Popsockets #PhoneBetter

I absolutely love buying new cases for my iPhone, though I am quite picky as to what I accessorise it with. When contacted by the team behind Popsockets, I was intrigued enough to accept a few products because I had never tried them before, I have seen them sold for as little as £1 and I loved the story behind the brand.

As mentioned, I have seen Popsockets sold on the high street for as little as £1 and I've never really quite got the point of them.  Little did I know then what I do know - they are not proper Popsockets, but instead an imitation of, designed to look like but are not as good as the original.

History of Popsockets

It all started in 2014 when the founder David Barnett – a philosophy professor in Boulder; Colorado – glued two huge, horrendously ugly buttons onto the back of his phone to solve the age-old problem of the tangled earbud cord. Sixty prototypes later, the PopSockets grip was born -an expandable, collapsible grip and stand for your phone that could still be used to tame the tangle. The business has grown from David’s garage to having offices in San Francisco, Singapore, Hong Kong and Finland. To date, they have sold over 160million PopSockets grips globally.

Choosing your Popsocket

I had no idea there was so much choice when it came to choosing a Popsocket, you can choose by colour, holidays such as Easter and Valentines Day, there is Disney, Harry Potter, swappable Popsockets and even Swarovski Crystals to name just a few.  From the options available, if nothing grabs your attention, you can also customise your own using your favourite photos and not just for your Popsocket either, you can also purchase a Popwallet, Popthirst and other accessories too.

As mentioned I was kindly gifted a selection of products from Popsocket and over the past few weeks I have been trying them out on my iPhone and whilst I have been spoilt for choice as to what to use:

A PopGrip - Probably the most recognisable of the products offered. The Popgrip is a phone grip, they make it easy to grip your phone when taking a photo, playing a game, typing away and for using as a stand. 

Whether you want marble, glitter, abstract or even cute animals, there is something everyone can choose from. I am currently using the Stoney Heart PopGrip which I absolutely love.  PopGrips are priced between £8.49 up to £54.99 for the Swarovski Crystal option.

Within the premium section, how could I not opt for the PopMirror which is perfect for using on the go, especially as a beauty blogger who might need to re-apply my makeup on the go!

Like the PopGrip, this mirrored version works in the exact same way in how it grips to your phone, the only difference is the top pops open to reveal a double mirror. PopMirrors are priced at £22.99 and 

If you are not sure about a PopGrip then there are other products available, including the PopWallet.

I have Python Chic from the PopWallet section and it is designed to give you a sleek and secure way to carry your cards on your phone. It can hold up to 3 credit cards or 6 business cards, depending on the thickness of the card. I used mine when travelling around London not wanting to carry my wallet with me and it worked really well and held my oscar card really securely.

The final item I was kindly gifted is the PopThirst and the one product that confused me the most when I saw it.

The PopThirst incorporates an integrated (and swappable!) PopGrip for the ultimate grasp and it is ideal for putting onto your beer can, can of pop or any other can you need to hold on to. What it does is add sturdiness to that can, meaning you can carry it much easier. It also assists in ensuring your drink stays cold and because it is collapsible, it doesn't take up too much room if you wanted to carry it with you.  The Popthirst retails for £16.99 and is available in 16 designs.

I have had a lot of fun discovering the PopSockets range and knowing I can customise my own designs means I can have hours of fun accessorising my phone. 

Have you ever used a PopSocket product?

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

OPI Mexico City Collection

Over the past few years, OPI has had some incredible collections of nail polishes, one of the last being the Hello Kitty collection which I was lucky enough to review. The newest launch from OPI is the Mexico City collection and if bright colours are your thing, then you will absolutely love these shades.

Featuring 12-shades, this collection officially launched around February 1, 2020, and the collection draws inspiration from the city’s vibrant art and fashion scenes, jet-set appeal with trendy locales and award-winning cuisine, and exploration of individual self-expression.

Experience the eclectic Colours of the world’s most thriving art scene- Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX)- for Spring 2020 with the Mexico City Collection by OPI.

When I think of Mexico, I do think bright greens and reds as well as some of the most amazing food and of course Churros, which yes came from Spain and Portugal originally, but some of the best I have tasted have been in Mexican restaurants, where I am a huge fan of dishes such as Enfrijoladas and Fish Tacos and it is all of those bright colours from the food I expected to see within this collection and to an extent, it is exactly what you get, but with one or two surprises.

The first group of shades really sit well together and all have a hint of orange too them:

From left to right we have Coral-ing Your Spirit Animal, Mural Mural On The Wall, iViva Opi! and My Chihuahua Doesn't Bite Anymore.  What I love about this group is that Mural Mural On The Wall works with all the shades:

Coral-ing Your Spirit Animal: A light tone orange.

Mural Mural On The Wall: A dusty orange/brown with hints of gold & red glitter.
iViva Opi!: A hot orange/red. 
My Chihuahua Doesn't Bite Anymore: A warm orange.

The next group of shades I was really happy to see included but there is one shade from the collection of 12 which I feel is missing.

From left to right here we have Suzi's Slinging Mezcal, Don't Tell A Sol, Verde Nice To Meet You and Mi Casa Es Blue Casa.  I absolutely love the deep blue shade and currently have it on my toes, perfect for Spring and Summer.

Suzi's Slinging Mezcal: A sparkling gold. 
Don't Tell A SOL: A bright tone yellow. 
Verde Nice To Meet You: An pastel green teal. 
Mi Casa Es Blue Casa: A deep warm sea blue. 

The final collection of shades are the ones which I wasn't expecting to find within the Mexico City Collection, for me, it is missing a whole lot of green nail colours, which admittedly is not something everyone would wear, but something similar to OPI Envy the Adventure from the Nutcracker Collection would be perfect.

From left to right is Mariachi Makes My Day, Mexico City Move-Mint, Hue Is The Artist and Telenovela Me About It.  Whilst this section confuses me slightly with its connection to Mexico City, what I do love is each of the shades, especially the light baby blue shade which again is perfect for Spring and Summer.  

Mariachi Makes My Day: A elegant tone of purple. 

Mexico City Move-Mint: A light tone baby blue.

Hue Is The Artist?: A pale tone pink. 

Telenovela Me About It: A warm fuchsia pink. 

As with most OPI swatches, the advice is to add at least two coats of polish and I think this is the first collection I have tried that works really well with one coat, but two just gives that deeper hint of colour.

As with most collections from OPI, with Mexico City to have the choice of the Infinite Shine Collection at £15.90 per bottle of polish or the Nail Lacquer, which I have reviewed for £13.90 per bottle and you can see the whole collection with OPI.

This collection is available to purchase right now and you can buy the shades singularly or as a set from OPI directly.  I would love to know if any of these shades jumps out at you?

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

Valentines Gift Guide for Her

With Valentines Day quickly approaching, I wanted to put together a gift guide of products that not only I would love to receive myself, but I think others would too, whether that is your friend, your wife, girlfriend or indeed for yourself as a treat.

I absolutely love my Simple Human Mirror (here) and as much as I adore it and use it every day, it isn't practical for carrying around with me because if it was then I definitely would.  Thankfully there is a compact version of this mirror (£99.95) and it is just stunning. Using tru-lux lighting system which simulates natural sunlight so you whether or not your makeup is colour-correct and flawless. The 3x magnification gives you a hyper-clear view of every detail, some detail you might want to see and some you might not!  There is also the option of three light settings at 650 lux, 300 lux and 110 lux let you choose your preferred brightness level. 

As soon as the mirror is removed from its pouch, a sensor turns the light on automatically and turns off when putting back in. The mirror uses a fold-out ring handle to ensure it is secure and comfortable in your hand and this ring can also be used as a stand if you prefer the hands-free viewing option. This mirror recharges with a standard USB port and the cable is included and impressively one charge lasts up at least 1 week with typical daily usage.  To jazz your mirror up a little more there are accessory cases (£24.95) available which are hand-stitched vegan leather zip cases which keep your mirror compact safe, it comes with various colour options.  I was kindly gifted the Iridescent Case which I absolutely love.

Wearing a watch is not something that is part of my everyday go-to, there was a time when it was always something I wouldn't get through the day without. From Nordgreen, I was captivated by the story behind the brand. Nordgreen was created by Pascar and Vasilij, two lifelong friends, watch enthusiasts, and born-and-bred Danes who have said that they are on a mission to deliver true Scandinavian design and lifestyle to everyone. The “Nord” represents Pascar and Vasiilij's Nordic identity whilst the 'Green' captures their emphasis on sustainability and by that they mean their products and processes are as sustainable as possible, exemplified by our recyclable packaging and partnerships with sustainable manufacturers.

As you can see, I was kindly gifted a watch of my choice and I chose the Philosopher in Rose Gold with a Rose Gold Mesh strap, though the straps are interchangeable if you wanted to have the choice.  What drew my attention to this particular watch is the face itself. It has a large face but the section where the numbers sit is slightly raised, so it has a sunken middle featuring the brand name and the watch hands, so the adding of dimension I really like.

For those wanting a gift that is quite unique or has a really personal touch, The Gift Experience has some amazing products and I chose the personalised Silver plated Rose (£19.99) which is as unique as it is stunning. 

Standing at 32cm high, it features a lifelike bud with four leaves which are all on a stem and the detailing of both the bud and the leaves is quite something. Also hanging from the stem is a pretty silver-plated plaque and it is on this plaque that you could engrave a short message and it was this option I really liked because as well as being a beautiful gift, it is also something that could become a memory for life. For me, Nan loved roses and I have a rose bush in a pot at my house which flowers every single year, so for me, a rose has quite the meaning. With this plaque you could choose a special date, time or even just a name, something that makes this gift really personal and memorable at the same time. If an all silver rose isn't your preference, then there is also a version featuring a red bud for the rose too.

I absolutely love candles, so a perfect gift for me that I have included within this gift guide.  Elm Road is described as offering stylish aromacology candles are sophisticated scents in 100% natural blends - authentic botanical and essential oils fuse scent with a mind to trigger positive emotions, soothing the mind, body and soul.

I have Suenos and Petals from the range but for Valentines Day, Petals is the perfect gift. This candle is said to have been inspired by the most beautiful garden in the world: Jardins du Château de Versailles and it has top notes of Tuberose, heart notes of Ylang Ylang and base notes of Jasmine, Frankincense and Oud.  So incredible are the candles from Elm Road that you can pick up the scent before you even open the box and Petals has the most fantastic fresh floral aroma, perfect for anyone who loves fragrant floral blooms. This candle has a burn time of around 60 hours and it retails for just £34 at 200g.

My tipple of choice is Gin and for me, a bottle of gin ticks a lot of boxes. From Cranes Gin is this bottle of Cranberry Gin (£32). Cranes describe this Cranberry Gin as being smooth and fruity yet delightfully sharp. The Cranberry Gin is made from premium cranberries and handcrafted in Cambridgeshire in small batches. The cranberries compliment the junipers perfectly, providing a smooth and fruity, yet deliciously sharp taste. 

Like all Gin from Cranes, this Cranberry Gin is made from all-natural ingredients and it there is no use or inclusion of added sugars or artificial flavours, so they are both gluten-free and vegan friendly.  This is a first for me from Cranes Gin and it definitely won’t be the last as there are many other options available that I cannot wait to try.  At 37.5% proof

Staying with Gin, the option to make my own and become a bit of an alchemist grabs my attention and from VonShef is a Gin Making Kit (£9.99).   

This set gives a Gin lover the chance to make their own delicious gin blends and flavours with this specially selected gin infuser set. Inside the beautifully packaged set is 4 different flavours which include orange blossom, mallow flower, dried orange or juniper berry. To use, all you need to do is add the botanicals and infuse for around 24 hours following the instruction. After your alcohol has been infused, you then use the strainer to siphon the extracts leaving you with a smooth and flavoured gin.

I am a huge fan of hot chocolate and I love Whittard of Chelsea, so the two together is a really dreamy experience.  For Valentines Day there is quite an incredible product that I have almost finished 'tasting' and that is the Rhubarb and Custard White Hot Chocolate.

If you have tried the Rhubarb and Custard sweets, which I absolutely love, then this is very much that scent and flavour in a tin. Described as being reminiscent of the childhood confectionery favourite Whittard have layered the sherbet-sweet flavours of rhubarb and creamy custard on a white chocolate base for a lip-lickingly luscious pink (yes, pink!) treat. When you make the drink, I usually always use hot milk to give that extra creamy taste, but with this hot chocolate it works just as well with hot water and I just love the tanginess of the Rhubarb with the sweetness of the custard and naturally being a pink drink makes it all the more exciting.  Now it is limited edition and it costs just £9 (here), so I would grab it quick as I already have my second tin!

If you follow me on Instagram then you will be aware that I am a bit of a book worm. There isn't a single day that passes when I don't pick up a book or my Kindle.  

I always have a book wishlist on Amazon and I tend to opt for Thriller Killers, Psychological or something Historical as genre's I like to read.  Having been on my list for some time, these two books by Dorothy Koomson, whose book 'My Best Friends Girl*' is one of my all-time favourites and The Family by Louise Jensen is something I have read a lot of rave reviews about, so I couldn't walk by without picking it up.

When it comes to skincare and fragrance there is a lot of choice for the perfect gift and again, I have some to share within this post.  First up we have the Sanctuary Spa Lost In The Moment Gift Set which retails for just £16 and it comes in the cutest, heart-shaped gift box.

The heart-shaped gift box has pink and white stripes all over and inside there is a selection of products wrapped in pale pink tissue paper which I really liked, it shows effort has gone into making something a little extra special. The set itself includes a selection of travel-sized beauty treats such as the Sanctuary Classic Foaming Bath Soak, Sanctuary Classic Salt Scrub Sachet, Sanctuary 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask, Sanctuary Classic Heel Balm, Sanctuary Classic Body Butter 5 and the Sanctuary Classic Hand Cream, all the sizes of these products are between 35 and 50ml.

I am obviously a bit of a skincare fanatic and I do enjoy my nighttime routine. From Skyn Iceland the Oxygen Infusion Night Cream (£56 here*) has been added to my stash and it is described as being a gentle but highly potent overnight treatment livens up the skin’s natural renewal process (while you sleep) and nurtures stressed skin back to a healthy state. 

Rich emollients and therapeutic natural ingredients offer anti-ageing benefits. Microencapsulated oxygen fortifies and energises skin which is depleted from stress while restoring tone and texture to optimise levels.  Ingredients such as Yeast Extract are used to calm inflamed skin whilst White Willow Bark soothes irritation and helps to provide antibacterial protection. It is also a natural, skin-soothing analgesic.

I love nothing more than a good facemask and I try my best to use one mask a week, depending on how my skin feels.  

The latest addition to my stash has come from Bubu, which stands for “be u, be unique” with the love heart above the brand symbolic of self-love. I have a blog post coming shortly on these three masks, but given they are really good with the price point, they would make a lovely gift and you can find them here.

I love Argan Oil especially when my skin is really dry. During the winter months, it is very rare that my legs see the light of day, opting for jeans, leggings and thick chunky tights. Come springtime when my legs resemble those of a snake getting ready to shed it skin, I need products which really add moisture to my skin.  From Douvall’s, I have already been using this Organic Argan Oil Moisturiser (£25) as I am still suffering from an ankle injury which means I am massaging my leg a lot more than I usually would.

This 100% Raw First Cold Pressed oil is described as being a multi-tasking oil moisturiser, which if you didn't know is referred to as liquid gold in Morocco. On the skin, it is really fast to absorb itself and it is also really lightweight with no greasy feel or film being left on the skin. Argan Oil is extremely high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids and antioxidants so this product is great for those who like a product which deeply hydrates, nourishes and repairs the skin.

The final products within this gift guide are my favourite brands of false nails and lashes.  If I am going all out and Valentines Day might just be that day, out come the false nails and lashes.  From Elegant Touch, these two sets of nails shout Valentines to me.

The Femme Fatale nails from the Paloma Faith range are red stiletto nails with pink rose gems and they come with glue.  If you prefer nails that are pre-glued and admittedly, I am one of those persons, the Squoval pre-glued nails from the Instanails collection will tick those boxes for you and are again a beautiful shade of red.  Both sets of nails retail between £4.79 and £8.99 and can be found in Boots*.

When it comes to eyelashes there are only two brands that I ever wear, the first is Ardell and I absolutely love their new collection - Naked lashes, usually you would be hard pushed to tell me there was anything better than Wispies!

These Naked Lashes are a new collection from Ardell and they feature 5 new lash styles that are said to add the perfect touch of barely-there flutter, volume, and length. Lash 420 are light crisscrossing and shortest length for the most natural look and 423 are more mid-length lashes with layers of fine fibres which add subtle volume and length.  You can find the.se lashes in Superdrug and they retail for just £5.49.

The other brand of lashes I wear come from Eylure and within this gift guide, I have included both the Luxe Cashmere and Enchanted range.

The Luxe Cashmere lashes (£19.95) in No.6 are described as being a soft, sweet and wispy which are luxuriously soft and utterly weightless. Crafted from 1000+ dainty fibres, these Luxe Cashmere lashes can be worn 15+ times and Each pack includes a lash case, applicator and glue so you can keep your lashes safe during wears. 

If you want more choice when it comes to applying your lashes the Enchanted Lashes Lookbook will come in handy. This collection Enchanted lashes features three different styles which include - ‘Stars in their eyes’ (a sweet, wispily textured lash style), ‘Written in the Stars’ (a light, feathery style with amazing length) and ‘Stargazer’ (a fabulous, sectional lash style with a wispy finish). Priced at £13.95, again you can wear them multiple times and they still look amazing.

So that is my Valentines 2020 Gift Guide for her and I hope it has given you an idea or two as to what to get your loved one.  If you are still to buy for the man in your life, my male Valentines gift guide is here.

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

Valentines Day Gift Guide for Him

With Valentines Day quickly approaching, I wanted to put together a gift guide again, as I have done in previous years (here and here) featuring some of products that not I think my better half would love, though I am sure he would be just as happy with a bed chair for his fishing Bivvy! But until we find one that works, I have come up with a few different ideas to share.

Anyone who knows the mister or reads his blog will know he has grown a beard, a full beard and I actually quite like it, I think it suits him. With that in mind and knowing he loves a bit of a pamper, Beard Balm and Oils are a current product of choice. From Brisk Grooming, which is available in Boots stores, I have the Brisk Beard Oil and Balm. 

The one question I am asked a lot about his beard is whether or not it irritates my skin, well it doesn't because like the hair on your head, if you condition and look after it, then it is lovely and soft. In this case the Beard Balm which is made using Hemp, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil and superfood Cacao seed butter. When used, ideally after an oil, you need a really small amount to be applied and then you simply massage it into your beard and allow it to work its magic. 

The Beard Oil that we have is a Citrus and its role is to soften, tame and hydrate. This Citrus Beard Oil is made with 100% natural oils and vitamin E, it also combines nourishing almond, avocado, argan and jojoba oils as well as a fresh and uplifting combination of grapefruit and lemon essential oils for a zesty fragrance.  This is an oil which isn't oily when used, it doesn't leave the hair feeling greasy when used.  

All of the products available from Brisk cost less than £10.

From Ted Baker, we have the Katchup Brown Leather Belt (£55 here) and no matter how many time we measure and try on trousers and jeans, a belt is always needed.  Over time I am sure the mister has been through a lot of high street branded belts and after a few months wear and tear sets in and they become redundant.   

A 100% Grain Bovine Leather belt which is described as being a high shine brown leather belt strap with a silver metal prong buckle with the signature Ted Baker logo embossed on the belt loop in silver.  What I love about this belt is how well it works with jeans as much as it does with a more formal attire and it is made with such superior quality that we have ordered the same belt in black too and both will work well with these jeans.

Fragrances always seem to be popular with my hubby, again if you read his blog you will see he has been slowly making his way through reviewing quite a few fragrances.  New to his collection is Bespoke London EDP, a brand neither of us had come across. Available in Superdrug for under £10, this fragrance is one which is fresh and citrusy with a slight hint of spice and we are both huge fans.

With notes of mandarin, fresh ginger, apple and black pepper, it opens with quite the punch as the mandarin and apple work with the slight hint of pepper but oddly, that scent of ginger doesn't become that noticeable until the fragrance begins to dry down. Then we have the notes of lavender, clary sage and vetiver floral notes which really settle the fragrance down and allow for the citrus notes to take a back seat and not be overpowering. Finally, we have the notes of amber, dry woods, patchouli, moss and musk which give the fragrance that day to night feel, making it perfect for either occasion.

If you can get your mister to wear a facemask, perhaps enjoying a pamper night in for two, then there is a great range of masks by Bandito. I have a huge facemask collection and I try to ensure I use one at least once a week.  

As part of the Masquebar range, a Korean brand I am a huge fan of, there are four different masks to choose from and the mister has got two which are:

• Chill for a minute or 30 - This is a cream mask which is designed to help minimise the appearance of pores for a more even complexion. To be used on freshly cleansed skin and left for up to 29 minutes, this mask should leave your skin feeling balanced and looking more radiant.
• Pimped out no more - This is a mud mask which is said to help soothe irritated skin and bumps. It works to purify and balance the complexion which in doing so, leaves your skin feeling calm and looking clearer. Again to be applied to freshly cleansed skin and left on the face for up to 20 minutes.

These facemasks can be found via ASOS and they retail for £3.99 per mask and I think they are such a good idea and I've been tempted to try them out for myself.

If we had the space in a garden, then both of us would love to have a Hammock, especially one which comes with a stand rather than being tied to something with ropes.  A place to relax on a hot sunny day with a book or to have an afternoon snooze in the outdoors would be brilliant.

We both like to read, I have my challenge all set up on Goodreads as I love to keep a record as to what it is I have read and when. The mister takes a much more relaxed approach to reading and is usually engrossed in something about the second world war.  However, knowing how much he has enjoyed going fishing since he rediscovered his love for the sport after a weekend with my Dad, I came across 'Gone Fishing' by Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, a follow on to the BBC show.

The synopsis is what caught my attention and it reads "Paul is an experienced angler. Bob last fished as a child. Paul will attempt to teach, Bob will attempt to listen. Both are old, both are ill, they are slightly cynical: so can they still find pleasure in something that gave them so much when they were young? Will they have a heart attack while trying to do so?" Thankfully he has so far found it to be a pretty funny read, so I made a good choice. Priced at £7.99 via Amazon, it ticks both boxes of humour and the sport of Fishing.

Then finally we have a lovely brand called Raw Naturals, exclusively available to Superdrug with prices starting around £5 as it is currently on offer and this brand is in the midst of being fully reviewed for its own post shortly.

The brand is manufactured in Sweden in the Raw Naturals brewing facilities in Falun and the philosophy is simple: logical skin care and no ‘fuzz’. The Swedish logic is that if a grooming product can perform well in the harsh Scandinavian climate, it’s more than fit for purpose right here! All Raw Naturals products are tested in weather conditions that your skin hates – demonstrating that what works in Sweden, works anywhere. Raw Naturals is the brainchild of 3 Alpine skiers from Sweden who sought to find a moisturiser that only needed to be applied once a day whilst out on the cold, windswept slopes.   The Mister has the Goof Proof Deodorant, Beard Oil and Pale Ale Shower Gel to test and try out.

Naturally, finding gifts for my other half is a bit of an easy task, he has been fairly chuffed with everything he has in this gift guide and there is one extra present he won't find out about until Valentines Day itself!  Have you bought anything for your other half?

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