How To Make Your Nail Polish Last Longer

If there’s one thing I wish I could have all the time it’s perfect nails. There’s nothing like fresh polish to make you look like you have it together, but it’s the one beauty thing that I just can’t keep up with. I find that as soon as I paint them they’re chipped again but I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m making some simple mistakes.

Last week nail polish brand Mavala invited me to their pop up shop for a manicure, to celebrate their 60th birthday. I felt like this would be the perfect opportunity to ask them a few questions about making your nail polish last longer. Turns out my manicurist Katie had loads of tips and I can safely say my manicure is still intact and I’m writing this post three days later.

It’s all in the prep

This weirded me out a little bit but apparently your nails are pretty oily, so you’ll need to clean them before you apply your polish. This is because the oil can form a barrier between your nail and the polish which will make it way more prone to chipping. You can do this with some nail polish remover or warm water on a cotton pad before you start your manicure.

Always use a base and top coat

Yes, this one is so obvious, but do you actually do it? I’ve skipped the base coat so many times, only to find that it does make a big difference in how long my polish lasts. Mavala have a specific base coat which dries slightly sticky so that it holds onto the nail polish. The same goes for applying a top coat, as it will help to protect your nail varnish and will be an extra barrier against chips.

Cover the tips of your nails in top coat

When you apply your top coat you want to cover the tip of your nail as this is where chips are most likely to happen. You can turn your brush on the side for this and you need to make sure that you run it all the way across the top of your nail, so that it’s fully covered. This is such an easy step but it’ll make a big difference in protecting your polish.

Use a nail hardener

If you’re like me and have pealing nails then you’ll know how difficult it is to preserve your manicure. Weak nails are more prone to splitting and chipping, so you need them to be in the best condition possible if you want your polish to last. Katie applied the Mavala Scientifique K+ to my nails before my manicure which helps to harden and reinforce them so that they’re a lot stronger.

I hope you guys find these hacks really useful and that they’ll help you to hold onto your fresh nail polish for longer. I love my nails so much and I went for the accent ring finger that I think is such a cool look. I’ll also put a link to all of Mavala’s shades here incase you wanted to pick one up!

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The Best Coffee Shops In Cardiff

If there’s only one thing you need to know about me, it’s that I’m totally obsessed, probably addicted and very much in love with coffee. I don’t think I’ve gone a single day without a cup since I was about 15, and I don’t plan on doing that soon either. Coffee is just a great excuse to catch up, take some time out or just get out of the house. As it’s such a big thing for me, I thought I would share a few of my favourite coffee shops in Cardiff, incase you wanted to try them out too.

 

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UNCOMMON GROUND

I love this coffee shop! It’s one of my absolute faves, it’s right in the centre and a great space to work or catch up. They have loads of tables and you have the choice of sitting inside or out in the arcade. It’s also quite dimly light which makes it feel cosy and if you love the coffee you can buy a bag of beans to take home.

 

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200 DEGREES

This quirky coffee shop on Queen Street has its own roastery and is perfect if you consider yourself a real coffee connoisseur.  They invited me for a blogger event over Christmas and their chai latte is particularly amazing. They use a special syrup from Jeeves & Jericho that makes it taste absolutely incredible.

 

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BLANCHE BAKERY

If you’re looking to take Instagram pictures then this is THE best place to go, as it was designed for getting likes. From the leafy wall, to the neon sign and the perfectly decorated doughnuts there are so many picture opportunities it’s unreal. Blanche is also vegan so if you have friends with different requirements it’s an easy place to go.

 

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COFFEE BARKER

This is a favourite of all the bloggers in Cardiff because it’s so Instagrammable outside, think Parisienne vibes. They also do great coffee, fancy milkshakes and food so it covers all bases. I particularly love going for breakfast though as they do the best egg and avocado on toast. It’s also in Castle Arcade, which is stunning as it has all its original features and an upper level with cute shops.

 

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HARD LINES

Hard Lines gives me New York vibes and it’s definitely the coolest and most hipster of all the coffee shops. They have a stall in Cardiff market which is the one I go to the most and their coffee tastes really, really good. They also do a beetroot latte which is bright pink if you wanted to push the boat out.

 

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HANDLEBAR BARISTA

If you don’t have time to sit in then the Handlebar Barista will be your go-to guy. This super clever coffee cart is built onto a bike so it moves around the city, which is so perfect if you commute in the morning. As a heads up he’s often outside Queen Street Station!

 

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BIG MOOSE COFFEE CO

I’m so in love with this coffee shop, it’s beautiful inside, has great food and helps to support homeless people in Cardiff. It’s also just off Queen Street, on a really quiet street so it’s nice to get away from the busyness. They do really great cakes if you have a sweet tooth and have a great breakfast and lunch menu, including vegan and gluten free options.

If I’ve missed anywhere make sure to let me know in the comments, I’m always up for discovering new places. Any excuse for a coffee, right?

The Marine Spa At St. David’s Hotel

So a few weeks ago I turned 27 and not only was I stressing about getting old but also that I didn’t have any plans. I had booked some time off, but as it was a Tuesday I was pretty sure everyone else would be at work. So it was the luckiest coincidence that St. David’s Hotel reached out about reviewing their Marine Spa and totally saved me from a boring birthday.

The spa has been ranked one of the top 5 in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller, so I knew it was going to be amazing. I was also excited because I really love the hotel, the decor is beautiful and it has some of the best views over Cardiff Bay. I highly recommend grabbing a drink at the bar and sitting on the balcony if you don’t believe me!

As part of my day the team booked me in for a facial at 2pm so I decided to head to the pool for a few hours before, to make the most of my day pass. When I got to the front desk the girls gave me a key for my locker which was stocked up with my robe, towels, flip flops and some skincare goodies from the spa. How amazing is that? It was such a nice touch and it made me feel really welcome right from the get-go. It’s that insane attention to detail, from the moment you get there that makes the whole experience really special.

You need to try the hydrotherapy pools…

Once I was ready and feeling super glam in my spa dressing gown, I hit the pool. It’s in the most gorgeous location, right on the top of the hotel and overlooking the bay. There are two hydrotherapy pools, as well as an exercise pool and a sauna, alongside loads of lounge chairs for ultimate relaxation. I decided to head to the hydrotherapy pool with the fountains first as it had the best views. The water in these pools has been treated to replicate seawater so it’s rich in minerals and sea salts. These are really beneficial to your skin and help to plump, hydrate and detoxify while you relax. So not only do you feel better when you get out but you look amazing too.

You can literally lay in the hydrotherapy pool and watch the boats sail by, it’s like a movie and so relaxing. The way the two pools are laid out there’s loads of room too and plenty of privacy, so you don’t feel like you have to wait for a space. My favourite spot was in the main pool at the end as the seats are way bigger, you can lay down and totally relax. It was so peaceful and it was lovely to have a swim or just sit in the bubbles for a few hours and think about nothing.

After I was feeling totally zen, I decided to hit the sauna to give my skin a boost. There was loads of room which is perfect as I love laying down and letting the dry heat work its magic. It’s great for rejuvenating your skin and perfect if you’ve been to the gym as it’ll relax your muscles, ease joint pain and improve blood flow.

What treatment did you go for?

They have 10 treatment rooms upstairs, a relaxation room and spots to get your nails done for a total body pamper. I was booked in for the Ishga facial with a super relaxing neck and shoulder massage followed by a facial using their organic seaweed based products. The Ishga brand was actually founded in Scotland by a husband and wife team. They use organic seaweed to make skincare products which harness the anti-oxidant and healing powers of the seaweed. I was so excited to try this as I love discovering new brands and it was a great introduction.

My facial was amazing, the products were really gentle on my skin and it even included the mask where they pour the product onto your face. The products were mainly oil based and as my skin was quite dry it was a total godsend. My favourites in particular were the Regenerating Organic Face Serum and the Nourishing Facial Oil which you could easily work into your skincare routine. 

I need to go back…

This day was such a nice treat and it made me realise how important it is to take a break from reality. I’m actually thinking of becoming a member, as it’s really close to the office and would be a great way to unwind after a long day. If you’re feeling the same and would love a pamper then you can check out their spa menu here for a full list of treatments. It was a great experience and I’m so grateful, what a birthday to remember!

New In: Pixi Beauty Eye Reflections Shadow Palette

Makeup is something that I’m getting into more and more, especially eyeshadow! As much as a smokey eye used to really intimidate me, thanks to YouTube I’m getting way more confident with colour and have really started falling in love with eyeshadow. It’s also a good job because this month Pixi Beauty sent me their new Eye Reflections Shadow Palettes to test out and they’re just as gorgeous as expected.

These are great palettes for beginners like me and with 12 shades in each one you can create a ton of different looks. What I instantly loved about the palettes is that the shades are really wearable and there aren’t any wacky ones that you’ll never use. They’re also made of mineral powder so they’re easy to blend which makes it so much easier to create a smokey look. Both of the palettes include matte and shimmer shades too that you can mix to create a 3D effect on your lid.

There are 3 different Eye Reflections Shadow Palettes but they sent me the Reflex Light and Natural Beauty shades which are both really wearable. The palette on the left is Reflex Light which is a mix of light, shimmery nudes and deep browns that are perfect for green eyes. The other palette, Natural Beauty is a mix of warmer tones with golden yellows, reds and browns that are way more summery. All the powders have a glossy, buttery finish and look dewy and fresh on the skin without drying out.

As well as the Eye Reflections Shadow Palettes, Pixi included a gorgeous brush set in my PR package to create some looks with. I can’t find a link to this set anywhere but they have some great brushes on their website here. The bristles are really soft and I always think it’s worth investing in your brushes to get the best application.

To create the look for the main picture of this post I used the shade Auburn Blaze (middle, third row) all over my lid and then popped Gold Foil (top right) in the centre. I think creating a smokey eye with two shades is so much easier and I loved the mix of terracotta with a golden yellow. I would love to know what you guys think of these palettes in the comments and if you have any questions just let me know!

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Eye Reflections Shadow Palettes £24

 

How To Style White Trainers

If you told me last year that I would be wearing trainers everyday in 2019 I would have laughed in your face. But here I am, nearly 27 and already wearing the footwear of someone reaching retirement, or at the least in need of a podiatrist. It’s totally ok though, because Balenciaga said it is and after they released a collection of hideous trainers I fell completely in love with them like the fashion hypocrite I am.

Saying that, it took me a while to find the right dupes and many, many polls on Instagram to help me decide what to pick. There were two pairs from Zara that were promising, but my friend Valerie said they looked like orthopaedic shoes. So I definitely wasn’t going to keep those. The thing with this trend is that you need them to be just chunky enough that they give you height but not too chunky that you look like you have foot problems. You know?

I finally found a good pair from H&M which I was waiting to come back into stock and after weeks of checking they were finally here. Honestly, I don’t 100% love these, I wish they looked slightly less wide but I’ve still had loads of compliments. I do however like that they give me some extra height and are more like buffalo boots than running shoes.

As for how I’m styling them, I definitely want to avoid anything remotely sportswear. For me the trainer trend looks way more chic with some tailoring or a long wool coat rather than leggings and a t-shirt. I really love pairing them with this skirt for example as it’s such a classic piece and gives them a more dressy feel. I think tighter clothes are better too, just to give you some definition as trainers can look a little frumpy.

Something else I’ve noticed is that leaving your ankle bear looks way better than covering it up. So whether you’re wearing skinnies, or a skirt,  just pop some short socks on and make sure you leave that gap. I think it’s because your ankle is so much slimmer so the contrast between that and the chunky trainers really helps to slim your legs!

 

Holly Willoughby’s Must Have Denim Edit Lands In Cardiff

I rarely get to watch This Morning but on the off chance I do I’m always in awe of what Holly Willoughby’s wearing. Apparently I’m not the only one either as pretty much everything she wears sells out within minutes of her appearing on the show. I’m guessing that’s why her collections for Marks and Spencer are insanely popular too and her new denim edit launching on the 26th of February promises to be just as good. Luckily for us it’s launching in both of the Marks and Spencer stores in Cardiff so we have twice as much of a chance of getting hold of the pieces.

The collection is really wearable and focuses on Holly’s signature hourglass silhouette with high waisted skirts and denim shirts that are cinched in at the waist. There’s a particularly great dress that’s cut to flatter and would be perfect with the cowboy boots that are also part of the line. There are 16 pieces altogether including tees and accessories and they’re all easily interchangeable and really wearable which makes them great investments.

Of her new collection Holly said ‘This edit has been really fun to pull together, I have always loved the simplicity of a denim dress and I live in a high waisted skinny jean at the weekend. The pieces in this edit are really versatile but are also super stylish too. I am a huge fan of wearing different denim pieces together – effortless but with a cooler edge! If top-to-toe denim isn’t for you, add a crisp white tee and a simple ankle boot, for a classic look that will see you through season after season.’

My personal faves from the edit are the jumpsuit which is really affordable at £55 and would be perfect now that it’s getting a little warmer. I’m also a big fan of the denim dress that would literally flatter anyone and is just £49. I would pair both of these with the white cowboy boots which are such a big trend this season or the classic navy court shoe to dress them up.

I’m so excited to see the edit at the Cardiff Queen Street and Culverhouse Cross stores on the 26th, these pieces are so timeless and versatile so they’re definitely worth picking up. Let me know what you guys think of the collection and if you buy anything I’d love to see your outfit pics! For more information on Holly’s Must-Haves head to www.marksandspencer.com/hollywilloughby

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How To Get Glowy Skin

You know how glowy and fresh your skin looks after a facial? That’s exactly what I aim for after doing these steps. Glowy skin is the epitome of beauty goals and achieving that fresh, dewy look is important if you want to pretend like you drink 2 liters of water a day and get eight hours sleep. Because honestly, who actually does that??

Exfoliate!

Exfoliating is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get glowy skin. This is because it speeds up the skin shedding process to remove dead cells and product buildup that’s clogging your pores. You can use a traditional exfoliator for this but I prefer to use a liquid/chemical one and my favourite is the Pixi Glow Tonic. It uses glycolic acid to exfoliate your skin and ginseng to improve circulation. It also has a huge cult following so you know it’s good and there’s no need to wash your face afterwards so it’s hassle free.

Moisturise

Dry skin will never look glowy so it’s really important that you’re regularly moisturising in the winter. It’s best to moisturise everyday, especially in the morning if your skin is looking a little dull. My go-to at the moment is the Vichy Mineral 89 Serum which is a gel based moisturiser. It’s really light but the effects last all day and it absorbs really quickly so it’s perfect under makeup.

Use A Mask

If your skin is looking really dull and you need a quick fix then it’s definitely worth investing in a mask. I always keep a few sheet masks in my skincare stash in case of emergencies and I find they’re the best at de-puffing and making your skin look dewy. I have a few favourites that I always go back to including the Garnier Moisture Bomb which is REALLY hydrating, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Sheet Mask which is basically an instant facial and also her Goddess Skin Clay Mask which brightens, tightens and reduces your pores.

Highlight

Fake it till you make it honey and by fake it, I mean using a TON of highlighter. I remember at uni I went through several bottles of Benefit’s High Beam trying to hide how exhausted I was! Highlighters have come an awful long way since then though, so there’s really no excuse not to have one for emergencies. I was recently sent two from Topshop beauty and I’ve been really loving them for a quick fix. The first is their Glow Powder highlighter in Solstice which you can sweep over your cheek bones using a fan brush and the second is their liquid highlighter in Blaze which you can either dab on top of your makeup or mix into your foundation for a more serious glow.

Drink Loads Of Water

I know it’s really obvious but this is the one thing that will help above all else. I always notice how dull my skin looks when I’m not drinking as much water, so if you know you need to look fresh tomorrow then get drinking. Water also helps to flush out toxins which is good for beating blemishes so it’s definitely worth it. Something that really helps with this is getting a water bottle, that way you can carry it around with you everywhere you go. There are loads of cute ones in Homesense if you’re on a budget but I’m currently coveting a fancy one from S’well.

Try Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonder Balm

I’ve been using this for so long and as you can tell by how battered the bottle is, I really love this product! It gives you an instant supermodel glow and if I could afford to, I would cover my whole body in it. It’s not as glowy as a highlighter but is way more natural so I either apply it all over my face before makeup or mix it in with my foundation. It’s honestly worth the crazy price tag and it’s the absolute best thing to revive your skin.

Bronze & Blush

So, if all else fails or if you’ve simply run out of time then the quickest way to look more glowy is to bronze and blush. Even if you’re having a bad skin day it’s amazing how much difference a flush across the cheeks can make. Just start by using your bronzer on the high points of your face where the sun would naturally hit you and then use your blush to add a rosy glow to your cheeks.

These tips are so simple but they really help me when I’m feeling tired or when my skin needs a pick me up. These products are also cult classics so they’re worth investing in and will last you forever as they’re such good quality. If you liked this post i’ve also written one on the Pixi Beauty Toners which is worth a read if you love skincare.

How To Find The Best Vintage Clothes On eBay

If you’ve been following my blog for a while then you’ll know that I’m pretty obsessed with vintage clothes. It all started when my nan handed me a patent leather, Louis Feraud belt when I was 12 and I haven’t really looked back since. In fact I would say a good 50% of my wardrobe is vintage and it’s way better quality than anything I’ve picked up on the high street. This is why scrolling through eBay has become such a habit for me, because I can get a Hardy Aimes blazer cheaper than a tee at H&M.

I post everything I pick up on my Instagram and I get loads of questions from you guys about how I find the best pieces and what I search for. It’s actually way easier than you might think but I’ve put a few of my go-to tips below that I think you’ll find really useful.

Select The Vintage Clothes Category

This is the number one thing I would say to do as the true vintage pieces tend to be listed here. It’s so simple but once you’ve searched for your item you need to make sure that you’re looking in the ‘Vintage Clothing & Accessories’ category. I would then narrow it down further by clicking ‘Women’s Vintage Clothing’ or whichever one is more applicable to your search. I know this is really simple but sometimes eBay will default your search into the ‘Women’s Clothing’ category and you’ll miss out on all the vintage!

Search For An Exact Item or Decade

There is so much on eBay that it’s really worth getting specific with your search, especially if you don’t have hours to scroll through items. For example rather than looking for a vintage dress try ‘1920s style dress’ or ‘flapper dress’ to narrow it down. You can also search by decade, like ‘1970s’ and then select the ‘Women’s Vintage Clothing’ category to find pieces from your favourite era.

Shop By Size

I love shopping for vintage blazers but if they’re too big the shoulders can look a bit crazy so I always include my size in the search. This helps to eliminate all the pieces that would be too big or small for me so that I’m only looking at garments that fit. That being said I don’t mind them being slightly oversized so I search ‘vintage blazer 8, 10, 12’ which brings up all the items in the sizes I’m looking for.

Consider Alterations

If you find something that’s one of a kind but it’s not in your size then it’s 100% worth investing in alterations. Some vintage pieces are so timeless and going to a tailor is a great way to get them updated. It may be a little pricey, but if you’re going to wear it forever then it’s a good investment.

Remember The Brands You Love

I’ve made a list on my phone of all the vintage brands I love, especially the ones that I know are great quality, to help narrow down my search. Some of my faves are Escada, St. Michael and Louis Feraud but there are some great brands that I forget about so it’s always worth noting them down.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For More Pictures

As a lot of the listings on eBay are by regular people and not shops some of the listings may not have the best pictures. I’ve asked loads of times for people to send me more and 90% of the time they reply because they want to sell their item.  Don’t be afraid to ask for close ups or specific angles either so that you know exactly what it looks like.

Or For Measurements

One of the hardest things about shopping online in general is finding clothes that fit but vintage clothes can be particularly tricky. There’s quite a few listings with vague sizes too like ‘medium’ which doesn’t really mean anything, so I’d definitely ask the seller for measurements. This is especially good for high waisted, vintage jeans or skirts that you want to sit really tight around your waist.

Save Your Searches And Favourite Sellers

There’s this really great feature on eBay where you can save your favourite sellers and searches. This is so useful as all your categories and shipping preferences will be saved too. I use this a lot for my favourite brands or if I’m looking for a specific thing as I can just click on my favourite search and it’ll bring up all the new items. It also works for eBay sellers, so if you find a great vintage shop you can save it to your profile too.

Get The App

This is dangerous but also amazing and I’ve found some of my most loved pieces on the train home from work. The eBay app is way easier than shopping on the desktop version and it also means you can bid on items when you’re not at home. It’s also free so there’s no excuses.

These are the basics and as much as they’re really simple tips I hope they’ll help you guys to find some great vintage pieces. I love shopping on eBay and I also love that it’s totally sustainable and saving lots of clothes from landfill. Which makes me feel way better about spending too much money… whoops!

The dress I’m wearing in this post is vintage Mondi and the belt is vintage Escada both from eBay. My bag is vintage Dior, which was a hand-me-down from my grandmother but I’m sure you could find one on eBay too!

  

My New Year’s Resolutions 2019

How is it 2019? I swear it was only yesterday that we were stuck inside thanks to a snow storm but that was all the way back in March. It’s honestly blown my mind how quickly this year has gone and after the craziest month I’m very much ready for a fresh start.

This time last year there were a lot of boring resolutions on my list. Things like saving money, passing my driving test and finally plucking up the courage to get braces. They weren’t exciting but definitely necessary to help me get to where I wanted to be. As great as it was getting them done I really need some more excitement now though and I want this year to be the year I finally get working on some of my bigger ideas.

So with this in mind, I’ve again decided to write down my resolutions in the hope that it will cement them in my brain and I’ll make them happen!

Getting My Shit Together

I’m one of those people that has a new idea everyday but executing them is a challenge as I’m just so damn unorganised. This year I really want to get more of a routine down so that I can make more time to work on creative projects. I’ve bought a diary and I’ve been looking into apps that are good for planning and organisation to make it a little less painful!

Buying A Car

Soo if you know me in real life then you’ll 100% know about the 2 year saga of me learning to drive. It was such a nightmare and after I finally passed I couldn’t think of anything worse than getting back in a car. I have however finally got over it and myself and have started to love driving now that I can sit in the car on my own, haha! So this year I really want to buy my own and stop sharing my mums. I’m guessing that it’s going to be pretty awful considering my budget is £0 but it’ll be nice not to have to get public transport everywhere and to have a little more freedom.

Style Rarebit

I feel like I’ve been saying this for quite some time but my content has taken a bit of a random turn and I really need to get this blog back on track. I think once you start gaining traction as a blogger it’s hard not to get distracted by collaborations that aren’t related to your chosen niche. This has definitely been an issue for me this year and as much I’m really grateful for every opportunity I really want to get back to writing about fashion and personal style over anything else.

Giving

I haven’t volunteered since I was in high school and it was compulsory and as much as that’s probably the same for everyone, I feel a little ashamed about it. I think giving back is really important and something that I really want to help with is the homeless community in Cardiff. There are more people on the streets now than ever before and it seems to be a fast growing problem in the city. I’ve been looking into it and I’m going to sign up with one of the local charities this year to do some volunteering at the weekends, which I’m really excited about!

Exercise

So cliche but I’ve been trying to fit exercise into my routine for so long and I always fail. I’m moving this week though and I’m hoping I’ll be able to walk to work which will make such a big difference. There’s also a really cute park and a pier close by which I can run around so there’s no excuses!

A Plan For The Future

I’ve never been much into planning but am more of a wing it and see how it goes kind of girl. That being said I’ve definitely realised the kind of life I want to live in the future and I really want to start making a concrete plan to help me get there. I know this is super vague but in my head it makes sense and I think taking some time out to explore my options career wise could be really beneficial this year.

And that’s it for my 2019 resolutions! God only knows if I will stick to these but I’m so glad I’ve written them down and have a blog post to refer to. I would love to know if you guys have any too and what your plans are? So let me know in the comments, I’m super nosey. Anyway, here’s to positive vibes and goal getting… HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Escentual.com Beauty Gift Guide

Honestly, how is it December?

It feels like yesterday that we were trying to get through January and then all of a sudden 2018 has nearly disappeared. If you’re anything like me then you’ve likely been putting off Christmas shopping until the last minute and still have 20 people to buy for… eek! Which is why a good old fashion gift guide is definitely necessary. This week the lovely people at escentual.com have sent me some of their best Christmas gift ideas and I’m so excited to share them with you. There’s something here for everyone and a few extra special products that I know you’re going to love.

If she’s beauty obsessed…

I don’t know a single girl on the planet who doesn’t love an Urban Decay palette and their new Naked Cherry edition is no exception. It has the prettiest mix of warm pinks and shimmery shades that are highly pigmented and buttery soft. The packaging is also really beautiful and includes a compact mirror and brush so that it’s really easy to create eye looks on the go. These shades are also particularly flattering on green or brown eyes so this is definitely something to consider if you’re still not sure!  

 If she loves fragrance and killer heels…

If her shoe cupboard resembles the footwear department at Selfridges then it’s likely she loves all things Jimmy Choo! So, for something just as special as a new pair of heels the Fever fragrance would be perfect for her. It’s an oriental scent with top notes of lychee, plum and grapefruit, a heart of warm vanilla orchid and a base note of roasted tonka bean and sandalwood.  It’s a sweet and musky scent that’s perfect for any girly girl who loves getting dressed up. 

If she wouldn’t leave the house without lipstick….

I’ve been a huge fan of the brand Guerlain since I was a teenager not just because of their amazing makeup but for their packaging and branding. Just google their Champs-Élysées store in Paris and you’ll see what I mean… They’ve recently come up with a really good idea of refillable lipsticks to match with limited edition cases that would make a really special gift. The Rouge G Lipstick Case in Electric Gold is particularly Christmassy and paired with the Rouge G Lipstick Refill in No°22 Bright Red will create an instant classic that she’ll cherish forever.

  

If she’s a workaholic…

Vichy’s Mineral 89 Serum is perfect for anyone who takes the early commute to the office and needs something that will seamlessly fit into their skincare routine. It’s made with the highest concentration of their mineralising water and hyaluronic acid to plump up and freshen her skin while creating a barrier to protect from pollution. It’s also fast absorbing and won’t leave a sticky residue so she can apply her everyday makeup over the top really quickly.

 

If she loves a glam makeup look… 

If you’re wondering why that shimmer is sooooo shimmery it’s because the Make Up Forever Star Lit Diamond Powder is made with pure mother of pearl. Not even kidding! This is a highlighter that packs a major punch and is perfect for anyone who loves to go all out with their makeup. This pot is in the shade 106 – Grenny White and is probably the most versatile of the all shades as you can put it over the top of any eye shadow colour. You might want to pick her up a bottle of the Aqua Seal Waterproof Liquid Converter too so that she can waterproof the powder for maximum staying power.

If she travels a lot…

The worst part about travelling is trying to cram all your beauty products in with the truck load of shoes you need to get through a two day trip. Just me? So if you’re buying for someone who loves travelling it’s a good shout to pick her up something that’s multifunctional. The Ace That Face! Conceal, Contour, Bronze & Highlight Palette by Benefit would be perfect. It has everything she needs to get a flawless base but is small enough to fit in her luggage without taking up too much room. It includes their cult classic products the Boi-ing concealer, Watt’s Up! Highlighter and Hoola bronzer as well as a really useful step by step guide for applying all the products. 

If you’re shopping for him…

Men’s fragrance can be tricky to navigate, especially when you’re not sure on their taste or are trying to avoid anything too heavy. We see you Old Spice… So if you want something special that’s also fresh and wearable then the Dunhill London Century Eau de Parfum Spray would be a great option. It’s a fresh and spicy fragrance with top notes of citrus and mandarin, a heart of cardamom and neroli and a base of sandalwood and musk. This makes for the perfect balance of fresh and masculine without being too overpowering and the bottle definitely makes for a gorgeous gift too.

If she needs a pamper…

If you haven’t heard of Nuxe before it’s one of the best french skincare brands and their signature dry oil is a cult classic. This gorgeous gift box would be a great introduction to the brand and perfect for anyone in need of a pamper night in. It has everything she needs to get really glowy skin including a huge bottle of their Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil Spray, their scented shower oil, 48hr moisturising cream and a candle to add to the experience. The box is also really beautiful and would make a great gift for someone you really want to treat this Christmas.

 

If you’re as unorganised as me then I hope you found this escentual.com gift guide useful. I can’t believe how close we are to Christmas but I’m also really excited to take some time off and spend it in my pyjamas! I hope you all have the best day and leave me a comment if you pick up anything from this guide. I would love to know what you guys think…