beauty Archives - FashionForRoyals

How do I determine my own “hair type”?

Deciding what hair type you have is a big step to finding the best Haircare products. Here is how you can find your hair type.

It is important to know what type of hair you have as this will help you to choose the best products to look after it and ensure your hair always looks and feels fantastic. Don’t forget that when your hair looks great you feel more confident.

Deciding what type of hair you have is a big step to finding the best Haircare products for you.

There are three considerations when deciding your hair type:

Density

The density of your hair is effectively the thickness. The greater the number of individual strands on your head the denser or thicker your hair is. It’s worth noting that you can have thin hair that is dense and thick hair that is fine.

To assess the density of your hair you need to take a chunk of it in your hand and pull it to one side. Then, see how easy it is to see your scalp, this will tell you the density of your hair.

If there is little blocking your scalp then you have thin density hair. In contrast, barely being able to see your scalp means you have thick-density hair. Partial scalp visibility means you have medium-density hair.

2. Diameter

The next step is to look at the diameter of your hair. This means how thick each individual strand is Don’t worry, you will not need a tape measure. All you have to do is hold one strand of hair between your forefinger and your thumb.

If the strand is barely visible or appears invisible you have thin hair. When it is easy to see the hair strand you have thick hair. Anything between these two extremes will class as medium thickness.

3. Porosity

The final stage is looking at the porosity. This is how good your hair is at absorbing and retaining moisture. Its ability to retain moisture is essential for it to stay healthy and looking good.

It can also help you to choose the right product for your hair.

The best way to test porosity is to pull one strand of hair out of your head and drop it into a glass of water. If the hair sinks to the bottom you have high porosity. Unfortunately, this means your hair is easier to damage as it will easily absorb chemicals and other substances which are not beneficial to your hair.

When the strand of hair floats on the surface it tells you your porosity is low. Your hair will take a long time to dry and doesn’t let moisture or other substances in easily. This makes it hard to style and increases the likelihood of you using heat products that will damage your hair.

Medium porosity occurs when your hair floats halfway down the glass. This is the best option as your hair requires minimal maintenance and dries easily, making it less prone to being damaged.

Remember, there is no right or wrong hair type. As long as you know what type of hair you have you can purchase the best products to look after it effectively.

Best Christmas Beauty Advent Calendar 2020

Christmas is incomplete without pretty Christmas Beauty Advent calendars. Here are some advent calendars you can buy this year.

Christmas is all about decorating the Christmas tree, lights filled streets and hot chocolate, but another thing that I always look forward to on Christmas are Beauty Advent calendars. The mystery of discovering a new makeup or skincare product each day is something that I am always excited about. You can buy an advent calendar for yourself if you love the element of surprise in your life or you can gift it to a loved one and make their Christmas extra special. I always buy one for myself as I think the deals are pretty amazing and you get so many nice beauty products at lesser prices. Find more festive blogs here.

Here are some of the Christmas advent calendars that I am eyeing this year.

From £50 to £100

1. L’Occitane Luxury Beauty Advent Calendar

24 of L’Occitane’s best-selling luxury skincare, fragrance and body-care treat all put together to make your Christmas countdown special. Unlock new, natural skincare favourites each day to get your festive glow on.
Price – £99.00
Buy here

2. Bare Minerals 24 Days of Clean Beauty Advent Calendar

Make you Christmas countdown an exciting one with this limited-edition skincare and beauty advent calendar. It has 24 mini makeup or skincare surprises to make your Christmas even more special.
Price – £89.00
Buy here

3. NYX Professional Makeup Diamonds and Ice Please 24 Day Advent Calendar

Kick-start the holiday season with this limited edition advent calendar featuring 24 of NYX Professional Makeup’s iconic best-sellers in mini and full sizes. From mascara to gloss this one has everything, you need to get your glam on.
Price – £50
Buy here

4. Clarins 12 Days of Christmas Calendar

Start a perfect countdown to Christmas with 12 beauty surprises, two full-size and ten travel-sized. All Clarin’s iconic products stacked up in one box to make you feel the festive cheer.
Price – £60.00
Buy here

5. Benefit Cosmetics Shake Your Beauty Advent Calendar

benefut cosmetics christmas advent calendar

This 12 products calendar is packed with cute minis of Benefit Cosmetics best-selling products. With products like Hoola bronzer, the POREfessional face primer, this one is a dreamy treat for beauty lovers.
Price – £58.50
Buy here

6. Kiehl’s Advent Calendar

With a collection of Kiehl’s most-loved skin care products, this advent calendar is perfect to get you in the holiday spirit. This calendar has everything from face cleansers to moisturisers and is worth every penny spent.
Price – £89
Buy here

7. Lush Advent Calendar

No better way to do Christmas countdown than discovering vegan scented shower and bath products for 12 days. This pack filled with bath bombs, body scrubs, bubble bars, shower gels, will help you relax and rejuvenate before the festivities begin.
Price – £75
Buy here

From £100 to £200

8. M.A.C 2020 Advent Calendar

A pink shiny beauty box filled with 24 pieces of your favourite M.A.C beauty items to make your countdown to Christmas an exciting one. With minis and full size of M.A.C classics be ready to unlock a new surprise every day.
Price – £125.00
Buy here

9. John Lewis & Partners Beauty Advent Calendar

With a collection of 25 full and travel size products from some famous luxury brands around the globe, this calendar has been designed to ensure that you’re perfectly prepped and pampered for the festive season.
Price – £150.00
Buy here

10. LANCOME Beauty Advent Calendar

Each house in this LANCOME Advent calendar is filled with a mini or full-size luxurious beauty treat. With some of their best-selling products, this advent calendar is something you must add to your Christmas shopping list.
Price – £105.00
Buy here

11. Elemis 25 Days of Spectacular Skin Advent Calendar

Another advent calendar that you can go for this Christmas is the Elemis Skin Advent Calendar that has 25 of their finest products. It is an amazing pick for the festive season as you get products worth £559 in just £250.
Price – £175.00
Buy here

12. The Body Shop Make It Real Together Ultimate Advent Calendar

Awaken your senses and celebrate the countdown to Christmas with 25 products that will uplift, pamper and rejuvenate and set you nicely for the holiday season. From skin care to makeup, you get it all in this one.
Price – £130.00
Buy here

13. Charlotte Tilbury Bejewelled Chest of Beauty Treasures Advent Calendar

Charlotte Tilbury christmas advent calender

12 full size and travel size magic makeup put together to bring your beauty dreams come true this Christmas. With gorgeous golden packaging, this beauty box of joy will get you in the celebration mood right away.
Price – £150.00
Buy here

14. NARS Advent Calendar

This advent calendar is what lipstick dreams are made of. With 12 full size NARS lipsticks in a variety of finishes, I bet this one will be loved by all the lipstick lovers.
Price – £175.00
Buy here

15. L’Occitane Hand Illustrated Reusable Advent Calendar

Loccitane reusable christmas advent calendar

Apart from the amazing products that this calendar has, another great thing about it is that it is hand illustrated and is made of recycled cotton, so it can be reused for years to come. Each pocket of this beautiful calendar has a luxury size product.
Price – £160.00
Buy here

So, these are my advent calendars suggestions for the upcoming holiday season, get one for yourself and give your vanity the much-needed upgrade.

MY FAVOURITE BEAUTY HACKS

Quick and easy beauty hacks that work are something every girl is on a lookout for. So, here are some of my top favourite tried and tested beauty hacks.

Beauty hacks are something that excites me and I am always looking for some quick hacks to include in my beauty regime or for those lazy days. Over the years I have tried a lot of beauty hacks, some of them worked for me and some of them were a total fail. So, here I am sharing some of my favourite beauty hacks. You can also checkout more beauty tips and tricks here.

Concealer as a lipstick base

Want your lipstick to pop and to stay on for a longer time? Just put some concealer on your lips before applying your lipstick. Using a concealer on your lips will give more colour payoff to your lipstick and will help it to stay in place and not smudge or transfer easily. So, next time while applying your favourite lipstick, try this little hack and see how bright those lips look.

Concealer as an eyeshadow primer

foundation as eye shadow primer beauty hack

What if I tell you that you can use your concealer as a perfect eyeshadow base and the outcome will still be the same? Seriously, I have used this hack many times and the result never fails to amaze me. It works as good as an actual eyeshadow primer. All you have to do is, take a little bit of your concealer, apply it to your eyelids using your fingers or a brush and carry on with your usual eye makeup and believe me you won’t be disappointed with the outcome.

Bronzer as an eyeshadow for a natural look

Do you also have days when you want your eyes to stand out but don’t want to apply eyeshadow? Well, if the answer is yes, then this hack is all you need. Take your favorite bronzer, swipe it across your eyelids, and make those eyes pop. This hack is also best for those hot summer days when you don’t want to go overboard with makeup, but still want to look put together.

Lipstick as blush

I bet you have heard of this one before, after all, it’s one of the most common beauty hacks. We all are guilty of having some lipsticks that we don’t use anymore, so why not use them as a cream blush. Just dab some lipstick on your cheekbones and blend it using a brush or your fingers for a more precise application and voila you are done. This hack also comes in handy for all those sudden plans after work.

Dark eyeshadow as eyebrow powder

eye shadow as eyebrow powder beauty hack

Yes, you heard it right. You can use your eyeshadow to fill in your brows and the result will be just as good as using a brow powder. The only challenge is choosing the right shade and formula of eyeshadow. The blacks and browns in your palette are your best options and make sure you are using a matte eyeshadow. Experiment with different shades and once you’ve found the perfect one you are good to go.

Shimmery eyeshadow as a highlighter

The first time I used this hack was a few years ago when I was in a hurry and my actual highlighter was nowhere to be found. So, I just picked up one of my eyeshadow palettes and used a coral shimmery eyeshadow as a highlighter instead and went out and no one could tell the difference. Since then, I can’t even remember the times I have used this hack. I mostly use the beige, coral, and peach shades of eyeshadow, you can see what shade works best for you and go with it.

Flip your hair partition to another side for volume

This one is my favourite beauty hack and it is the easiest one out there. Changing your hair partition is the quickest way to add some immediate volume and bounce to your hair. When we part our hair regularly to one side, then overtime it starts looking flat, so this simple trick of changing your hair partition can make a huge difference in no time.

These are the hacks that I use the most on a day-to-day basis. Try them for yourself and see which one works best for you.

The Nude Pout – 5 Favourite Nude Lipsticks

A nude lip never goes out of style, but the struggle of finding a perfect nude lipstick is real. So, here I bring to you my 5 favourite nude lipsticks for every occasion.

Lipstick is a girl’s best friend and a handbag essential. The nude colour mood means different things to people, and for me, personally, nudes can either be a statement, a neutral component to ground, an otherwise dramatic eye look, or an everyday my-lips-but-better concept.

Here is a peek at the top 5 nudes currently living in my makeup bag:

MAC – Mehr

Described as a blue-toned pink, this soft hue was designed by Mickey Contractor of MAC Cosmetics India. So, while it does suit a variety of skin tones, it is fair to say that Mehr has put an end to the search for the perfect pink nude for Indian skin. The MAC Matte formula is comfortable, does not dry my lips, is pigmented, and the shade is versatileas a daily wear to office or even for a glamourous look.

MAC – Mehr
Price – £17.50
Click here to buy

Clarins Rouge Eclat – Wood Rose

Yet another comfortable daily wear lip colour. The collagen boosting and hydrating formula feel extremely nourishing, and imparts luminosity, for a healthier and fuller pout. The warm brown rose is a great “my lips but better” vibe, and the buildable formula means that you can take it from a medium coverage tint for office to a fully opaque partner to your smokey eye on your night out.

Clarins Rouge Eclat
Price – £20
Click here to buy

Revlon Super Lustrous – Sassy Mauve 463

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Sassy Mauve

A comfortable cream-satin formula and extensive shade range make the Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick an incredibly popular choice for enthusiasts, even amongst its more luxurious peers. As a part of the pink nude family, this particular shade is very comparable to the aforementioned MAC Mehr, except that it is slightly deeper and moodier in hue and the formulation is creamier and luminous that feels extremely nourishing and hydrating.

Revlon Super Lustrous – Sassy Mauve 463
Price – £7.99
Click here to buy

MAC Cremesheen Glass – Candy Box

Sometimes a matte nude lip can lean towards a concealer lip, which can make one look washed out or draining, and feel patchy. And while that is a look in itself, a more approachable and comfortable formula can be a plumping gloss in a shade that is close to your skin tone, giving lips life without much colour. I particularly like wearing this for more informal occasions than office wear. You will find me wearing it when I’m out shopping or running errands, on date nights or at outings with friends.

MAC Cremesheen Gloss – Candy Boc
Price – £10
Click here to buy

Lipstick Queen – Saint Sheer Lipstick in Peachy Natural

Lipstick Queen Saint Sheer Lipstick Peachy Natural

If you are looking for something with minimal effort or fuss, then the Saint Sheer Lipstick range by Lipstick Queen is the one to reach for. I have recently started using the shade Peachy Natural – a soft beige rose in a sheer, balmy, low maintenance and effortless formula. Especially love it now when I’m working from home, but still want to feel put together.

Lipstick Queen – Saint Sheer Lipstick in Peachy Natural
Price – £22.00
Click here to buy

These are the current members of the nude colour family in my makeup arsenal, but I am always open to expanding my collection. So, if you have any recommendations or suggestions, or just want to share your love for lip products, then let’s open a conversation and indulge in some colours, formulae and fun!

Find more makeup reviews and awesome beauty tips and tricks here.

Five Tips for Keeping Your Cosmetics Kit Tidy

Keeping your cosmetics kit tidy not only helps you get through your beauty routine more easily, but it also looks much nicer and has many other benefits too. Keeping makeup past its sell-by date could cause spots on the face and also makeup begins to not look it’s best when it has been open for too long. If you are awful at keeping your cosmetics de-cluttered and all in one place, then look no further. Here are five simple tips to help you sort out your morning routine.

Check the Expiry Date

One of the most important things we need to check when looking at our cosmetics kit is the expiry date of the product. Almost all makeup has some sort of expiry date or use by date on it, usually telling you to throw it away after 3, 6 or 12 months, as a rule. This helps to keep your kit de-cluttered and if you see you’re throwing away basically a full tube of something then this is also a great way to check what makeup habits are setting you back dollars for no reason.

Buy a Cosmetic Kit Holder

A cosmetic kit holder is a godsend for someone who is constantly routing through their drawers for their makeup or moisturizers in the morning. The beauty of cosmetic kit holders is there are so many to choose from and so many ways to organize your cosmetics that you can find a way that works for you and the space you have.

This makes the space look much better too, meaning you can have more fun doing your makeup. If you’re into DIY, then why not check out these DIY tips for storing makeup and cosmetics.

Clean Your Brushes Regularly

To keep your cosmetics tidy, you need to keep them clean. Failing to clean brushes can lead to all kinds of bacteria and dirt building up on the bristles. This leads to patchy makeup and can cause all kinds of skin problems. You clean your face daily, so why then put dirty brushes all over your face? Cleaning your brushes can be a pain but you can purchase brush cleaner to ensure your bristles stay intact and healthy between washes. Dedicate some time each week to do this and you will soon see the benefits.

Throw it Away!

We are all guilty of having cosmetics in our storage kits that we don’t use anymore. If this is the case it is time to let go. Whilst it can be difficult throwing away things that we have bought, sometimes cosmetics don’t suit us or aren’t right for our skin, but this is how we learn what is right for us. If you can and it’s hygienic, see if you can pass on the cosmetics to someone or sell it if the makeup is still sealed. If you want to save some money after throwing away your old cosmetics then check out these free offers for beauty supplies.

Organize by Category

An easy way to keep your kit tidy is to organize it by category. This means having different pots for different parts of your face or storing it in order of how you apply it. This makes your cosmetic routine so much easier and quicker and saves a lot of hassle. For those who like to keep things organized, this is the best way to do so. Many of the famous beauty Youtubers swear by this method as a great way to keep their cosmetics kit tidy.

Keeping your cosmetic kit tidy will save time in your beauty routine and ensure that everything stays clean. As you are constantly putting these products on your face, it’s important to keep your kit clean and tidy to ensure your face stays free from spots.

Best 5 Foundations – Tested & Tried

Flawless finish has always been my mantra with makeup and nothing matters more than the choice of the right foundation. But since there is so much that goes into choosing the right one, I never take it frivolously. Here is the checklist I follow- it should be the right shade to match my skin tone, give me an awesome coverage and flawless finish, and be good to my skin too.

Well, this makes the choice tricky and so does the fact that there are some amazing options from my favorite brands out there.

With a lot of hit and trial, I have arrived at this list of my hot favorite foundations this season. Let’s check them out.

Pro Longwear Foundation by Mac

I have been using this product for over six years now, which is enough to prove how much I love this one. A creamy foundation, it gives me full coverage and lasts as long as 15 hours, which makes it just perfect for weddings and photo shoots. And the best thing is that it is oil-free and sweat and humidity-resistant as well. For my skin tone, I use NC 40 for winters and NC 42 for summers.

Pro Longwear Foundation by Mac
Price: £28.00
Click here to buy

Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 by Bobbi Brown

While Mac has been in my makeup box for years now, Bobbi Brown is one is my latest favorite. As it claims, this longwear weightless lasts really, really long but feels totally natural…like weightless! It is great for every day long stay looks and I can vouch that because I have worn this from 6 am to 12 o clock at night with no touch-ups and still looking flawless. You can build it from medium to full coverage. My shades are natural tan and warm natural.

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Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF 15 by Bobbi Brown
Price: £ 32.00
Click here to buy

Faux Filter Foundation Milkshake 100B by Huda Beauty

This one became a huge rave right from the day it hit the shelves and I could not just resist the temptation to try it. And I am glad that I did because it blends seamlessly with my skin to offer me great coverage for special occasions. It gives heavy coverage but the consistency is really good.

Baklava is the shade that works for me and as with all other Huda products I’ve used till date, this one too does not disappoint.

Faux Filter Foundation Baklava 340G by Huda Beauty
Price: £32.00
Click here to buy

Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation by Lancome

My beauty fundamental is never to compromise with quality; if you want to get good results, you should not think twice about investing in good skin products.

Lancome is a brand that I absolutely trust and Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation from this brand makes it to the list of my favorites. The long stay foundation gives a perfectly natural look that is ideal for work, events and shopping.

There are 40 shades to choose from and I’m sure you’d find one that is a perfect match for yours, my shade is 038. The bottle lasts long and I love its consistency.

Tient Idole Ultra Wear Foundation by Lancome
Price: £ 32.00
Click here to buy

Power Play Foundation by Cover FX

This is a brand I’ve tried recently and I’d say that I am pretty impressed by the products. The Power Play Foundation offers medium coverage which you can build to get a natural finish. In fact, this is the reason that I have started using it as one of my everyday foundations currently. My shade is G50. Interestingly, their website has a quiz that helps you find the right shade based on the brand shade of foundation that you are using currently. This feature saves time for busy bees like us as we need not test on the counter and can find the right one with just a few clicks.

Power Play Foundation by Cover FX
Price: £44.00
Click here to buy

Go ahead and try out these incredible products. I’m sure you’d love them as much as I do!

Christmas Gift Ideas for 2018

Holiday season is finally here, and while it brings with it the promise of all things fun – parties, presents and playful time – it can also bring some stress when it comes to finding the perfect gifts for the ones we love and care for.

But don’t worry – if you’re stuck in a rut when it comes to finding the right presents this Christmas, I’ve got you covered!

Everyone knows that a girl can never have enough makeup, and cosmetics are a good place to start when it comes to gifts for the lovely ladies in your life. You can’t go wrong with a good, multi-purpose eyeshadow palette like the classic Naked 3 by Urban Decay, or the Rosy Nudes Eye Palette by Esteé Lauder.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette, Naked 3
Price: £ 33.57
Click here to buy

Estée Lauder Pure Colour Eye Palette, Rosy Nudes
Price: £ 32.30
Click here to buy

Alternatively, a good makeup brush set always comes in handy, and the Pro Essential Teddy Bear set by Too Faced is perfect for the festive season, with its gorgeous pink and gold tones, and makeup case to match! A gift card for a subscription service like Glossybox is always a failproof gift as well – I know I would absolutely love to receive on.

Too Faced Pro-Essential Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set
Price: £ 44.10
Click here to buy

For ladies (and gentlemen) who are looking to spruce up their skincare routine, a great, high-quality tool will always be appreciated. The Foreo Luna cleanser is a keeper, and the mini version is great for people who travel regularly.

Foreo Luna Cleanser
Price: $199
Click here to buy

And if it’s haircare that is top-of-mind for this friend or family member, you can’t go wrong with the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (loved by men and women alike!) or the Dyson Airwrap for those gorgeous, luscious curls.

Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer, Iron/Fuchsia
Price: £ 299.99
Click here to buy

Dyson Airwrap Smooth + Control Styler
Price: £ 399.99
Click here to buy

Ladies who love accessories will always appreciate a beautiful jewellery box to go on their dresser, like the stunning Blush Pink one by Stackers, which comes with handy compartments as well, or a handy jewellery stand to organise their day-to-day baubles – again, Stackers has a fantastic rose gold option which can be used for necklaces, bracelets and earrings – what’s not to love? Better yet, why not gift your loved one a unique piece of jewellery – if you can personalise it with their name or something that is meaningful to your relationship with them, even better!

Stackers Jewellery Box Lid, Blush Pink
Price: £ 25.00
Click here to buy

Stackers Rose T-Bar Jewellery Stand
Price: £ 30.00
Click here to buy

The Louison Crystal Stud earrings by Swarovski make an excellent gift for a girlfriend or sister, as do any of the minimalistic piece by modern brand Missoma. If jewellery isn’t what you’re looking for, a gorgeous scarf is always a thoughtful gift, and a valuable accessory in every woman’s wardrobe.

Cashmere scarfs come in handy for the cold winter weather, while bolder ones like Cobalt/Orange piece from Chesca can be used to spruce up a dull outfit, tied to a handbag for some extra oomph and doubled up as a wrap and coverup when on vacation. A girl can never have too many!

Swarovski Louison Crystal Stud Earrings, Silver/Clear
Price: £ 69.00
Click here to buy

Missoma
Click here to buy

Chesca Tartan Print Wool Silk Scarf, Cobalt/Orange
Price: £ 75.00
Click here to buy

If you’re looking for the right gift for your favourite homebody, or simply someone who appreciates a good scent, candles are always a safe bet. Jo Malone is top-of-mind when it comes to heavenly candles that are delightful to look at as well – I’m currently loving the citrusy Lime, Basil and Mandarin one, while The Pomegranate Noir scented candle makes a great unisex option.

Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle, 200g
Price: £ 47.00
Click here to buy

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Home Candle, 200g
Price: £ 47.00
Click here to buy

Kitchen tools and accessories are great options as well – a pair of statement shot glasses like the lovely copper ones by Tom Dixon, a nice cheeseboard for the perfect spread or bold, stand-out crockery are gifts that will be loved and well-used.

Tom Dixon Plum Shot Glasses With Alcohol Measure Gift Set, Set of 4
Price: £ 70.00
Click here to buy

Books are always a thoughtful gift. If you don’t know which title is next on their reading list, opt for a universally-loved piece of literature.

Popular titles like Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind by Yuval Noah Harari (excellent choice for non-fiction lovers!), or Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (a sure-fire favourite for anyone who has a creative bone in their body) are definitely the way to go. Try to list out the topics, people and activities that your friend or family member is interested in, and find the best titles in categories that are relevant to them.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Human Kind by Yuval Noah Harari
Price: INR 99.0 (Kindle Edition)
Click here to buy

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Price: INR 234.65 (Kindle Edition)
Click here to buy

If you have a slightly higher budget, tech products are always an excellent choice! The Apple watch is a gift that almost anyone would love to receive, and if you have a health fanatic in your life, a Fitbit is definitely the way to go. These are gifts that they will use every day, and will last them for seasons to come as well.

Apple watch
Click here to buy

Fitbit watch
Click here to buy

And finally, for those people who just “have everything” – gift them an experience that they will remember for life. Websites like Tinggly.com allow you to find and gift the perfect experience to your loved one – everything from canyon jumping to romantic horse rides on the beach, and so much more. They have something for every budget and every type of person, so you are bound to find something for the loved ones in your life – give it a go!

Christmas trinkets like baubles make excellent stocking stuffers, or gifts in their own right – if you can get them personalised, even better! Alternatively, you can even fill the baubles with small gifts, making for a delightful and fun surprise when they are opened.

Above all, ensure that you make quality time for your family, friends and loved ones this season – gifts will come and go, but memories will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas!

Top 10 Beauty Advent Calendars For Christmas 2018

For the beauty-loving divas out there, Christmas advent calendars are always so much fun. In fact, they are one of the reasons that you probably wait for the holiday season all year long. Isn’t it amazing to wake up to an incredible beauty treat every morning up to Christmas Day! What more, it can save you a lot of money as there are always impressive deals around. Here are some of the favorites I have listed for Christmas 2018. While I share them with you, we will have to wait and see which one I’ll end up buying!

Luxury Advent Calendar – L’Occitane

This calendar contains 24 travel sizes of the brand’s premium goods. Each of the drawers is packed with a pleasant surprise. The entire range of products is infused with natural ingredients such as almond, cherry blossom and shea butter.

Luxury Advent Calendar – L’Occitane
Price: £ 89.00
Click here to buy

The Little Beauty Parcel-Feelunique

The Little Beauty Parcel by Feelunique offers a wonderful collection of hand-picked beauty treats from the famous brands across the globe. Get ready to start 24 wonderful days by revealing a full size and deluxe pack of your favorite skincare, makeup and haircare products.

The Little Beauty Parcel-Feelunique
Price: £ 75.00
Click here to buy

Enchanted Advent Calendar- The Body Shop

Another advent calendar that I recommend for Christmas 2018 is the Enchanted Advent Calendar from The Body Shop, which is awesomely, reasonably priced. Get a myriad of treats all 24 in number, from bath and body surprises to skincare favorites, makeup, haircare and fun accessories.

Enchanted Advent Calendar- The Body Shop
Price: £45.00
Click here to buy

Estée Lauder Holiday 12 Day Advent Calendar

Priced at £80, this 12-day advent calendar may sound a tad expensive but believe me, it’s worth every penny spent. There a deluxe travel-sized pieces to start each day in luxury, in addition to the Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, the innovative product from the renowned brand.

Estée Lauder Holiday 12 Day Advent Calendar
Price: £80.00
Click here to buy

Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar- Debenhams

Another one that I would love to recommend is the Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar by Debenhams, which is 24 days of sheer pleasure. Amazingly, you get treats worth over £150 by spending less than half the amount. Open up products from some top international brands and get a chance to try some new ones too.

Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar – Debenhams
Price: £70.0
Click here to buy

Glam Sparkle Beauty Advent Calendar-Selfridges

Selfridges packs some incredible goodies from the best selling beauty brands such as Lancôme, YSL, Kiehl’s, Viktor & Rolf AND Urban Decay. The limited edition presents haircare, skincare and cosmetic products that every trendy diva would want to own.

Glam Sparkle Beauty Advent Calendar-Selfridges
Price: £ 130
Click here to buy

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar

This is the one that I would definitely want to have, considering that it gives your products worth over £300 in just £79. The premium collection of 25 treats is sheer luxury, with anti-tans, cosmetics, haircare and branded tools that you can choose to look dazzling this Christmas.

Lookfantastic Advent Calendar
Price: £ 79
Click here to buy

All I Want- Glossybox Advent Calendar

Another advent box that you can gift yourself this holiday season is the All I Want- Glossybox Advent Calendar. The deal sounds too good to be true- 25 ultimate products, 17 of them are full-sized from the biggies like HUDA Beauty, bareMinerals and NARS, all worth over £300!

All I Want- Glossybox Advent Calendar
Price: £ 99
Click here to buy

9. Beauty Advent Calendar- Liberty London

Get ready for the most iconic holiday countdown with the Beauty Advent Calendar by Liberty London. Though priced on the higher side, it is for the woman who settles for nothing but the best. 25 pieces that guarantee a super-awesome holiday look!

Beauty Advent Calendar- Liberty London
Price: £ 195
Click here to buy

10. John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar

This is an amazing collection of 25 full-size and sample-size products, with my favorites in skincare, makeup and fragrances of some of the best beauty brands. Unlock one door every day and pamper yourself with a beauty treat all through the festive season.

John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar
Price: £ 165
Click here to buy

If you want to try new stuff and are looking for some excitement during the holiday season, try one of these advent calendars this Christmas.

My New Favorite Face Products

It is a truth universally acknowledged that healthy, glowing skin is a byproduct of a nutritious diet and carefully chosen skin products. Apart from eating the right kind of food, I also invest in skincare products that promise to deliver good results.

Every now and then, as I find the various lotions and potions I use diminishing in quantity, I explore new skin products and find the right combo to fit my needs. Here’s my take on some of the latest finds – hope my review helps when you’re out product-hunting next!

Sukin CTM Products

First, let’s look at this new brand I have tested Sukin, which is an Australian organic skincare brand. I have here tested their Foaming Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Mist Toner, and Facial Moisturiser as well. I wanted to replace my usual CTM products with organic cosmetics to test if it really made a difference.

The Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser is an inexpensive facewash that is great for everyday use, if you have combination or oily skin. It removes excess oil, without leaving my skin dry and patchy, though I definitely need to use a moisturizer after. I feel it leaves my skin feeling cleansed and soft, with a mild fragrance.

I follow up the cleanser with a generous spritz of the Hydrating Mist Toner. The toner has a lovely fragrance and hydrating effect, which ensures that I never miss the toning part of the CTM routine. I often use the toner on warmer days to simply freshen my face before a touch-up – I simply love the soft floral fragrance it leaves behind.

The Sukin Facial Moisturiser comes after the cleansing and toning. It is a light-weight moisturizer which leaves my skin feeling fresh. It doesn’t clog my pores or leave an oily sheen as some other moisturizers do. I often use it at night time and wake up with hydrated skin, no oily T-zone.

I would say that the Sukin products I tested are an affordable basic skin care range for people with combination to oily. I’m not sure how these products would fare for dry-skinned people, but my experience with them has been great so far.

Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser
Price: £7.95
Click here to buy

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner
Price: £ 7.95
Click here to buy

Sukin Facial Moisturizer
Price: £ 7.95
Click here to buy

SkinCeuticals Anti-Ageing Serum

Getting past basic skincare, let’s come to one of my most exciting finds – the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense. Now, this is a product that gets a big thumbs-up from me. The product markets itself as a salicylic acid acne treatment for ageing skin.

With only two weeks of regular usage, I found that the serum was working its charm and how! My skin felt smoother, with better texture and radiance, and lesser oiliness at midday and even after a full night’s sleep. The serum has a clear fluid that spreads easily over the skin and it absorbed quickly. In my opinion, this product is worth purchasing again, even though it is slightly pricey. I will probably continue using it in the long term for clear, youthful skin.

SkinCeuticals Anti-Ageing Serum
Price: £ 78.00
Click here to buy

Burt’s Bees Lipsticks

Now let’s get to some makeup products. Burt’s Bees lipsticks – #532 Russet River, #524 Wine Wave, and #551 Magenta Rush. The lipsticks have a semi-matte finish, are highly moisturizing, and apply smoothly without tugging. They stay on me for a good 5-6 hours without touch-up though they do transfer on eating or drinking.

Russer River is a deep brown shade with red undertones which is great for office or evening wear. Wine Wave is a luscious purple-brown that I typically wear to evening dates or afternoon events. The Magenta Rush is a bright, playful shade that I reserve for casual outings in the daytime. These lipsticks are a wonderful addition to my vanity and used frequently these days.

Burt’s Bees Lipsticks
Price: £ 9.99
Click here to buy

The Soap Company Haul

Coming to the new bath products I tried; I got some lovely handcrafted soaps by The Soap Company, India, and they were every bit as lovely as I hoped. Handcrafted with nourishing ingredients, these soapy beauties promise to enrich the skin, leaving it scented, clean, and fresh. I got 4 beauty bars – Rose, Tangy Orange, Lemon Bee, And White Musk Shea Butter. What I love about them is that they are handcrafted with pure natural ingredients, thus reducing the skin’s exposure to chemicals. Also, unlike other soaps, these do not leave the skin dry and flaky,and are foamy enough for a luxuriant bathing experience. Kudos to The Soap Company for the lovely fragrance and sskin-energizing properties of their beauty bars.

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury Rose Soap
Price: INR 125
Click here to buy

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury Tangy Orange Soap
Price: INR 110
Click here to buy

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury Lemon Bee Soap
Price: INR 120
Click here to buy

The Soap Company India Handcrafted Luxury White Musk Shea Butter Soap
Price: INR 125
Click here to buy

True North Products

Finally, let’s look at the True North skincare range that won me over. This brand has a unique, scientific approach to skin solutions and offers products based on biometric analysis of your skin type. I first tried their Timeless Eye 5.3 eye-gel which turned out to be an absolute wonder. It comes is a 15g tube, and is to be applied 1-2 times a day. I used it every night before sleeping and with two weeks of usage, could see the results; the under-eye area was definitely more supple, soft, and bright than before. I would recommend it to anyone with tired, sunken eyes – it really worked for me!

I also tried the De-Stressed Day 2.1 day cream, which is meant for normal to oily skin. I applied it as part of my CTM routine and was pretty satisfied with the results. It has a light, smooth texture, and is absorbed quickly into the skin. I felt that the cream left my skin feeling soft and radiant, without any post-usage greasy sheen; that’s what I need in a good moisturizer!

I also tried the De-Stressed Serum 4.1 which claims to be a super-hydrating product for all skin-types. I used it at night, along with the eye-gel, and felt that my skin looked healthier, softer, with just a week’s usage. I’d say it’s a good buy for people with dry, patchy skin.

True North Timeless Eye 5.3 eye-gel
Price: £ 29.60
Click here to buy

True North De-Stressed Day 2.1 day cream
Price: £ 32.00
Click here to buy

True North De-Stressed Serum 4.1
Price: £ 39.20
Click here to buy

So this was all on my new face product finds. What about you? Do share!

Stila Make-up Haul Reviews

When it comes to cosmetics, I love experimenting with new products and trends. I always keep my eyes peeled for unfamiliar vials, pots, and bottles at makeup counters, and recently picked up several Stila products I’ve never used before.

As a luxury makeup brand, Stila promises and delivers the best kind of flair and finish with its products. Here is my experience with three Stila products I’ve begun using recently:

The Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow is my favourite find of the lot. I bought the Rose Gold Retro shade and have worn is to several outings in just a few weeks. The eyeshadow has great staying power and does not smudge at all. A little quantity goes a long way, and you can adjust the intensity by increasing or decreasing the strokes. Since the pigment is deep and has a glittery finish, I usually put on just a single layer. The product in general and this shade, in particular, is very versatile and can be used as an accent to other darker shades. I have even used the eyeshadow as an eye-liner and that worked well too! I love this sparkly range of liners which are all in soft, glowy shades.

Price: £23
Star Ration: 3.8 Stars
Buy Here

The Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick is the other product I was quite impressed with. I quite like the Bacca (Raspberry) and Tesoro (Orange Red) shades which complement my complexion and create a bold-lip look. The lipstick is formulated with several nourishing ingredients including Vitamin E and avocado oil which makes the finish matte and smooth. You do not need to worry about dry and cracked lip colour since the texture is creamy and formula hydrating. This range by Stila would be a good option for long-wear, and with 32 shades to choose from, you can find the right shade for each occasion.

Price: £16
Star Rating: 4 stars
Buy Here

My suggestion for all the lipstick junkies is to go for the Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set. Each set contains three shades of the collection in 0.05 fl. Oz vials. These miniature bottles are very handy and best for when you’re carrying a clutch or travelling light. Also, you get three different shades in the price of almost one full-sized lipstick of this range. Sounds like a good deal, doesn’t it?

Price: £20
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Buy Here

Overall, I’m very happy with my makeup haul from Stila. My rating for the products I used is a high-flying 4.5 stars. I’ll probably be stopping by for more eyeshadow and lipstick shades soon.

LookFantastic Beauty Box – June 2017 Unboxing

Beauty boxes are a great way to try different products from different brands without spending a bomb. We all know cosmetics and personal care products can get a little expensive if you like brands. That’s when you go for a beauty box. You get to try some of the top brands for a great deal. Plus I love the element of surprise as you don’t know what’s going to be in the bag next month, something like a birthday gift to myself each month.

There are a lot of beauty boxes available in the market featuring different types of products. Some are makeup only where are some are more lifestyle oriented. I love a beauty box with a great balance between makeup and skincare or hair care products. Recently I came across the beauty bag by Lookfantastic.com. Lookfantastic is an online British beauty boutique and the ultimate destination for hair, beauty, skincare and all things gorgeous.

They have different subscription options starting from a month to a year based on your needs. If you aren’t sure about the whole beauty box experience you can try the one-month subscription.

1 Month Subscription is only £15 Per Month & 3 Month Subscription is Only £14.50 Per Box, and the selection of products is great.

The box even comes with an Elle Magazine and a Beauty Guide each month, which I love reading.

Peek into the June Subscription Box.

I got the June beauty box filled with goodies from top brands. The June box focuses on all things you need in your summer beauty bag. I love how they have customised the box to the season. The product in this month’s Wanderlust box has some exciting goodies which are perfect for your summer travels.

The first up is the Kerastase Shampoo. Kerastase is one of the leading brands when it comes to hair care products. Kerastase Elixir Ultime Huile Lavante Bain is an oil-enriched shampoo which is suitable for all types of hair. The shampoo makes you feel like a royalty and creates a unique and indulgent in-salon experience just for you. Flaunt glowing skin this summer with First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads. The product contains a blend of Glycolic and Lactic Acid which refreshes the skin. Just like your body needs to stay hydrated during summers, so does your skin. Hydrate your skin this summer with Balance Me Balancing Face Moisturizer for a natural glowing look.

During my summer travels, I hate to wear a lot of makeup. I generally stick to basic stuff like a bronzer, blush or highlighter. Accentuate your features and get that sun-kissed glow this summer with Bellapierre Shimmer Highlighter. I love to place a highlighter on my cheekbones, cupid’s bow, between my brows and a touch on the bridge of the nose. The last item in the box is something which is a must have in your summer beauty box. The Monu Rosewood Reviving Mist is a refreshing lightweight mist which hydrates and replenishes your skin. You can use it to fix your makeup or just feel revived after stepping out in the sun. You can even spray some on your feet for a cooling feeling. The subtle fragrance is refreshingly perfect for summers.

Have you tried the Wanderlust box by LookFantastic? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Una Brennan Superfacialist Probiotic Overnight Skin Recovery Cream

Probiotics in skincare are the new trend that everyone has been raging about. Investing in a skin care range with probiotics can be beneficial for your skin health. The nutrients in probiotics give the skin the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs. Probiotics have been known to improve the texture of your skin, reduce acne, achieve younger looking skin, and reduce inflammation and redness while building the collagen levels. Recently I invested in a probiotic skincare routine. Una Brennan’s new range of skincare product Super Facialist Probiotic Overnight Skin Recovery Cream helps balance the hydration levels of the skin and rejuvenates dull and tired skin. The night recovery cream restores the pH balance of treated or stressed skin. With nourishing ingredients like shea butter and soothing bisabolol the cream gives the skin a soft, hydrated and renewed look. Together these ingredients help reduce inflammation, protect it from pollution and other aggressors, boost collagen production and reinforce the skin barrier.

I have been using the cream regularly and have seen a positive effect on my skin. I absolutely love the probiotic overnight skin recovery cream. It has a lovely texture and finish which makes my skin feel super soft. If you have sensitive skin which is prone to redness and irritation then this is one product you need to include in your night regime. It is also fragrance-free and dermatologically test which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. Night after night the product makes the skin feel renewed and makes your skin look good the next day which makes this cream my go-to overnight moisturiser.

If you like to use richer creams to balance the moisture levels of your skin at night then you can add a few drop of serum or facial oil for a more hydrating effect. Overall it’s a great cream with good absorption which leaves your skin comforted and protected leaving you ready for the next day. Also, it helps minimise redness and irritation preventing blemishes giving you a rejuvenated look. The Superfacialist also has a range of other products for different skin needs. I am looking forward to trying a few after this gem.

Rating: 4 Stars
Price: £15.99

Have you tried any probiotic skincare products? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Superdrug Beauty and Makeup Haul

When it comes to the best in beauty and healthcare products, Superdrug is a name to reckon with. It has retail stores across the UK to cater to clientage all over the country. Recently, Superdrug opened their new store in Rugby. I was there to have a look and picked some amazing products.

I’ll talk about Superdrug range first.

SD optimum Anti Dehydration Birch Water Micellar Toner is a great product for sensitive skin. The lightweight, alcohol-free toner cleanses the skin, vitalizes it, leaving it soft, clean, and naturally beautiful.

SD Optimum Skin Illuminating Glycolic Overnight Peel, a lightweight, gel-texture product, promises youthful, radiant complexion. It refreshes the skin and smoothens out wrinkles and fine lines.

SD Optimum Day Cream SPF 15 is a unique formula that gives deep nourishment to the skin, restores its moisture balance, and improves its firmness and elasticity. With its SPF 15, the cream also protects the skin from sun induced ageing.

SD Be Confident Hyaluronic Acid Facial Spritz is an amazing product, perfect for hydrating tired skin, refreshing makeup, or for using while traveling. It locks in moisture for 12 hours and replenishes the skin without clogging the pores.

SD Simply Pure Hydrating Serum is another wonderful hydrating product for replenishing and nourishing sensitive skin. It enhances natural suppleness and elasticity of the skin and leaves it smooth and glowing.

Superdrug Facial Cleansing Pads – Tea Tree make a great add-on to my collection. Enriched with tea tree oil and peppermint oil, these are gentle and purifying for the skin. They deep cleanse the skin and remove all the excess oil, dirt and impurities gently.

SD Hair Therapy Oil With Coconut For Dry Hair is a perfect hair-care product for dry hair. With its gentle, moisture protection formula, the oil leaves hair soft, healthy and shiny. It deep conditions and replenishes hair from within.

In addition to these products from Superdrug, I picked some more too.

I Love Lemon Meringue Whipped Sugar Scrub is a whipped formula with lovely citrus fragrance. It moisturises and invigorates the skin and leaves it gently polished.

And I also shopped some products from my favourite brand, Maybelline.

Maybelline Eye Concealer is a product that does a great job at concealing dark circles and flaws around the eye area.

Maybelline Illuminating Stick works well to add dimension as well as enhance features for perfect highlights. It is easy to apply and boosts the skin glow.

Flawless Finish Brush Set is a great makeup brush set which can fit any budget, with a comparable quality from other bigger brands.

There was an offer on Maybelline products and I got a cute bag with them.
There was some more stuff I couldn’t resist.

Makeup Revolution Highlighting and Contour Palette is a complete contouring and highlighting solution. It offers a wonderful range of colour powders for sculpting and contouring, along with highlighters for illumination.

I completed my collection with Studio Eye Shadow Crayons . And I finished up the goodie-bag with my favorite hand cream from Flatter and a hair brush.

I recommend Superdrug for their great selection of pocket-friendly cosmetics and some cool offers