Imperial Candles - Christmas candle and Jewellery gift.

As soon as I saw Imperial Candles website I was sucked in! I love having scented candles burning in my home in the evening, It just makes me feel warm, happy and fuzzy inside... Whilst browsing the site I discovered that not only are you buying an100% natural soy wax candle, but you also get an amazing surprise piece of jewellery inside your candle worth between £10.00 - £2000!...So When the lovely Alex offered to send me one I immediately said Yes Please!... The candle I chose was the cinnamon and sweet vanilla scent (Although the other scents sounded lovely) as it is perfect for Christmas. 

The candle has a fabulous strong scent of spicy cinnamon and sweet vanilla it makes my whole house smell amazing within a couple of minutes of lighting it.... As the jewellery is a surprise you have no idea what it is until you find it but it will be either a ring, a set of earrings, a necklace or a bracelet in either .925 Sterling silver, white gold or yellow gold, it is hidden in the wax wrapped securely in gold foil, after a couple of hours burning the gift will appear for you to unwrap & admire! I think the whole concept is fantastic as it is a gift within a gift! 

(Sorry the photos are bad my camera wouldn't focus with all the sparkle)

As you can see I received a gorgeous Sterling silver necklace with a gorgeous heart pendant set in clear stones with a red/pink central stone. it is really pretty and states it is worth £50.00!, I will definitely buy more for gifts or to treat myself.. What girl can't resist a beautiful scented candle and a surprise piece of jewellery?! 

The candles are 100% Natural Soy Wax, they have 2 Wicks to prevent tunnelling, they are also Made with love and hand poured in the UK with a Burn time 100-120 hours. If you want to buy someone a fantastic gift or just to treat yourself, check out the website Imperial Candles and see what surprise piece you receive and if that wasn't good enough.. 1 in 500 candles also has a code in it to win an iPad 3. They currently have some new Christmassy scents.

What's your favourite scent? 

Ever Matte Mineral Powder Compact by Clarins.

The compact powder which effectively controls shine for hours, leaving my skin fresh and flawless.
Its ultra-fine, comfortable texture evens the complexion with a transparent finish. This powder feels like silk, it leaves my skin looking and feeling Amazing.

My complexion is perfectly even, velvety-smooth and looks incredibly beautiful. Make-up wear is improved. It sets my liquid foundation perfectly, never looks cakey, it covers with just a light dusting I don't need much covering just my T-zone and blending the excess out over the rest of my face.

The "Shine-Stopper" complex combines the benefits of plants and purity of minerals to instantly matify the complexion, control shine and tighten pores. It makes my fine line softer and generally just improves my whole look.

I have recently been using quite a few Clarins products and have not been dissappointed with anything, it really is a brand that hit's everytime, I think it is seen as a 'older persons' brand but I must disagree the products are great for Teens to More Mature ladies! The price of £26.00 I think isn't bad as it will last a long time and I would pay that for the gorgeous packaging alone, it is so luxurious.

What's your favourite setting method? 

Eye öf hörus Charcoal obsidian Goddess pencil.

Awaken your sensual goddess within with the subtle shimmer of the obsidian Goddess pencil. The liner is Seriously Smokey and sensational. 

The creamy rich formula is easy to apply, waterproof, smudge-proof and long-lasting and resists oil and perspiration with no fading. Obsidian Charcoal* elusively defines and expands the look of your eyes without stark or heavy definition. Sensational for day wear, very fair, and mature eyes.

As you can see it is double ended with the liner on one side and a sponge tip on the other to smudge out the liner to create a sexy smoky eye. The liner is very smooth, making it easy to apply for a quick and easy look.

It comes in a few different shades including black and bronze which both look lovely.

I like to line my lashes on my lid to create an illusion of thicker lashes before I apply my mascara, I also use on my waterline for nights out to give my eyes an extra something. It retails for £13.00 from most online stores.

Whats your favourite brand of liner?

Sleek Californ.I.A and Pink Lemonade Blush by 3 Palette.

The brand new shades of Sleek Make up Blush by 3 in Californ.I.A and Pink Lemonade. 

Californ.I.A is inspired by the sun, sand and surf of Californian beach life.

Pink Lemonade is the traditional, old fashioned English tea party with three decadent pinks.

Expected for release in store & online on 15th January 2014, I think they look really pretty, but like the Sweet cheeks palette it looks to contain two powders and one Cream blush, I'm not a fan of mixing powders and creams for obvious reasons but I also don't get on with cream blushes they just never look right?! 

Will you be rushing to buy these?

-Pictures taken from Google Images.

The Vision - Bare Minerals Ready 2.0

The Vision in Illusion & Mirage - bareMinerals READY® Eyeshadow* provides exceptionally vivid, long-wearing colour in an ultra smooth, silky texture for effortless application and seamless blendability with two complementary shades. 

Powered by our proprietary SeaNutritive Mineral^TM Complex along with powerful antioxidants, cold-pressed borage oil, caffeine and cucumber-ingredients known to reduce the visible signs of ageing, including reduced look of puffiness and antioxidant protection for a softer, smoother, revitalised eye area.

Not only do these gorgeous little duo palette's come in lot's of stunning shades, they actually contain fabulous ingredients to help reduce signs of ageing! I usually wouldn't choose these sort of shades as I normally stick to 'safe' neutrals, but Wow am I impressed with these especially 'Mirage', it is the most beautiful brown/purple shade with irridescent blue shimmer, it looks amazing all over the lid, or as a smoky shade for your crease.

Perfect for a Christmas party look, adding a gorgeous smoky eye to make your eyes pop! I had lot's of compliments when I wore it asking what it was. It has a beautiful almost duo chrome shimmer that looks different in different lighting... I am sold!..

I also pop the lighter colour illusion underneath to really make Mirage stand out, when I apply it all over my lid. The lasting power is great I get around 9-10+ hours without creasing or smudging. The duo is £19.00 and is available from the bareminerals Websites, they have a palette to suit everyone.

What's your Favourite eye combo?

Christmas gift Guide £20.00 and under..

Hair Lovers!

• Mark Hill Does It All! Everyday Shampoo (75ml)
• Mark Hill All You'll Ever Need! Everyday Conditioner (75ml)
• Mark Hill Fabulous Finish Hairspray (50ml)
• Mark Hill Quick Fix Dry Shampoo (50ml)
• Compact Mirror

£14.00.*

If you’re buying for somebody who’s a little fussy and doesn’t use all those body products you’ve bought them in past years, then this set is a safe option as everybody needs shampoo and conditioner! The fashionable leopard print bag itself can be re-used to make a minimal outfit look that bit more edgy but as well as that, re-vamp hair into a perfectly presentable state for all those upcoming New Year’s parties!

• Mark Hill Big it up! Volume Shampoo (250ml)
• Mark Hill Big is Better! Volume Conditioner (250ml)
• Mark Hill Big blow! Thucker Fuller Volume Spray (125ml)
• Just Tease Me! Wide Tooth Comb
• Leopard print bag

£18.00* both available from Boots in the 3 for 2.

Body Lovers.

 

Every body loves a little Soap & Glory in their lives! The set includes the FOAM CALL Shower & Bath Body Wash, BUTTER YOURSELF Smoothing Body Cream and a super suds-making shower puff. £16.00 also from Boots in 3 for 2.

Everyone loves Smellies at Christmas so why not Give joy with a selection of festive favourites in a delightful gingerbread schoolhouse box. It is £17.00 available from the Body Shop! It includes

• Cranberry Shower Gel 60ml
• Gingerbread Shower Gel 60ml
• Cranberry Body Butter 50ml
• Gingerbread Body Butter 50ml
• Mini Crinkle Lily – Cream 

Make up Lovers.

This beautiful, metallic purple fabric covered compact contains a selection of 8 popular No7 eye shadow colours along with a handle double-ended applicator and a built-in mirror. Use the versatile, diverse range of shades to create a natural daytime look or a night time smoky eye. Simply snap it shut with the useful magnetic closure and pop it in your cosmetic bag. Only £10.00 at Boots.

These wonderfully shimmery lip glosses will add a touch of day time pretty or night time glamour to any outfit. In shades of light pearlescent pink to orange-red, now you can match your make up, mood and occasion. Pop them in your handbag to touch up your look and feel amazing. £16.00

Contains:

• 5 x Limited Edition Lip Glosses (5ml each)

• Hypo allergenic.

Nail Lovers.

Give your fingers and toes the treat they deserve with No7 Fingers and Toes. This indulgent selection of No7 pampering treats and polishes is packed with goodies to ensure the perfect manicure and pedicure every time. It's £20.00 from Boots, it includes

• No7 Revitalising Hand Saviour (75ml)
• No7 Softening Foot Balm (75ml)
• No7 Nail Polish Salsa
• No7 Nail Polish Temptress
• No7 Nail Polish Betty Blues
• No7 Nail Polish Hot To Trot
• No7 Nail Polish Gold Glitter Top Coat
• No7 Nail Polish Silver Glitter Top Coat

This Ted Baker Paint the Town Pretty nail gift set contains four nail varnishes to make sure your nails look the part! Polish off any outfit this party season with these four pretty colours, which will add a glamorous finishing touch to any ensemble. A great gift for ladies who love to have perfect nails. £12.00 

Contains:

• 4 x Nail Polishes (9ml each)

What's on your Christmas list?

Nars - God created Woman Palette

Captivating and compelling, NARS debuts a limited edition palette of six shimmering shadows to show off your sultry side. This sleek, sized-for-travel set also includes a mini Smudge proof Eyeshadow Base and eye Shader Brush.

Eyeshadows included:

Alhambra

Bellisma

Kalahari

Galapagos

Coconut Grove.

Night Clubbing

I had my eye on this Beauuuuuuutiful Palette for a while, but couldn't decide if I NEEDED it, so I left it to decide... Then on Twitter I read -the dreaded two words... SOLD OUT... As soon I read them I wanted it twice as much than I did before, it is just me that becomes more obsessed when something becomes more difficult to find?. But fortunately for me it came back in stock & as I had £5.00 N-Dulge points to use & Free delivery I decided to take the plunge and buy it... And boy am I glad I did!

The brush and primer that comes with the palette, It was still available when this post went live, it is sold Exclusively at Space NK for £40.50

What Palette have you got your eye on?

MURINE Eye Drops & Mist

With the office party season almost upon us, remember to spare a thought for our eyes over the festive season. Late nights out and a lack of sleep can take their toll, leaving our eyes looking dull and feeling uncomfortable, dry and tired.

MURINE Bright & Moist Eyes*is formulated with a brightener to give super-white, bright eyes and two moisturisers helping to refresh and soothe - one of the few products on the market to meet both needs in one. Two other unique selling points are that the product comes in a liquid gel, which helps the drops to stay in the eye for longer. Available from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Waitrose and pharmacies nationwide priced £4.07 for 15ml.

MURINE Refresh & Soothe Eye Mist*is applied to closed eyes with a gentle spray where the fine mist makes its way onto the eye. After a couple of blinks, the particles spread across the eye’s surface and the clinically-proven formulation helps to replenish the tear film layer whilst providing quick, long-lasting hydrating relief without flooding the eye or running down the face. Available from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Waitrose and pharmacies nationwide priced £9.99 for 15ml.

I never thought of using eye drops but they have really made a difference in how my eyes feel, they are less sore & dry, I really have been impressed with them especially the mist as I was able to use whilst wearing make up because the mist is so fine it didn't smudge it or make my eyes water. I used the bright & moist before I applied my make up to brighten my whites to make me look less tired.

Have you used eye drops?

The Body Shop Smoky Palette in Plum.

The smoky eye palette is back with a cool new twist on colour. It includes palettes of four on-trend eyeshadows and a mini eyeshadow brush and mini eyeliner brush so you can touch up on the go. Including Step-by-step instructions.

The Smoky eye palette in Plum comes in a sleek black compact with a big mirror, which would be perfect for travelling.  It contains 4 different eyeshadows and 2 mini good quality brushes, I usually throw them away but these actually feel like they'd be of use. The eyeshadows are really pigmented making them lovely and easy to work with. They blend beautifully to create a stunning smokey eye for a night out or a more subtle daytime look.

I’ve really enjoyed using the plum palette and I’ve had lots of compliments too. I love eyeshadow quads because you can create several different looks from one set. Use the eyeshadows individually, create a smoky eye with two shades, highlight your brow bone or simply use the darker shades as eyeliner for top or bottom lash lines, it has been a lovely change from the usual browns, blacks & greys I normally wear the colours are perfect for autumn/winter.

This stunning palette is £15.00 available in store or online, but TBS are always having fantastic sales so I'm sure you could get a great deal if you keep your eyes open! I love wearing these shadows over my Maybelline 24hr tattoo in Metallic pomegrante, it justs adds an extra oomph for an evening smoky eye, making it last all night long!

What colours have you been wearing? 

bareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream.

Powered by our proprietary ActiveSoil^TM Complex, this formula revitalises skin and boosts moisture leaving the delicate eye area looking smooth, refreshed and luminous. Unique electrolyte delivery system optimizes your skin's ability to absorb and retain moisture, resulting in smoother, healthier-looking skin We formulated our skincare to perform expertly with our foundation to give you a younger-looking complexion over time. As I have got older I have noticed my under eye area has become increasingly dehydrated, and as one who laughs quite a lot, I have developed more than just fine lines, My fine lines seem to have all but diminished, In general my whole eye area looks more hydrated. 

Our proprietary ActiveSoil Complex represents a new generation of active minerals with extraordinary skin-renewing benefits, including faster cell turnover and helping to protect against environmental stressorsProven to reveal brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. I Love how quickly the cream is absorbed, leaving my skin feeling soft and fresh, I haven't been using bareMinerals Renew & Hydrate Eye Cream* that long but I can already see a difference in the skin around my eyes. I'm sure that this is helping and I'm positive that with longer use I will see a marked improvement.

As the cream is thick I tend to use this at night, but I have used during the day when I was looking a little extra tired due to a late night & my foundation went over it perfectly and stayed put, so it could definitely be use for both day & night, but at the moment I am using another day eye cream up. This sells for £23.00 which is about average for a good eye cream, it should also last a while as you only need a tiny amount. bareMinerals have free delivery at the moment, use code XMAS1 at the checkout.

What's your favourite eye cream?

Lily Lolo Molten Bronze Eye Shadow Quad

Limited Edition Pressed Eye Shadow Quad, containing a peachy sheen to highlight, antique gold and bronze to frame the eyes and shimmering black to use as an eyeliner which when combined ooze sophisticated glamour.

   

The shadows contain Jojoba oil, which helps to nourish and moisturise. They are long lasting, I'd say it stayed on for about 6-7 hours without creasing. I loved how light weight the formula is, It felt like I wasn't wearing any. Easy to blend and you are able to build the cover up if you are looking for a day to night palette, the shades are really flattering for all eye colours.

I'd not tried shadows before from Lily Lolo but have been pleasantly surprised by the quality and overall finish of the Molten Bronze Quad* , I will definitely like to try more products from this brand in the future. The quad sells for around £18.99 which I don't think is too bad for a mineral product and you get four shadows.

Have you tried this brand before? 

The Body Shop - Colour Crush lipstick in Red Siren 101

The Body shop's new Colour Crush™ Lipstick collection is an on-trend palette of 24 brilliantly vibrant shades of lipstick, each delivering maximum colour impact. The fashion-forward line-up is available in three colour families; the brightest reds, the sweetest pinks and the finest nudes, in a mix of pure colour and subtle shimmer finishes. Whatever your style, whatever your skins tone, it’s time to reveal your true colours…

Containing high-quality pigments, which are finely crushed then blended with a drop of nurturing cherry seed oil and coated with the finest, silkiest Community Fair Trade marula oil. The result is vivid, wow-worthy colour that glides onto lips and feels mega-comfortable to wear. What’s more, each lipstick has a sophisticated delicate floral rose fragrance. Divine! 

I have about 4 of these lipsticks but today I'm talking about Red Siren 101, which is a gorgeous bold and beautiful crimson that adds a touch of Hollywood glamour, it is a beautiful (matte) deep true red, it looks a little lighter in the photo, it glides on like butter and has pretty good lasting power. This is a perfect shade for the party season to bring your LBD to life!. They are £10.00 which is a little higher than drugstore, but the pigment and quality could easily match a high end lipstick, making it a pretty fair price.

What's your perfect Red Lip?

Transformulas Marine Miracle Crème

This rich marine cocktail with Lysedine heals and transforms the complexion while reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Marine derived ingredients, including seaweed, algae and sea salts, flood the skin to enhance skin firmness, elasticity, plus rejuvenating nutrients help strengthen the cell structure, resulting in younger, healthier looking skin.

Marine Miracle Creme floods the skin with rejuvenating nutrients and works to help relax the dermal layer, resulting in less movement and fewer expression lines.

The Ageless Range - The Fab 4, consists of Glycol Primer, Skin Tightening Tonic, Cell Support Serum and Marine Miracle Creme.* They all work in synergie together giving you optimum results and long term benefits. The collection was formulated to work together, like “flower food working together with cut flowers to prolong their life”. Excuse the basic explanation but we do find it simply and the best way of explaining the benefits of how the Tonic and Serum, along with the Creme work. Like changing the water and adding the food regularly – prolongs the effects and maximizes the benefits seen and felt.

Marine formula loosens expression lines

Fades lines and lessons wrinkles

Tightens and firms your skin

Hydrates, heals and restores with vitamin E3 properties

Ultra -hydrating

Aids cell structure rejuvenation

Gentle effective and safe

I have been using this cream for around two weeks now and am starting to notice little changes, my fine lines are looking less obvious, but I think I need to use the whole jar before I decide if it is a 'Miracle' cream it is expensive at 50ml for £69.95 a pop but if it does what it says on the box then It's a price worth being paid. I'll update once I've finished trialling it, but so far it seems to be doing something! 

Have you tried this brand, What's your favourite face cream brand?

The Body Shop - Vitamin C microdermabrasion

microdermabrasion simply is a technique that uses tiny rough grains to rub away the outermost layer of the skin in order to improve the overall appearance. This at-home microdermabrasion boasts of making the complexion bright and improving your skin's texture. 

Fine exfoliating micro particles and crushed garnet stones remove dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

• Removes dead skin cells
• Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
• Gives skin a brighter, more radiant look
• Improves skin texture and tone

Its advises on the tube that this microdermabrasion technique should only be used once or twice weekly. As this is actually a harsh procedure and gives effective results with use over a period of time. I think once or twice is fine as if you over use your skin would become sore as even though the grains are fine you can feel them on your skin exfoliating away the dead skin cells. It has a lovely fresh subtle citrus scent which I really like, the price is £13.00 for 75ml which I think is a fair price.

Are you a fan of microdermabrasion?

Pür Minerals "Bare it All" Gift set

Highlight, contour and accentuate your natural features in four easy steps! Give your cheeks a healthy glow and enhance your bone structure with Pür’s vitamin-rich Mineral Blush and Contour/Highlight Powder Duo. 

Add a splash of lush, natural colour to lips with Au Naturel Lipstick with hydrating shea butter and jojoba oil. Pure Black Precision Eyeliner completes the look with a quick and easy dose of long-wear definition.

What’s Inside
Pure Black Precision Eyeliner – defines eyes with long wear, bold colour 
Au Naturel Shea Butter Lipstick – hydrates with shea butter and jojoba oil
Contour/Highlight Powder Duo – enhances features for natural definition
Mineral Blush in Peep Show – nourishes a healthy glow with vitamin E

This really is a great little Christmas gift set for female in your family who are interested in make up, 2 great compacts with a lovely natural bronzer/highlighter and a gorgeous rosey blush that would compliment any skin tone, priced at £29.00 and available online or at Marks and Spencer, the shades are soft, easy to use & pigmented. This brand also don't test on animals.

What do you want under your Christmas tree?