Elemis Christmas Gift Sets - My Top Picks

Every Christmas top skincare brand Elemis bring out some rather fabulous and great value gift sets, this year is no exception. The theme is the Royal Collection and each one has a good combination of products according to the needs of the recipient. I have chosen my top three but there are plenty more to choose from in a range of budgets.

Pictured above - Duchess of Spa £49.50 (worth £88)

One for the body and the mind - the wonderfully decadent and exotic bodycare collection. Inside you will find -

Tranquil Touch Creamy Body Wash 300ml Full Size
Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream 200ml Full Size
Tranquil Touch Body Polish 150ml Full Size
Frangipani Monoi Body Oil 100ml Full Size

Supreme Glow - £46.80 (worth £80)

I love the sound of this set which promises to leave skin cleansed, moisturised and radiant. Inside you will find -

Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser 200ml Full Size
Soothing Apricot Toner 200ml Full Size

Maximum Moisture Day Cream 50ml Full Size
Tranquil Touch Indulgent Bath Elixir 100ml Full Size

And not to leave out the men 

King of Skin £25

A travel grooming kit which includes the following in a travel bag -

Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel 200ml Full Size
Daily Moisture Boost 20ml
Sharp Shower Body Wash 100ml

All products available from www.timetospa.co.uk and Elemis stockists.

My Hair Loves - Remington Keratin Therapy Pro Straightener

Since September I have been using Remington's Keratin Therapy Pro Straightener to straighten my hair and I have to say I simply cannot rave about them enough.

Remington Keratin Therapy Pro Straighteners features -

Up to 57% more protection from damage and breakage* (v standard Remington ceramic straightener)
Keratin Protective Technology = Advanced Keratin Ceramic coating and exclusive Heat Protection Sensor
Heat Protection Sensor on/off button with indicator icon
Integrated digital display, 5 settings 160°C - 230°C
Fast 15 seconds heat up – beeps when ready
Longer length 110mm plates
Floating plate for even pressure on the hair during styling
Temperature key lock function
Turbo boost function
Automatic safety shut off
Plate lock for storage
Luxury heat resistant storage pouch
Worldwide voltage
Swivel cord

L-R Heat Protection Sensor -The exclusive Heat Protection Sensor embedded in the top plate continually detects moisture levels in the hair and optimises temperature to protect from damage.
Keratin Micro Conditioners - Keratin Micro Conditioners infused in the Advanced ceramic coating transfer to the hair during styling to protect and care.

My thoughts 

I think that these straighteners are absolutely fantastic. They come in a classy cream storage pouch which when opened converts to a very handy heat resistant mat. They heat up fast to the required temp - I use mine at 200°C. Light, well designed I find these straighteners extremely easy to use and they don't give me arm ache.. the results are effortless styling.

I have long, thick frizzy hair that verges on wavy/curly and the Keratin Therapy Pro Straighteners transforms my hair to silky smooth and straight perfection. Banishing frizz and actually keeping it at bay for longer than with my previous styling tool, this tool makes light work of my previously unruly hair.

As I straighten my hair it feels curiously dampy, sometimes I wonder if I am imagining things, however I think that this may be the Keratin going onto the hair..nevertheless the result is marvellous and of course my hair isn't wet!

I have to admit to finding styling my hair long and laborious and not at all enjoyable but I realise now the difference really is in the tools and I have found the one for me. 

Remington Keratin Therapy Pro Straightener costs £89.99 

(I have just been on the Boots website and see that it is currently half price, complete bargain!!)

*PR Sample

Acorelle White Orchid Anti Stress Eau De Parfum - Review

The past few weeks have been a bit stressful to say the least so when the opportunity presented itself to review a perfume created not only for the senses but for the mind as well. I was only too happy to give it a spritz.

Acorelle organic perfumes are designed on the principle of 'olfactotherapy' which is a treatment that acts on the psycho-emotional level. It uses the scents of essential oils which are directly carried onto the brain via the nose where they meet the limbic system, where our emotions and memories are held. As the essential oils act on our emotional system, the scent recalls a memory or sensation, influencing our nervous system to offer ways of managing behaviour patterns, bringing about a sense of well-being.

Acorelle White Orchid Eau de Parfum

Described as a delicious chypre with syrupy top notes fused by powdery floral mid notes and lengthened by patchouli and sensuous Madagascan vanilla instilling anti stress benefits- calming and helping control emotions, encouraging relaxation and restoring quality of sleep.

Top Notes - Cardamom, Pear Blossom and Orange Zest
Heart Notes - Iris, Hawthorn and Clove
Base Notes - Patchouli, Vanilla, Raspberry and Peach

My thoughts 

A product that can bring about calm and reduce the feeling of stress is a tempting proposition and I must admit that I was a little sceptical but actually thinking about it, it makes sense..when we wear a perfume it can alter our mood and perhaps our behaviour. I know I do feel and act differently when I wear certain perfumes.

The bottle is simply designed with no fuss, the scent is a wonderfully sweet blend that reminds me of sherbert or fizzy refresher sweets. I find White Orchid incredibly pleasing to my nose and immensely wearable.

I have worn this at times I felt I needed to just feel a little calmer and relaxed and it has worked a treat. I actually just spray when needed and I have to say I like it a lot as a mood boosting pick me up.

An interesting concept that works for me.

The Acorelle range consists of 9 perfumes with 3 in each mind group according to your individual need - Balancing, Energising and Soothing.

Acorelle White Orchid Eau de Parfum costs £29.50 for 50ml and is available at Marks and Spencer online and at the new Beauty Stores. Wholefoods and www.mypure.co.uk

*PR Sample

Orly Festive Minis - Great Stocking Filler!

I love these festive mini nail polishes from Orly. If you know someone who loves sparkle these fabulous glitter polishes are just gorgeous and would be perfect as a Stocking Filler or Secret Santa gift.

Available in 3 shades

Devil May Care - Red
Halo - Pale Gold 
Angel Eyes - Blue 

I will be hoping to find Halo in my stocking!

Orly Festive Minis (5.3ml) cost £5 each and are available to buy at Boots stores

Organic Surge First Class Mask - Review

As part of my weekly skincare routine I use a facial mask. One that I turn to when time is short is Organic Surge First Class Face Mask for fast, visible results.

Organic Surge says

For All Skin Types

First Class Face Mask deep-cleanses and nourishes to give dull or dehydrated skin an instant boost. Skin-calming chamomile and soothing marshmallow deep-cleanse and nourish while natural oils and plant extracts give the skin a valuable burst of moisture. The non-drying, rinse-off mask works quickly to leave the skin clean, clear and revitalised.

My thoughts

The First Class Mask has the same delicate lemon scent that another of my favourite Organic Surge products has - The Skin Perfecting Polish. Simple pump action bottle dispenses the product, which is soft and creamy and semi opaque. I smooth over my face and leave for just 5 minutes. This feels gentle when on and doesn't dry or feel tight. Once rinsed off skin is left feeling wonderfully soft and the appearance of my face is brighter, with pores looking smaller. Skin feels hydrated and calm, overall I am very happy with the performance of this product.

Enriched with organic Rosemary and Lemon Essential Oils, there are no nasties in this product or indeed any of the Organic Surge range.

Organic Surge First Class Face Mask costs £8.99 for 50ml

Christmas Party MakeUp - Winks and Kisses!

The December issue of iN Magazine is out now!

This month's beauty feature is called Winks and Kisses. Christmas party season dictates that you go all out to shine, shimmer and dazzle your way to beauty brilliance. Whether it is the office party or a gathering with friends, I have selected the products that will guarantee your place under the mistletoe ;-)

Hope you enjoy reading!

http://issuu.com/in-magazine.com/docs/inmagdigidec2012/31

As always I love receiving your feedback, so do let me know what you think..

Winners Of The Gosh Giveaway

Drumroll please - The winners as chosen by random.org are

Mummy24
Courtney - Courtzz
Squeakymom

Well done ladies :-)

Please can you email me - bettina@beautyswot.com to claim your prize