Christmas Gift Guide 2017: What To Buy For Him

Following on from my Christmas gift guide for her, I thought that it was only fair that I'd share some gift ideas for the men in your life; whether that be friends, fathers, boyfriends, brothers- this is my 2017 Christmas gift guide for men. Guys are typically very difficult to buy for, so I have thought long and hard to find the perfect gift for even the pickiest of customers!

Music Tech 

Bluetooth Shower Speaker 
Every guy loves a bit of fancy technology and it makes a great gift which you know they'll love. One of my favourite picks are these bluetooth shower speakers from ASOS. At just £14.99 this smart speaker is water resistant, bluetooth and comes with a USB cable which makes it easy to sing along to your favourite tunes whilst in the shower. Not so great if your guy is known for taking all the hot water in the mornings .. but they will love it!

Headphones 
Looking to buy for the music fanatic in your life? I am sure that their beaten up headphones could do with an update so why not treat them to a new pair which you know will be appreciated.
The new iPhone annoyingly comes without an average headphone jack which means that you have no choice but to use their Apple headphones or buy a new bluetooth pair. I don't know about you but receiving a pair of bluetooth headphones this christmas would make the perfect gift.

I have picked out a few pairs of headphones which I am are sure will go down a hit with any music fan.

1. http://www.asos.com/the-source-wholesale-limited/bluetooth-shower-speaker/prd/7240308?clr=multi&cid=16091&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=1300&gridsize=3&gridrow=3&gridcolumn=3
2. https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio-and-headphones/headphones/headphones/philips-shb3060bk-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-black-10138588-pdt.html
3. https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/audio-and-headphones/headphones/headphones/bose-soundsport-wireless-bluetooth-headphones-black-10145622-pdt.html


Grooming 
Men secretly love a good pamper session. Giving their AM-PM routine a boost with brand new body washes, face scrubs, beard oils will never go unappreciated.
Some men simply need a helping hand when picking up their grooming products so it is a great gift for them to receive at Christmas.

ASOS have a fantastic selection of products with a range of great brands on offer. Shaving kits, beard oils and shampoos are good choices for the guy who's into his facial hair and body washes and face scrubs will always get used. Bulldog is one of the best brands with high quality and affordable products.

1. http://www.asos.com/bulldog/bulldog-beard-care-kit/prd/8809324?clr=beardkit&SearchQuery=bulldog&pgesize=26&pge=0&totalstyles=26&gridsize=3&gridrow=6&gridcolumn=3
2. http://www.asos.com/wahl/wahl-multi-groomer-trimmer-kit/prd/6601210?clr=multi&SearchQuery=wahl&pgesize=7&pge=0&totalstyles=7&gridsize=3&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=2
3. http://www.asos.com/bulldog/bulldog-bundle-skin-kit-save-30/prd/7218383?clr=multi&SearchQuery=bulldog&pgesize=26&pge=0&totalstyles=26&gridsize=3&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=1


Alcohol 
Alcohol featured in my women's gift guide but I simply believe that you can never go wrong when buying someones favourite tipple, especially at Christmas time!

If the guy loves his beer, doing your research and finding some world craft beers makes a great gift, or find a local beer which you may be able to find in a local bar or beer house. Brewdog Brewery and Beavertown Brewery both make great beers.

Buying a fancier bottle of his usual Tesco's basics is a nice treat. Or if you want to get him something new to try out, Edinburgh Gin have a wide range of flavoured gins. Their Christmas Gin would make a great gift and the Rhubarb and Ginger gin is my favourite.

1. https://www.edinburghgin.com/shop/gins/christmas-gin
2. https://www.edinburghgin.com/shop/gins/rhubarb-ginger-liqueur
3.  https://www.edinburghgin.com/shop/gins/plum-vanilla-liqueur

Experiences ; Gig Tickets, Holiday 
Men are notoriously hard to buy for and we often end up buying the fussiest of relatives gifts that they will never like or appreciate, but they smile and say thank you for the sake of Christmas (and deep inside we know that it was a waste of money too...)
Buying someone an experience rather than an actual gift is a nice thoughtful and unique gift. Whether you pay for them to go to their favourite restaurant or tickets to see their favourite band play live- this is something that you know they will appreciate more than that new tie that they really didn't want.

If you know the guy loves a particular artist or band, buying him tickets to their gig is a great idea.If you're a fellow northerner like me, Manchester is the home to great live music- with live bands playing every weekend in big arenas and small bars across the city, there is always something going on for everyone.

Another great idea is to book him a holiday to go somewhere he has always wanted to visit. This is a great present which you can enjoy too. Book yourself a ticket to join him and it gives you both something to really look forward to when the excitement of Christmas is over.
City weekend breaks in Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin or Prague are always popular choices and won't break the bank with cheap flights available with airlines like Easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2.

Subscription 
Buying somebody a subscription makes a great gift. You can pay and sign them up for TV services like Netflix, Now TV and Amazon Prime. Or if they've yet to upgrade themselves to unlimited music with Spotify premium, you can unveil them to a world of endless music (ad free!!)

Socks & Underwear 
You may think that socks and underwear make a very boring gift but I promise you that the men in your life will thank you for saving them the yearly trip to Primark to stock up on their basics.
Boring but practical. Almost every man will appreciate a new pack of socks or boxers.
ASOS have a great range including brands such as Calvin Klein along with their ASOS own brand which is always good quality for your money.

1. http://www.asos.com/calvin-klein/calvin-klein-low-rise-trunks-3-pack-in-cotton-stretch/prd/8469883?clr=multi&SearchQuery=calvin+klein+underwear+men&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=109&gridsize=3&gridrow=1&gridcolumn=3
2. http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-made-in-uk-socks-in-gift-box-with-stripe-design-3-pack/prd/8606704?clr=multi&SearchQuery=&cid=4030&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=379&gridsize=3&gridrow=7&gridcolumn=1

Christmas Gift Guide 2017: What to Buy for Her

With Christmas just around the corner, the shops are filled with people franticly searching the shelves to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. I love nothing more than buying presents that I know will bring a smile to someone's face. Having said that, I know how tricky it can be to come up with a unique present idea to suit the person and find something they will genuinely love.

To help you out, I have put together a little compilation of my top gift ideas for her. Whether you're buying for your friends, family on a budget, or something special for your girlfriend, wife, mother etc these are my top gift picks which I am sure will go down a treat!

And with just 5 weeks till the big day, I suppose we'd better get started ...

Jewellery 
You can never go wrong when buying a woman jewellery and I think that this is a fail safe gift which is very special. Whether she likes delicate and simple pieces or chunky statement rings, any girl will be happy to find something sparkling underneath the tree.

I personally love to wear lots of statement rings and I often buy them from a shop in Manchester's Afflecks Palace called Abacus. Other places that have nice statement pieces are Empty Casket and July Child Jewellery  which are both online boutiques.

If you're looking for something more delicate, Pandora have a fantastic range of jewellery to choose from. I love the birthstone pieces from Pandora which I think gives a nice personal touch.

Monica Vinader is the place to go if you're looking for something extra special. They have a range of beautiful jewellery and they also offer a complimentary engraving service which enables you to customise your pieces with a message, motif or hand-drawn doodle and make it one-of-a-kind. Monica Vinader's linear bracelets are a grown up take on the traditional friendship bracelet- available in gold, rose gold and sterling silver, they can be hand-engraved with the name or message of your choice. What a beautiful gift!

I have picked out a few of my top picks from the brands mentioned above to give you a helping hand.

1. http://www.emptycasket.co.uk/product/sterling-silver-rainbow-moonstone-rising-moon-ring
2. http://www.emptycasket.co.uk/product/sterling-silver-star-light-hoops
3. https://www.julychild.co.uk/collections/fingers/products/third-eye-silver-ring-goldstone
4. https://www.julychild.co.uk/collections/neck/products/third-eye-silver-necklace
5. http://www.pandora.net/en-gb/products/bracelets/silver/590524pcz
6. http://www.pandora.net/en-gb/products/rings/silver/191045en23
7. http://estore-uk.pandora.net/rings/stacking-rings/february-birthstone-ring/190854AM.html?navid=search#q=february&start=4&navid=search
8. https://www.monicavinader.com/havana-friendship-bracelet/rose-gold-vermeil-havana-friendship-bracelet-black#slide-2
9. https://www.monicavinader.com/linear-stone-ring/rose-gold-vermeil-linear-stone-ring-amazonite?search=%2Fshop%2Frings


Pyjamas 
Girls love to feel cosy and pyjamas are always a nice gift to receive at Christmas. Whether it's a big fluffy dressing gown or sexy silk pyjamas, this gift will always go down a treat.
Victoria Secret have some beautiful luxurious pyjama sets which make a fantastic gift. Any girl would be thrilled to unwrap an icon pink striped Victoria Secret set this Christmas.

If you're looking for something more affordable, ASOS have some great cosy pyjamas and loungewear with a style to suit everyone. I love their novelty christmas pyjamas too.

1. Victoria Secret After Hours Satin Boxer PJ Set https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/pj-sets/afterhours-satin-boxer-pj-set?ProductID=355909&CatalogueType=OLS
2. Victoria Secret The Cosy Hooded Long Robe https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/robes-and-slippers/the-cozy-hooded-long-robe?ProductID=269803&CatalogueType=OLS
3. ASOS Christmas Snowman Tee & Short Pyjama Set http://www.asos.com/asos/asos-christmas-snowman-tee-short-pyjama-set/prd/8468508?CTARef=Bag%20Item%20Image

Subscriptions 
For the woman who has everything, buying them a subscription is the perfect gift. Did you know that you can now not only get subscriptions for magazines and music (which also make a great gift!) but also to receive flowers monthly or even a beauty box filled with new products to try out.

Bloom & Wild is a flower subscription which delivers different beautiful bouquets through the letter box at a frequency to suit you. If you know somebody who loves having fresh flowers in their house, you can buy them a subscription to receive flowers throughout the year which I think makes a great gift.

For the beauty addict in your life, buying them a beauty subscription box is a great way for them to try out and discover new products. Glossybox is a beauty box which contains 5 products and gets delivered to your house monthly. Each box contains a mix of makeup, beauty tools and skincare for indulgent pampering sessions. This is a great way to discover new products and receive a special gift each month throughout the year.

Magazine subscriptions are also a great gift which is something that every girl will love and appreciate. Vogue, Elle, Grazier and Cosmopolitan are all good choices.

Luxurious Lipstick 
If you want to buy makeup, lipstick is always your best bet. A luxurious lipstick is a fail safe gift which every woman will appreciate. Brands including Chanel, YSL , Charlotte Tilbury and MAC are ideal and always look impressive in their sleek, luxe packaging.
If you're unsure on a shade, Red is timeless and perfect for the festive season, or you could go for a pinky nude which she can wear everyday.

1. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick, Bond Girl http://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/matte-revolution-bond-girl.html
2. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lipstick, Nightfall
http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/chanel-rouge-allure-velvet-luminous-matte-lip-colour-63-nightfall-3-5g_437-73004626-162630/
3. MAC Lipstick, Velvet Teddy 
https://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/matte-lipstick

Alcohol 
Know somebody who loves a Christmas tipple (or three)? What better gift than a bottle of their favourite spirit, or why not treat them to something new to try like a local craft beer or flavoured gin?

Selfridges foodhall is the place to go if you're looking for something a little special. In store, they have a wide range of spirits to choose from which you can get put into a bottle of your choice with a hand-engraved message on the front. I love the high heel shaped bottle which would be perfect filled with a sparkling pink liquor.

1. Selfridges Pink Heel Vodka http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/il-gusto-high-heel-pink-vodka-with-22-carat-gold-flakes-350ml_752-10115-LADYSHOEGOLD/
2. Edinburugh Rubharb & Ginger Gin https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edinburgh-Gin-Rhubarb-Ginger-Liqueur/dp/B00OA6JDBM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1510677482&sr=8-1&keywords=rubard+gin


Perfume 
Perfume may seem like an obvious gift however I think that it is such a great classic. I always love to receive my favourite perfume for Christmas because it's something that I don't usually splurge on for myself so it is really nice to be gifted it. Most women have a signature scent which they wear all the time and I can gaurentee  that they will appreciate a top up.
My favourite perfume is YSL Black Opium which is a sexy feminime fragrance with notes of black coffee, white floral and vanilla. I love it!
Other popular fragrances are Miss Dior by Dior, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Armani Si and Chanel Cocoa Mademoiselle.

1. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau De Parfum http://www.feelunique.com/p/Yves-Saint-Laurent-Black-Opium-Eau-De-Parfum-Spray-30ml
2. VIKTOR & ROLF Flowerbomb Eau De Parfum http://www.feelunique.com/p/Viktor-Rolf-Flowerbomb-Eau-De-Parfum-50ml
3. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau De Parfum http://www.feelunique.com/p/CHANEL-Coco-Mademoiselle-Eau-De-Parfum-Spray-50ml


I hope that this has helped you out if you are shopping for a women's christmas present this year. Stay tuned on my blog for my Christmas Gift guide for HIM which will be up soon! 

MAC Haul : Makeup Artist Kit Re-Stock

MAC Cosmetics is a brand which takes up a big part of my makeup artist kit and I have used and loved their products for years. MAC offers a generous discount to working makeup artists which allows us to build our kit with their products. MAC also have a specific 'pro' range which consists of artistry designed products; these products have been specificaly designed for professional makeup artists and are only available in MAC freestanding pro stores and online.

Unfortunately for me, being a northern gal, the only freestanding pro stores in the United Kingdom are in London and MAC only accept my professional discount in these stores and online.
On a recent trip to London to visit my brother who has recently moved to the big city, I took advantage of the opportunity to visit MAC and use my artistry discount.

I took this opportunity to stock up on some of my favourite and most loved products from MAC and also pick up a few new products to try out. Keep reading to find out what I picked up .....

Prep & Prime Fix+ 

Fix + is an essential product in my makeup kit; it has multiple uses and I use it as part of the skincare routine, to refresh the skin during and after makeup and also when using eyeshadows and loose pigments. Fix + is a lightweight mist of water packed with vitamins and minerals designed to give an instant boost of hydration whilst delivering a soft sheen to refresh and finish makeup. 

I have been running low on my beloved Fix+ so I made sure to pick up a fresh bottle on my trip to MAC. 

Oil Control Lotion 

If you have ever had your makeup done by me, then you will know that I never without my favourite moisturiser, Embryolisse Lait Creme which is a super rich cream moisturiser and is great to use on normal/dry skin. However being a makeup artist I have to cater for every skin type and have a range of different products in my kit to suit everyone. MAC Oil Control lotion is a fantastic moisturiser for oily/very oily skin; I recently used this on a bride whose makeup I was doing and she had extremely oily skin which never usually holds makeup for more than a few hours- although when I used the MAC Oil control lotion (along with other pro long wearing products), her makeup lasted all day and night. 

As a makeup artist, it is important to have products to cater for every client and their skin type so I always make sure that I have a great moisturiser that works for all skin types. 

Prep & Prime Essential Oils Stick 

I believe that the only way to create a flawless makeup is to spend time to focus on your skincare and prep before applying a touch of makeup. I was recently working with a fellow makeup artist who used this Essential Oils stick and I couldn't resist picking one up on my recent MAC splurge. 

I love using oils as part of my skincare so I am excited to try this out. 

Blot Powder
When applying makeup, I don't like a powder to leave a finish on the skin that affects the makeup underneath. I want a setting powder to do its simple job of mattifying the skin and setting the makeup into place without doing anything else that interferes with the makeup.
MAC blot powder is a simple powder which does the job. It is an essential product for me and it is my go to powder to use on set to mattify the skin and keep shine at bay. I use the shade Medium and I find this to work on every skin tone since the powder has little to no colour therefore all of the shades are almost identical.

Pro Longwear Paint Pot, Painterly 

I have tried many eyeshadow primers over time although none have ever topped MAC's pro longwear paint pots. I have used and loved this product for a long time and I use it as eye primer and base for eyeshadow; the paint pot provides an opaque base which creates the perfect surface to blend eyeshadows on top. I picked up the shade Painterly which is a great shade to suit fair skin tones. 

Eyebrow Pencil, Spiked 

I go through phases of using different products on eyebrows and recently I have loved using a pencil. I like to mimic the appearance of small hairs by using thin strokes using a pencil and I have found this to give the most natural but full look. MAC eyebrow pencils have a super thin point which allow you to easily sculpt out your desired shape. The product is the perfect consistency and can be brushed out to give a natural look with no harsh lines. 

My only criticism with this product is that it does not last long, I usually get about 1 month's use out of one pencil which isn't great considering its high price tag compared to other brands. 

I picked up the shade Spiked which is a deep brown and is great to use on brunettes. 

Lipstick & Lip liner, Myth & Stripdown 

I don't know about you but I can never go into MAC without picking up a new lipstick to add to my ever growing collection. MAC lipstick's are the only lipsticks that I use in my kit and I can always rely on them for providing me with the best quality and shade range. 

Myth lipstick is a classic nude shade which I have been meaning to add to my collection for a while. Myth is a light neutral nude in a satin formula. 

To go with the lipstick, I picked up Stripdown lip liner which pairs perfectly. 

Current Favourites

 It's the end of Summer (how depressing, right??!!) and over the past few months I've discovered so many great products which I can't wait to share with you.
So if you're interested in finding out what I've been using to give myself a golden goddess glow, and the products I've been using to completely restore my damaged hair ..  keep on reading!!!

Nars Laguna Bronzer
After years of hearing everyone rave about the NARS Laguna bronzer, I finally decided to give into the hype and treat myself to this cult beauty product. I have always found it difficult to find a good bronzer which works with my pale skin but this one is perfect for me.
The NARS Laguna is a lovely sheer bronzer with a gorgeous golden glow. It is a matte shade with warm undertones and blends beautifully on the skin.
I love to apply this with a big brush and apply it to the high points of my face, where the sun would naturally hit to give me a sun kissed look.


MAC Soft & Gentle
An oldie but a goodie, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle has always been a favourite in my makeup collection and recently I have fallen back in love with it all over again. This is always my go to highlighting powder to use on every skin tone; it is a gorgeous pink iridescent shimmer with tiny flecks of glitter which looks beautiful on the tops of cheekbones or used to highlight points of the eye.

Zoeva Nude Spectrum Eyeshadow Pallet
I've had a very busy summer glamming up some beautiful bridal parties and my go to eyeshadow pallet to use this bridal season has been the Zoeva Nude Spectrum eye pallet. This pallet is a dream to use and the eyeshadows are stunning.
Inside the sleek black packadging you will find 15 eyeshadows; a great mixture of matte and shimmer shades including a matte nude and jet black which always make a great eyeshadow pallet.
Along with the great essentials, you get some beautiful shimmer and warm brown shades which are extremely pigmented and blend like a dream.

Wella Oil Reflections Shampoo & Conditions
I have never been one to buy expensive salon brand shampoo and conditioners however after a recent trip to the hairdressers and realising how dry and damanged my hair was, I have now changed my routine and I have seen massive improvements.
My hairdresser recommended me the Wella Oil Reflections Shampoo & Conditioner to help restore my dry and damaged hair which is extremely fragile and thin after I suffered from Glandular fever at the beginning of the year (a horrible side effect which I encountered was hair loss/thinning.)
Since using this duo, my hair has felt extremely soft and it feels much thicker and healthier than before. Along with having a good hair cut to get rid of any dead ends and avoiding using heated equipment, I have seen a massive improvment in my hair and it feels extremely well nourished and healthy.

Moroccan Oil
Another new product in my haircare routine is Moroccan Oil. This cult beauty product has been recommended to me by a handful of people and I've been desperate to try it out since my hair has suffered after being ill. Mococcan oil is a styling, finishing, and conditioning product for all hair types. Moroccan Oil claim that their oil has the ability to restore over-processed hair damaged by environmental factors and chemical procedures, it revives, hydrates, and detangles hair.

Since my hair is fine in texture, I decided to buy the Moroccan Oil light which is an ultra-light formula that absorbs into the hair instantly. I apply 1-3 pumps of the oil onto the mid lengths and ends of my hair and after doing this for around a month now, I have seen a massive improvement. My hair feels extremely smooth and silky without any oily residue. It feels and looks 100 times healthier.
Although this product may seem expensive, a little product goes a very long way and it has instantly given my hair a new lease of life.

Topshop Lexi Leather Cross Body Bag
If you know me then you will know that my style is very classic and I always like to invest in timeless clothing and accessories. This real leather cross body bag from Topshop is simple but stylish with two large zip compartments and whipstitch detail.
I don't like to carry big bags although I do like to stash my bag with whatever I can fit inside (do you see my problem?!) ... So the main reason I was attracted to this bag was that it is essentially Mary Poppin's magic bag. It has two large zip compartments which fits more than enough inside; I can carry all of my makeup, purse, keys, phone and any other rubbish I find. And although it fits everything inside, it still looks small and compact without being too bulky.
This Topshop Lexi Leather cross body bag is my perfect handbag and I can see myself wearing it for as long as it lasts me.

French Pharmacy Haul

No trip to France would be complete without the mandatory pharmacy visit to stock up on my favourite french beauty products. Last week I was in Paris celebrating my brother's birthday and whilst in the city I stopped by Paris's largest pharmacy, City Pharma. 

If you didn't know already, the French love their pharmacies; walk down any high street and you're bound to spot one or two bright flashing lights pointing you in the right direction. Offering the best skincare brands such with exclusive products and low prices from Bioderma, La Roche Rosay, Avene and Caudalie .... it's a beauty addicts dream! 

City Pharma is Paris's largest pharmacy with the biggest range of products and best deals. However, be prepared to be squashed in the small, over crowded shop and wait in the long queue but is definitely the place with most choice and the cheapest prices (I saw the same product in a different pharmacy for €10 more!) 

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water 

Take a peek inside any makeup artists kit and you’re bound to spot a bottle of Micellar Water. Bioderma is a backstage favourite with makeup artists and models; it gently removes makeup on even the most sensitive skin. Although you can buy Bioderma in the UK now, it's still loads cheaper in France so I made sure to stock up on this classic product. 

La Roche Posay Toleraine Dermo Cleanser 

What makes French skincare so great is that it is so simple, providing the best results for everyone. La Roche Posay Dermo Cleanser is a simple, unscented (perfect for sensitive skin!), no fuss lotion that simply does the job. This is great to use after Bioderma to thoroughly cleanse the skin- a basic but essential part of my skincare routine.

Embroyolisse Lait Creme Concentre 

Embroyloisse cream is a must have in my makeup kit and I love to use it on almost all of my makeup clients. This is a thick hydrating cream which once thoroughly massaged into the skin, provides a smooth glowing complexion and relieves any dry patches.  

I find it provides a fantastic base for makeup which means I can often skip primer since foundation blends flawlessly ontop.

I usually buy my Embroyolisse online at Feel Unique although shopping in City Pharma I managed to pick it up for around €10 cheaper which gave me the opportunity to stock up without breaking the bank.

Klorane Oat Milk Dry Shampoo 

Klorane Oat Milk dry shampoo is a classic cult product which is designed to help decrease the frequency of washing hair, this dry shampoo cleanses your hair gently by effectively absorbing dirt and product build up - perfect for those lazy days or when you haven't got time to wash your hair. 

I love this no fuss classic dry shampoo for not only refreshing my hair but to also add volume and texture which makes it a great styling spray. Klorane was one of the first brands to launch a dry shampoo and over the past few years everyone has gone crazy for it! 

Have you tried any skincare from the French pharmacy? What are your favourites? Let me know in the comments!