Products I Used Up | June 2017

No, it's not a typo these are last months empties and very soon you'll have this months and a flurry of empties posts since I found a whole bag filled with my 'beauty trash' of products I've yet photographed and shared with you. If in any doubt my mission to work through the products I have before repurchasing is going well.

First we step into the bathroom and finally I have finished my Champney's Citrus Blush Shower Mousse*. I say finally only because I feel like I have been using this product, admittedly off and on, for years! This is a product I would repurchase and it's perfect for this time of year and unlike any product I've used before. If you're bored of the usual gels, then I'd say give this a try for a more luxurious shower companion. 

When I first started using wash products for 'the intimate area' I thought it would be too much bother swapping between that and a regular shower gel but it's become something I don't even realise I'm doing now. Soft & Gentle Daily Wash* is less intrusive than the more well known offering Femfresh in large part because it's less 'obvious' in the bathroom. If you're a little shy about these matters then this is the product to use. I would repurchase, although it was Femfresh I did this month only because it was on offer and cheaper.

Another month, another stick of Sure Maximum Protection and this month a small mini that I have been carrying around in my handbag to ensure that I'm not 'that commuter' on the London Underground. I think we know the answer is a resounding yes to repurchasing.

As I had a spring clean of my bathroom I was amazed how much shampoo and conditioner I had in half used states so it's been my mission to ensure that they make there way to these posts. Last month it was TIGI S Factor that I finally said goodbye to. You can read my original review of the range to find out more but the only reason I wouldn't repurchase is the packaging - no one wants to fight with a shampoo morning when they just get out of bed.

I've moved onto salt sprays in recent weeks but prior to that I was using Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Texture Spray*. This is more subtle than a salt spray but still adds some texture and better suited to cooler weather if hair is already a little dry and brittle. You can read my review of the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion range here. 

I've found that since returning to work I'm more active in applying hand cream once again and one I have used is Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate. This style of tube is one of my favorites as it's both small without lacking on product. I loved the scent of this as it was sweet and perfect for the Summer without being overpowering. 

The first three products that I used up last month you will note from my St Lucia Skincare regime and they are favourites. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a long term favourite and I absolutely love it in the spritzer version. Again I'm trying to use the toners that still sit in my stash but I will certainly repurchase again in the future. Liz Earle Eyebright I'm not so sure about repurchasing. I do love it, it's fantastic when eyes are particularly suffering due to hayfever but it's a product I forget to reach for or think about it so it goes a little unloved. I think I'll see whether it's missed.

A product that is missed is the B. Effective Stubborn Make Up Remover*. I thought this was just a nice product and happily returned to the Garnier Micellar Water once it was used up but I'm not enjoying it so much and missing the former.  The B. Make Up Remover is a bi-phase solution and I find it gentler on my eyes which is what I use micellar waters and the like for. I'll definitely be repurchasing this again in the future.

Ren Glycolactic Mask I have little to say about unfortunately as I think it sat on my shelf too long and when I have attempted to use it the smell is a little off so into the bin it goes. Let me know if you've used before and whether it's something I need to seek out in the future.

Janjira Illuminating Day Cream* is a product from the stash sitting half used that needed to be used up. The packing for this product is sleek and lux and I like the pump dispenser to avoid product finding it's way under my nails. It's a nice light moisturiser to use in the warmer months when my skin is oiler and sits at a mid range price point of £24 I would think about repurchasing if there wasn't so many other offerings on the high street that I'm keen to try. Or more importantly a basket filled with moisturisers I need to use up first.

Finally is Perricone Md Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment which I used as a second cleanse. This was an interesting product to use as my second cleanse as it's not one you use to wash off and it's somewhere between a liquid and gel that is nice to apply but I think I prefer my wash products and certainly those which aren't so expensive.

I was gutted when my travel sized Mac Fix+ came to an end and I had hoped to refill from my larger bottle but the cap has beaten me. For now I've got a couple of other fixing sprays I'd like to use first but I will be repurchasing soon as I love having this in my handbag to freshen up make up if I'm heading out after work.

As part of my declutter process I'm trying to be more diligent at discarding mascaras when they have been in use for some months and it's been a success. I don't wish to tempt fate but I've not had what was a sporadic but frequent eye infection since I've been adopting this tactic. Last months mascara empties were two from Chanel, the Le Volume Mascara and the L'Oreal Superstar. Interestingly I had the smaller travel sizes of the Chanel Le Volume and loved it but once I'd purchased full size I was less impressed and actually found it disappointing and with fall out. The L'Oreal Superstar Mascara I enjoyed and would repurchase but mindful of it's something of a faff applying the primer first and it's quite large and bulky packaging for a mascara.

Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen is a great concealer perfect for the better days when you've had a good nights sleep, or at least want to fake having had one. It's not a must have in that I would seek it out from a UK seller but if I come across it when I'm in the US later this year I'm sure I'll throw one into my basket.

Finally a perfume that I enjoyed but didn't love, YSL Black Opium. It's a strong heady scent with a slight sweetness so it's perfect for Summer evenings.

What products have you been using up recently?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Products I Used Up | April 2017

I have a mixed bag of empties from last month to share with you, including many that were a number of products all waiting to have their final dregs used up and had been hanging round longer than necessary. The first such products were the PRO:VOKE Liquid Blonde Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner* which prevent any colour build up from those of us who like a little helping hand to have our hair looking sun kissed.

I hadn't reached for this duo for some time as I'd been testing other products but having left some time between appointments with my colourist as I waited for the start of my new job I was keen to ensure the blonde tones that were growing out were still looked after. I still have other products from the PRO:VOKE brand sitting in my bathroom but I will happily repurchase any of them when the time comes.

Radox has received so many mentions throughout the years on Florence and Mary, most often in these types of posts. Whether it's shower gel or bubble baths you will quite often find a bottle sitting in my bathroom in one for or another. My favourite is the 'For Men' (why?) Muscle Therapy Bath Soak, which despite my eye roll at it's name, I do indeed love for it's 'manly scent' a mix of peppercorns and ginseng. I feel that it holds it's own for filling my bathroom with any of it's high end competitors and for just £1 I will happily repurchase for many more years to come. That said stay tuned as I'm testing one or two other brands at bath time I'll be sharing with you in coming posts.

Another favourite is Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand Cream* which smells amazing and I can guarantee whenever I apply someone in close proximity will comment and ask 'what the lovely smell is'. This is a hand cream I will definitely repurchase, in fact I'd purchase any of the products from the Fleur de Figuier quite happily. This handy size is perfect for throwing in my handbag and adds another layer of fragrance if you're missing your perfume.

I decided to pack Champneys Heavenly Days Sleep Pillow Mist* for my holiday to St Lucia and on my return carried the habit of spritzing my pillows before bed until the bottle made it's way into my empties bag. More costly than the Ragdale Hall Pillow Spray I have repurchased many times I expected to continue as I was. In fact I've found that the Champney's Pillow Mist is perhaps worth the higher price tag as I've found myself missing it and the Ragdale Hall offering a little too overpowering and synthetic for my liking. It's currently buy one, get one half price so it seems like a good time to make the investment.

Moving onto skincare and the vials of KYPRIS' serums and oils I was sent to review back in February. As I said in my initial review depending on your needs and more importantly if you have the budget the various offerings were a pleasure to use. My favourite was the pictured Moonlight Catalyst and I found it complimented my skin.

The next two products, Sarah Chapman Skinesis Intense Hydrating Booster and Bobbi Brown Hydrating Gel Cream were as you can see only samples so I have no lengthy time period with which they were tested for review but I both found them enjoyable to use. Sarah Chapman is a brand I'm keen to explore more and I used the Hydration Booster during my flight to St Lucia and I'm happy that I look far more refreshed than I felt and that my skin benefited from it's use. Bobbi Brown is better known for her make up than skincare but I found this Gel Cream sample in my stash and decided to use post my holiday to ensure I didn't suffer from skin drying out as my tan faded. It's certainly lightweight on the skin and make up, as I would expect, sat nicely on top but I don't feel a need to buy full size, nor able to say don't because I only received a couple of uses from the small size.

Interestingly as I went back to some earlier posts featuring Radox and labelled them appropriately I saw that the YesTo Cucumber Facial Wipes* featured way back in 2014 and as I said then they were a perfect flight accompaniment which was indeed their purpose in 2017. Whilst I didn't wear any make up on my outbound flight by the time I was ready settle down for my a film and post-lunch snooze I wanted to freshen up and the YesTo wipes were perfect for that, and saved the day when my friend, jealous of my in-flight pamper routine was disappointed she had worn make up and I was able to say 'I have just the thing'. I know wipes aren't the best thing for our skin but they are 'allowed' on flights and whilst I wouldn't rely on them as part of my cleansing regime I will certainly ensure a stash is available for when needed in a pinch or on my next flight.

Two very sad additions to the empties bag were a vial of my Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume and L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, both having holy grail status. Spoiler alert the final vial from my Chanel travel set will also be making it's way into my empties next month and I will be using as an incentive to use up many of the other perfumes in my collection. Coco Mademoiselle was always my favourite perfume, and I'm sure it's one I'll continue to repurchase although I like to change with my moods these days rather than adopting the 'signature scent' approach. And on the note of Chanel, you'll see Suddenly, Lidl's interpretation of the scent which I don't think is too bad. Of course for about £4 you cannot expect much but I used to have it sitting on my desk at work to touch up perfume when I felt I needed a refresh for the journey home but rather not waste the 'real thing'. On the note of the Lidl scents I picked up the Chanel No 5 dupe for my mum recently as I was more impressed with that. I actually sprayed in the store on entering, carried on with my shopping and kept getting a whiff of 'my mum' that I had to buy for her to try.

Back to my favourite foundation, which despite a back up in situ and numerous other foundations to pick from I am still squeezing every last drop out of this tube. I wear the US version and find the coverage flawless and one that will last well for me throughout the day, even tested yesterday for my first day back to work.

Another old office favourite was the Maybelline Lips in Cherry. Purchased as it compliments my often worn red lips whilst allowing added moisture. This has been repurchased and is waiting for the appropriate moment to be added to my new office stash.

Final word goes to the pricey but fabulous By Terry Terrybly Growth Booster Mascara* which became a regular after it accompanied me to Center Parcs. The brush is big, thick and coats lashes that boosts volume that as I type this I want to hit buy now as I realise I'm missing it.

What products have you used up this month you wish you hadn't?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

St Lucia | Inside My Shower

One of the exciting things about heading off on holiday, apart from the sun sea and sand of course is heading out to pick up all your toiletries in dinky travel size and I have a pretty healthy stash of travel minis I could reach for. That said I always panic, will I have enough for the duration of my trip, what if I run out before departure and then there are the products I already own in full size, is it worth duplicating with their smaller counterparts?

Over thinking aside when I headed to St Lucia last month my travel allowance was not something to worry about and as I continue to enjoy working my way through products I actually own or have been sent all concerns were allowed to be ignored and it was full size ahead in my shower.

During vacations there's a lot of showering, shaving of legs and prepping for a night of cocktails so I decided that Champneys Citrus Blush Enlivening Shower Mousse* was a perfect travel partner. I can't believe it's still going as it appeared in my August favourites last year as a Summer favourite so I thought it was ideal for my trip. From the Champney's 'A Little Pick Me Up' it designed to add zing to your shower routine with it's lemon scent so fitted nicely whether it was used following an early morning call for a boat trip or to liven me up for a night of cocktails after a lazy day poolside.

As a mousse rather than a gel it's perfect for regular shaving duties required during holidays yet still adds a pampering feel to a monotonous task. I also paired the shower mousse with the matching scrub which became a 'house favourite' and found it's way into my empties pile so keep your eyes peeled for that post coming up soon.

During the Summer months, or indeed those I'm holidaying in the sun Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner are my go to products, and they did travel to St Lucia with me but went rather unloved thanks to the Totally Bleachin' duo from TIGI Bed Head*.

I'm sure I've said this before as there are a lot of TIGI Bed Head products I'm working with at the moment but the always smell amazing and the Totally Bleachin' range is no different with it's totally tropical mango and tangerine fragrance.

TIGI Bed Head Totally Bleachin' Cleansing Jelly Shampoo* and TIGI Bed Head Totally Bleachin' Mellow After-Sun Conditioner* are will both maintain colour vibrancy thanks to their protective UV complext and use Vitamin E to target signs of damage and leave hair soft and nourished.

As my hair is coloured and dryer in recent years I found that just using a salt spray was sufficient and was conscious of drying out further with salt shampoo formlas. Using the Totally Bleachin' shampoo and conditioner ensured that my hair was left looking soft and shiny, even after a day travelling by boat at high speeds left me resembling Worzel Gummage and barely able to run a brush through.

Every time I'm on holiday I'm reminded I really should look into laser hair removal, spending too much time keeping my legs hair free. For this trip I was sent the updated Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Bikini razor* which has the new added benefits including Pro-Vitamin B5 and Shea Butter to protect the skins natural oils and add a boost of hydration - no one wants scaly, red or bumpy legs on holidays do they.

I have used the earlier version of this 2 in 1 trimmer with adjustable bikini trimmer with success and was once again pleased with it's use. 5 'curve sensing blades' provide closeness will reducing irritation and I do find this a gentle and more subtle shave. I wouldn't favour this for a heavier shave but for daily use it's perfect.

I'll also give a nod to the replacement blades I purchased which come in handy travel sized packets so you can throw one or two into your make up bag without finding all sorts clinging to them when you go to use.

What products must you have in your shower on holiday?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Finding a Good Nights Sleep

I've discussed many times that I have dreadful sleeping patterns and habits. I will sit flicking through tv channels till all hours and even worse has been the latter months of my time at home that I find myself unable to kick start my day until early evening and continue through the night.

As I have begun interviewing for future jobs and my return to work is imminent I'm conscious of my need to adapt to normal business hours and an early morning commute into London that means trying to find one or two rituals and products that help relax me of an evening before bed.

First up is a relaxing bath, I've not a big relax in the bath fan I must confess but it's something I've enjoyed more off whilst having time at home and I've been using Imperial Leather Relaxing Sleep Bath Soak of an evening to unwind thanks to the Camomile and Ylang which aids restful sleep.

One ritual I'm find an ease at following is spraying my bedsheets with a pillow spray. I've been using pillow sprays for sometime although it's somewhat nicer currently that I can spray in a timely manner rather than spritzing moments before bed. The two I have in rotation at the moment are at two ends of the price spectrum, Ragdale Hall Sleep Pillow Mist is a mere £5 from Marks and Spencer and the mist I was first introduced to. For someone who usually turns their nose up at anything too 'lavender' this is a pleasing version of the scent that enjoy smelling as I might initially toss and turn in bed.

A little more expensive and to evoke the spa experience is Champney's Heavingly Days Pillow Mist* which also contains lavender mixed with geranium and chamomile and is a slightly more sophisticated smell and I also love spraying a little on my bedside lamp so that the scent 'burns' in the room creating a haven for bedtime.

This Works are well known for their pillow mist but it's the This Works Skin Deep Beauty Oil* which I keep in my bedside draw and apply the oil to my pulse points if I need to 'enhance feelings of well-being' and relax after a particularly stressful or tense day.

The final product is Melatonin in tablet form which is a manmade version of the hormone produced in the brain that helps regulate your sleep and wake cycle. My understanding is that it is only available to purchase over the counter in the US, where I picked up my stash and they have been used as an alternative to treating insomnia and for me they are priceless.

I had heard a lot about these through the wonder of the internet and finally purchased in Las Vegas last year but forgot about them as I struggled to fight my jetlag, when I finally remember I had them it was amazing at how they worked. My issue is primarily falling asleep and I find it difficult to switch off but all I need to do when I'm really struggling is to pop one of these tablets and find I drift off very quickly and easily.

So there are a few of my tools for finding a good nights sleep, what are yours?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Monthly Beauty Favourites | August 2016

Favourites posts always seem more difficult when I've been on holiday as I try and remember the products I loved before I took flight, or question whether the fact I took something on holiday makes it's a favourite. Here's the products which made the list.

First up is Champneys Citrus Blush Enlivening Shower Mousse* from the 'A Little Pick Me Up' range designed to add some zing to your shower routine and it's been doing just that. It's lemon scent is perfect for the mornings when I need all the help I can get. I'm enjoying using the mousse which feels lighter than a gel and for some unknown reason feels quicker to use!

Such a favourite was Palmer's Cocoa Butter Sunscreen Spray* and one I wanted to share that I carried the empty can home from Italy with me. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Sunscreen Spray is quite simply amazing and changed my life, certainly where holiday's are concerned.

Like many I find applying body lotions a chore, and none more so than when on holiday when it's necessary to apply your sunscreen before a day in the sun. Tacky formulas you have to wait to dry, white casts are a thing of the past as Palmer's have combined the new trend for quick and easy body lotions dispensed as spray with SPF.

A new launch from Palmer's (including your more traditional lotion which also got some use during my trip) and their first ever foray into suncare and I'm sold. I was concerned that perhaps the spray would mean I'd find a patchy tan or worse burnt patches from areas missed with the mist but I can report there were now. A light mist and a little massage of the skin to ensure all areas are covered and I was good to good.

This would be a perfect SPF to accompany on City Breaks as you could easily put on clothes immediately on applying and there was none of the staining you can find with other products. The only downside for some may be the scent which is the familiar one expected from Palmer's Cocoa Butter. As my friend commented after he used 'I smell like chocolate brownies' this is amazing.

The next three make up products were ones I was using leading up to my holiday and ones, the only of their type to take on holiday with me. Make Up Revolution Vivid Baked Highlights in Rose Gold Lights is such an amazing product I'm telling everyone they must buy. At only £3 the quality and finish is amazing and one I've had to consciously 'hide' away so that I can make a start testing and using other products. I love how this looks on my skin, accompanies any make up look and saves the need for highlighter if you're feeling a little lazy.

I've finally tracked down the L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Gold Obsession range on Feel Unique and am very tempted to purchase Pink Gold and Plum Gold for Autumn. It's Rouge Gold I'm feeling the love for right now and was the red I chose to accompany me on my holiday. It's 'wrapped in 23 carat gold pigments' formula creates a look to my red lip that is different to any others I own and makes a change from the matte lips that are dominating lately.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation was one I wanted but couldn't justify purchasing. Lady luck stepped in in the form of my friend Rose who recently visited from the US last month. I'd asked her to pick up the Glow version which she was unable to track down so picked up this one for me instead. I'm even happier now I've been looking online and see that some people are saying the UK version isn't as good as the US one but I'll have to wait to pass judgement on that but on the tube I have I love. I'm always cautious when trying out a new foundation, especially if its a week day, what looks 'ok' at home could end up looking quite the opposite under the office lights but I'm pleased to say that L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation did not let me down.

Coverage is medium and when I take my time to apply it's flawless. As you'd expect if I'm a little slapdash, skip setting powders and have a particular rough day it might not wear as well but generally it's a foundation I can rely on and one I am reaching for often, so much so I committed to taking this on holiday with me. As such I can report it faired well under warmer conditions too.

Paired with this foundation has been the Primark PS Pro Medium Oval Brush which I didn't have very expectations for. These rather odd looking brushes are popping up on the high street following the higher end versions appearing to go down a storm. I have to confess I've thought them quite a gimmick and scoffed at peoples glowing reviews but when I saw this brush for only £4 I thought I'd give it a try. Whilst this was not a fair assessment as one will assume that the quality differs as much as the price I thought I'd at least get to experience it, rule it out and move on. Obviously that hasn't happened. I don't know if it's the brush head itself or design but it works. I do find that make up takes a little longer, and I do only mean by seconds, to apply as I find I'm more attentive when using this brush. It's dense brushes help create a flawless finish and foundation is buffed easily into skin. As you can see from the photo I haven't even had time to clean it before it was able to make its appearance on these pages.

There are more holidays ahead and plenty of products lined up to test before I jet off so stayed tuned for one or two hauls coming up. Let's see what makes September favourites.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Champneys Pamper Night In

Champney's recently challenged me to a pamper night in and whilst regular readers will know that I'm more of a 'get the job done' rather than luxurious pamper session kind of girl the timing fitted perfectly for my birthday last weekend and I need to take some time out.

First things first it's time to light some candles around my home and run a bath. Whilst I'm loving the lighter evenings I am pleased during Summer than there are no windows in my bathroom and I can create some relaxing mood lighting.

Now we're starting to see some sunshine, even if it's still a little chillier than I'd like I've been enjoying using Champneys Citrus Blush Enlivening Shower Mousse* and Daily Scrub*. Champneys have arranged all their products but groups and whilst Enlivening might not be everyones first choice if a scent pleases me, such as this citrus scent then it relaxes me. I also do love a mousse sometimes as there's something a little more 'special' about it rather than your regular every day shower gels.

I remember many years ago having an exfoliation treatment at a spa and loved it, thankfully Champneys allow you to achieve similar results at home. A combination of sugar and salt, easily accessible from a tube rather than a tub helps wake up the skin and leave it look fresh for an occasion when I might be showing a little more skin than usual.

Moving out of the bath, slipping on my fantastic Champneys slippers which mum, you are not having, and taking up camp on the sofa it's time to switch on Netflix and catch up on Once Upon A Time and Pretty Little Liars, perhaps not the most age appropriate but they're shows I love nonetheless. I've also been watching Suits but I'm currently taking a break as I near the end of the last series available on Netflix and I have to wait for the next ones to appear there or on Sky.

I did fully intend to have a full on manicure session prior to my birthday and reach for my Sensationail Gel Nail Kit but I was too relaxed from my bath and ended up in what I call sloth mode. Having treated my hands to Champneys Harmonious Hands Restoring Hand Scrub* I slathered hands in Champneys Harmonious Hands Restoring Hand and Nail Cream*, a mix of chamomile, orange, mandarin and vitamins a, c, e and b5 and threw it into my handbag the next day so I was able to apply as I saw fit over the weekend.

I'm getting slightly better with applying body lotions these days, even managing some morning application which should set me in good stead for the Summer when it's time to ditch the thick black tights. For evenings I've been enjoying Champneys Cloud Nine Indulgent Dry Body Oil*.  I hadn't expected to enjoy this as much as I have, worrying I'd feel greasy, wasting my bath time efforts. Of course I was wrong and Champneys know what they're doing. This is a dry oil that soothes, softens and nourishes Spring skin with an amazing scent of plum, orange, vanilla and aromatic wood that made relaxing on the sofa a pleasure.

If oils aren't your thing mornings have been joined by Champneys Summer Dream Rewarding Souffle*. The fruity scent is a perfect accompaniment to your morning fruit salad and doesn't take too long to absorb into skin so I find I can pile it on and put clothes on soon after without worrying about transfer.

All that pampering and Netflix viewing can be tiring work and there's nothing like your beauty sleep to ensure you're ready for partying. Just in case I need a little more help before bed I of course spritz Champneys Heavenly Days Sleep Pillow Mist*. You'll know that I'm a big fan of pillow mists and use one most nights, my top tip for this mix of lavender, geranium and chamomile is to spray on corner/top of your duvet so that as you wrap it around you you'll be comforted by the scent as you drift off to sleep.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my pre-birthday evening pamper with Champneys and if you have more recommendations for me, Netflix or otherwise pop them in the comments.

*this post contains press samples

Beauty Picks for Mother's Day

Tomorrow is Mother's Day in the UK and I'm sure we're all looking forward to spoiling our mum's with a few gifts. As is customary in blogging circles here's a rundown of one or two of my suggestions you might want to pick up for your mum if you're planning on shopping today.

Years ago I myself would have turned up my nose a little at hand or foot creams as gifts, now, hand cream especially is one of my favourite things to receive. I could literally put together a post of my favourite offerings across all budgets but Crabtree and Evelyn and Soap & Glory are good places to start.

These handy size tubes from Crabtree and Evelyn are only £5 and available in your local Waitrose and can be added to a box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers for an extra touch. Currently I'm favouring the Pomegranate scent but there are plenty to choice from.

Heading to Boots there is of course a wealth of gifts for you to choose from. Does your mum like sweet scents and fun packaging then Soap and Glory have you covered across the board. You already know my bathroom is stocked up their range of body scrubs but in my bedside draw you'll find a tube of Heel Genius which I pop on my feet at bedtime.

Another brand I'm a huge fan of is Roger and Gallet, they too have some handy sized hand creams, and try anything from the Fleur de Figuier range - its an amazing scent and included in the new body balms I spoke on in a post earlier this week. I've tried shower gels and body lotions and not one product has let me down yet. Track the range down in your favourite Marks and Spencer beauty hall.

My mum enjoys make up and is a fan of using her hands for applying make up but she has been musing lately about getting herself 'some nice brushes'. Perhaps I could help her our but gifting her the Zoeva Rose Gold Brush Set*. I've recently had a chance to try one or two brushes from the Zoeva range and found them to be exceptional despite their lower price tag. They are comparable to Real Techniques both in price and quality and dare I say look a little more attractive sitting on the dressing table.

As you know I'm not a fan of rose scented products but many are. There have been one or two rose scents that I have enjoyed this year, none more surprising than Liz Earle Botanical Essence No 20*. This was created to celebrated Liz Earle's 20th anniversary and I was expecting to think 'very nice but not for me'. Instead I was met with a sophisticated scent of rose that didn't make me wrinkle my nose up.

Another rose product I've found myself enjoying recently is Pixi Beauty Rose Oil Blend*. One of the more affordable serum's around with pleasing packaging that is very 'instagram worthy'. The Rose Oil Blend will help provide all those things mature skins want; luminosity, rejuvenation and radiance. Along with the scent of rose geranium oils there's sweet almond, jojoba and others which make this something I'm enjoying. If your worries are dehydrated, dull or sagging skin then this is the moisture you or your mum might need.

MonuSpa Rosewood Reviving Mist* has been a saviour for me this week whilst being unwell this week. With a changing temperature and moving from the cold outside to stuffy and warm a refreshing mist has been just the thing to keep me going through the day. It has a zesty fragrance which provides the perfect pick me up and would be great for any mum's that enjoy their sports of travel a lot and like to have a hit of moisture when needed.

Another skincare treat for mums who like their products to be multi-tasking is Weleda Almond Oil*. Whether you want to use this as a facial treatment for sensitive skin, eye make up remover or on dry cuticles you can use this nourishing treatment as you see fit. I have mine sitting in my bedside table so that I can reach for it when I need it.

My final shout out goes to Champneys who you may remember recently went under a huge rebranding.  Maybe you want to plan a spa trip for you and your mum or just simply allow her to have the experience at home now you can pick from any of their easily identified ranges such as Heavenly Days or Summer Dreams. My top pick for any new mums is Champney's Heavenly Days Sleep Pillow Mist* with lavender, geranium and chamomile create a soothing aroma that you simply spritz over bed linen and allow yourself to settle for a perfect nights sleep.

Are you giving your mum any beauty products tomorrow?

*this post contains press samples

Champneys | Rebranding and New Products

I have a confession to make. I don't like Spas, I find them a little boring. Padding around in bathrobes just isn't my thing. Of course the treatments are lovely and you wouldn't find me refusing a trip to one but it wouldn't be my first choice for something to do. I do love a pamper though, just at home, to my schedule.

Luckily for me Champneys understand there are people like me who want to enjoy a 'Champneys moment at home but there was perhaps a few products missing from their range and their packaging needed a little rebranding so that's what they did.

I have to say looking at Champneys new packaging I feel like they marry the combination of the Champneys brand I know of, albeit from afar, of one of luxury with a younger, fresher feel. I think it has a broad appeal for both teens without alienating it's regular customer whilst not appearing cheap and alienating the older woman.

The concept of the new range of products is simple for you to choose from whatever your pampering needs may be. Is it a 'Well Earned Treat' after a tough week, 'A Little Pick Me Up' after a sleepless night or a need to feel 'As Good As New' after a difficult day there is something for you.

From the 'Well Earned Treat' range I received the Champneys Summer Dream Rewarding Butter Souffle* which is a pleasant aroma of summer fruits that I could happily lick it. Yes I could. Former Champneys fans may remember this as Distant Shores. This really does feel luxurious and something a little more special than typical thick body butters and at this time of year it does make a difference to the abundance of cinnamon and wintery scents we're seeing. As price points go this is fair at £10 and you can snap it up now on a 3 for 2. I've definitely got my eye on other products in the line up such as Bubble Heaven and the salt scrub when the sun returns once again. It makes a more mature alternative to Soap & Glory's Sugar Crush.

If Sugar Crush is your thing you'll enjoy the Citrus Blush products from the 'A Little Pick Me Up' range. Citrus, lemon and cardamon add some zing to your morning shower. Scent aside I love the packaging particularly of the two products I have. Citrus Blush Foaming Shower Mousse* makes an enjoyable change from the usual gels and as such feels a little more luxurious. The pump also makes things easier as there's no danger of bottles or tubes slipping out of hands. The Citrus Blush Enlivening Daily Scrub* is in a tube which avoids the typical scooping of tubs so there's less waste and you have a cream formula with a gritty texture rather than a heavier scrub. It's more a polish so perfect for this time of year when you're having to get scaley Winter skin out for those Christmas parties!

And finally another product from the 'Well Earned Treat' range is Cloud Nine Indulgent Dry Body Oil*, again absolutely perfect for this time of year both in scent and texture. The scent is one of plum and orange, blended with vanilla and aromatic woods which can be simply spritzed onto skin and massaged in - if you're lucky enough to have a man at home maybe this would make for a night time massage. Alas if like me any massages are done by myself a spray oil goes some way to getting product on the back!

I have my eye on the Heavenly Days range, especially their Pillow Mist and think you could easily put together your own package of products for a friend or family member, whatever their age or needs. I'm sure plenty of people need something for any of the ranges whether battling sleepless nights, or want a well earned treat after a long day spent Christmas shopping.

The new Champneys products are a big hit with me, have you tried them?

*this post contains press samples