Buying for teenagers is pretty easy as there are just so many products on the market aimed at them! But I thought it would still be nice to do a gift guide and split it into three parts as lets face it, you wouldn't give a 12 year old girl the same gift as someone that is eighteen.
I'm not sure how right I have got it but I hope you enjoy!
Early Teens...
When I was in my early teens, around 12/13 I remember receiving a huge makeup set (the kind with lots of cheap makeup in) and I absolutely loved it. But of course teenagers today are a lot more savvy and also sadly more grown up, so it's about making them feel like they aren't children anymore but without making their parents stare on in horror as they open their present of false eyelashes from Aunty Linda!
Impulse Mini Trio Set (Tesco £3.50 - here)
This is just a cheap little gift that could be included along side another present. These all smell quite nice and are ideal someone in their early teens for putting in their school bag or using at the weekend etc!
Harajuku Lovers Jingle G (Fragrance House £12.50 - here)
This perfume is just lovely to give as a gift this Christmas for all ages really! It has actually sold out on Escentual and Boots online now so the link included above was the only place I could find it at, but at least it is free delivery still. The fragrance itself isn't very Christmas smelling but it is nice and sweet and fun and the top can be used as a Christmas tree decoration for years to come!
Accessorize Make Up (Superdrug from £3.00 - here)
Accessorize makeup is nice and again, for any age but some of the packaging is perfect for anyone in their early teens, it's super girly and all the shades are nice and pretty.
At the moment Superdrug had an offer on the Accessorize range when you spend over £6 you receive an eyeshadow palette (above). So I purchased two lipglosses for £3 each and received the free palette which is actually worth £6!
MUA Immaculate Collection Palette (Superdrug £8.00 - here)
For anyone in their early teens a large eyeshadow palette like this is great as most won't own so many eyeshadows and it means they get to play around with all different shades! I really do like this and think the quality is really great for the price. You can get this online at Superdrugs or in larger stores OR at the moment if you spend £8 on the new MUA website you get this palette FREE - here.
When I was in my early teens, around 12/13 I remember receiving a huge makeup set (the kind with lots of cheap makeup in) and I absolutely loved it. But of course teenagers today are a lot more savvy and also sadly more grown up, so it's about making them feel like they aren't children anymore but without making their parents stare on in horror as they open their present of false eyelashes from Aunty Linda!
Impulse Mini Trio Set (Tesco £3.50 - here)
This is just a cheap little gift that could be included along side another present. These all smell quite nice and are ideal someone in their early teens for putting in their school bag or using at the weekend etc!
Harajuku Lovers Jingle G (Fragrance House £12.50 - here)
This perfume is just lovely to give as a gift this Christmas for all ages really! It has actually sold out on Escentual and Boots online now so the link included above was the only place I could find it at, but at least it is free delivery still. The fragrance itself isn't very Christmas smelling but it is nice and sweet and fun and the top can be used as a Christmas tree decoration for years to come!
Accessorize Make Up (Superdrug from £3.00 - here)
Accessorize makeup is nice and again, for any age but some of the packaging is perfect for anyone in their early teens, it's super girly and all the shades are nice and pretty.
At the moment Superdrug had an offer on the Accessorize range when you spend over £6 you receive an eyeshadow palette (above). So I purchased two lipglosses for £3 each and received the free palette which is actually worth £6!
MUA Immaculate Collection Palette (Superdrug £8.00 - here)
For anyone in their early teens a large eyeshadow palette like this is great as most won't own so many eyeshadows and it means they get to play around with all different shades! I really do like this and think the quality is really great for the price. You can get this online at Superdrugs or in larger stores OR at the moment if you spend £8 on the new MUA website you get this palette FREE - here.
Barry M Nail Paints (Boots from £2.99 - here)
Barry M nail polishes are for any age but I think more appreciated than Miss Sporty or Natural Collection for someone in their early teens (I keep saying that don't I!) as Barry M products are kind of cool aren't they. There are so many amazing shades and they definitely look nice as a trio... plus when you spend over £6 on Barry M products in Boots at the moment you receive a Limited Edition Nail Paint which is very sparkly and lovely!
Nail Art - (Various prices)
I won't go into specific products here but nail art is definitely a great present to give as it's something really fun to try out on Christmas day and to get creative with! For nail art pens I would suggest - Topshop (here), Stargazer and Models Own. For nail stickers and gems etc I would suggest - Girls With Attitude (here) and Stargazer and also Nail Rocks (here) for nail wraps.
Barry M nail polishes are for any age but I think more appreciated than Miss Sporty or Natural Collection for someone in their early teens (I keep saying that don't I!) as Barry M products are kind of cool aren't they. There are so many amazing shades and they definitely look nice as a trio... plus when you spend over £6 on Barry M products in Boots at the moment you receive a Limited Edition Nail Paint which is very sparkly and lovely!
Nail Art - (Various prices)
I won't go into specific products here but nail art is definitely a great present to give as it's something really fun to try out on Christmas day and to get creative with! For nail art pens I would suggest - Topshop (here), Stargazer and Models Own. For nail stickers and gems etc I would suggest - Girls With Attitude (here) and Stargazer and also Nail Rocks (here) for nail wraps.
Mid Teens...
I personally think that the mid teen age stage is slightly harder to buy for as it's kind of all about being cool and things can go from being cool to so un-cool pretty quickly at that age. Also when you are 15/16 you can be easily offended when someone buys you something that isn't grown-up enough!
Lauren Conrad: Style (Amazon £5.29 - here)
I remember when I was around seventeen I was given the Victoria Beckham style book and I totally loved it and this seems to be the exact same style of book but just with Lauren Conrad who is very 'now' and also it is a bit more informative. I wouldn't even say the receiver of this gift needs to be an actually fan of Lauren Conrad it's just a good book on style, shopping and make-up tips! Also £5.29 is such a good price as the R.R.P is £9.99.
17 Make up (Boots from £2.89 - here)
You could go for any brand when buying makeup for someone in their teens but there is just something about 17 - it just basically ticks all the boxes. It's affordable as a gift so you can purchase quite a few items, the packaging is always nice and the products are always good quality. I would say stick to mascara, eyeshadow trios (love Enraged at the moment), lipsticks and nail polishes! Also when you spend over £6 on 17 products at the moment you receive a free gift set of nail polishes!
Makeup Brush Sets (Blush Professional from £9.99 - here)
If you are buying for a girly girl that is getting into makeup a bit more than a brush set could make the ideal gift! A large brush set like the one above with 18 brushes in it will literally cover everything and will last them such a long time.
Katy Perry Purr 30ml (Boots £24.99 - here)
Unless the teenage you are buying for is a goth/emo/something alternative then I'm pretty sure most teens quite like Katy Perry! This comes in such a cute bottle and is just nice... I won't even try to describe the scent of this as I can't pick out any notes in it. But out of all the newer celebrity perfumes I would say this is the nicest looking and smelling.
Violent Lips Tattoos (HQ Hair from £10.50 - here)
I personally think that the mid teen age stage is slightly harder to buy for as it's kind of all about being cool and things can go from being cool to so un-cool pretty quickly at that age. Also when you are 15/16 you can be easily offended when someone buys you something that isn't grown-up enough!
Lauren Conrad: Style (Amazon £5.29 - here)
I remember when I was around seventeen I was given the Victoria Beckham style book and I totally loved it and this seems to be the exact same style of book but just with Lauren Conrad who is very 'now' and also it is a bit more informative. I wouldn't even say the receiver of this gift needs to be an actually fan of Lauren Conrad it's just a good book on style, shopping and make-up tips! Also £5.29 is such a good price as the R.R.P is £9.99.
17 Make up (Boots from £2.89 - here)
You could go for any brand when buying makeup for someone in their teens but there is just something about 17 - it just basically ticks all the boxes. It's affordable as a gift so you can purchase quite a few items, the packaging is always nice and the products are always good quality. I would say stick to mascara, eyeshadow trios (love Enraged at the moment), lipsticks and nail polishes! Also when you spend over £6 on 17 products at the moment you receive a free gift set of nail polishes!
Makeup Brush Sets (Blush Professional from £9.99 - here)
If you are buying for a girly girl that is getting into makeup a bit more than a brush set could make the ideal gift! A large brush set like the one above with 18 brushes in it will literally cover everything and will last them such a long time.
Katy Perry Purr 30ml (Boots £24.99 - here)
Unless the teenage you are buying for is a goth/emo/something alternative then I'm pretty sure most teens quite like Katy Perry! This comes in such a cute bottle and is just nice... I won't even try to describe the scent of this as I can't pick out any notes in it. But out of all the newer celebrity perfumes I would say this is the nicest looking and smelling.
Violent Lips Tattoos (HQ Hair from £10.50 - here)
I'm pretty sure if you gave these as a gift this year they won't receive anything even remotely similar! These are just so fun and actually do look good and are fairly easy to apply! Also ideal for anyone that loves Jessie J!
Late Teens...
I would say this is pretty much the easiest age range to buy for as it all about getting something good quality and something that looks nice & pretty!
Rae Morris Makeup: The Ultimate Guide (Amazon £10.02 - here)
This has to be the most informative makeup books I have read, ever! It just contains so much information and the images in the book are just so detailed and beautiful. This is something that they will be able to go back to time and time again and read snippets from. 100% worth the price and will make someone that loves makeup a great gift.
Models Own Nail Polish (ASOS £5 each - here)
Whether you buy a trio of glitter polishes, mix n' match or buy some shades from the new and amazing Beetlejuice collection these are sure to make a really nice gift. These are super duper quality and some of the shades are just amazing. The polishes above are Champagne, Magenta Devine and Golden Green.
Benefit Primpcess Set (Benefit UK £25.00 - here)
Any Benefit set/kit would make a lovely gift this Christmas but the Primpess set is my newest set (you can see my full review of it here) but I equally love the Finding Mr Bright set. All the sets are just great for trying out Benefit products and the packaging is always amazing. The Primpcess set is sold out online like a few of the other sets so I would definitely say to go to your nearest Benefits counter and not to be tempted by discount sites or eBay as the Internet is now just so saturated with counterfeit Benefit products.
MAC Lipstick (Debenhams £13.50 - here)
Mac lipsticks are kind of cult products now aren't they?! Even if you can only afford the one, it would make someone a lovely treat - any age! My tip is to purchase a shade you have seen the receive of the gift wearing the most so that you cannot get it wrong. Also this is definitely something to wrap up really pretty in gold sparkly paper and to tie a little bow around.
Guerlain Insolence 30ml (Boots £35.50 - here)
The Insolence perfume is just an example really even though I personally adore this scent. But if your budget stretches to a fragrance then something like Vera Wang Princess, Burberry Body, Juicy Couture Juice, etc would make SUCH a lovely present and I think the receiver of such a fragrance may pretty much love you after opening it!
I really enjoyed writing this so I hope you also enjoyed reading it!
The next gift guide I am thinking will be either on books, high end beauty gifts or gifts for men!
Fee xo.
I am finally feeling Christmas-y!
I have most of my shopping done, my decorations are up and now I'm on to thinking about how I'm going to wrap all my presents... which is my favourite part!
So to spread my festive-ness I thought I would do the Christmas tag that has been floating about... feel free to copy & paste it and do it on your own blog!
1.What is Your Favourite Holiday Movie?
Surviving Christmas (see here) with Ben Affleck as it's funny but also heart warming and also Elf (see here) because it never fails to make me laugh!
2. Whats Your Favourite Christmas Color?
I instantly thought of red but I do love a bit of gold. Though if glitter was a colour I would say glitter!
3. Do You Like To Stay in Your PJs Or Dress Up For Christmas?
I always, always stay in my pyjamas in the morning when I'm opening my presents and eating breakfast but then I go upstairs with all the lovely makeup and new clothes I have received and get dressed up a bit!
4. If You Could Only Buy One Person a Present This Year Who Would It Be?
Ohh this is a bit of a deep question for a Christmas tag as you would want it to be someone that really deserved it or someone that would really appreciate it! So for that reason it would be someone in my family who wouldn't expect it (they actually never expect me to buy them a present) but it would hopefully mean a lot to them!
5. Do You Open Your Present Christmas Eve Or Christmas Morning?
When I was younger my mum and dad use to always let me open one present on Christmas Eve just before bed and then the rest on Christmas morning. So I have carried on that tradition now that it's just me and my boyfriend (and the dog!).
6. Have You Ever Built a Ginger Bread House?
Nope! Even though they look pretty... I'm not sure how easy it would be too eat!
7. What Do You Like To Do On Your Christmas Break?
Lots! It's the only time in winter when I would rather be doing something than hibernating in bed! I love Christmas shopping, watching festive films, sitting at home with all the decorations up and the fairy lights on, spending time with family, wrapping presents to make them look beautiful and of course the day itself!
8. Any Christmas Wishes?
Just for next year to be good and healthy.
9. Favourite Christmas Smell?
I love burning candles but the one smell that always reminds me of Christmas is the smell of roast potatoes! So tasty!
10. Favourite Christmas Meal Or Treat?
It has to be Christmas lunch... my sister is the best cook and makes the most amazing turkey, roast potatoes, stuffing, french style peas and chantenay carrots! Om nom nom... so good!
Hope you are all looking forward to Christmas!
Fee xo.
Oh my, oh my how I like my N-Spa products!
For me N-Spa are cheap, fun, smell amazing and look slightly like Philosophy products which are quite pricey indeed. These make lovely but cheap gifts at Christmas as you can purchase 3 products for around £6-7 which I think is just great!
Now of course N-Spa products residue in Asda but for all those poor people that don't have access to an Asda, then you will be glad to know you can actually buy N-Spa products online from Asda Groceries Online - here. I am really not sure how much delivery is but if you really do want to buy some products from N-Spa then all is not lost atleast.
Vanilla Creme Brulee Shower and Bath Gel 500ml
(£2 - here or in store)
I use to use this many moons ago when I didn't avoid SLS's and can say that I use to love it - the smell is just soooo amazing. But the reason why I have it now is because it's a Christmas present for somebody! There are so many different scents in the range but this has to be my favourite and is great for using as a shower gel as it just lasts ages and foams up so well with one of those shower puffy things!It also smells lovely in the bath and does make the skin feel quite nice.
I think three of these which would total only £6 in three different yummy scents would make a lovely but cheap gift this year.
(£2 - here or in store)
I use to use this many moons ago when I didn't avoid SLS's and can say that I use to love it - the smell is just soooo amazing. But the reason why I have it now is because it's a Christmas present for somebody! There are so many different scents in the range but this has to be my favourite and is great for using as a shower gel as it just lasts ages and foams up so well with one of those shower puffy things!It also smells lovely in the bath and does make the skin feel quite nice.
I think three of these which would total only £6 in three different yummy scents would make a lovely but cheap gift this year.
Indulgent Toffee Shimmer Body Oil 150ml
(£2 - here or in store)
I would say this product is more suitable for someone in their teens as it's just a bit of a fun product to use that smells very yummy!
I'm personally not in love with this body oil as I don't overly love shimmery skin but with a tan I do use and like it - so it's a bit hit and miss for me. But again with other products this could make a lovely gift.
(£2 - here or in store)
I would say this product is more suitable for someone in their teens as it's just a bit of a fun product to use that smells very yummy!
I'm personally not in love with this body oil as I don't overly love shimmery skin but with a tan I do use and like it - so it's a bit hit and miss for me. But again with other products this could make a lovely gift.
Indulgent Gingerbread Whipper Body Cream 250ml
(£2.oo - in store)
This whipped body cream is just to die for... the smell is literally amazing! This is a perfect product to use near Christmas as it just smells so festive and wintry. The product is a really good size for only £2.00 and I just cannot fault it.
(£2.oo - in store)
This whipped body cream is just to die for... the smell is literally amazing! This is a perfect product to use near Christmas as it just smells so festive and wintry. The product is a really good size for only £2.00 and I just cannot fault it.
Hot Butter Fudge Sugar Body Polish 350ml
(£4.00 - here or in store)
My total favourite product out of the whole range - THIS product is just A-mazing! My love for this is on the same level as my love for Soap & Glory's The Breakfast Scrub. The scrub comes in a huge pot (like the angel cake packaging below) and is a jelly like sugar scrub that is golden in colour like brown sugar and just smells so, so, soooo good - I just can't explain how good this stuff smells. Basically if you like warm yummy smelling products or know someone who does then you need to buy this! The scrub itself isn't overly harsh but it isn't a thin scrub either, just somewhere in the middle.
This is so yummy that is feels slightly wrong using it in summer so this is definitely one to buy for winter/Christmas.
(£4.00 - here or in store)
My total favourite product out of the whole range - THIS product is just A-mazing! My love for this is on the same level as my love for Soap & Glory's The Breakfast Scrub. The scrub comes in a huge pot (like the angel cake packaging below) and is a jelly like sugar scrub that is golden in colour like brown sugar and just smells so, so, soooo good - I just can't explain how good this stuff smells. Basically if you like warm yummy smelling products or know someone who does then you need to buy this! The scrub itself isn't overly harsh but it isn't a thin scrub either, just somewhere in the middle.
This is so yummy that is feels slightly wrong using it in summer so this is definitely one to buy for winter/Christmas.
Indulgent Angel Cake Bath Melt 350ml
(£4.00 - in store)
This is basically a luxury kind of bubble bath and when you scoop this out it's quite an odd jelly like texture that just feels more substantial! I can't say I know what Angel Cake smells like but this smells sweet and almost bubblegum like. Again I think this would suit teens more than anything as it's a sugary sweet product that looks really nice as a gift.
Raspberry Milkshake Body scrub 225ml
(£2.00 - here or in store)
I think I must of tried every single body scrub from N-Spa now but this is my favourite one for in summer. It's fresh, grainy and cheap! Also I personally love this as it doesn't contain any sulfates which is a huge thumbs up for me as so many body scrubs like this contains SLS's in them.
Vanilla Creme Brulee Body Scrub 225ml
(£2.oo - here or in store)
This is again one yummy product that I mainly just use because I love the scent. But I must admit I love the type of scrub that is it, kind of a cream with good sized grains in it. Some days I use the Fudge Sugar Body Polish when I want to exfoliate and then other days when I just want to wash my skin and be a bit lazy I use this and just stand there inhaling it in the shower!
All I can say is om nom nom about this!
I actually feel a bit hungry now!
What I would do for a few (large) spoonfuls of Marks & Spencers Salted Caramel Sauce right now?!
Mmmmm just so good!
Fee xo.
Just a mini review of a stocking filler type gift today!
This is the Compagnie De Provence Soap stack from Zalando which contains 5 x 25g mini soaps for £6.95 with free delivery - here.
I have never tried anything from Compagnie De Provence before but they have always interested me especially with their lovely look Rose Liquid Hand soaps, but they have always seemed slightly too pricey. Which is why I was attracted to this - it's cheap enough and you get to try out five of the different soaps to just use or to see which you like the most.
I must admit I do kind of do want to keep this to myself and I may just, as I seem to have over bought for a few people this year!
The five soaps in the stack are...
Mediterranean Sea, Fresh Verbena, Summer Grapefruit, Wild Rose scent and Olive & Lavender.
Mediterranean Sea, Fresh Verbena, Summer Grapefruit, Wild Rose scent and Olive & Lavender.
I haven't unwrapped these as I still may give them as a gift but even through the wrappers you can smell these soaps which is a good sign. Each soap is a pretty good size for travelling with or keeping next to the sink. The ones I would try first would have to be Summer Grapefruit and Olive & Lavender as these smell the nicest to me.
It is quite a small gift but even so this doesn't look cheap and I think this would be ideal for some slightly older that likes likes nice toiletries and what nots!
Overall a cute but slightly different gift that will compliment another present really well!
Fee xo.
I cannot believe the lack of sparkly, glittery nails on Makeup Savvy this Christmas. It's actually a bit of a disgrace seeing as I own sooo many pretty glitter nail polishes!
However I will be rectifying this, this week as I am now armed with some potent glitter nail polish remover (Sally Hansen's Kwik Off) and I have all my most Christmas-y glitter nail polishes all lined up to use!
But today I want to show you one that came with the China Glaze Santa's Little Helpers set that I purchased last month. This is by favourite polish from the set as it is so different from anything I have and it looks so pretty on - not exactly like tinsel but still so amazing with the texture and sparkly of this.
Tinsel Town actually reminds me of one of those amazing rocks that look normal on one side and then you turn it over and to reveal the most amazing crystal pewter that sparkles under any light!
This only needs two coats and it's done but it does chip within 1-2 days which isn't so amazing. But I'm sure with a top coat it will last longer! The thing I love most about the polish is how much it sparkles without looking like it is full of glitter if that makes sense and I also love how rough it looks even though it doesn't actually feel rough compared to other glitter nail polishes I have tried in the past... almost a smooth glitter polish.
I bought this as part of a China Glaze Santa's Little Helpers set from eBay which you can find with this UK Seller here for only £11.75 with free p&p!
The other shades in the set are - Velvet Bow, Ring in the Red (see my nail swatch) which is so lovely and Icicle (see my nail swatch).
Fee xo.
Just a quick little giveaway before I am sunning myself on a beach next week!
I mentioned these lovely little Betty Crocker candles in my Candle Gift Guide (here) last week and I thought it would be nice to give one away so someone can enjoy it before Christmas!
The giveaway is for one Gingerbread Betty Crocker Candle and is open to UK readers only.
The Rules...
Not many rules with this one as it is such a small prize... you don't even need to be a follower of my blog even! You just have to live in the UK.
All you need to do it leave me a comment below with your first name and e-mail address.
The giveaway will close Friday 9th December at 11pm and I will announce the winner Saturday 10th December so that I can post it off on Monday before I jet off on my hols!
Good Luck!
Fee xo.
Another day closer to Christmas and another possible gift idea!
I tried this perfume last week as a little sample and was so impressed with both the scent and the price that I went out and bought it as a present for a family member!
This is the Yardley London Daisy Eau de Toilette 50ml which is currently on offer in Boots for only £6.66 (normally £9.99) - here.
Yes, only £6.66 for a 50ml perfume! Crazy. Now this of course isn't a 'young' persons scent, even though I personally do like it and would maybe wear this in spring. But as the brand is more focus towards the more mature ladies I would say this is an ideal present for mums, aunts and grandma's!
For me this seems like an updated/good alternative to the Elizabeth Arden Sunflowers perfume... the two perfume don't smell the same but I feel like the quality of the perfumes are very similar and would suit the same type of people. So it you know someone that likes Sunflowers then I'm sure they will really like this.
As for the scent itself - think a light daisy scent combined with fresh spring weather. It is clean and light and just smells nice! The bottle as you can see is quite elegant in shape with a metal top and is boxed which makes it seem that bit more expensive than it is.
I'm now very intrigued to smell the Yardley English Rose perfume (again £6.66 here) as I use to own Paul Smith Rose and did quite like it but I haven't purchased it again as it is slightly too steep in price as it didn't blow me away. So if this smells anything similar then I am on to a total winner!
Yardley also do gift sets with the Daisy perfume for £10.00 (here) which include a 75ml body spray... but I actually think the perfume looks nicer on it's own!
If I have time before I go on holiday I will write a gift guide on fragrances as I feel I have gone perfume mad this year and have tried and bought so many!
Fee xo.
Now I don't often talk about hair products on Makeup Savvy but I actually don't now why that is, as I do love my hair products and own quite a lot. Plus I do have quite long hair that I love to preen. So I felt it only made sense to write a gift guide on all things hair that you could give as gifts or ask for Christmas this year!
Firstly I want to mentioned what I feel is the top hair tool this Christmas and one I have been personally wanting for quite a bit. Yes, it is the Babyliss Wave Envy (£39.97) which I like to say creates 'mermaid hair'. I was going to ask for it for Christmas but I knew I would use it a lot in the run up to Christmas with parties and different events to go to... so I did have a slight splurge and bought it for myself! I have only used it once but you can see what my hair looked like here without running my fingers through the curls and keeping it quite neat, and here is my hair ruffled up with a bit of volume in it - what do you think?
I am sure I will do a full review of this in time, but already I can say it gives such lovely results and is SO easy to use!
I am sure I will do a full review of this in time, but already I can say it gives such lovely results and is SO easy to use!
Aussie 3 for £10 at Boots...
This was actually one of my first Christmas purchases (to someone that I hope won't be reading this!) as I thought it was a pretty good price for three Aussie products that retail for around £5 each... so really it's just like 3 for 2 isn't it! I just find Aussie products so yummy and really good for the hair, plus I don't actually know anyone that hasn't liked Aussie products, especially the 3 Minute Miracle Deep Treatment... the smell is just amazing and it works wonders!
It is a bit of a shame that it doesn't come in a nice gift set (thought I can't say I love all that excess packaging with every gift set) so I am either thinking about tying up the three products in a nice wintry purple scarf or buying some purple crepe paper and using some straw tie/ribbon to wrap it all together and then I can wrap it up in wrapping paper at normal.
Also Superdrug are offering 2 for £6.99 on all Aussie hair products at the moment as
well!
Natural Hair Products
Now if you have a friend or family member that you know likes to use more natural products or likes to only use good quality hair products that actually look after the hair, then giving them the gift of these types of products can really make a thoughtful and gratefully received present. I know from past experience that nothing makes my face drop slightly at Christmas like a hair or skincare gift that I cannot use due to the chemicals in it that I avoid using.
Tigi
Both the Love, Peace and the Planet (Cherry Almond) range and the Superstar range are my absolute favourite hair care ranges... though I must admit I love the Love, Peace and the Planet range for the amazing almond scent! Both ranges are totally sulfate-free so great for anyone that is conscious to avoid that range of chemicals, or has a sensitive scalp/weak hair, or that even has dyed hair as using SLS-free products helps to prevent the hair from being stripped. Also all the products look great packaging wise and you can get some great discounts at Amazon (here) and Cheap Smells (here).
Naked
Naked hair products seem to be the most natural high-street priced range out there and I really do love them for that! They are 97% natural and have such an extensive range now in Boots, Sainbury's, Tesco and online at Naked bodycare and Boots online. My favourite products are the Buttermilk & Green Tea Hydrating Conditioner and the Hibiscus & Frangipani Strengthening Shampoo. At the moment Naked online are offering free delivery on all UK orders until 22nd December and a free product when you spend over £20 - here.
Yes To... Tomatoes
I love all things Yes To Tomatoes... even though I strangely have never ever tried a tomato in my life?! But my new favourite shampoo has to be the amazing Tempting Tomatoes Daily Volumizing Shampoo which just makes the hair feel amazing even without applying conditioner and smells so so good - I just can't explain it! I purchased the huge 500ml shampoo from Zalando (here) for £8.95 which will last me such a long time I am sure!
Hair Extras
I could easily dedicate a whole post on different nifty hair products that do all sorts of things but here are the ones that I use all the time and really do like.
Vo5 Miracle Concentrate with Argan Oil (Boots £4.99 - here) - For £4.99 this is a total miracle product that everyone needs if they suffer from fizzy or dry/damaged hair! This would make a nice stocking filler or you could even buy this as part of a trio of other different interesting hair products like the one below.
Schwarzkopf got2b Powder'ful Volumizing Styling Powder (Amazon £5.00 inc p&p - here) - This is definitely a strange but amazing product that would be ideal for someone that loves big hair. The consistency of this is almost like a sticky powder that grips on to the roots of the hair and creates amazing lasting volume!
Tresemme Heat Defence Styling Spray (Boots £4.99 - here) - This is a huge bottle that will last anyone ages and 100% does the job. Not much to say about this product but really good value for money here.
Umberto Giannini Backcomb in a Bottle (Boots £5.61 - here) - I have found some people love this and some people hate it. I personally love it, but feel there is a definite technique to using it! This is a great is you are creating a really girly gift set for someone as this product is a must before nights out!
Aussie Shine Coloured Hair Protection Serum (Boots £4.69 - here) - I really do like the Aussie Dual Personality range and think this combination of a shine serum and a heat protectant is such good idea. This really does give some shine to the hair without weighing it down at all AND it smells nice.
Hair Tools
You may see a theme with the products below - they are all by Babyliss! Now I must say I hadn't even realized this until now but clearly Babyliss come out with products that catch my eye and I must admit they are never overly complicated and are always really good quality.
Babyliss Turbo Shine Dryer (Tesco £15.31 - here) - I bought this last year after making the mistake of buying a really expensive looking hair dryer that weighed a ton (I actually use to hit myself on the head with it when drying my hair!). But with such a price difference this really does serve me well as I have used it around 3 times a week for a year and it's never over heated and I have never hit myself on the head with it! This is actually sold as being lightweight and it really is - just a nice product that does the job and looks pretty nice as well.
Cloud Nine Micro Iron Hair Straightener (Amazon £49.95 - here) - As you can see this isn't a review of the Umberto Giannini as it has been discontinued since last year... but now I have my eye on the Cloud 9 Micro Irons as I don't straighten my hair that often so a little pair for using once in a while makes sense.
Babyliss Pro Conical Wand 32-19mm (Beauty Bay £23.95 - here) - If you want to buy someone a hair tool this Christmas but don't have a huge budget then this is the product for you/them! The barrel comes in different sizes for different lengths of hair (mine is the biggest barrel size) and there is also a choice of black or pink. This is so easy to use as you literally wrap the hair around the wand, hold it for a few seconds and then you have perfectly tight or loose curls! A really nice product.
Babyliss Wave Envy Hair Styler (Tesco £39.97 - here) - Ahhh my new baby! I'm sure this will be on many people's Christmas lists this year and rightly so as this doesn't disappoint! This can give quite a few looks if used in different ways and is SO easy to use - just clamp and wait, clamp and wait and then voila, amazing waves that make the hair look so shiny and feel so soft! I am already impressed with this!
Brushes...
I don't own many brushes because I don't actually brush my hair that often - ooops! But I have included the Tangle Teezer as I know it is such a cult product now and also a very purse friendly version that would be ideal as a stocking filler!
Tangle Teezer in Pink (Boots £10.20 - here) - This would make a great gift for anyone that likes to look after their hair as it's one of those products that once you try it you just get why it is so popular and then you find you can't live without it! They also now do these in a pretty flower shaped holder for children which this works amazing well on as it removes knots from the hair without any tugging or pain. Really great and a fun looking hair product to give someone this Christmas!
Denman Be-Bop Massager (Look Fantastic £2.75 - here) - I call this the poor persons Tangle Teezer as it does virtually the same thing but definitely works better in the shower. This is meant for massaging the scalp with but I much prefer to use it after I have applied conditioner to remove any knots from my hair and it just makes any conditioner work so much better! Also really handy that Look Fantastic do free p&p so this really is such a cheap product.
Wow, I feel like I need a lie down now!
Really hope this has been useful/interesting and make sure to look out for my next Gift Guide which will be on books - make up books, girly reads, fiction etc etc.
Fee xo.
Today I wasn't going to post anything as I have been under the weather (I think it was a bit of food poisoning!) but last night I edited these pictures and after seeing how pretty the gift set looked I thought it deserved to be wrote a review about.
So here it is!
Now first things first, because I don't want anyone reading this review to like the set, then to get to the end of it and realize that the gift set can only be purchased from Fresh stores... and there is only one in the UK which is based in London! So if you live in London or are going Christmas shopping there then you can find the Fresh store on 92 Marylebone High Street.
I have heard of Fresh as a brand in the past and have seen some lovely gift sets on the QVC US site but even in dollar they seems pretty pricey so I was amazed to see that this gift set is £16.00... now I'm not saying that is majorly cheap for two/three products but for the quality and it being from Fresh I think it is a really well priced gift for someone you really like. Plus it looks really nice!
The Fresh Sugar Flirt Brown Sugar Essentials kit contains...
Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 (4.3g) - Now if I told you I loved this as much as my Neom multi-balm (which I have mentioned so many times now) I'm sure you wouldn't believe me. But please do, as this is pretty amazing stuff! Now I will firstly admit I am not amazed by the scent of it... but I think that is because the packaging being all warm and it saying 'sugar' on it made me instantly presume it would be a yummy sugary scent, but it's just not. It is slightly sugary and sweet but the scent is definitely fresh and citrusy but actually now one I'm getting use to, thankfully, seeing as I have been using it daily! But what I am so won over by is the formula... it's not sticky or overly thick but it just stay on the lips for so long even when eating and drinking which I find amazing. Plus this is actually a lip treatment as it does cure dry lips really well. Also in love with the packaging... it's weighty and pretty and something you actually want to get out of your handbag to use.
Brown Sugar Body Cream (100ml) - This also has a fresh scent but actually even fresher and I REALLY like it... it reminds me of sherbet lemon sweets! Just so lemon-y and sugary and just all round lovely. But again the packaging doesn't really give you the idea that it will be like that. Another lovely product that feels really good quality - it applies smoothly, soaks in really fast and leaves the skin feeling slightly plumped up and smelling VERY fresh! I didn't think this would impress me but it has. I now want to get the Brown Sugar Body Polish before summer so I can use them both together.
Metallic Gold Make-up Pouch - I am so fussy with makeup bags... I am the girl that searched for over 6 months for the perfect makeup bag and found it in a lovely Paul & Joe one! I just think there are some awful ones out there especially with gift sets... some actually make me cringe *remembers a Biotherm one*. But this is just so pretty... I really should of taken an up close image of it so you could see the slight metallic golden crackle to it, which remind me of the beautiful notebooks Barbara Wiggins makes! It is also a really good size for over night stays and it's actually padded in side which is just another sign of the type of quality you get with Fresh. I just wish it was big enough (or I had less makeup) to take this on holiday with me next week! Just to note it is slightly more gold looking than in the images.
For £16 I really do think this would make a lovely gift... it's not overly Christmas-y (I use this word a lot don't I?) but it feels something special, you can tell the quality of it instantly and I'm pretty sure most women would like the products and the bag.
Now has anyone tried the Fresh Lip Scrub or Body Polish? I need to know if they are good enough to start convincing a friend that lives in London to make a special trip to Fresh for me!
Fee xo.
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