Christmas Gift Guide For HIM 2014

Christmas gift guide for HIM

Hey everyone! Today's gift guide is one the ladies will really appreciate. It is always so difficult to pick out gifts for men so I am here today, as the fairy godmother, helping you with your struggles. Oh yes! You can thank me later. Whether you're purchasing for a brother, partner, uncle, friend, or father it can just be so difficult trying to find something they would really appreciate. I've always struggled with presents for males. I even struggle with my brother's presents, and he's 10! I will cover a range of budgets so there is something for everyone.

First off is this dark red cable knit jumper from River Island. This is perfect for winter and can even be worn on Christmas day so the man you buy this for will definitely be appreciative of this. The simple cable knit design suits most and it is definitely a staple piece.

Price: £35

http://www.riverisland.com/men/jumpers--cardigans/jumpers/Dark-red-plaited-cable-knit-jumper-280546

 

 

Next up we have the Ralph Lauren classic reversible scarf. Again, perfect for winter and is something every male needs. This is a gorgeous scarf and I am positive whoever receives this will be very thankful.

Price: £55

http://www.selfridges.com/en/ralph-lauren-classic-reversible-scarf_434-88064526-A67A2252N2249/?previewAttribute=Polo+black%2F+win

 

Here we have the Mulberry iPad sleeve. This is definitely a more luxurious present as it is on the more pricier side. This would make the perfect gift for your partner. Men love their gadgets so why not let them keep them safe the classy way! 

Price: £165

http://www.selfridges.com/en/mulberry-simple-ipad-sleeve_217-82025479-HB8106342OAK/?previewAttribute=Oak

 

 

Next is the Moschino Fries iPhone 5 case. This is a fun present that would make the perfect present for younger males. This product is super popular at the moment and everyone is talking about it! 

Price: £45

http://www.selfridges.com/en/moschino-fries-iphone-5-case_485-71036393-A795583031112/?previewAttribute=Red+yellow
 

Chanel have bought out a new fragrance for men, and it smells absolutely amazing. I actually want this aftershave for myself as it just smells wonderful. The name of the fragrance is Blue De Chanel. You seriously cannot go wrong with Chanel and this aftershave is one not to miss out on. You can even get this gift wrapped at no extra cost.

Fragrance Notes:

Top Notes: Citrus accord, Vetiver, Pink pepper.

Heart Notes: Grapefruit, Dry Cedar notes, Labdanum.

Base Notes: Frankincense, Ginger, Sandalwood.

Price: £71.55

http://www.boots.com/en/CHANEL-BLEU-DE-CHANEL-Eau-de-Parfum-100ml_1507815/
 

A watch is a timeless piece that every man wants and needs. This Hugo Boss stainless steel watch would make the perfect present this Christmas. This sleek and sophisticated watch from Hugo Boss is the perfect way to polish off a look. Featuring a round case, black dial, date window and quartz movement, the timepiece is secured by a traditional bracelet strap. 

Price: £199

http://www.selfridges.com/en/hugo-boss-1512913-stainless-steel-watch_759-10001-1512913/?previewAttribute=Black
 

The PS4 is something I really do not need to talk much about. This would literally make someone's Christmas. The one I have chosen comes with Grand Theft Auto V so they can start playing with it immediately. This present is obviously for those dear to you as it is definitely on the more expensive side.

Price: £339

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00OYTAQAM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1417260587&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

 

This Lenovo YOGA 2 tablet is the perfect gift for both males and females. I am getting this for myself even though I have the Apple iPad because it is just so unique and amazing. 

The description:

The Lenovo YOGA Tablet 2 10-inch adapts to you, with a kickstand that provides four ways to enjoy media content - Read, Watch, Browse or Hang. However you use yours, you’ll find four more reasons to love it: up to 18 hours of battery life, twin large capacity speakers, smart processing power that adapts to what you are doing.

The Lenovo YOGA Tablet 2 10-Inch is for those seeking a versatile full-function tablet for work and play. It is ideal for people who enjoy multimedia, games, browsing, socialising or who need a tablet with anytime, anywhere connectivity.

At a Glance

10.1” (1920 x 1200) IPS display

Intel Atom Processor Z3745 (2M Cache, four cores, up to 1.86 GHz)

Twin large chamber front speakers with Dolby Audio

2 GB LPDDR3 (64-bit) RAM +16 GB EMMC storage + 64 GB expandable with Micro SD

8 MP AF rear / 1.6 MP FF front cameras

Dual band, 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi

Android 4.4 Kitkat

Adapts to All You Do with Your Tablet

The versatility of the four modes lets YOGA Tablet 2 adapt to your lifestyle for viewing, reading, sharing, listening, browsing and chatting.

Price: £199.95 (on sale)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00O636JFW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1417260744&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40
 

The Slam Dunk Basketball is the perfect gift for sports lovers looking to practice their aim in private! Simply attach the net to the back of your bathroom door or wherever's convenient, secure the ball holder within reach of your loo and slam dunk your way through your time on the throne! Both the net and the ball holder come with suckers attached, so fixing them to your bathroom walls couldn't be easier - therearen't anymessy drill holes to worry about and if you want to keep your toilet basketball habit to yourself, you can remove them faster than your imaginary fans can shout "WHAT A DUNK!" Complete with three soft mini basketballs, a fold-out mat in the shape of a teeny-weeny basketball court, and a wall-hung ball holder and net, you've got everything you need to become a basketball pro while sitting on the potty! (Taken from Debenhams site)

Price: £9.60 (on sale)

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_106010330599_-1

 

The Double Dog Condiment dispenser is a fun gift that would make the perfect stocking filler.

Debenhams says:

Some things will always go together. Tom and Jerry Bonnie and Clyde and of course, ketchup and mustard - the perfect pairing. The Double Dog 2 in 1 condiment dispenser keeps your favourite pair of sauces closer than close, like a sausage in a bun!

Price: £8

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_106010213099_-1

 

Next is another watch gift. This is the Emporio Armani Classic Chronograph watch. Fuse function with style using this immaculate masculine Emporio Armani Classic watch. The chronograph watch features a stainless steel case and strap, with a black dial, a trio of sub-dials and a practical date window. The three-link stainless steel bracelet adds a chunky finish.

Price: £329

http://www.selfridges.com/en/emporio-armani-ar2434-classic-chronograph-watch_759-10001-AR2434/?previewAttribute=Black

 

Another fragrance which is more on the pricier side is the Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu Eau De Parfum. 

Iconic. Provocative. Urbane. The ultimate modern patchouli - hypnotic depth with facets of dark mystery. Tom Ford reinvents one of his most beloved perfumery ingredients, patchouli, in Patchouli Absolu, a visionary new fragrance of alluring depth. Patchouli Absolu transforms the iconic raw material - famed for its ric and mysterious sensuality and its long history in perfumery - into a hypnotic, modern fragrance.

Price: £142

http://www.selfridges.com/en/tom-ford-patchouli-absolu-eau-de-parfum-50ml_453-3001058-T2LW01/

 

A super cute present which is perfect for fathers is the UGG Scuff Leather slippers. These are lined with genuine sheepskin so will keep his feet warm and cosy all winter. They are great looking too which is a bonus! These are available in black.

Price: £70

http://www.selfridges.com/en/ugg-scuff-leather-slippers_690-10004-3490800109/?previewAttribute=Black

 

We live in a world where we're on our phones all the time so gloves can be a hassle! They're essential in the Winter though so these Dents Touchscreen Leather gloves are perfect for those who like to use technology on the go. Your fingers won't freeze and you won't need to stop texting! Great, eh?

Price: £100

http://www.selfridges.com/en/dents-touchscreen-technology-leather-gloves_642-10103-59201/?previewAttribute=Black

 

It's not just women who like to take care of their skin so this skincare set by Clinique is perfect for men young and old.

Price: £34

http://www.selfridges.com/en/clinique-great-skin-for-him-essentials-set_323-81004874-Z7EFY4/

 

Lastly are a pack of three of Calvin Klein boxers. Great as a stocking filler or actual present. You can't go wrong with a pair of boxers!

Price: £36

http://www.selfridges.com/en/calvin-klein-three-pack-stretch-cotton-trunks_431-88096842-U2662G/?previewAttribute=Multi

 

 

Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found this helpful and it has given you some ideas on what to get the males in your life for Christmas!

 

Have a great Christmas!

Take care, xxx

 

 

 

Make Up Revolution Golden Sugar Blush Palette Review

Hey girls! Today's quick review is of the brand new blush palette by Makeup Revolution. As most of you may know, MUR is one of my absolute favourite brands on the market because they sell amazing and affordable products that are just so unique! They are forever coming out with new products and I can't help myself when they do!

This blush palette, like the other two they have, consists of 8 blushes. Theres a matte one and 7 shimmer ones. A few of them are blush shades and the others are perfect for highlighting. 

I knew I had to get this palette as every single shade stood out to me. Usually with blush palettes a few shades are nice and there's a few you'd never wear, but I honestly love all 8. The matte shade in the palette is a light brown colour which is great for contouring. This would also make a great crease colour.

The shades are so pigmented it's crazy! The first shade in the palette, the highlight shade with gold stringed through it is just immensely pigmented. You have to be very light handed when using it as the pigmentation is crazy! 

The highlight and blush shades last all day on me and I don't need to touch them up at all throughout the day. At the end of the day I could still see how good the highlight looked.

Overall I am super impressed with the product. With it's sleek packaging and 8 gorgeous shades you really cannot go wrong with this palette. 

Price: £6

Pigmentation 5/5

Lasting power 5/5

Where to purchase: www.makeuprevolution.com or Superdrug stores

Thank you for reading!

Take care, xxxx

Benefit Gimme Brow Review

I recently purchased the Gimme Brow after wanting it for a very long time. It was a silly decision to purchase it when I did as I bought 3 other brow products a few days apart too (reviews coming shortly) but I don't regret it too much as I do think it's a decent product to have even though you can get similar ones for a lot cheaper. 

To begin with, I think it is extremely pricey for what it is. The product is absolutely tiny which is disappointing  as for £17.50 I expect a lot more product. This will definitely not last long as I fill in my brows every time I do my full make up routine. 

The actual product itself is very nice. I like how pigmented it is as with many brow gels I find them to be sheer. The product lasts on me all day and doesn't transfer onto my skin/clothes if I touch my brows. The product does not make my brows feel sticky or hard at all which is common in cheaper alternatives.

This is what Benefit says about the Gimme Brow:

"Bring on the brows! This innovative brush-on fiber gel adheres to skin & hair…creating brows where before there were none. It builds easily for thick, lush arches, thanks to a tapered brush for blending & precision tip for shaping."

I actually do not see any fibres at all when using this product. I'm not sure if this is because I don't notice them because my brows are full naturally, but I just do not see any. I find this quite disappointing as the only reason I purchased this was because it's something "new". 

What I think is excellent about this product is how small the brush is. There is no way you can make a mistake with this small brush! With some gels the brush is so big you end up getting it onto your skin so this is the perfect small size. 

I have the Gimme Brow in the medium/deep shade which is a great match for my eyebrows.

Price: £17.50

Thank you for reading!

Take care, xxx

The Body Shop - Glazed Apple Sparkler, All Over Shimmer

Hey girls! Today's post is all about a new body shimmer I have recently purchased. I had my eye on this for a while but stopped myself from purchasing it because I only just got the Honey Bronze body shimmer a few weeks ago. I could not resist though! I tested it again at the store and it was too pretty to leave.

The shimmer is absolutely beautiful, it is iridescent with green and pink tiny glitters in it. The glitters are very fine and spray out evenly so you don't end up looking like Edward Cullen. It leaves a gorgeous glittery finish to the skin which isn't extremely noticeable which I like. The product can be used on the body and hair but I just spray a little on my neck as I don't like shimmery products in my hair.

I love how this product is packaged. It looks so pretty on my vanity compared to the honey bronze as the packaging on that looks like the shimmer brushes I had as a child. 

There is one downside to the product which I still can't understand! The day after purchasing this product I went over to my dressing table to find it completely covered in a white powder. I mean COVERED. I initially thought it was talcum powder because of the extent of it but was confused to find it was the Glazed Apple Sparkler. The product was not damaged so I am unsure how it happened but when I checked to see how much was left, I was glad to see the bottle was still rather full. However I'm sure this was a one off case and it didn't damage anything.

Price: £15

Thank you for reading!

Take care, xxx

Beauty UK - Posh Palette no.2 - Masquerade Review

Hey girls! Today's post is on an affordable eye shadow palette I purchased the other day. Beauty UK is a brand I don't really look at when make up shopping but I noticed the rose gold colour in the palette and decided to pick it up! I picked up another palette at the same time which I also will be reviewing shortly. 

The palette consists of 10 shadows, 8 of these are shimmery and 2 are almost matte. I say almost because if you look close enough there is a tiny bit of shimmer in it. This isn't noticeable when swatching however.

There is a lovely array of colours ranging from light to dark so it is great for day and night. I also like how big the shadows are because with palettes like the Sleek ones, I find the shadows to be too small. 

The shadows aren't immensely pigmented, which I never expected them to be anyway because of the price, but you do get a nice amount of pigment. The shadows aren't very chalky and they do last on the lids if you wear a primer underneath. I always recommend a primer with any eye shadow as you get the best pigment this way.

I was disappointed with the black shadow in the palette as it is very sheer. I have tried shadows from MUA which are £1 and very pigmented so I think they could have done a better job with it. 

To conclude I will say this is a nice palette if you are starting out with make up, or want a palette that's suitable for every day wear. I would recommend it as the shades are gorgeous.

Price: £6

Thank you for reading!

Take care, xxx

 

Christmas Gift Guide For Her

Hey guys! This is my first Christmas related post and I wanted to start things off with a gift guide for girls. I have picked out a few products that I absolutely love and ones I think would make perfect gifts for all the special ladies in your life. There is something for everyone, so keep reading and enjoy!
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Starting with something on the more affordable side, we have the Nails Inc Ultimate Accessory Gift Set. This retails for £20 and I think it is perfect for any girl that loves to do her nails. The set comes with 5 mini and 2 full size polishes that are perfect for Winter and the Christmas season. The polishes come packaged in a cute clutch bag so you can store the polishes easily. 

http://www.boots.com/en/Nails-Inc-Ultimate-Accessory-Gift-Set-Exclusive-to-Boots_1577124/
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Next we have the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Christmas gift set. The set has been reduced to £48.50 so grab it whilst you can! This is an absolutely beautiful day time fragrance that I'm sure every girl will adore. The fragrance is beautifully floral and fruity at the same time and it is one that lasts on the skin all day. The packaging is stunning and perfect for Christmas. 

What Debenhams says:
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. Includes: 50ml Eau de Toilette, 75ml Body Lotion, 75ml Shower Gel.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_117130900599_-1
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This gift is perfect for younger girls and would make a great Secret Santa gift for your friends at school. This Jelly Belly lip balm trio is only £8 and comes in three delicious scents. There is Berry Blue, Very Cherry and Tutti-Frutti. Young girls love lip balm so this would make am excellent gift. 

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_106010351599_-1

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This next gift is on the more pricier side and it is the Clarisonic Aria Winterlace edition. It has been reduced to £139.50 from £155 which is a massive saving. This would make the perfect gift for your wife/girlfriend and it is something they would appreciate so much. For girls, Skincare is so important so this would be amazing to receive. I know I would be very happy to receive one! 

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_121845000099_-1
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Next we have the ever so famous Naked 3 palette by Urban Decay. This is seriously one of the most beautiful palettes I have 
ever laid my eyes upon and every girl that loves make up will seriously appreciate this gift! This retails for £33.30 (reduced) and for 12 highly pigmented, high 
quality shadows, that is truly amazing. The packaging is absolutely stunning and I don't know anyone that would be disappointed to receive this.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123932030999_-1
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The Sweet Tintations Christmas gift set by Benefit is seriously the cutest gift idea ever. It comes in the sweetest packaging and it looks so Christmassy and pretty that you don't even need to wrap it up. The set comes with two tints and two lip balms worth £44.68 and it is perfect for girls of all ages. This is especially great for girls who are just starting out with make up. This would make the perfect Secret Santa gift. 

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123901102099_-1

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This next set is one that really makes me excited. It is one of the best Christmas sets in my opinion as it features the very best pencil eye liners ever. The Urban Decay Ten 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Christmas Gift Set is amazing for girls of all ages and this is a gift that would be appreciated by all. 

What Debenhams says:
Get TEN of Urban Decay's creamy, waterproof 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils (one full-size, nine travel-size) and a Grindhouse Double Barrel Sharpener in one loaded, limited-edition set. Urban Decay has done a lot of liner sets over the years, but Ten features their most experimental range of shades yet-along with a classic black pencil to anchor the set. First up, UD's highly coveted, blacker-than-black shade, Perversion. To go along with it: nine NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN shades (many inspired by some of UD's most sought-after shadows). From neutrals like Faint and Mugshot, to intensely sparkly shades like Stargazer and Glitter Rock, to bold brights like Gonzo, this set has it all. (And the collectible Grindhouse Double Barrel Sharpener makes it even more covetable.) Every shade in Ten features Urban Decay's creamy, 24/7 formula, which glides on smoothly and dries down to a long-lasting finish. Ten comes in a beautiful box that's dark with hits of colourÕjust like the shades inside.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123932037499_-1

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This next gift features some of the best selling beauty product by Benefit cosmetics. It also comes in a super Christmassy tin that is super adorable and can be given just like that with no wrapping. The set includes the Hoola bronzer, the Porefessional, They're Real mascara, High Beam and the Hoola lip gloss tube. This is a fantastic gift and everything inside is amazing. There are no products in this that you won't use which I love because usually with gifts sets you get some "crappy" products. This is all around amazing and at £35.55 you can't go wrong.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123901102799_-1
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A watch is a timeless piece that every girls needs in my opinion. And what better than the Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Chronograph Ladies Watch. It is a beautiful rose gold colour which is so on trend at the moment and it is so simple and pretty that it is perfect to wear every day. The watch retails for £176, so it is on he more pricey side, but it is a watch, so that is expected. This is the perfect gift for a wife or girlfriend and whoever opens this on Christmas Day will be so happy.

http://www.goldsmiths.co.uk/Marc-by-Marc-Jacobs-Henry-Chronograph-Ladies-Watch/p/17560073/?kpid=17560073&gclid=Cj0KEQiAkJyjBRClorTki_7Zx8QBEiQAcqwGMZYZhG0ZU7cVlCSrYBK1_yqzz6eRXUyGEipFLglQGZAaAvSi8P8HAQ
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And to finish, a gift on the more expensive side. Here we have the Michael Kors Selma Leather Large Tote in tan which is absolutely stunning. This bag retails for £315 which I think is pretty reasonable for a designer bag that is gorgeous. This would make every girls dream come true and it is something that will last years and every time they use it, they will think of you.

Selma is smart and lady-like satchel handbag from Michael Kors. You can hold it as grab bag, or wear it as an across body bag. Utterly chic, it features gold metal branding to the front. Other features include:

 • Top zip fastening
 • Inner zipped pocket
 • Slip in pockets
 • Key chain fob
 • Logo fabric lining
 • Rolled leather grab handles
 • Detachable longer across body strap
 • Gold metal hardware

http://www.johnlewis.com/michael-michael-kors-selma-leather-large-tote-bag/p1541090?sku=231789275&kpid=231789275&s_kenid=14cb0c2e-43f7-3148-a335-0000426c597f&s_kwcid=106x53009&tmad=c&tmcampid=73&kpid=231789275

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I hope this was helpful and you have found some Christmas gift ideas. Please comment if you would like a gift guide for males and stocking filler ideas!

Take care, xxx

The Body Shop Insta Blur Review

This All-in-one 5 action perfector has slowly won my heart and has taken the place of my Benefit porefessional which I thought could never happen. Although I still love that dearly, this is a cheaper alternative and you get a little more product.  

The insta blur has a unique formula which contains mattifying spherical powders that fill, along with vitamin E to moisturise. Together they work to be:

• 12 hour shine controlling
• Pore smoothing
• Complexion unifying
• Makeup Extending

The  product has a very smooth consistency and it melts into the skin like butter. Even if I squeeze the tiniest amount onto my skin and blend it in, it looks flawless and smooth. I love how light it feels on my skin and doesn't make my skin feel greasy at all. A little goes a long way with this product. This product itself is clear which is different to the porefessional as that is flesh toned. 

This product can also be used alone if you do not want to wear any make up. You just simply use it after your normal skin care routine and you're good to go. 

The price of this is £14 so it is a a very reasonable price for what you are getting. The product really blurs out your imperfections and really improves the appearance of your skin as it covers pores. 

The primer really makes your skin feel super smooth and helps your foundation last all day. It does not make my skin oily at all and doesn't interfere with my foundation application. 

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a flawless base.

For anyone interested the ingredients in the Insta blur are: Insononanoate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Ethylene Brassylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laureth-4.

Thank you for reading

Take care, xxx

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Lip Lacquers

Hey guys! Today's review is of my 6 favourite purchases this month - the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lip lacquers. They have been my holy grail for the past month and I cannot fault them at all.

They are so pigmented on the lips, even though for some odd reason they do not look as pigmented on my arm. They are velvety smooth and glide on your lips but then set ti a matte finish. Matte finishes are my favourite type of finish as they look amazing and don't get messy! I can't stand when glossy lip lacquers feather on my lips.

There are 8 lacquers in the collection (I have 6) and they have a great range of shades too. Theres pinks, reds, coraIs and nudes! absolutely adore the colour range and find them all to be very wearable.

The packaging is super cute. They come in a small tube which is perfect to just chuck in your handbag or carry in your pocket. The packaging colour is the colour of the shade and each comes with a doe foot applicator.

These retail for £8.99 each but you can get them on a 3 for 2 offer at Boots.

From top (hand) to bottom:

04

08

02

07

05

03

Thank you for reading

Take care, xxx