No7 City Lights Beauty Collection

No 7 is such a unique brand to me.  Not because I have some emotional connection or a quirky anecdote that I can share but their products very rarely disappoint.  I haven't tried any of their bath products that I can remember but some of my all time favourite makeup and skincare are No 7.  I was lucky enough to receive the No 7 City Lights Beauty Collection from my parents this year.Included was 250ml No7 Beautiful Skin Blissful Body Wash, like all of the No7 products this has a really fresh, clean scent that I don't think very many people would find offensive.
Bath - 200ml No7 Beautiful Skin Perfecting Body Polish which has a good amount of scrub that you know this will help exfoliate that skin though as all body scrubs I would not recommend for the face.  200ml No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Body Serum, leave your skin feeling so soft you just want to walk around stroking your own arm.       
Skincare - 50ml No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advance Day Cream I have used this before and is a staple in my mums skincare routine too.  50ml No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advance Night Crream, I was in need of a good night cream and you can feel the difference between the two creams. Perfect for my dry skin I already have noticed a positive difference.
Makeup - 30ml No7 Airbrush Away Primer great for making your makeup last longer but not silicon based like most primers this one helps to moisturise the skin as it prolongs your makeup.  10ml No7 Gel Finish Nail Polish in Deep Wine for me a great Winter colour but for those that get their nails done professionally probably not going to be a winner for them. 7ml No7 Midnight Lash Mascara in Black No7 mascaras are my favourite, the wands are perfect for lengthening and the formulas always last well on me so really happy there was one included.  Double bonus its in Black and not a wacky glittery purple.  Finally 2.8g No7 Lovely Lips Lip Balm in Parisian Pink again a fabulous addition for me as I prefer something light on my lips.  I was surprised not to see a matte formula included as they are super popular at the moment but I guess they went with the bestseller.
I love the presentation of this gift, as the name would suggest its a mini city creating a skyscraper effect with the different shape boxes. I was slightly shocked my Dad picked this up for me as the outside box is covered in black glitter, he was probably washing his hands for a week afterwards. 

There it is the No7 City Lights Collection a great present and I am sure Boots will have similar ones for mothers day and Christmas.

Christmas 2016 Gift Guide for Girls - Girlfriend Mum Sister Friend Daughter

It still not too late to pick up those last remaining pressies, unless you're planning on posting them to Australia for Xmas day of course. I have put together a gift guide where there is something for female in your life.

Lush - Need I say more?  Unless she is highly allergic I'm sure you will find something in any Lush store, and the advisors are super helpful too.

Pyjamas - I love new pjs anytime of year but I think there's something snug about having a fresh set for winter.

Naked Palettes - Every year they bring another one out and every year I want to get it. Fabulous quality and is one of those presents that can be given as one main present or alongside a few smaller gifts.

Candles - Had to include it, I know they are literally burning money away but I think they make for great presents especially the ones that boarder more towards the luxury end as its not something everyone buys for themselves.

Jewellery - This can be quite an overwhelming task, my advise would be to keep it simple. Find out the colour jewellery she likes, for me I wear silver or white gold (if there is a certain stone she likes such as her birthstone that's a good place to check out too). If she's anything like my mum and would prefer something practical than something on trend and you really don't want to risk it for a chocolate biscuit, keep it classic.

Handbag - This can be another tricky one as some women can be quite particular especially if you are buying their 'everyday' bag.  Go with a brand you know she likes as she will be familiar with the quality and styling. 

Diary - As a stationary lover this would be a big winner in my book (no pun). Depending on the recipient there are some really cute styles around or the classic engraved are equally as lovely.

Tickets - Musicals, Concerts, Afternoon teas, for some people activities and days out are far more important that physical gifts. All about the memory making.

I have also shared my top tips on buying for guys here.

Merry Christmas

Aspinal of London Classic Travel Wallet

I am very luck to have received this beautiful black croc and red suede Travel Wallet a gift this year. Never did I expect to be opening anything from Aspinal of London let alone this beauty. Everything from the suede lining to the handles of the gift bag this is pure luxury at its best.  I am not one to show off about gifts but I thought it would be a crime against the blogging community to not share my new love.

Being the organised gal that I am I may have dropped the odd hint that I would like a travel wallet. Somewhere to keep passports, tickets and other documents. I had my eye on this one from Dune as its sleek, pretty and affordable and never imaged I would be lucky enough to receive the Aspinal of London one. 

Handmade from Italian leather and lined with stunning red suede the wallet comprises of four tabbed sections each titled for tickets, passport, documents and other bits you may need (insurance). There is also a large zipped compartment for currency. I don't usually get excited about gold font but even I have to say it is pretty amazing.  The large flap is fastened at the front making the wallet very compact and perfect for any travelling occasion.

Is it really sad I haven't even managed to give up the box yet?

Ultra 32 Shade Eyeshadow Palette FLAWLESS MATTE - Makeup Revolution Review

I had been eyeing this palette up online for quite a while when I strolled into my new local Superdrug and there, in all its glory, a Makeup Revolution stand. Being freshly stocked may I add.

Anyway although I love shimmery shadows I have small hooded eyes so I know that shimmer isn't always my friend. I am really into matte eye looks at the moment, I think they really help to give dimension and are great for giving the illusion I have bigger eyes than I actually have.  

With so many varieties of shades, the Ultra 32 Flawless Matte Palettefrom Makeup Revolution is great for creating new looks and trying new techniques. The shades blend really nicely together but they can be a bit powdery so be cautious of fallout especially with darker looks. This is a great palette and anyone that is a fan of the old school coastal scents palettes I think would really enjoy this.  For those of you that like shades to have names, each shade has indeed been named.  

There is also a large mirror so even though it is slightly too big to fit in your every day sized makeup bag, I wouldn't totally dismiss it for longer trips as there are so many looks that can be made. I only have one small negative and that is there isn't a dark black shade. There are some dark browns and a few grey shades but a true matte black would make this palette even better. 

Sleek packaging and of course the rose gold box it comes in makes it feel somewhat more expensive than it is. I don't think the high street has fully perfected a matte eyeshadow palette however I think Makeup Revolution has come quite close and at £8 you get a lot to play with for your money. I think this would make a lovely socking filler or secret Santa present. I am really glad I picked this up as I've been getting some good use out of it as I have been experimenting recently.