Wishlist Inspiration : Under £30
There's nothing quite like wishlist compiling to get me into the festive spirit (especially when accompanied by She & Him's Christmas album and a hot mince pie), so today's post is set to be a roundup of inspiration gleaned from my recent weeks spent trawling online beauty retail sites, making frantic notes, and playing the 'eeny-meeny-miney-mo' game...
Kiehls' Creme de Corps Lotion Craig & Karl Holiday Collection* The cult bodycare favourite/essential has been repackaged in a limited edition design for the holiday season - an ideal gift for hardcore Kiehls super-fans (indeed anyone in the market for a darn good body lotion). Uber hydrating and nourishing, but with a light and silky formula which sinks into the skin with minimal massage action required, it's easy to see why the formula of this iconic product has remained the same for decades. Excuse for purchase : A practical addition to your wishlist if the cold weather takes it's toll upon your skin.
Lush The Christmas Hedgehog Bubble Bar and Dashing Santa Bath Bomb Bath bombs present the epitome of the term 'stocking fillers' in my book, and Christmas wouldn't be complete without a small, sweetly scented package nestled beneath the tree. This year I've already put a few of Lush's Christmas releases to the test (all in the name of blogging of course), and can safely say that the above have been my favourite additions to the tub so far. For a bubble bath extravaganza and some sleep-enhancing scents, The Christmas Hedgehog Bubble Bar is a sure-fire way to wind-down after a busy day. For a more refresjong and invigorating soak, add the Dashing Santa Bath Bomb to your tub and experience an explosion of all things citrus.
Aromatherapy Associates The Star* This dinky bottle of Aromatherapy Associates' best-selling bath oil Inner Peace will look as picture perfect swinging from your tree as it will lined up amongst your bath time stash. A rich and tranquil blend of cardamon, sage, and frankincense makes this oil an ideal addition to your winter bathing routine. Pour in, lie back, and say goodbye to those winter blues...
Diptyque Figuiers Candle If you're perusing this list as a gift-buyer then allow me to place emphasis upon this addition, because I can't imagine anyone being disappointed upon discovering a Diptyque candle under the tree. Likewise, if you're gift-list compiling and in need of a luxe non-beauty item then look no further. These candles have cult status for a reason - long-lasting, and strongly scented, the formula is guaranteed to put your housemate's sickly sweet Yankee Candle collection to shame. The iconic packaging can be spotted in multiple Sex and the City episodes, and Figuiers is a personal favourite of Victoria Beckham (as if you needed any more excuses).
Essie Good As Gold Another failsafe stocking filler (an Essie polish will go down well in any beauty lover's stocking), and in a shade which is suitably festive yet perfect for annual use (as I can prove - this is the only polish I have ever finished and repurchased). A true gold in a perfect metallic finish - this is my go-to shade of choice when indecision kicks in. It goes with just about everything and will be a worthy addition to your stash/list.
Nars Blush in Ukraine* A glance at my own Christmas list will reveal a galaxy of beauty brands, but as far as luxe beauty items go (if it's not Tom Ford or Chanel) then it is definitely Nars. Known mostly for the rich formula and pigmentation of their award-winning blushes, Nars' blushes have a shade range unrivalled by any other brand, so whether you opt for (my own personal favourite) Douceur, best-selling Orgasm, or limited edition Ukraine you're certain to hit gold. The latter is winter-perfect - a rich warm shade in a silky finish, with slight shimmer and impressive lasting power. Best for : self-confessed NARSissists.
Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque If Christmas isn't a good enough opportunity to indulge in a luxe skincare product then I don't know what is. Top of my list of recommendations is this cult favourite from Aesop - the star of my 2013 Christmas Day beauty stash and an annual favourite in my skincare artillery. Suitable for all and every skin types, this gentle mask provides a deep cleanse (minus the aggravation) and leaves skin silky smooth, clean, and soft. The tube lasts a long time, even with frequent use - making it well worth the initially steep price tag.
Nourish Golden Glow Toning Body Shimmer* For the glow-getter who has the foundation/highlighter/illuminating fluid, a bottle of luminosity pour le corps. Brighten and banish dull-skinned limbs with this smooth, subtle, and sweetly scented bottle of LUXE body shimmer (teen gaffe this is not). Ideal for maintaining a sun-kissed glow and boasting luminous limbs throughout party season, it applies as a lightweight mousse and sinks swiftly into the skin leaving a dry sheen which glows for hours.
Byredo Hand Cream in La Tulipe* If you're one of those poor souls who suffers from perpetually dry hands then a hand cream will/should undoubtedly feature on your wishlist. And why not make it a luxe one? Pretty packaging and to die for fragrance aside, this is a darn good hand cream. Light but incredibly hydrating, it disappears into the skin without leaving a hint of residue and will have your hands feeling (and smelling) renewed in no time.
Which under £30 treats feature on your wishlist this year?
G x
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*PR sample