Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream

The Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream is a wonder product that I have been meaning to share with you all for quite some time! I first received a sample of it about 6 months ago and have repurchased it over and over again since.

Just to give you a little bit of context the bf has very sensitive skin (he always gets annoyed when I mention his eczema, but I am prepared to withstand his fury when/if he ever reads this). Unfortunately along with sensitive skin he was 'blessed' with a very hairy chin... and we are not talking about a 5 o'clock shadow here, it's more of a 12 o'clock shadow! Working in the medical profession he is required to look smart and hence shave every day, which isn't ideal. He therefore often has problems with irrtation, dryness, ingrown hairs, redness... I'm not painting a pretty picture here, but you name it the poor boy has suffered with it.

After a few days of  using the shave cream (check out Liz's shaving tips here) I could already see the difference on his skin, without even having to ask. It definitely looked smoother and less irritated and I noticed that the shaving process was faster too. When I probed him about the cream itself he went as far as saying he "really, really" liked it (a first!) as it gave a really close, comfortable shave and left his skin moisturised and soft. History was made a few weeks later when I phoned to say I was popping into Liz Earle and was actually asked if I could pick up some of that "shave cream stuff". This was record breaking material - not only did he remmber and ask me for a specific product, but he was actually planning to use it for its intended purpose! It definitely makes a change from his usual routine of using my eye cream or expensive serums to moisturise his elbows, knuckles and Lord knows... maybe toes *sigh*.

Since the bf was so fond of the shave cream I decided to purchase some for myself as I often experience a rash or painful bumps after shaving my underarms. I can honestly say that this is the best shave cream I have ever used. It is soft and creamy, yet lathers with a little water to give a really close and smooth shave.

 Probably not the most visually pleasing photo, but as you can see it lathers very smoothly.

With extracts of Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil and Glycerin it not only works well to moisturise and soothe irritated skin, but also smells amazing (see full ingredients list here). The rose scented geranium gives it a slightly sweet, flowery smell, while the peppermint keeps it fresh and uplifting - a fragrance that I think both sexes will enjoy!

The Liz Earle Sensitive Shave Cream retails at £10.75 for 100 ml or £5.50 for 30 ml. I highly recommend it to everyone with sensitive skin and those prone to razor burn or shaving rash. I've been buying it as gifts for my male friends and have received great feedback from everyone so far. It may not be a particularly exciting product, but in my eyes it's definitely a hero!

Have you tried Liz Earle's Sensitive Shave Cream? Do you ecperience problems when shaving? What are your recommendations for shave gels/ creams/ oils for sensitive skin? xxx

Perfect Mother's Day Gifts

I'm sorry I have been a little MIA as of late, but doing the work/revision/work/revision limbo has left me pretty exhausted. Two more weeks and I will be free from house arrest and be able to... ummmm sleep again... and perhaps visit somewhere other than my office or my home. High hopes indeed!

So for now let me indulge in a little speed blogging. Mother's Day is just around the corner, so here is my round up of the perfect gifts to pamper the most important ladies in the World!

NuBo Diamond Peel & Reveal (£65)- What can be more indulgent than diamonds? This fantastic system works to refine the skin in a two step process through exfoliation by the crushed diamond particles and the stimulation of skin cell turnover by the activator with a unique 'micro-vibration' motion that creates momentum to renew the skin's surface. I was lucky enough to receive a mini facial using this set and have now been using it on myself once a week ever since. It works beautifully to smooth skin and remove any rough patches, while the delicate rose scent is relaxing and lifting. Did I mention it is made from real diamonds!? Apparently they are less abrasive than other exfoliating products, and by definition are also hypoallergenic. If you look carefully you can even see the odd sparkle left behind ;).

Liz Earle Mother's Day Gift (£30) - This set contains:
Superskin Body Cream - deeply nourishing and moisturising this cream restores dry winter skin to youthful suppleness *must have*,
Superskin Moisturiser - perfect for dehydrated or mature skin,
Superskin Concentrate - another of my favourites, this gorgeous blend of 100% pure plant oils makes a wonderfully restoring night-time treat,
Superskin Eye & Lip treatment sample - a multipurpose product that sinks in quickly to restore moisture to tired eyes and lips.

Elemis Anti-Ageing Detox Regime Kit (£35) - Amazing value (RRP £70)! Though I haven't tried this set myself I am sure Elemis will not disapoint and many of these 'potions' will tick all of Mum's boxes ;). The Cream Cleanser promises to defend against pollutants while containing plenty of anti-oxidants. The Papaya Enzyme Peel exfoliates naturally boosting radiance while the Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules repair visible signs of ageing in conjunction with the Marine Cream and the Eye and Lip Contour Cream.

Swarovski Galet Chrysolite Pierced Earrings (£56) - Why not add a bit of glamour to your Mum's look with a classic pair of earrings with a modern twist. I think these are beautiful! They come in a range of tasteful colours to suit any skin tone (my favourite is a deep grey/green).  

Dunk Mug (£16.99) - This is just adorable! For the woman who has everything, but never enough chocolate digestives. I want one too!

Strawberry Tree (£25) - I personally love flowers, but why not give something that will last? This small, tidy evergreen tree with glossy leaves and white 'heatherball' flowers in autumn will be followed by strawberry-like fruits in the Summer holding the promise of beauty all year round!

What are you getting your Mother for Mother's Day? My Mama spies on me through this blog, but she will just have to wait.. I'm not giving anything away ;P. Love to all the beautiful mamas xxx

Mother's Day Soap & Gory Beauty Bundle

Whenever I see a Soap & Glory Bundle I have to have it! They are always packed with amazing treats! The one I purchased at Christmas did not disapoint, and has introduced me to a number of products I absolutely love and now repurchase - namely their yummy shower gel and breakfast scrub, that both smell good enough to eat. I adore the retro packaging and catchy names, but instead of being gimmicky their products really do deliver.

This season's offering is just as tempting and includes:

• Wash Almighty Body Cleansing Gel 500 ml 

• Clean Mary Cleansing Milk 180 ml 

• Return to Slender Body Contouring Gel 200 ml (The Firminator) 

• Slimwear Peptide Balm 190 ml

• No Clogs Allowed 50 ml

• The Fab Pore Facial Peel 50ml

• Mighty Mouth Gorgeous Lips Kit 2 x 4g, 9 ml

• Marvelips Colour, Shine & Shaping Crayon 4.5g

• Wizard of Flaws Line Filling Luminizer & Concealer 7 ml

• Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Gloss in Plum 7 ml

With products worth over £70 this bundle will set you back £40 in a Boots store. However, you can save £5 with the code BUNDLE5, and bag yourself this amazing bundle for just £35!!!

This set would make a perfect Mother's Day gift, or an indulgent treat to get your skin prepped for the new season!

Are you a fan of S&G? Have you ever purchased any of their special offer bundles? What are your favourite products from the range?

Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts

Panicking about what to buy your loved one this Valentine's day? Do not fret! The bf and I have been hectically reviewing products to find the perfect gifts for you. Though don't tell him that's what all these presents have been for, he just thinks I'm really generous ;).

First up are Gifts for Him.

A fragrance always makes a lovely present. So why not treat him to a new scent this Valentine's day? Over the past few weeks we have been liberally spritzing ourselves with Paco Rabanne 1 Million. With notes of peppermint and blood mandarin mingled with cinnamon and rose absolute, with a touch of leather, this is a masculine fragrance with a modern twist. Sexy and deep, yet not too heavy, it's easy to wear and versatile. I am told that this is currently a very popular fragrance, and I can see why!

If your man is a little hesitant (or just plain lazy) when it comes to skincare, why not introduce him to an easy and effective routine gently? There are many kits out there designed to give you a taste of the products on offer, and this can be a great way to nudge him along, while letting him chose a few favourites. The Liz Earle Men's Try-Me kit has four travel size products in a handy re-usable wash bag including the amazing Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (with muslin cloth), Sensitive Shave Cream, After-Shaving Moisturiser and Face & Body Wash all for £15.60.

The bf has developed a particular soft spot for the Shave Essentials kit (£28.35). He already likes Liz Earle, after constant thieving of my products (deep marks from greedy fingers digging around in my moisturiser are a deadly giveaway!) and he has not been disappointed by the 'manly' products. He tells me that the Sensitive Shave Cream and After-Shaving Moisturiser make for a smooth and comfortable shave.

Why not add some fun to Valentine's day? Men are encouraged to purchase us sexy underwear, so why not turn the tables on him with some novelty pants? These ones from ASOS are just too cheesy not to love ;).

Gifts for You, Both of You

I always like to by a gift for Valentine's that we can both share. Let's keep it clean now ladies... 

Why not treat yourself to a beautiful candle to set the mood? I was recently sent the Thalgo Indoceane Relaxing Scented Candle (£16.50), which promises to burn for 50 hours. I have noticed that even after about 6 hours of burning it still looks very full, so fingers crossed it lasts forever lol! Not only does this candle look gorgeous, it smells divine with spicy Indian notes of Coriander, Cardamom and Incense on a tender, enchanting base of Patchouli.

If you are planning a romantic night in you may want to indulge in Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy Body Oil (£16.20). I have been testing out 'In Love Again' with organic rosehip and avocado oils blended with pure sweet almond and apricot kernel oils, enriched with vitamin E and infused with a sensual blend of neroli, vanilla and sandalwood this oil smells absolutely delicious. The packaging is also unique with tamrillo and strawberry floating inside the bottle. This natural oil is perfect for daily use after bathing or showering in place of a lotion, especially for dry skin. It also works especially well as a soothing massage oil or bath oil ;).

I hope you all have a lovely Valentine's day! What gifts will you be purchasing this year for your loved one? xxx

Gifts for Him!

In the second installment of my perfect gifts guide we are going to talk about the boys, the mice and the men ;). Males of any age are notoriously difficult to buy for unless you are blessed with a guy that possesses a genuine passion for something... anything other than beer and 'insert appropriate sport here'. In my experience once a boy reaches the age of 13 he is interested in little but girls anyway...


Elemis Daily Men's Grooming Collection (£27 -10% at feelunique.com) - For the man who is a little tentative when it comes to skincare this set makes a perfect beginning to a routine. My very low maintanence bf has been testing this out for 2 weeks and has provided me with some valuable (albeit typically manly) feedback, though bless him for trying! He absolutely loved the skin soothe shave gel (and even asked me to get him some more!) as the foam is thick and firm it allows the blade to glide smoothly and gives a very close shave. The deep cleanse facial wash 'did a good job' and cleansed the skin without making it feel dry. The daily moisture boost was perfect for use after shaving and he found it lightweight and soothing, without being greasy or breaking him out. Overall he really enjoyed the set, and given that he normally rejects every product I attack him with... ahem.. let him try, I highly recommend it!

Armani Code Gift Set (£45) and Bleu de Chanel (£42). My two favourite men's fragrances for the season. The Armani code was purchased for the bf last year and is a great all rounder - a masculine contemporary fragrance with citrus and olive tree blossom that belnds into a slightly woody finish. Bleu de Chanel was a recent purchase that I just couldn't resist. This fragrance really reminds me of the original Abecrombie eau de toilette, but with a sophisticated twist. Incredibly sexy and fresh with notes of sandalwood, jasmine, citrus and incense it wears well and lasts through the day. The bf has given me great feedback and so have many of his female colleagues... perhaps one too many ;)?

Call Of Duty Black Ops (£39.99) - As much as I hate being woken every Saturday morning by the sounds of gunfire I can't deny the fact that pretty much every guy I know loves this game. Whether he has an X-box, PS3 or even a Wii the new COD will occupy him for hours ;). I usually use this time to blog, read or even have a little pamper so it's a win all around!

Ted Baker Shield Wool Winter Coat (£350) - If you want to really treat that special boy and keep him warm, while looking stylish this winter a coat would be a great purchase. The deep navy colour is flattering on any skin tone and does not look as harsh as black, or as 'tatty' as brown. Of course my choice had nothing to do with the doe-eyed male model, but you can't deny he looks gorgeous! The sharp lines and military inspired detailing keep this classic shape modern and sophisticated, while slimming the figure.. for the gentlemen who require a little streamlining ;).

FCUK Brown Leather Belt (£12.99 down from £30) - I always think it's a bit cheeky buying a present on sale, but hey, I won't tell if you don't. Every guy needs a smart belt and though it may not be a very exciting present it will be a useful one that he will probably wear every day!

 

Remington Groom Innovation Navigator All in One Kit (£29.99) - For the man who takes a little more care of himself this is an absolutely fantastic set to cover all his needs (some of which you may not want to know about... nose and ear trimmer anyone?). This kit includes the PG520 unit with up to 60 minutes of cordless usage (that's a whole hour of nose hair trimming!) as well as 5 attachment heads, a body hair trimmer, wide trimmer, fine trimmer, mini-foil shaver, nose & ear trimmer, 3 combs for different hair lengths (1 – 20 mm), charging stand, cleaning brush & oil bottle. Amazing value for so many tools, and you can be sure that he will find something he can use, or something you can convince him to use in the New Year ;)!

TIGI Bed Head for Men Matte Separation Workable Wax (£8.45) - We all know that guy at school, university, in the office that uses too much hair gel. The 90's are over boys, it's time to update your look! This pliable, matte wax will leave hair looking natural, sorry Westlife, and give it a secure hold without looking greasy or setting stiff and crunchy. If you no longer want sticky fingers after running your hands through his hair, sorry Ross from Friends, this may be the budget friendly hint.. umm... gift you are looking for!

I recently read the results of a poll that announced the gift most men want is that of experience, while girls prefer clothes, jewelry, cosmetics and other tangible items (go figure!). I completely agree with this, and even though it may take a little more organisation an 'experience' is a fantastic present. Of course you can chose something your man is already interested in (Super Car Driving, Golf), but I prefer to try something new such as learning a new skill (Cooking Lessons, Wine tasting, Clay Pigeon Shooting - went down a storm for the bf's bday!). Or why not try something unique such as Feeding Big Cats by Hand or a Flying Lesson?

I hope this gives you some ideas ladies! Good Luck and let me know if you have any recommendations :). xxx

Paul and Joe Beaute - Symphony Holiday Collection

Paul and Joe has always been a brand I have admired - mainly for their beautiful packaging, so I was very excited a few weeks ago when I got the chance to learn all about their latest products!

My favourite items in the Holiday Collection is the Symphony Eye and Lip Colour set, which comes in a gorgeous clutch/makeup bag in the stunning pattern that runs all the way through the packaging of this collection. Inside is your choice of two colour palettes - Adagio (£30) for lovers of neutrals and Allegro (£24 -pictured below).

Both sets include a lovely little lip tint with rose detailing and five sheet music eyeshadows. Although they may seem small at first glance each one contains up to 30 applications. The shadows are quite pigmented and smooth. The delicate colours they come in would be easy to apply with your fingers, without fear of being too heavy, making them absolutely perfect for makeup on the go! I think this set would also make a lovely gift, if only for the adorable clutch ;).

The collection also features a pressed powder duo in a case of the same pattern (£14). The duo has both a matte powder for blotting and setting and a shimmering pearl powder crescent for highlighting.

 

The powder is finely milled and lightweight, perfect for that 3pm touch up ;). The shimmer is also very subtle and adds a lovely, natural sheen without being glittery. I have been swirling both together to create a matte look with a little bit of glow.

The Holiday collection also features five nail enamels (£9) - how cute is that packaging, it definitely stands out on my little nail polish shelf!

I was given Orchestral to try (far right) a deep navy with multicoloured specks of glitter. This is the perfect colour for this time of year - dark, but with dimension and character.

I would prefer this colour on shorter nails, but as I am a little overdue for gel infills I had to make do with the talons ;). The application was pretty smooth, building up to an opaque colour in two coats. As with most glitter polishes not as much glitter transfers to the nail as in the bottle, but with a little Seche Vite top coat the sparkles were still visible. Wear has been good with minimal chipping and tip wear (but as I have gels polishes wear better than on natural nails).

More information about Paul and Joe Beaute, including stockists is available here. Just a little heads up if you are looking for a bargain as ASOS are having a little sale on some P&J products (including the pressed powder duo) at the moment ;). 

Do you have any recommendations or favourites from Paul and Joe makeuo? Have you spotted anything from their holiday collection that you are lusting after? xxx

Gifts for Her!

The most hectic days of the year are upon us and with only a week to go before Christmas it's time to get organised! So many of you have sent me messages asking for advice so I thought I would put together a little last minute gift guide, to suit all budgets, for those struggling to maintain the Christmas cheer while bustling around the shops ;). Let's begin with gifts for her (for him and for you coming up next)!

For Her

Liz Earle Essentials Try-Me kit (£21.75) - This skincare set is great for any age and would make the perfect gift for the girl who is always too busy to pamper herself, but deserves a lovely treat. This kit includes the celebratred Cleanse and Polish (with muslin cloth), Instant Boost Skin Tonic and two Skin Repair Moisturisers (one for dry/ sensitive and one for normal/combination skin) enclosed in a durable little makeup bag.

White Tea and Ginger Bath Gift Set (£24.99) - For the budget conscious who don't like to show it this set has a great range of beautifully presented products including bath soap, body lotion, bath confetti, hand wash, bubble bath, bath salts, shower gel, and sponge in a stylish ceramic bowl. You don't have to rush out either, if you order by Tuesday 21st December with standard delivery your gifts are guaranteed to be delivered by Christmas Eve!

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant (Limited Edition) (£15.50) - In this harsh winter weather Eight Hour Cream is an absolute handbag essential for dehydrated skin and chapped lips. The limited edition packaging is adorable too!

ELF 100piece Eyeshadow Palette (£15.00) - Having had the opportunity to try this palette out it is evident that the price does not reflect the quality of these shadows. Pigmented, smooth and with a range of textures this palette would make a wonderful gift for the younger girl starting to experiment with makeup through to the makeup master. I absolutely love it and think it is incredible value for money.

GHD Midnight Collection Gift Set Limited Edition (On sale £119.20 down from £149!) - This wonderful new GHD set would make a wonderful gift for the glamorous girl in your life. We all know GHDs are pricey, but this set including the gold classic styler, limited edition travel hair dryer, styler pouch with heat resistant roll mat, treasure chest case, baroque travel mirror and two ghd sectioning clips is currently 20% off!

Ted Baker Tellan Leather Jacket (£299) or Reiss Rogers Biker Leather Jacket (£275) - Every girl needs a good leather jacket, and I am in love with these two. The quality of the leather is stunning in both and the feminine, fitted shape makes it versatile and perfect to throw over a party dress or a smart blouse and pencil skirt. One of these is actually my Christmas present this year ;). Yay!

Viktor and Rolph Flowerbomb Gift Set (£48.50) and Emporio Armani Diamonds Gift Set (£34.50) - At a recent fragrance event I was given the chance to try a multitude of different perfumes and these are my two top picks for the season. V&R is one of my all time favourites - femine and floral this warm, sweet fragrance with notes of tea, bergamot, jasmine, orchid and rose is a signature statement scent. Armani Diamonds is a fragrance I had never tried before - elegant and feminine with top notes of rose and raspberry that blend into an amber and vanilla base, I think this perfume will be enjoyed by many!

Zara Messenger Bag (£29.99) - While browsing the Zara website (as you do!) I noticed this stunning bag and thought it would make a perfect present at a budget friendly price! With it's classic shape, mix of materials and geometric perforations it is completely on trend for this season, and will accessorize a number of outfits perfectly.

Phew! I hope that was helpful my lovelies! Stay tuned for the next installments in this series - For Him and For YOU! Hope you are all well and looking after yourselves :). 

Natalya xxx

Clippy

A few weeks ago I was introduced to an innovative and unique range of bags from Clippy. I have seen these popping up in various places and always thought how cute they were, so I was happy to try them out and see what kind of designs I could create.

This is the cover girl make up bag (£10) decorated with one of my favourite adverts from this season - the stunning Louis Vuitton trio.. aaaaaah! I think this bag is absolutely adorable and the perfect size to be used as a clutch, makeup bag or even a pencil case. The Clippy range also has larger washbags to fit all your toiletries, and with space for up to 12 photos it's a lovely way to bring your loved ones with you on your trips away;).

The Cover girl tote-bag with pink handles (£16.50) is the perfect size for magazine covers, or 8 photos. I really do think these are a great idea as you can change and personalise your bag as often as you like. For those of you with an artistic streak you can even create collages or use the sticker kits from clippy to fashion your own designs.

These Clippy bags would also make an amazing present. Just imagine taking some special photos, postcards, fabric and ribbon and creating a unique and personal gift...

 

Clippy bags are available online at http://www.clippykitlondon.co.uk/. I currently have my eye on the little dolly umbrella too... isn't it adorable?

Have you tried anything from the Clippy range? Do you like the idea of decorating and personalising your own accessories? xxx