration is a wink to the House symbols.
This gift set contains a 50ml La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum and a nail lacquer. I am absolutely essential and utterly irresistible.

7) Estée Lauder Small Wonders Gift Set. RRP £32

Surprise her with all of her favorite scents and a mirrored tray to display them on. A gift she`ll love, during the holidays and all year long. Limited-time collection includes five mini Eau de Parfums, all ready to delight in an exclusive gift box:

• Modern Muse .24 oz.
• Estée Lauder Pleasures .12 oz.
• Beautiful .12 oz.
• Youth-Dew .12 oz.
• White Linen .01 oz. 
• Mirror Tray

8) Michael Kors Collection Glam Jasmine 50ml Gift Set. RRP £57

The Michael Kors Collection has a gift set that appeals to the Glam side of every girl. This set features a 50ml Glam Jasmine Eau de Parfum and a 100ml body crème. Packaged in a luxurious pink metallic lizard pattern.

9) DKNY MYNY `The Heart of the City` 50ml Gift Set. RRP £49

This holiday season, in the heart of the city, celebrate in style with the urban, carefree, spirited fragrance for women, DKNY MYNY. With an expression that is as eclectic and passionate as the city we love, treat yourself or someone you love to a sparkling set including DKNY MYNY 50ml Eau de Parfum and 100ml Body Lotion.

10) Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette 50ml Gift Set. RRP £54

Light and airy, Daisy Dream is both floral and fruity. The Fragrance captivates with delectable top notes of blackberry, fresh grapefruit and succulent pear. The heart imparts a rich, feminine jasmine, notes of lychee and blue wisteria. A dreamy drydown of white woods, musks and coconut water. Set contains: 50ml Eau de Toilette, 75ml Shower Gel and 75ml Body Lotion.

Beauty Christmas Crackers 2014

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Whilst beauty calendars might have been and gone, sold out or are too pricey for you to have, there is one other option - Beauty Christmas Crackers - yes! I did a similar post last year where there was a whole lot to choose from and it looks as though there is to be a similar amount this year - the details of which are only just trickling in, so these are the ones I have so far.


Harrods - A handpicked selection of the best the beauty world has to offer, the set of six crackers are enveloped in our signature silver and black colourway and tied with embossed Harvey Nichols grosgrain ribbon.

Each cracker contains: a snap, silver foil hat, motto and one of the following treats: ESPA Pro Serum 8ml, Bliss Energizing Mask 10ml, bareMinerals 'Inspiration' Ready Eyeshadow Duo 1g, Prada Candy Florale Eau de Toilette 7ml, Laura Mercier Lip Glacé 6ml, Deborah Lippmann Nail Varnish 8ml

Boots No.7 - Presenting this selection of our favourite No7 mini nail polishes and skincare products in 6 beautiful crackers. The No7 Cracker Collection makes an indulgent festive treat for ladies this Christmas.

Contains:
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish in Temptress (4ml)
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish in Beanie (4ml)
No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish in Damson Dream (4ml)
No7 Protect & Perfect Day Cream (25ml)
No7 Protect & Perfect Night Cream (25ml)
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Eye Cream (5ml)

    Jo Malone - well if there is one cracker I would quite like it would have to be this one, I can't afford the calendar but this looks equally good.  Priced at £32 this cracker looks amazing!

     This Works – Can currently be found at places like Feel Unique and Debenhams for £10 and inside this cracker you get a 10ml deep sleep body therapy spray which is an innovative spray on body treatment that helps you fall asleep. Priced at £10 per cracker.

Balm Balm The All Over Body Cracker - Priced at £21 this cracker includes:

• Balm Balm Calm All Over Balm 100% Organic 30ml 
• Balm Balm Detox All Over Balm 100% Organic 30ml 
• Balm Balm Indulge All Over Balm 100% Organic 30ml 

Lancôme's Christmas crackers which cost £54 for 6.  They contain six premium products including:

• Hypnose Volume Mascara (black), 
• Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner (black), 
• Advanced Genifique 
• Youth Activating Concentrate, 
• Lip Lover, L'absolue lipstick and 
• Bi-Facil Eye Make Up Remover.

Clarins - Add the perfect final flourish to your table setting and make sure your festive season goes off with a bang. Enveloped in opulence, these crackers offer a selection of iconic miniature Clarins products such as Beauty Flash Balm and Nail Treatment Cream.  Priced at £39 for six you will find inside

• Wonder Perfect Mascara 3ml
• Gentle Refiner 30ml
• Beauty Flash Balm 30ml
• Hand and Nail Treatment Cream 30ml
• Eau des Jardins 30ml
• Rouge Eclat Lipstick 1.4g

Cowshed - The name says it all really as this gift set from Cowshed would make a cracking stocking filler and comes in a Christmas cracker-inspired box, adding a touch of fun during the festivities. Filled with two luxurious little treats to restore and moisturise hands and lips daily.

Set includes:

• Cow Herb Restoring Hand Cream, 50ml 
• Natural Lip Balm, 5ml

Molton Brown - Pamper someone from head to toe with Molton Brown's Pink Pepperpod Christmas cracker body care gift set. Each item is beautifully presented in a festive, cracker-shaped box with pretty ribbon detailing, making the ideal Christmas gift and priced at £20

Set includes:

• Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Replenishing Hand Cream, 40ml
• Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Body Wash, 50ml
• Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Nourishing Body Lotion, 50ml

Philip Kingsley - Ive spotted two different ones from Philip Kingsley so far this year. The is choice is between Soft & Shiny or Body and Volume for the cracker and they cost £10 from sites like FeelUnique.

Inside the soft and Shiny Cracker you get:

• Elasticizer, 40ml 
• Moisture Balancing Shampoo (20ml) 
• Moisture Balancing Conditioner (20ml) 

Inside the Body & Volume Cracker

• Elasticizer (40ml)
• Body Building Shampoo (20ml)
• Body Building Conditioner (20ml)

Arran Aromatics - Choice of three different crackers, so will it be
Frankincense & Myrrh, Mandarin & Petitgrain or Christmas Spiced Vanilla, Each beautifully embellished festive cracker includes three votive candles.

So these are all the ones I have to date and I have no doubt there will be more to follow. As and when I do get some information, I will update this post!

Do you think you will be treating yourself or a friend to a Beauty Cracker?

The Big Call

Can one phone call change your life forever?

In an effort to inspire small businesses to pick up the phone to an extra £26,000 a year, three of the UK’s top entrepreneurs – fragrance queen Jo Malone MBE, millionaire plumber Charlie Mullins and advertising legend Mark Denton – star in a new film about the single phone calls that changed each of their business lives.

Watch their inspirational stories and see why we’re encouraging startups and small businesses to make sure they are ready for their big call. Below is the video starring Jo Malone MBE.  Jo, who despite being severely dyslexic, built up her brand and its name from a kitchen table business to one of the world’s most famous fragrance empires in the world. At just 16 years old she discovered her gift for scent whilst working in a florist and was later awarded an MBE for her services to the beauty industry.

Jo talks about the call that kick-started her second fragrance business JO LOVES and brought her life full-circle back to the steps of the flower shop she first worked at as a teenager.

I found the video to be a fascinating insight into a small part of the world and life that is Jo Malone.

*This is a sponsored post

My Lottery Wishlist

Whenever you buy a lottery ticket, do you ever, whether on paper or in your head come up with a wishlist of things you would buy if you ever won?  I do all the time, I can't help it. The most I have ever won is £1500 and that little win didn't even scratch the surface of my wishlist.

So chatting with some friends of mine on Facebook chat today about lotteries and what they would buy if they won, it amazed me just how many different ways there are to play and win money - Euromillions, Irish Lottery, Health Lottery, Postcode Lottery, National Lottery, Thunderball to name just a few that come to mind.  Friends of mine across the pond play something called Powerball and I asked What is Powerball and was quickly told it is a form of Lottery with prizes starting at $40million dollars (wow).

Like most people my wishlist is huge, the list is endless and obviously I want want to make sure family and closest friends got to share my wealth, but once all of that has been done and dealt with, if money was no object what would I buy? Naturally I would want to go on hliday and one of my dreams is to go back to Las Vegas where beautykinguk and I got married before going on to Reykjavik which I am also really wanting to visit because I want to sit in a hot geyser!  Holidays aside, my wishlist is quite long, but these would be high up on my list:  

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Soleste Band Ring - A ring with round brilliant white and Fancy Vivid Pink diamonds in platinum and 18k rose gold.  At a mere £11,400 it is unlikely I will ever own this ring unless I do win the lottery, but it is on my wishlist because it is just stunning and I love everything about it.

Canon D600 - Every blogger needs one and this particular camera is one I keep looking at and wishing I could afford to buy it, I have mentioned so many times how poor my photographs are on my blog and how I lust after some other bloggers photos with how fabulous they are - camera, I need you!

Hermes Birkin Bag - Well who doesn't want one? My only problem would be deciding on the colour, would it be a classic black version or something a little more out there and perhaps a coral colour?!

Creme De la Mer Asprey Ultimate Collection gift set - having seen this in Selfridges, the only thing I can say is that it looks amazing and has a price tag to match. I would love to know if this stuff is as good as all the 'celebs' claim it is and if I had the money to do it, I would quite happily work my way through the entire collection and then blog about it!

Jo Malone Signature Collection Gift set - I am dying to try some Jo Malone products and almost every one which has been suggest to me is featured within this gift set, so it would be mine!

Bvlgari moonphase Watch - I love Bvlgari watches they are stunning and I spend hours drooling over them.

Ted Baker Large Blue Cubic Print Flapover Purse - I have loved this purse from the moment I saw it and at £99 I can't quite justify purchasing it, though I do need a new purse as mine is clinging on my mere threads.  I just love everything about this purse from the design, to the zips, to the inside and think it is just fabulous.

*Written in collaboration with Lottoland

The Beauty Blogger's Perfect Christmas Tree!

As a beauty blogger there are many things that excite me and nothing could currently be more exciting than a Beauty Themed Christmas Tree.  I am amazed at some of the things you can buy as a Christmas Decoration and if I was to build my perfect Beauty Blogger Tree, some of these items would be making an appearance.

Starting with the top of the tree

The Liz Earle Christmas Star - £5.50-£14.00
How much of a bargain is that?! Inside your star, you will get a 30ml of the iconic Hot Cloth Cleanser and Muslin cloth to go with it which costs £5.50. Or there is a choice of two different shades of signature lipsticks which cost £14.00 or a choice of two shades of nail strengthening polish which cost £7.50 each.

Available from the Liz Earl website. 

Then we put on some crackers

I am quite excited about all of these crackers if I am honest and some of them are such good value for money.  These are just some of my favourites:

Nails Inc Christmas Crackers – £29.50

Take your dinner party to the next level and adorn your table with these stylish crackers. Each cracker is complete with a full size polish and fashion quote. 

• Mayfair Mews – navy Fibre Optic polish
• Baker Street – cobalt blue
• Marylebone Lane – red full coverage glitter polish
• King’s Road – rose gold Foil effect polish
• Kensington High Street - deep wine polish
• Trafalgar Crescent – silver Galaxy polish

 They are available from Nails Inc

Balm Balm Frankincense Organic Skincare Collection Cracker - £22.50In this cracker you will get:

• Balm Balm Frankincense Hydrosol 100% Organic 30ml
• Balm Balm Frankincense Deep Cleansing Balm 100% Organic 30ml
• Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil 100% Organic 10ml

Available from Feel Unique

Cowshed - Cracking Cow Christmas Cracker £10.00 each

A ‘cracking’ stocking filler or Christmas table decoration to add a touch of fun during the festivities and in this racker you will get:

• Wild Cow Invigorating Bath & Shower Gel (30ml) and a 
• Knackered Cow Relaxing Body Lotion (30ml). 

Available from Selfridges

Clarins - Box of 6 Crackers £39.00
In these crackers you will find quite a few lovely beauty treats which include:

• Beauty Flash Balm, 
• Mascara, 
• Lipstick, 
• Hand and Nail lotion, 
• Eau de Jardins 
• Gentle exfoliator. 

Available from Selfridges

Weleda Crackers for Men and Woman - ££14.95-£5.95
A choice of a moisturising cream for the man in your life or for yourself a wild rose smoothing day cream plus a Skin Food Cracker too.  

All Crackers are 30ml and available from Feel Unique 

Jo Malone Christmas Cracker - £30
Spoil every dinner guest with our Christmas Cracker, full of scented surprises. Tart-juicy Blackberry & Bay Cologne. Reviving Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash. Enlivening Grapefruit Body Crème. Tied with ribbon to set the table with style. 

Available from Jo Malone.

More crackers:

Marks and Spencer Crackers:

• Autograph Crackers - A collection of 6 novelty beauty crackers, each containing a specially selected mini make up product and beauty tip. Unwrap each to discover your Autograph lip gloss, liquid glow illuminator, mascara and kohl pencil eyeliner.  Cost £18 for 6
• Royal Jelly - A limited edition collection of luxurious hand creams from the Royal Jelly range and cost £6 each
• Nature's Extracts Lemon Verbena - Experience daily luxury with our Nature's Extracts collection in a festive cracker gift set. These limited edition body care essentials have been enriched with natural extract of lemon verbena - either a shower gel or hand and body lotion. Currently on offer at £2 each
• Happy Holiday Pick N Pix Cracker - Adding some festive fun to your bath with this cracker, costs £5

Now onto your trinkets and baubles.  Again there is so much choice out there that making a decision as to what I was to include was quite difficult, but here are some of my favourites:

Ciate Tree Trinkets - 6 Baubles for £30.00Each bauble is wrapped in a signature Ciaté bow, with a mini Paint Pot in a glamorous glitter shade peeking through, ready to be worn. 

Available from Selfridges

Lancôme In Love Christmas Cubes 4 for - £39.00
These festive cubes contain, a full size Nail Polish in Love, Mini Lip Gloss in Love, Mini Lipstick in Love and Mini Hypnôse Classic Mascara. 

Available from Selfridges

Rodial Glam Balm Christmas Tree Decoration -  £12.00
Give the gift of glam this year with Rodial glam balm LIP SPF 15 Xmas tree decoration. STEMCELL super-food SPF15 glam balm lip is a rose flavoured lip balm, with stem cells and the added benefit of SPF15.

Available from Debenhams 

The Rodial Glam Balm is also available as a little pot for £2 more which you can find HERE

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES Little Bell gift set  - £10

Awaken your senses with Aromatherapy Associates' delectably uplifting and invigorating wonders of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper for a truly reviving start to the day. Includes Revive Morning bath and shower oil.  

Available from FeelUnique

Mistletoe Kisses - Coca Cola Lip Smacker - £3
Time to get festive with the heart shaped lip balm that you can use to decorate your tree or just simply save for that special kiss under the mistletoe this year. £3.00 available in Sainsburys

This Works Perfect Beauty Baubles – £12.00

Silent Night Bauble is a sleep balm to help calm the senses and Shimmer Balm a pocket sized pot of glittery balm. In two words: this works. – 

Available from ASOS

Jo Malone Christmas Ornament - £20

Trim the tree with this season's most desired decoration...a smart little box that opens to reveal a Pomegranate Noir Cologne and a delicious English Pear & Freesia Body Crème. Wrapped and ready to hang for a best-dressed Christmas. 

Available from Jo Malone.

More trinkets for your tree:

• The Body Shop Mini Shower Gels which cost £8 
• Mavala Nail Baubles which cost £5
• Cath Kidson egg shaped soap which costs between £4-£8 online and there are three different ones available
• M&S Limited Collection beauty bauble which contains a mini nail polish and two mini lip glosses and costs £5

And if all of that isn’t enough for you Beauty Bloggers then how about a Liz Earle Limited Edition Stocking? Designed by Jan Constantine and costing £50 

this stunning limited-edition Christmas stocking is brimming with treats, including:

• Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 100ml pump
• Instant Boost Skin Tonic 50ml bottle
• Skin Repair Moisturiser Normal/combination 15ml tube
• Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash 100ml bottle
• Nourishing Botanical Body cream 50ml tube
• Two pure Muslin Cloths

So there you have it, my idea of the perfect Beauty Blogger Christmas Tree with decorations, baubles and even a star or five.

What would be on your Beauty Christmas Tree?