A Gift Guide - Stocking Fillers

Stocking Fillers! My absolute favourite gifts to buy - one of my favourite parts of the Christmas prep is to stuff a stocking full to the brim with wrapped gifts, treats and sweets galore! I've pulled together a list below full of inspiration for stocking filler gifts, ideal for secret Santa presents too!

I'm always happy to find a Lush treat tucked inside, their little shower gels are divine - there's something for everyone! The heavenly scented Magic Wand Bubble Bar is a great festive pick, swirled into the bath it turns the water a gorgeous pink, makes a blanket of soft bubbles and smells candy sweet!

For a beauty lover, opt for a glittery polish like Essie Glow Your Own Way, a sparkly bronze or Essie Leading Lady, a festive glittery red. The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella would make a luxe treat or even a mini Diptyque candle (the dream)!

This Pixapet is a great retro gift for those who loved their Tamagotchi's! Throw in some sparkly colouring pencils and the Harry Potter Colouring in book for a magical treat!

Here's some more picks below...

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

A Gift Guide - For Her

I probably should have named this 'my Christmas wishlist' as I pretty much want everything on this list! I've included everything from fluffy scarves and dreamy jewellery to perfume and statement pieces - so many pretty finds!

I just adore these sparkly Topshop heels, they're ideal for the party season, Diptyque Eau Duelle, a wintry spiced vanilla fragrance looks like the perfect luxe treat or you can't really go wrong with a cosy scarf or a pair of Asos pyjamas!
Here's my Christmas picks for her....

SaveSave

A Gift Guide - For Him

One for the boys, I've rounded up a few festive picks - whether your planning on splashing out on a shiny new Xbox One S (there may be one under the tree for Alex this year!) or filling under the tree with affordable gifts, there's so many options to explore...

For a book lover, opt for a clothbound classic like Oliver Twist, the Animorphia colouring book, Jamie Oliver's Christmas Cookbook or Norwegian Wood, Chopping, Stacking and Drying - if he's seen the birth of a tool on youtube, then he's bound to be a fan of this new trend! Socks are always a winner - this Star Wars pair are so fun, great to pop in a stocking or ideal to pair with a matching Star Wars Chrome Captain Phasma Mug!

This sleek Apsinal of London wallet is a classic, timeless staple. A pocket square, tie clip or aftershave is always a good bet too! For a tea lover, this adorable Nessie strainer is a great pick, add a pack of loose tea and a tea for one set for a cute lil gift!

Lush has some great picks for men - their Kalamazoo beard and face wash, the Hot Toddy shower gel or this handy Lush Mechanic hand soap! Here's a few more of my picks below...

Wintertime Pick Me Up's

1. Keep warm

With a cute hot water bottle, ideal to snuggle up with or to tuck under the sheets before bed, they keep you toasty for hours! I just adore this luxe blush pick, it's unbelievably soft! Soft unicorn slippers, billowy blankets and snug fluffy dressing gowns (this Topshop cloud like one is incredible!) are all ideal for keeping warm in autumn/winter too - light a few candles and sip on peppermint tea for cosy nights in!

2. Treat yourself

Whether it's to a festive Lush bath, a new book (this is next on my to read book, it has rave reviews even though it's a Childrens book!) or to a fresh Essie mani. A little treat can be the perfect pick me up and mood booster if you're feeling under the weather. I've recently splurged on the dreamy Diptyque Vanille candle, with sweet, woody accents and a hint of spice and smoke, it's divine!

3. Nourish

Eating well during the colder months is essential for me, whilst I definitely still indulge in plenty of treats (especially over Christmas!) I try to stick to eating well around 80% of the time to keep my immune system in check. The Eat Pretty Every Day book is my go-to for inspiration, daily snippets and nutritional guidance (love the original Eat Pretty book for seasonal eating too!). Opt for warming soups, stews or stir fry's packed with veggies, dark leafy greens and protein rich pulses. The Deliciously Ella Cookbooks are great for healthy meal inspiration too!

Try topping up your vitamin D intake during the dark wintry months with a spritz of vitamin D spray, or safely in the autumn sunlight with spf on to keep blues at bay.

4. Dream

Dark mornings can leave you feeling a little groggy and tired. Try a misting of the ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray before bed, this soothing sleep spray contains lavender, chamomile and leaves you well-rested and relaxed!

The Lush Sleepy Body lotion is the ideal bedtime treat, with skin softening oats, coco butter and calming lavender it helps you to drift of to sleep! Soft pyjamas and fresh bedding are a must-have too - this luxurious satin set looks like just the ticket!

5. Me time

Take a little time out for you - self care is essential as the weather gets colder! Whether it's pampering, colouring in, watching Netflix, reading, or melting into an uplifting Lush bath, try and schedule some time to do the things that you enjoy the most!

What are your Wintertime essentials?

SaveSave

Travel Beauty Essentials

I'm currently in the midst of a big move and so with all my belongings tucked away in cardboard boxes, I've pulled out the essentials to carry around with me. I thought that I would share a little peek at the beauty picks that I've rounded up to last me the week as we flit to and from our new flat!

Firstly, I couldn't be without Lush's Dream Cream. A soothing saviour for dry skin this versatile cream treats any dry or unhappy skin. I'm happy to sacrifice some bag space for this large pot - with oat milk, rose water and chamomile blue oil, this hydrating cream is a must-have for parched skin!

I've also pulled out a few perky, brightening picks to combat my stressed, tired skin. Moving really takes it's toll and I need all the help I can get right now! The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat is a dreamy coral pink blusher, the powdered pigments and swirls of ambient lighting powder work together to create a flawless, radiant glow. Paired with the MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam, they make the ideal match for dewy, glowing skin.

For eyes, I've grabbed the Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Alhambra, a pigmented, buttery soft champagne rose and gold duo. This light reflecting, dewy set brightens up tired eyes, it's compact and so ideal for travelling. With the H&M Soft Eyeliner in Pale Nude popped in the waterline, they make the perfect brightening combo! Another pick to combat tired eyes is the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream, with hyaluronic acid, cucumber, coconut, rosehip and lemon peel oils, it brightens, tightens and fades dark circles!

I've kept lips quite simple, a swipe of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes is all I need for an everyday lip. It's such a flattering shade, a pretty, saturated warm rose that's comfortable on the lips, applies like a dream and sets in place for hours - meaning minimal top ups throughout the day! 

The rest - concealer, contour, mascara and liner are my standard picks; the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, L'Oreal Super Liner, Essence Lash Princess Mascara and the Sleek Contour Kit, I rarely stray from them! I've also added a sample pot of a Nars foundation to test out, I seem to be in-between two shades, I can't decide which one to go for! I've popped in my favourite Essie nail polish too - Essie Bordeaux is a chic, deep wine/burgundy, it's glossy on the nails and perfect paired with a glittery accent nail!

Lastly, for beauty tools, I've packed my trusty Shu Uemura eyelash curlers for impressive fanned out lashes and my everyday brushes - the MAC 150 Large Powder Brush for contour and blush, the Zoeva rose gold brushes to pair with eyeshadow and highlighter and the dense Sigma 3DHD to flawlessly blend out my foundation and concealer.

What are your beauty travel essentials?

SaveSaveSaveSave

Autumn Style Staples

This autumn, I'm all about slouchy jumpers, a-line skirts and western style ankle boots. Throw on a cosy scarf or bobble hat (blush pink of course!) and you're good to go! Autumn/Winter fashion is my favourite, I just love layering, wrapping up and adding winter accessories to my outfits! 

- a little note, check out the lovely Michelle's gorgeous new shop Honey + Chai for autumn staples & heavenly hand-picked pieces!

I picked up this gorgeous, soft blush scarf from Asos, it's one of those long, squashy types that you can bundle up in and wrap around and around you to lock out the cold. It's ideal for adding a little colour and pairs well with grey or black coats. I also adore a blush bobble hat, mines an oldie from Topshop but this Asos one is just as cute!

Another staple for me in Autumn/Winter is a watch. I really don't enjoy fumbling around in my bag with gloves on, trying to check the time on my iPhone and so I always make sure to wear a watch to keep track of the time. The Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield* is a divine pick - minamilistic, classic and chic, it works well with every outfit! 

A-line skirts are a must-have for me in autumn, they're so flattering and ideal to pair with the cult Primark fleece-lined tights (SO snug)! I picked up this cute jacquard print skirt last year, this Asos denim pick is the latest addition to my collection and this cute burgundy cord piece is ideal to tuck slouchy jumpers like this dusky Pull & Bear number into.

Lastly, I can't be without my Ash Jalouse-esque New Look boots, they're comfy, stylish and super affordable at just a fraction of the price of the Ash pair. These cute Western boots are similar too, they work so well with skirts, dresses, ripped jeans...they're a staple for autumn!

What are your Autumn style staples?

Hydration Hero's For Dry, Lacklustre Skin

Lately the days have become bitterly cold, frosty mornings and harsh gales have wrecked havoc on my skin - autumn is well upon us with winter closely behind! With my complexion suffering and in serious need of a hydration boost, I've pulled out a few rich, nourishing, picks to put me back on track to plump, radiant skin.

The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is ideal for lacklustre skin. With restorative vitamins and cleansing pumpkin enzymes it helps to even out skin tone and leaves skin radiant and smooth. It's my go-to cleanser to combat dull skin, it perks up the complexion and leaves skin so soft!

I've also pulled out the Origins Night-a-mins Oil Free Renewal Cream for a radiance boost. This lightweight, gel moisturiser helps to fade acne scarring and perks up tired skin whilst nourishing and softening the skin - ideal to slather on at night in prep for dark autumn mornings!

For a luxuriously rich cream, the Kiehls Ultra Facial balm is the one. A thick, balmy cream that yields impressive results - skin feels plumper, soothed, smooth and hydrated. I find that this is best applied warmed up slightly between your fingers and dabbing on your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck before smoothing upwards and outwards over the face and neck.

The last pick in my hydrating skincare line up is the Pai BioRegenerate Oil, a divine, nourishing rosehip oil that works to promote clear skin (it's ideal for those tiny under the skin bumps!), fade acne scarring and deeply condition. Rich in omegas and antioxidants it helps to repair and protect the skin, I've been using this for about three weeks now and it's made my skin glow! Paired with the Jade roller it makes a dreamy duo, it's the ideal match to combat lacklustre skin! After applying the oil I sweep the roller (love this affordable face massager too!) in long strokes working away from the nose, it leaves my skin feeling pampered and polished.

What are your hydrating heroes?

SaveSave