Hello, lovelies! I’m very happy to be writing this post because I LOVE CHRISTMAS.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a family member or your significant other, I’ve picked out products which will make fabulous gifts for all! I’ve also been season-conscious and picked out products which are hydrating, nourishing and winter-friendly. If you really don’t know a thing about beauty or skincare, don’t ya worry, I’ve included a description for all products and who they’d be perfect for. ENJOY, MY LITTLE CHRISTMAS MUFFINS X
HAIR
Redken Extreme Anti Snap Treatment
This Redken
Extreme Anti Snapis amazing for anyone who loves to give their hair some
extra TLC. It’s perfect for the colder months as it replenishes dry hair. It
repairs damaged hair and smooths split ends – it’s deigned to make your hair
stronger and more resilient. Redken is a globally trusted brand which is
stocked in salons almost everywhere. It’s especially suited for people with
hair that tends to be on the dry and thin side of the spectrum.
Redken Extreme Strength Builder
Following on from the anti-snap treatment, this Redken Extreme Strength Builderis a restorative mask for deep conditioning. Anyone with coloured/bleached blonde hair will definitely benefit from this extra nourishment. It’s fortified with 18MEA amino acid which fills in the broken protein complexes on your hair lengths – in other words, it’ll leave your hair smooth and sleek.
KerastaseVolumifique Gift Set
This set is the perfect trio for anyone with limp, lifeless hair seeking body
and fullness. It lifts the roots and is suitable for all hair lengths. Know
someone who constantly back-combs their hair into a bird’s nest in an attempt
to get volume? This one’s for them.
GHD Nocturne Air Hair Dryer
GHD sell two hair dryers, the ghd air hairdryer and the ghd
aura hairdryer. Personally, I prefer the Air. After testing them
both out and putting them through their paces in salons – I conclude that for
the everyday gal (or guy), the Air is perfect. It dried your hair quicker, it
has a powerful 2100 motor, it has advanced ionic technology to keep a constant
flow of ions diffusing onto your hair keeping it soft and sleek. Not only this,
the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and doesn’t make you feel
like it’s been ‘arm day’ at the gym after you’ve dried your hair. It has a 3
metre power cable, had variable power and temperature settings, and includes a
nozzle.
If you’re looking for a dryer which gives a more pristine, blow-dry-like
finish, I’d recommend the Aura as it has Laminair technology, which delivers a
more concentrated stream of air. This allows you to work more methodically
whilst drying your hair and thus, the professional blow-dry finish.
GHD Nocturne Platinum Styler
My goodness, the Ghd
v Nocturne Styler Premium Gift Set is one of the best I’ve come across,
ever! I own the black one myself and I use it almost every day. It features
tri-zone technology which consists of three heat sensors across the plate for
optimum temperature consistency. GHD stylers heat up to an optimum 185 degrees
Celsius. Most people would think that this isn’t hot enough, with most stylers
heating to an excess of 280 degrees Celsius. However, GHD have done their
research and founf that any temperature lower than 185 will not be effective in
breaking the bonds in your hair to give a smooth, sleek hair style. Inevitably,
you’ll end up going over and re-going over your hair to avoid frizz, and
damaging it in the long run. Anything over 185 will frazzle the keratin
structures in your hair too much and you’ll fry your hair as quickly as you can
fry a Quorn sausage. Essentially, the optimum temperature of 185 allows the
keratin structures in your hair lengths to break, but only for a split second.
As soon as they hit the cool air, the bonds within your hair shaft re-form and
align in whichever position you’ve chosen to style them in. This means that
hair breakage is significantly reduced when using any GHD styler.
They also have an auto-sleep mode. Perfect for those forgetful people always
wondering whether they’ve remembered to switch their straighteners off or not!
After 30 minutes, the auto sleep kicks in unless you tell it otherwise by
switching it back on.
Another feature is their floating plates, which allows hair to glide
effortlessly and eliminates the need to ‘go over’ hair that you’ve already
straightened.
It also has a long cord and a universal voltage – perfect for someone who
travels a lot.
GHD Nocturne Air Hair Dryer and V Styler Set
If you haven’t already been sold by my previous in-depth explanation of why GHD
is epitome of the perfect hair styling tools, then maybe a bargain will sway
you… £199 for a styler AND a dryer. This set is perfect for someone who is in
need of an upgrade from their tatty, bargain styler/dryer.
SKIN
Pixi Peel and Reveal Triloly
This little trilogy is perfect for people who take pride in having a good
skincare routine. The deluxe products work in harmony to reveal a brighter
complexion. This is perfect for anyone who is looking to unclog their pores and
rid those pesky, tiny bumps from their skin. It’s also a good gift for the
winter months as it will work to exfoliate dry, dead skin and reveal a natural
glow.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum
This one’s for the people who suffer with dry or flaking skin. Infused with rose
flower extract, jojoba oil, aloe vera and glycerin which work in synergy to
hydrate, protect and improve the elasticity of your skin. It’s perfect for
ageing skin, too! Most importantly, it has a very lightweight texture and a
non-greasy feel.
This Works Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray
Blended with lavender, a natural remedy to aid a good nights sleep – this gift
is perfect for those who have trouble sleeping, anxiety, or are constantly
overworked and stressed. There’s no better gift (in my opinion) than a restful
night of sleep. Suitable for all ages and skin types.
MAKE-UP
NYX Kiss & Tell Advent Calendar
This is probably the cheapest and most value-for-money advent calendar I’ve
come across so far. It’s perfect for that person in your life that’s definitely
a make-up hoarder. It contains 24 lip products from the professional and global
make-up brand: NYX Cosmetics (matte lipsticks, cream lipsticks, chubby lip
creams, liquid lipsticks, soft matte lip creams, lipsticks, creamy lip
glosses).
NYX Lip Lingerie Vault
It’s no secret that that NYX Lip Lingerie range is a cult favourite within the
beauty industry. A nude to suit every occasion and skin colour and tone. It
consists of 30 fa-favourite shades and the box is limited edition. I’m buying
this one for myself. Merry Christmas to me.
NYX Jet Set Travel Set
This set is for that every day, natural, flawless base, glowy look. For anyone
that loves make-up but is a busy bee and doesn’t necessarily have the time to
pay too much attention to what they were on an everyday basis. It contains the
First Base Primer Spray which you splritz on your face for hydration and primer
in one – quick and easy. The High Definition Eye shadow Base covers and
conceals dark eyelids whilst also priming for eye shadow – also amazing worn on
it’s own. Pore Filler in collaboration with the Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator
provide a natural, glowy base – perfect for everyday glam. The Control Freak
Eyebrow Gel tames hairs whilst adding definition and thus framing the face.
High Definition Finishing Powder is a handbag essential for ensuring that shine
is controlled throughout the day. If the powder alone isn’t enough, you can
always add some of the Matte Setting Spray which locks your make-up in place
all day and gives a matted down finish to your look.
Stila Huge Extreme Mascara
This mascara is perfect for those who are beginners to make-up. It’s long
wearing, smudge proof, it lengthens and volumises lashes. It makes for a good
stocking filler or is a lovely gift on its own. Stila is one of those brands
which has been up-and-coming for a while and they’re finally getting the
recognition they deserve.
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow
If you haven’t already seen these, then where on Earth have you been for the
past year?! Another cult fave in the beauty industry and very festive indeed.
They contain pearlescent and glitter particles which vary in size to add to the
intense light reflections. It’s lightweight and water-based which means it can
easily be layered (or worn on its own).
The Balm Mary Lou Minizer
Another industry favourite which sparked from nowhere; the Balm Mary Lou
Minizer is a hit with all skin tones. It’s honey-hued glow diffuses light to
make sin appear softer, younger and more radiant. This is perfect for make-up
collectors or ageing skin. It can be used as a highlighter, shimmer and eye
shadow.
Benefit They’re Real Big Sexy Lip Kit
A personal fave of mine for when I’m feeling bold. This is definitey for people
who love to experiment with colour. Each lipstick is actually a 2-in-1 lipstick
and lipliner, with a darker hue on the pointed end and a lighter hue on the
body of the lipstick, you can line and fill in one simple step! The colours
are: Flame Game, Pink Thrills, Revved Up Red and Lusty Rose.
Benefit Date Night with Mr. Right Kit
This set is for the blushing, minimal make-up look. With a rosey blush
(Rockateur) and lipstick (Lusty Rose), They’re Real mascara and Watt’s Up Cream
Highlight. Perfect for beginners, minimal make-up lovers, or would make a lovey
stocking filler for make-up collectors.
Benefit Work It Girl Essentials
This one is probably my fave kit. Admittedly, the Hoola bronzer doesn’t work
for my skin tone, however, because it’s matte, I use it as a face powder
(genius, right?) The PoreFessional primer smoothes down skin texture, creating
a flawless and pore-less base for make-up. The benetint adds a natural blush
and can also be doubled up as a lip stain, too! Hoola provides a natural, matte
bronzed/contoured look, without looking too heavy. Roller Lash adds curl and
length to short, straight lashes whilst also painting them black. Top Tip:
blend a bit of Hoola bronzer into the crease and outer corner of the eye to
create a continuous colour palette on the face, effortlessly. This set is
perfect for busy bees and those who want to look glam in under five minutes.
Real Techniques Starter Kit
Real Techniques is a brand which I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to
up their make-up game. Alongside Zoeva, it’s one of my favourite make-up tool
brand. I was first introduced to it many, many years ago by my mum (?!) when
she bought my sister and I the entire collection between us for Christmas.
Whether you’re starting out or building your make-up collection, brushes are
important. They’re going to allow you to get the most out of your make-up.
Created by make-up artists, bloggers and YouTubers, Sam and Nic Chapman, these
brushes are expertly recommended and tested. The set is for the eyes/detail on
the face; it contains a base shadow brush, deluxe crease brush, accent brush,
pixel point brush and a brow brush.
Real Techniques Core Collection Kit
This set is for the base/detail on the face; it contains a detailer brush
(perfect for concealer or applying lipstick precisely), pointed foundation
brush (perfect for liquid foundation), buffing brush (perfect for mineral
foundations and powders) and a contour brush (perfect for blush, highlight,
contour or bronzing).
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation
Illamasqua is an ever-growing brand backed by industry experts and make-up
artists globally. Skin Base foundation is light weight, non-cakey,
long-wearing, natural, buildable. It’s suitable for all skin types, although
oily peeps may need to powder it down a tad. It makes the skin appear softer
and therefore younger. It’s perfect for those wanting a flawless base and for
ageing skin.
Illamasqua Hydra Veil Primer
My favourite primer, ever! I was gifted this by HQHair last Christmas after I
appeared in their 2020 Christmas Campaign and I’ve only just ran out of the
small tub! It leaves my skin hydrated beyond belief, perfect for winter months
in the UK. It’s infused with microalgae vitamin C, vitamin B3 (which combat
ageing by promoting collagen production within the upper and deeper layers of
the skin, help with inflammation of the skin, help with uneven texture and
pigment and sun damage). Lastly, yes, it does it’s job too – it makes my
make-up last all day no matter which foundation I wear on top of it. If there
ever was a deemed ‘miracle product’, this would be it.
