A Makeup & Beauty Blog – Lipglossiping

It’s finally November and the Christmas Countdown has officially begun. It won’t be long now before you’re unable get through a work-day without hearing a rendition of “Fairytale of New York”, either on the radio or from a tone-deaf colleague. Give it another few weeks and you’ll be adding “Stop the Cavalry” to the list of songs you never want to hear again — and don’t even get me started on Mariah.

Let’s face it, Christmas is a curious time of year — the very mention of it can fill a soul with both excitement and dread, for with it comes the greatest of expectations. I don’t know about you but I’ve already started planning my gift-giving. I have an iPhone app that lets me list recipients in groups, ranking them by importance and value. I can tick off the various stages of the deed from the moment I’ve decided on the gift, through to purchasing the gift, wrapping the gift and finally, delivering the gift. The shame.

I’m both a wonderful and terrible gift-giver, I take immense joy and satisfaction from tailoring friends’ and family’s gifts perfectly. I deliberate over the ideal present to suit an individual’s personality and meticulously shop to be sure that I also score the best bargains available. This is something that can’t be entered into lightly — it takes careful consideration, planning, and stealthy research. The joy of giving is something that I take very seriously indeed.

I sound great right? You’d want to receive a present from me, wouldn’t you? Well, actually no, no you probably wouldn’t. You see, the flip-side to all this wonderful giving is that the poor recipient has to live up to my expectations in the same way that I want my gift to exceed theirs. If I so much as detect a hint of indifference or ungratefulness toward the fruits of my labour… well, let’s just say, I’d make an awesome Mafioso, horse’s head or no horse’s head.

But don’t let me put you off, I’m sure you’re far more likely to occupy the sane, middle-ground than I am when it comes to treating your loved ones this Christmas. There are many joys to giving the right presents to your loved ones and many giggles that can be had from gifting the wrong ones too! I’m slowly learning that you don’t need to spend big money on flash gifts, I have a brother who loves nothing more than receiving home-baked cinnamon rolls that cost pennies to make and a friend who is always delighted to receive a jar full of I.O.Us in exchange for future baby-sitting sessions.

It’s important not to lose sight of what’s important. You’re not trying to outdo anyone with your splendiferous pressie-wrapping skills, it doesn’t matter if someone else buys Grandma the same pair of fleece-lined slippers, and above all else, people show pleasure in many different ways. Some… less obviously than others. If all else fails, come join the dark-side with me and we’ll just have to keep on practising the art of giving graciously… I’m sure I can find you a space in the Christmas Cosa Nostra.

I’ll be featuring some of my favourite Christmas gifts on the shelves during the run-up to Christmas, stick around… you might just make yourself popular with the most awesomest of pressies!

Perfume ‘jewellery’ has been big news for some time now and will again be found on many wishlists this Christmas.  I spotted this Chloé Solid Perfume Necklace at a recent press day and made a bee-line for it because I loved the simplicity of the design.  There was a release last year that did the blog rounds, it was a solid perfume ring that was hugely OTT and possibly, the ugliest thing I’d laid eyes on.

This, is a little more understated…

The Chloé Solid Perfume Necklace contains the brand’s signature scent and will be available from all Chloé stockists from the 21st September 2011 with an RRP of £45.00/€56.30

Are you a fan of solid fragrance turned into jewellery?

Last month, I introduced you to luxury good purveyors Ancienne Ambiance and their wonderful Autumnal candle that brought a rich, comforting amber to the table.

This month, I’m bringing you a candle that brings the table to the table.

Say what?

I was sent the Christmas Pillar Candle in Christmas Fruits (£16) and it’s a gold-dipped extravagance of epic proportions.  Beautifully packaged it’s a perfect last-minute gift for any candle-lover in your life.

It burns for 90 hours with an aroma that epitomises all that is good about December 25th…

…Christmas Pudding.

The candle burns with a dark fruitiness that’s never tart nor acidic, just rich and decadent… I’m sure I can even detect a hint of booziness!

I can only burn this for short periods of time as I do find it becomes a little overwhelming after a while – strangely enough, exactly how I feel about eating Christmas Pudding!  Still, it’s better that than a scent you can barely detect right?

Ancienne Ambiance are accepting Christmas orders (by non-courier) up until 12pm on Monday 20th December to ensure that all deliveries make it to their destinations in time for Christmas.

Priced at £16 with free gift wrapping, it’s expensive appearance belies it’s reasonable price tag.

With one of those scents that manages to warm you up from the inside out – Ancienne Ambiance have captured some of the loveliest foodie essences of Christmas very well indeed.

A survey by The Perfume Shop has revealed that four out of ten men buy gifts for their wives or partners at Christmas – just so they can use it themselves.  Gits.

But on the plus side, 15 per cent of these men have ended up having a row with their disappointed spouse, with one in ten even getting dumped because of it!  Dumped.  Not that we’re shallow or anything… but seriously, don’t screw it up.

By my calculations Mr. L, you have 10 days left to buy me something nice.  Not Call of Duty: Black Ops nice… proper nice.  Jewellery is a good option as long as it’s not from that dodgy looking stall on the market.  Or Argos.

Don’t bother attempting to buy me clothes… and if you buy me lingerie?  I’ll buy you a new pillow for the sofa.

Makeup?  Yeah… I could live with that but don’t buy me green eyeshadow or coral lipstick.  Or bronzer fit for David Dickinson.  I don’t mean to pile the pressure on… I know it’s not easy for you but living off Heinz Baked Beans for the next 6 months won’t be easy either.

Here’s my thoughts on some of the last-minute fragrance buys available to your lovely selves, including my thoughts of some fragrance samples that I’ve received recently.  Here’s hoping for a sweet-smelling, easy-living Christmas.

1. Noir EDT – The White Company (£35)

Is there a woman in existence that doesn’t swoon over The White Company’s brochure?  It’s the epitome of the “my house would look like that if I didn’t have a real life to live” dream.  Noir is a fresh, fruity fragrance with a heavy dose of amber and a hit of orange that keeps it light.  Not the longest-lasting scent around, I find that I need to reapply after a couple of hours.  On the plus side – if she likes it, next year you can buy her the matching candle, bath soak, body creme and scent diffuser.  I’ve just sorted out your present-buying woes for the next 5 years!

2. Nina L’Elixir – Nina Ricci (fr. £29.50)

I’m a huge fan of the original Nina fragrance and this reincarnation has taken everything I love about the original and celebrated it.  It’s sugary and girly and packs one hell of a fruity punch.  Berries… big juicy cherries and blackcurrants.  I can’t go past a bottle without spritzing it and I’ve not long finished my original Nina…. oh Mr. L, won’t you make a girl’s Christmas? [probably not – Mr. L]

3. L’Eau D’Issey Noir Absolu- Issey Miyake (£59)

If your better half is an original L’Eau d’Issey lover… Noir Absolu should be an obvious choice.  L’Eau D’Issey Noir Absolu is a limited edition offering that takes the original’s floral empire and builds on it with notes that are less clean and more suited to the current time of year.  The ubiquitous amber is there, as is a dash of vanilla to warm it up.  I have to say though, that bottle… it’s stunning in black no?  My favourite of all Issey incarnations I’ve smelt so far and considering how many there have been… that’s saying something!

4. Jean Paul Gaultier Classique EDT – Jean Paul Gaultier (£66.50)

Another limited edition bottle masterpiece.  Don’t worry, the missus won’t think you’ve bought her this solely for the err… feminine bottle shape [tsk].  The beautiful charm that hangs around the bottle neck can be re-used as a handbag charm, whilst the classic fragrance itself has stood the test of time over the past 17 years.  Powdery, floral, soft and ultimately ridiculously feminine… there’s a reason why JPG can get away with retaining the same juice despite all the collectible flacon designs he releases.  It works for many, many women.

5. Naughty Alice – Vivienne Westwood (fr. £34.50)

Another lust-have for me is Naughty Alice by Vivienne Westwood… I think it may be slowly becoming apparent that I have a ‘thing’ for beautifully packaged perfumes.  There’s something to be said for a glamourous-looking dressing table!  Naughty Alice is actually Sweet Alice… it’s another flirty, light and rather girly scent that would have to work hard to offend.  I also think it would make a perfect Spring fragrance… and that lovely whimsical bottle and charm?  *sigh*

6. Elemis Eau de Parfum – Exotic (£35)

Out of all the perfumes included, Exotic is my tip for title of ‘most sensuous’ and with that comes the sub-title ‘most mature’.  I am an unashamed lover of flirty, girly scents but a lady always needs a heavier, headier fragrance in her arsenal aswell.  If Exotic is indeed exotic, then I’d say it comes from Marrakech thanks to the incense and warmth that lingers once the spice notes subside.  Infact, I wish they lingered a touch longer – for an EDP it’s a little short-lived.  But beautiful while it lasts!

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So, there we have it… my rambly thoughts on potential purchases for the lovely ladies in your lives.

If you’re still in doubt… raid her dressing table for a selection of the perfumes that she currently wears and take them to someone who can advise you further.  It’ll save you hassle in the long run… The Perfume Shop’s survey also revealed that one in five women said they were so annoyed with their partner’s choice of present, they made their bloke buy them another gift to make up for it!

You have been warned.  Don’t screw it up. [that goes for you too Mr. L].

I think we’re all prone to being suckers for a beautifully packaged product.  There’s something to be said for kerb appeal and this year… some brands have pulled out all the stops to ensure that their wares will take pride of place under your Christmas tree.

Here are some of my favourites…

1. Limited Edition RapidLash Christmas Cracker (£39.99) – Very cutely packaged as a Christmas cracker, this Limited Edition RapidLash Eyelash Enhancing Serum is available from Boots while stocks last.

2. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Limited Edition (£17.50) – The iconic Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish housed in a limited edition embossed metallic shell.  Comes complete with muslin cloth and 150ml of product.

3. Neals Yard ENCHANTING gift set (£12.50) – Rose & Geranium Body Lotion and Shower Gel make this a great choice for budget conscious gift shoppers.  The packaging holds a secret…the box, which is folded together, can be turned inside out to be reused as a gift or trinket box!  Cute AND Recyclable!

4. Fearne Cotton Nails by Day (£10.00) – A set of six easy-to-wear nail polishes packaged in an adorable grey leopard print box.  Exclusive to Boots.

5. Dior Minaudiere (£59.00) – Simply precious.  3 shadows, 2 lip colours… Dior’s exquisite Minaudiere would totally set any makeup-loving girl’s heart a-fluttering on Christmas morning.  Comes in Grey Golds (pictured) and Pink Golds… I’m swooning…

6. Liz Earle Ultimate Superskin Hamper (£94.00) – It’s no secret that Superskin is the Liz Earle range that *really* sets me alight.  I think it’s a wonderful, no-BS, quality skincare line that treats my normal/dry skin very kindly.  This hamper is a treat and a half.  The ultimate in Christmas morning decadence.

7. Victoria Moore Scented Candle & Soap Gift Set (£25.00) – Choose between: Cinnamon, Vetimos & Cognac oil, Frangipani & Jasmine or Frankincense, Jasmine & Vanilla.  Three variations to suit every discerning nose!  Beautifully presented, a simply gorgeous gift for any woman in your life.

8. Denman Hairbrush Gift Packs (from £8.23) – Referred to as the Hairdressers’ Hairbrush, Denman have some fabulous stocking filler gifts on offer this year.  Carefully presented in co-ordinating organza gift bags, the brushes sets are perfect handbag fillers – some diamante studded and colours to match every Christmas outfit!

9. Molton Brown The Three Musketeers (£42.00) – I suppose I’d better include one for the gents in our lives.  This beautifully packaged three-piece set for men brings together elements from their popular men’s body range: Active cassia hair & body sportswash, moisture rich aloe karite ultrabar, active cassia deodorant.

10. Mama Mio Boob Tube Christmas Cracker (£10.00) – Another gorgeous Christmas cracker!  The inclusion of the words: “As his hungry eyes fell to her gorgeous bosom, she knew he was hers…” makes this a saucy Christmas stocking filler.  Just be sure you know the person you’re gifting to well enough not to offend with boob-firming cream, or you may get more than you bargained for!

11. Glam Smoky Eyes Book (£4.00) – A gorgeous makeup book that includes four seriously enticing smoky eye shades to create sultry evening looks.  At the bargain price of £4 for the set, this is one to look out for whilst you’re shopping for your Turkey and Brussel Sprouts!

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Anything in my little list of perfectly packaged goodies catch your eye?  What’s on your Christmas lists this year?

Philosophy have some rather adorable Christmas gift sets out this year though I’ll confess they’re not a brand that I can claim to be hugely familiar with.

Occasionally I’ll go on a TK Maxx Philosophy spree and I’ve been pleased with the things I’ve picked up.  In particular, their Purity facial cleanser which I’ve currently got stashed away in my overnight bag.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings… here’s what they’ve got on the shelves for Christmas 2010.

Peppermint Bark (£14.75) – Mint Chocolate Candy Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath 8oz and High-gloss, high-flavour lip shine 0.5oz.

Share the joy of delicious mint chocolate candy with this peppermint bark gift set. this giftable tin includes mint chocolate candy shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath 8 oz. and high-gloss, high-flavor lip shine .5 oz. these moisturizing formulas are designed to give you clean, soft skin and irresistibly kissable lips, as you indulge in the joyful combination of rich chocolate and peppermint candy scents.

The Gingerbread Girl (£13) – Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel 16oz.

Our gingerbread girl is sparkle, spice and everything nice. this foaming bubble bath & shower gel features a refreshing, ginger spice scent and gold sparkles to light up your holiday season with joy. this moisturizing formula gently cleanses and conditions, leaving skin and hair feeling ultra soft.

The Gingerbread Man (£13) – Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel 16oz.

He cleans, he soothes, he’s back and ready to draw you a relaxing bath. the gingerbread man foaming bubble bath & shower gel pampers you with a refreshing, ginger spice scent and an ultra-rich, moisturizing lather that gently cleanses and conditions skin, leaving it feeling super soft.

Holiday Greetings (£18) – Brown Butter Cookie Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 4oz; Coconut Macaroon Body Butter 2oz; and Pink Frosted Cookie High-Gloss, High-Flavour Lip Shine 0.5oz

Exclusive to John Lewis.

Holiday Hostess (£16.50) – Sugary Cinnamon Icing Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath and Body Lotion 8oz.

Glow and Behold (£13) –  Celestial Citrus Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 16oz

Rekindle your childhood glow as you lather with this miraculous shower gel. glow and behold is our celestial citrus shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath created to lift your holiday spirit to joyful new heights. behold a sense of wonder as the sparkling, moisturizing formula gently cleanses and conditions skin and hair.

Candy Cane (£17) – Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel 16oz and High-Gloss, High-Flavour Lip Shine 0.5oz.

Experience pure joy during your shower or bath with candy cane foaming bubble bath and shower gel. invigorate your senses with a crisp peppermint scent as you enjoy a rich, foaming lather from head to toe that leaves skin feeling ultra clean, hydrated and soft.

Exclusive to QVC UK (lip product not pictured above)

Warm & Toasty (£20.50) – Double Rich Hot Cocoa, Hot Buttered Rum and Hazlenut Espresso Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath 6oz

May you feel warm and toasty with this holiday hot toddy inspired shower gel set. this gift includes double rich hot cocoa, hot buttered rum and hazelnut espresso shampoo, shower gel & bubble baths 6 oz. these moisturizing formulas gently cleanse and condition skin and hair, as the delicious scents inspire the warm, cozy feeling of sipping hot toddies by a toasty fire.

Under The Mistletoe (£16.50) – Peppermint Bark, Candy Cane, Pink Frosted Cookie and Have A Cherry Christmas High-Gloss, High-Flavour Lip Shines 0.5oz

Kisses under the mistletoe will seem sweeter than ever with these tasty lip treats. under the mistletoe includes peppermint bark, candy cane, pink frosted cookie and cherry christmas high-gloss, high-flavor lip shines. lips will be irresistibly sweet with a smooth, sheer shine.

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One thing’s for certain… they all look adorable.  Do you find Philosophy products live up to expectations?  I’m really tempted to pick up the big Have A Cherry Christmas Bubble Bath next time I’m in Selfridges.  Anything you particularly recommend?  Anything I should steer clear of?

An exquisite gift for someone special, this Lip Polish trio (£42) from Arbonne combines three easy to wear lip polishes housed in a classy silver pouch.

I’ve talked about these Arbonne Lip Polishes before and I suggest you read the review to familiarise yourself with what it is that makes these so special.  For me, they’re the perfect lip gloss/lipstick hybrid that packs a punch of pigment without that heavy lip gloss feeling.

The three full size glosses included are: Raisin, Nude & Brown Sugar.

Raisin is a sparkle infused wine shade that can be worn full-on for a vampy, glossy finish or blotted down to leave behind a long lasting stain that still manages to look slightly glossy.

Nude is the perfect accompaniment to a true smoky eye.  With no sparkle and a slightly satiny finish… this lip polish cancels out my lip colour and ensures that it’s all about the peepers!

Brown Sugar is a wearable nude for daytime.  This is a warmer toned nude that should suit most skintones and makes for a real work-safe easy to wear colour.

I’ve tried a few things from Arbonne now but it’s these Lip Polishes in particular that have stood out to me as something of considerable quality.

Infact, I’d happily put these in my top 5 product discoveries of the year.  Which is why although expensive at £42 for the trio… for once, I’d not balk at paying this knowing that I’m paying for actual quality formulations and not just a brand name.

To view this gift set in closer detail and find your local Arbonne consultant, click here.

Being charitable isn’t always glamourous and I think we could probably all be more generous of spirit at times but it’s often hard to find causes that resonate.

I’ll be the first to put my hands up and admit that I could be more giving over the course of the year.  There’s only really two charities that I support all year round and I need the push that their newsletters bring to remind me to do so.  Which is why Christmastime gives me a focus to broaden my horizons and learn about the other good causes out there.

It may be a cliche… but for me, Christmas is all about children… which is why I want to introduce you to a very specfic cause that has a beautifully clear and heart-warming aim.

British skincare brand This Works have joined forces with London-based charity Kids Company to release two products that promote a very worthy cause.

The aim?

To provide 2000 Christmas Dinners for vulnerable children who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.

I’ve heard that the Kids Company Christmas Event is a sight to behold… games, activities, Christmas dinners and at the end of a long, fun-filled day.. a beautifully wrapped present for each child to take home with them!

Christmas should be magical regardless of your age and it’s events like these that give one hell of a boost, not only to the kids but also to the families that can watch their babies enjoy themselves and just. be. children.

So what are the products?

Perfect Hands – £18

“Perfect Hands is a deeply hydrating natural hand cream blended with Rose oil, Mimosa and Musk Mallow for smooth and young looking hands.  It contains powerful natural actives such as Larch extract which tightens and firms the skin while anti-aging Hyaluronic acid locks moisture in.  Rape Seed extract also helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots on the skin.”

Wish – £14

“Wish is the perfect hand-bag accessory with three mini skincare solutions for beautiful skin.

· The 100% natural multi-purpose Super Lips (10g) with Monoi Oil to hydrate the lips
· Soothing Tired Eye Serum (5ml) with Arnica to eliminate dark circles and Cucumber and Aloe Vera to soothe
· A refreshing facial spray, Quick Spritz (5ml) with Rosewood Oil to keep you cool on the go.”

£1.80 from each Helping Hands product sold will go towards Kids Company

You can buy This Works Helping Hands sets online from http://www.thisworks.com/home/helping-hands

Do you try to buy gifts that ‘give back’ at Christmastime?

I won’t be parted from my brushes.  It doesn’t matter if I’m only leaving home for a single night, I can’t make do with powder puffs and spongey applicators now that I’m used to brushes.

Which can be a bit of a problem when I’m travelling to far flung exotic lands (Bournemouth, London, Darlo).

I took one of my MAC 217s away with me the last time I travelled to London and damn near killed the poor thing.  Flapping about in my makeup bag, it returned home looking like Leila had painted the walls with it and it’s so far resisting my best efforts to coax it back into shape.

With this in mind, Bare Escentuals have released a set of brushes that I was sent to try…

A magnetic brush collection with carry case!  Great!  Another cosmetic ‘innovation’… can you see my eyes rolling?

Except… this is actually useful.  But does it work in practice?

I’ll shut up for a minute and let you see the brush collection properly…

Read the rest of this entry »

The Christmas gifts are coming in thick and fast now that we’re approaching November at a blistering pace.  The latest are a pairing of festive gifts from NARS.

Kicking off with the Crazy Heart Set which contains 5 medium-sized lip glosses and features the shades:

Easy Lover (Ultra Sheer Hot Pink),
Babe (Sheer Orange Red)
Orgasm (Sheer Warm Pink with Golden Shimmer)
Turkish Delight (Pink Sorbet)
Misbehave (Sheer Cherry Red with Gold Shimmer)

Prices at £35 and available from November 1st exclusively at Selfridges.

Love ’em or hate ’em… NARS multiples tend to divide opinion… personally I’m a fan and so I should be considering I own 5 of them now – though none of these ones… *lightbulb flick*

The shades included in the Sweet Disposition Set are:

Orgasm (Peachy Pink with Shimmer)
Luxor (Iridescent Pink)
Malibu (Pinkish Brown)

Priced at £32 and availabile from November 1st exclusively at Selfridges.

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A couple of rather lovely sets no?  I’m a little disappointed that there’s no Holiday palette to get our teeth stuck into this year but at least that’s one less thing on the old wishlist.  Are either of these catching your attention?

The ever-popular LUSH Christmas gifts are back for the Winter… ranging from the accessible Secret Santas right up to those lustworthy hat boxes!

Here’s what LUSH have in store for us this Christmas…

1. Secret Santa (£5.00) – Snowcake star soap and Satsumo Santa bath ballistic.

2. Best Wishes (£9.95) – Bearded Lady bubble bar, Satsumo Santa bath ballistic, So White bath ballistic.

3. Chillin’ With My Gnomies (£6.50) – Snow Globe soap and Whoosh shower jelly.

4. Christmas Cracker (£6.50) – Cinders and The Boogg bath ballistics.

5. Christmas Allsorts (£9.95) – Satsumo Santa, The Boogg and Lil’ Lush Pud bath ballistics.

6. Have A Sweet Christmas (£5.95) – Candy Cane bubble bar and Godmother soap.

7. Snow Fairy (£9.95) – Snow Fairy shower gel; Angel’s Delight soap star; Shimmy Shimmy massage bar.

8. Matryoska (£9.95) –  So White soap, So White bath ballistic and Cinders bath ballistic.

9. Winter Warmer (£7.50) – Glogg shower gel and Mandarin’s Tea Party soap (50g).

1. Christmas Present (£13.95) – Christmas Eve bubble bar, Winter Bath ballistic, Fizz Banger ballistic, Mandarin’s Tea Party soap.

2. Christmas Candy Box (£19.95) – Snow Fairy shower gel; Candy Cane bubble bar; Rock Star soap; Honey I Washed the Kids soap; Bubblegum lip scrub; Snow Fairy tinted lip balm.

3. Christmas Tweets (£14.50) – Snowcake soap, Vanilla Fountain bath ballistic, Lil’ Lush Pud bath ballistic, Smitten hand cream (45g).

4. Gingerbread House (£13.95) – Gingerbread House Bubble Bar, Cinders Bath Ballistic, Candy Cane Bubble Bar, Lil Lush Pud ballistic.

5. Happy Christmas (£19.95) – Christmas Eve bubble bar; Sexy Peel soap; Mandarin’s Tea Party soap; Dragon’s
Egg bath ballistic; Butterball bath ballistic; Cinders bath ballistic.

6. Christmas Star (£19.95) – Lil’ Lush Pud; Winter Bath; Butterball; Cinders; So White; and Mrs Whippy bath ballistics.

7. The First Snow (£19.95) – Snow Globe Soap; Ice Blue soap; Too Drunk emotibomb; Once a Year massage bar, Iced Wine shower jelly and Glogg shower gel.

1. Christmas Wishes (£24.95) – Sexy Peel and Mandarin’s Tea Part soaps, mini Sugar Scrub, The Olive Branch and Glogg shower gels, Buffy body conditioner, New shampoo bar.

2. Winter Wonderland (£49.95) – Sugar Plum Fairy sugar scrub, Glogg shower gel (100g), Snow Globe soap, Porridge soap, Turkish Delight shower smoothie, Iced Wine shower jelly, Once a Year massage bar, Double Choc tinted lip balm, Rub Rub Rub shower scrub (100g), Aqua Mirabilis body butter, Vanilla Dee-lite body lotion, Lip Dip lip scrub, Too Drunk emotibomb.

3. Stardust (£24.95) – Twilight bath ballistic, Lip Dip lip scrub, Sugar Plum Fairy sugar scrub, Iced Wine shower jelly, Angel’s Delight soap, Candy Cane bubble bar, Snow Fairy shower gel.

4. Bathtime Favourites (£24.95) – Lil’ Lush Pud, Cinders, So White, Winter Bath, Butterball, Lil’ Big Blue, Lil’ Avobath, Lil’ Honey Bee and Lil’ Sex Bomb bath ballistics.

5. 12 Days of Christmas (£34.95) – The Boogg bath ballistic, Winter Bath bath ballistic, Satsumo Santa bath
ballistic,  Cinders  bath  ballistic,  So  White  bath  ballistic,  Bearded  Lady  bubble  bar,
Gingerbread  House  bubble  bar,  Candy  Cane  bubble  bar,  Christmas  Eve  bubble  bar,
Mandarin’s Tea Party soap, Snow Globe soap, Glogg shower gel.

6. Winter Garden (£29.95) – Vanilla in the Mist soap, Mandarin’s Tea Party soap, Snowcake soap, Maple Taffy lip balm, Once a Year massage bar, King of Skin body butter, Sugar Plum Fairy sugar scrub, The Olive Branch shower gel.

7. All The Best (£29.95) – Each Peach massage bar, Dream Cream body lotion, Karma and Snowcake soaps, The Olive Branch shower gel, Christmas Eve bubble bar, Cinders and Avobath ballistics.

1. All I Want for Christmas (£64.95) – Cinders, Satsumo Santa, So White, Lil’ Lush Pud, The Boogg and Winter Bath
ballistics, Candy Cane, Christmas Eve, Bearded Lady and Gingerbread House bubble bars, Mandarin’s Tea Party, Snowcake, Angel’s Delight and Snow Globe soaps, Maple Taffy lip balm, Lip Dip lip scrub, Sugar Plum Fairy sugar scrub, Snow Fairy tinted lip balm, Glogg and Snow Fairy shower gels, Iced Wine shower jelly and Once a Year massage bar.

2. Wonderful Christmas Time (£99.50) – Maple Taffy lip balm, Karma soap, Winter bath ballistic, The Boogg, Cinders and Butterball bath ballistics, Christmas Eve, Pop in the Bath and Dorethy bubble bars, Iced Wine shower  jelly, Glogg shower gel, 9-5 cleanser, Sweet Lip  lip scrub, Figs and Leaves soap,  Brimstone  scrub,  Aqua  Mirabilis  body  butter,  New  shampoo  bar,  Ultrabalm, Ceridwen’s Cauldron bath melt, Crème Anglaise body lotion (100g), Each Peach massage bar,  Grass  shower  gel  (100g),  Orange  Blossom  solid  fragrance,  Celestial  moisturiser (sample tin).

3. Merry Christmas Darling (£89.95) – Once a Year massage bar, Soft Coeur massage bar, Massage bar  tin,
Amandopondo bubble bar, Sex Bomb bath ballistic, It Started with a Kiss tinted lip balm, Sex in the Shower emotibomb, Joy of Jelly shower  jelly, Godiva shampoo bar, shampoo bar tin, MMM  luxury bath melt, Lip Sip lip scrub, Angel’s Delight soap, Candy Cane bubble bar,  Silky Underwear dusting powder, French Kiss bubble bar, Keep it Fluffy ballistic, Flying Fox shower gel, Lust solid  fragrance, Sugar Babe sugar scrub, Sultana of Soap, Sexy Peel soap, Honey Trap lip balm, Smitten hand cream (in a pump), Mrs Whippy bath ballistic.

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Phew!  I need a rest after all that… and strangely enough… I’m hankering after a LUSH bath.  Which of those gift sets has your name on it?

I was going to do one post that encompassed the entire Christmas Collection, but for the life of me, I couldn’t get a colour-accurate tube shot of the lipstick that I received in my goody bag.  So instead, we’ll have to make do with the eye palette that I was sent home with for now.

Avon’s Luxe Lace True Colour Eyeshadow Quad in Lace Hues is one of two eye palettes that Avon are releasing in special packaging as part of their Luxe Lace collection which is due to hit their online store at the end of the month.

Lace Hues contains four shades.  A shimmering white-gold, a matte neutral pink, a satin grey/green and a shimmering navy.  The packaging is delightful… a glossy black, well-built palette with pink lace embellishments.  It’s sturdy, secure and the large mirror inside is more than adequate for application’s sake.

On first inspection, it was the navy that caught my eye… it has a brighter blue flash to it… a certain interest that the other shades are lacking.

The texture of each shadow is quite hard and colour payoff is sheer but buildable with a bit of work.  I’ve been wearing the matte pink all over the lid with a touch of the grey/green in the socket and lashings of the blue underneath my lower lashline.  It’s a winning combination.  I’m not so fond of the pale gold highlighting shade as the shimmer is a little chunky and apparent for me.

The matte pink in particular has a tendency to kick up a bit of dust when loading up the brush, but the fallout doesn’t seem to transfer to my cheeks.  I know I’m gonna hit pan on that blue before any other colour though.  Isn’t it lovely?

What is the general opinion on Avon’s eyeshadow palettes?  I have to confess… I’ve never tried one before!