A HUGE Christmas Gift Guide: Get inspired!

Looking for the perfect way to spoil your dear best friend, crazy aunt or lovely mother this Christmas? With the holidays rolling right around the corner, I have put together the ultimate gift guide for the beauties in your life.

I have broken down each section into categories. Skincare was always going to be my biggest category. That was inevitable… I am obsessed.

Make Up:

Charlotte Tilbury

Dolce Vita Quad

Anything from this brand would be a much loved gift. I do not know any woman that would be unhappy to receive something from CT. But I do think this quad would make a beautiful gift.

LUXURY PALETTE THE DOLCE VITA

The power to mesmerise is in your eyes, with this make-up hypnotise… Charlotte Tilbury de-coded the secrets to iconic, mesmerising eyes with my Colour-Coded Eyeshadow Palettes. Each one contains four harmonious colour ways that offer a complete “desk to disco” eye colour wardrobe and an easy to use application ritual that is fail-safe to follow. It’s my artistry made effortless!

Available in the UK from charlottetilbury.com or Internationally from Netaporter.com (38 GBP)

Tom Ford

TOM FORD RED LIPSTICK (27 GBP)

What woman doesn’t need the perfect red lippy in their makeup bag? Tom Ford have the perfect one – it is divine!

Rare and exotic ingredients including sojs seed extract, Brazilian Murumuru butter and Chamomilla flower oil create an ultra-creamy texture with an incredibly smooth application. Specially treated colour pigments are blend to deliver pure colour with just the right balance of luminosity. Showcased in a sleek Limited Edition clutch-sized lipstick case, each lip transforming shade amplifies a woman’s individuality while generating an insatiable desire to try more than one.

Available from Selfridges.com

Skin Care:

Emma Hardie

EMMA HARDIE AMAZING FACE (38 GBP)

As far as balm cleansers go, this is still my favourite. Everyone should have a pot of this magical wonder in their bathroom cabinet!

This beautiful cleansing balm is totally deserving of its (never-ending list of) accolades. The Moringa Cleansing Balm makes for a relaxing and soothing skin ritual; melting away make up to leave skin ‘squeakily’ clean but ethereally soft. With wild sea fennel and vitamin E to rebalance, purify and reduce the appearance of pores, and extracts of jasmine and rose to restore radiance to dull, dehydrated and more mature skin types, this deep cleans to leave your face feeling wonderfully dewy and looking clear, ‘plumped’ and luminous.

Sunday Riley

This is another brand that you can’t go wrong with. Any product from Sunday Riley would be an absolute joy to receive as a gift. But one product that most people would benefit from is…

GOOD GENES SERUM (85 GBP)

The closest thing to an elixir of youth outside of a fairytale! Sunday Riley’s Good Genes is multi-tasking under moisturiser treatment and mask that smooths, refines, clarifies and brightens, whilst improving your skin’s thickness and elasticity… phewf! Featuring Lactic Acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Liquorice to combat uneven skin tone, Lemongrass to improve circulation and protect from environmental aggressors and Sunday’s patented NV-5 Ageless Complex to wage war on the early signs of aging. This is an incredibly active product and so not suitable for sensitive skin types.

Available internationally from cultbeauty.co.uk

Aesop

Here is a masque I feel everyone needs to have. Perfect for most skin types, this will help to liven up your complexion and leave your wintery skin feeling ah-mazing!

PARSLEY SEED FACIAL CLEANSING MASQUE (27 GBP)

At busy times we all neglect things like going to the gym & regular skin care. But unlike exercise one can do a quick catch-up cheat with skin care using this Parsley Seed cleansing mask. The purified clay draws out impurities; the Aloe Vera ensures this doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight, while the Rosehip & Parsley Seed extracts deliver a big dose of anti-oxidants to perk up your skin. This is one to use before you go out as it balances oily/combo skins & perks up a grey or dull complexion.

Available internationally from cultbeauty.co.uk

Pixi Beauty

Everyone with a face should use this. It is genuinely one of the most used products in my skincare routine. After cleansing morning and night, I swipe a soaked cotton pad of this over my face, ridding me of any dead skin cells and helping whatever I put on top to absorb into my skin!

GLOW TONIC (18 GBP)

Instantly refreshing, Pixi’s gorgeous glow-giver brightens, tones and conditions your skin after cleansing. Enriched with glycolic acid – a natural derivative of sugar cane, and member of the alpha-hydroxy acid family – this gentle, exfoliating formula dissolves the bonds binding dulling dead cells to skin’s surface, to reveal the ‘new’ healthy skin cells underneath. Aloe then soothes and hydrates while oxygenating ginseng promotes cell health and skin vibrancy; witch hazel firms and tones, while horse chestnut boosts blood flow, to grant your complexion a naturally fresh and dewy radiance. Astonishingly affordable, this is mild yet effective, making it suitable for all skin types – just apply a few drops to a cotton wool pad, and sweep all over skin after cleansing (morning and evening) to gradually diminish signs of sun damage, fine lines, scarring and other imperfections.

Available internationally from cultbeauty.co.uk

Zelens

For a serum with a punch, this one from Zelens will brighten, smooth and tone your complexion. Slightly on the pricey side, but it is worth it!

Z LUMINOUS BRIGHTENING SERUM (135 GBP)

A supercharged, complexion-correcting treatment, Zelens’s Z Luminous Brightening Serum is clinically advanced – proven to diminish dark spots and help restore uniformity of tone. Smoothing, hydrating and revitalising, this cocktail of radiance-boosting active ingredients – including cell-energising niacinamide to counteract pigmentation and blotchiness, zinc-glycine complex to reduce melanocyte proliferation and melanin production, and phytic acid, which exhibits a mild exfoliating action to accelerate the cell-renewal process – will quickly recapture your skin’s youthful lustre. Just apply to clean skin every morning and evening – from hairline to décolleté – to leave skin super-soft and supple as it gradually becomes more even-toned.

Available internationally from cultbeauty.co.uk

Tata Harper

The perfect introduction to the marvellous skincare products from Tata Harper, the green goddess. This kit includes everything you need! A wonderful gift.

TATA’S DAILY ESSENTIALS KIT (51 GBP)

Ideal for the frequent traveller, as well as a wonderful introduction to the Tata Harper range, Tata’s Daily Essentials features trial sizes of seven facial skin care products. The daily step-by-step regimen is designed to deliver your skin the maximum nutritional, restorative and anti-ageing benefits over ten to twelve days of use. Includes: Regenerating Cleanser (15ml), Hydrating Floral Essence (15ml), Rejuvenating Serum (10ml), Repairative Moisturizer (10ml), Resurfacing Mask (7.5ml), Replenishing Nutrient Complex (3ml) and Restorative Eye Crème (1ml). It’s a wonderful gift for a Tata fanatic, or excuse to discover this pioneering all-natural skin care sensation.

Oskia

This brand could never put a foot wrong in my opinion. As a lover of everything from them that I have tried, I think anything from Oskia would be gladly received. But this cleanser is just divine!

RENAISSANCE CLEANSING GEL (28 GBP)

With a potent blend of high-tech natural ingredients including a broad range of vitamins and essential skin nutrients, Oskia’s Renaissance Cleansing Gel is the original (and best) gel cleanser of its ilk; totally unique, it helps to strengthen and revitalise skin whilst eliminating every last speck of residual everyday grime. Lactobacillus (Pumpkin Enzyme) purges pores and dissolves the bonds that bind dead cells to skin’s surface; Vitamin A Palmitate helps improve the appearance of sun damaged, dry and mature skin by gently resurfacing and promoting elasticity; Vitamins C and E are known for their restorative properties and work to fortify and protect against free radical and environmental attack; Starflower Oil (a potent source of Omega 6), Magnesium and Vitamins B2 and C promote firmness while Oskia’s signature MSM (the most bio-available form of Sulphur) detoxifies, soothes and reduces inflammation.

Hair Care:

Rahua

The liquid gold haircare that completely transformed my lifeless, damaged hair since moving to Dubai. I recommend this to everyone I know. All natural, your hair will feel positively different after two weeks of consistent use. I refuse to wash my hair with anything else!

GIFT SET (70 GBP)

Contained within this gorgeous gift box you’ll find rahua Shampoo, Conditioner (both 275ml) and restorative Omega 9 Hair Mask (105ml) to cleanse, nourish and intensively repair all hair types. Completely free from sulphates and other potentially harmful synthetic ingredients, this indulgent range has a subtle, nutty fragrance – a blend of rahua and Palo Santo oil (often referred to as ‘holy wood’) – while the cleansing and conditioning formulas are incredibly gentle but effective, to leave hair beautifully clean, strong and ultra-glossy. Harvested by Amazonian women, who entrust rahua oil to maintain their long, lustrous locks, this incredible range now comes with A-list approval; it’s beloved by the likes of Olivia Wilde, Megan Fox and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Available internationally on cultbeauty.co.uk

 

Gadgets:

Foreo

A toothbrush but not as you know it!

ISSA COOL BLACK TOOTHBRUSH (149 GBP)

Generating shock-waves of amazement amongst discerning health and beauty editors, Foreo’s ISSA is the future of dental hygiene. Having already scooped up a coveted A’ Design Award, this cutting-edge toothbrush is lightweight, gentle on gums, tough on bacteria and holds a single charge for up to six months!! Each brush head lasts a year before needing replaced, making this a chic, convenient and most importantly – ultra-effective tooth-cleaning solution. With 8 settings to suit your tooth-brushing needs, just two minutes’ use every morning and night will leave your teeth sparkling, breath fresh and gums healthy – and the streamlined (virtually weightless) design makes this perfect for travelling (and you don’t need to lug a charger with you). Every device boasts a 2-year limited warranty and 10-year quality guarantee, so there’s no excuse not to discover the world’s first beauty routine for your smile.

Available internationally from cultbeauty.co.uk

Tria

A permanent ‘at home’ solution without the cost of salon treatments, this hand-held device allows you to eliminate unwanted hair for good – liberating you from shaving, waxing or the pain of epilating.

HAIR REMOVAL LASER 4X (375 GBP)

With three times the eliminating energy of other at-home hair removal devices, Tria’s Hair Removal Laser 4X grants safe, fast and permanent results. Using professional-strength diode laser technology, this innovative treatment targets pigment in hair’s follicles, which causes the hair to fall out and the follicle to be ‘switched off’. With continued use – the follicle is totally disabled which means that hair no longer grows – leaving larger areas (like legs or arms) ever smooth and ready to bare. In clinical studies, the device has shown a 70% reduction in hair re-growth after just 2 treatments and after 3 months, the majority of follicles have been deactivated so that only rare ‘touch-ups’ are necessary. Please be aware that the device will NOT work if you hair is grey, blonde or red and that it is not suitable with those for darker skin tones. It is designed to work on fair to light brown skin tones and light brown to black hair.

Fragrance:

Jo Malone

To me, this is the ultimate in gift giving. To make someone feel truly spoiled, any of the stunning colognes or candles from Jo Malone will do it!

WILD FIG AND CASSIS COLOGNE (85 GBP for 100ml)

Breakfast in Tuscany. Plump, sun-warmed figs blend with juicy cassis and the purity of pine and bracing cedarwood. The warmth of the Mediterranean.

Available from all Jo Malone counters, stores or online.

Narciso Rodriguez

This is a new find for me, but I am now in love… and I think anyone who received this would be too!

FOR HER EAU DE TOILETTE

A rare musk enhanced by a pure synthesis of delicate floral osmanthus notes, soft amber and hints of patchouli.

Available from all Narciso Rodriguez counters

Clothing:

Jumper

At Christmas there is nothing better than getting a new snuggly jumper, and Hollister never fail with their dreamy selection.

HOLLISTER CABLE CREW JUMPER (168 AED)

Crafted with classic cable pattern with an easy silhouette, featuring a relaxed crewneck, ribbed trims and a logo detail at the hem.

Available from all Hollister stores or online

Scarf

Little makes me happier when venturing outside, than wrapping up in a big Zara scarf. Such a lovely gift!

ZARA CHECKED AND STRIPED SCARF (145 AED)

Available from Zara stores or online

 

Ho Ho Ho!

Love, Kel x

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Review: Vaniday and the best massage I have had in Dubai!

Last week my back ache really got the better of me. Sitting at a desk every day and constantly lugging a heavy bag around, means my right shoulder had completely seized up. So, I figured the best way to help that was with a massage!

I decided to give a new booking system I had heard about a try; Vaniday. Very quickly I was pleasantly surprised at how clear, simple and stress free the process was.

Vaniday is a cool new place to find and book beauty & wellness experiences in Dubai. It is so easy! I just searched for my preferred treatment and entered my location, and up popped a list of the closest salons with clear and detailed price lists.

Once I had settled on my Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage, I proceeded to book for that evening, pay and that was that. I received an email confirming my booking and I was all set. SO SIMPLE!

Now, as for my massage…

I decided to go to Abbey Beauty Lounge as it was so close to me and I have heard wonderful things about it. I saw a lovely, sweet lady named Ava who honestly, gave me the best massage I have had in years.

Ava knew exactly where my problem areas were, without me highlighting them at all. She worked out every ache and pain I had, really concentrating on my right shoulder blade.

I have had real pain in my arms lately, I guess from so much typing at work… but I didn’t tell Ava. When she got to my arms she spent 10 minutes on each one, really focusing on where my pain has been.

If you want a massage with someone who genuinely understands the body, I can’t recommend, Ava enough. She was wonderful. And a lovely lady too!

She did tell me it will be a while of massages on a regular basis until my back is completely sorted, which I expected to be honest.

The price of the massage was incredibly reasonable, an hour was just 150 AED!!

All in all, it was a wonderful experience from booking right through to massage. Simple. A delight!

Vaniday – https://www.vaniday.ae/

Love, Kel x

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My Top 3: Face Masks

I LOVE face masks. LOVE THEM. And because of that, I use them very regularly. Every second day you will see me with something slathered all over my face, usually green, grey, white or black. This list is likely to change often as I find new and fabulous ones, but for now, here is my current top 3!

Rodial X-Treme Hangover Mask AED 295

Triple action resurfacing clay mask to deeply cleanse, exfoliate and restore a healthy looking complexion. Pronalen fruit acids exfoliate gently whilst laracare and argireline hexapeptide help to minimise fine lines and lift sagging skin.

I grabbed this one from Bloomingdales!

Neals Yard Remedies White Tea Enriching Face Mask – 26GBP

An intensive nourishing treatment to restore vital moisture levels, plump the skin and help reduce the appearance of fine lines. With antioxidant white tea and purifying kaolin this mask with deeply nurture all skin types.

I got hold of this one from their store in Dubai Mall!

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque – 24GBP

A clay-based masque to deeply cleanse and refresh most skin types. A gentle yet thorough deep cleansing treatment that extracts impurities clogging the pores, to smooth and refresh the skin.

This is available online at http://www.net-a-porter.com/

This will likely be updated again in a few months, after I have added a few more to my ‘can’t live without’ list!!

Love, Kel x

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My Top 3: Acid Toners

Ahhh, the acid toner. This is something that those of you who love skincare like I do, will  lovingly use and hate to be without. But the rest of you will pull a face is horror at the thought of an ACID toner. Before I go on with my my list of favourites, here is a list of reasons that you should embrace the acid:

Lactic (AHA) – resurfacing, great for dehydrated and dry skin.

Glycolic (AHA) – stimulating for better collagen production, resurfacing.

Malic (AHA) – resurfacing, good for boosting collagen production

Salicylic (BHA) – best for spots/acne. Surprisingly gentle.

PHA’s (Poly hydroxy acids) – best for those in need of hydration and deep penetration of product afterwards.

Now that we no what we are looking for, here are my Top 3!

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 

A liquid balancing exfoliator. Designed to strengthen the epidermis, exfoliate skin, regulate excessive sebum secretion, hydrate the skin, maintain the skin’s pH, and prevent and treat ingrown hairs. For all skin types.

This formula has gluconolactone, a poly-hydroxy acid, which is more gentle than glycolic, that also acts as an anti-inflammatory along with a higher concentration of lactic acid – and malic and phytic acids, both AHA’s used to promote cell turnover and help with hyper pigmentation. The acids in this tackle skin problems from every angle – resurfacing, zapping blemishes, essentially ‘stripping back’ the skin so that what you use after it is more able to penetrate. I try and use P50 in the evenings when I’m following it with retinols/vitamin A serums or pigmentation products.

Available in Dubai from The Cure spa in Media City. 440 AED for the extra large bottle 🙂

Pixi Beauty Pixi Glow Tonic

Glow tonic with ginseng & fructose For normal to dry, dull and aging skin. Oxygenating, exfoliating facial glow tonic. Helps tone, firm and tighten the skin. Removes dead skin cells for healthier looking skin. Alcohol free and oil free. Use after cleanser on cotton pad. I use this every morning to diminish signs of dun damage and reduce fine lines. Key ingredients: aloe vera and ginseng. For all skin types.

Witchhazel helps to tone, firm and smooth the appearance of the skin and soften the texture. Ginseng is a natural supplier of oxygen to the cells and horse chestnut stimulates the skin circulation. Glycolic loosens the excess accumulation of dead skin cells and exfoliates.

Available from Cult Beauty for 18 GBP

Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner

This is a beautiful, softening, exfoliating, brightening, hydrating toner that should be in everyone’s arsenal. Containing glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acid – in much smaller amounts than P50 and Pixi Glow Tonic – there is only the teeniest sting on open skin so this is a lovely toner that will really gently exfoliate the surface of the skin without really over-working it and thus the danger of thinning it out..however, it isn’t the gentlest with the hindsight of longevity. I would absolutely keep this as one of your go-to exfoliating toners, but it’s not suitable for twice daily. Mix it up. Alternate with another exfoliating toner.

You can grab this at any Clarins counter for around 225 AED

So there you have it, my three ‘I could not possibly live without’ acid toners!

Love, Kel x

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Halloween fun with Love Doughnuts

This Halloween I decided to do a barbecue for a bunch of our friends in Dubai. Themed food, scary makeup and a lot of fun… it really was lovely!

I realised at the end of the night that I hadn’t actually taken any photos of my Vampire makeup… but here is one of my lovely other half to give you an idea of the evening 😉

With more ‘treats’ than ‘tricks’, a highlight of the night was without a doubt, these doughnuts from Love Doughnuts in Abu Dhabi. They were kind enough to send a spooky delivery of spectacular doughnuts to our home in Dubai and my goodness, did they go down a treat!!

These are no ordinary doughnuts. With ridiculously delicious flavours like Honeycomb Chocolate Caramel, Black Chocolate Pumpkin Latte, Orange Caramel Bite, Caramel Salted Peanuts and Chocolate Chip with Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache and SO many more, it is safe to say everyone was in a food heaven!

After the BBQ I was positively stuffed so could only manage to scoff down half of my doughnut. I was thinking about it so much that it was the first thing I ate when I woke up. That is right, doughnut for breakfast. Don’t judge!

The packaging is original and amazing! The gourmet doughnuts arrive in a beautiful tower, each in their own box which is super convenient.

I could not recommend Love Doughnuts enough. Whether you are catering a party, sending a gift or simply craving a sweet treat, I would not buy a doughnut from anywhere else… Dunkin Crispy Hortons who?!

This is doughnuts on an entire new level! In love!

The first Love Doughnuts shop is located in Guardian Towers in Muroor, Abu Dhabi.

www.lovedoughnuts.com

Instagram – @love_doughnuts

Love, Kel x

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My Top 3: Cleansers

Cleansing my face is honestly, one of my favourite parts of the day. I know, that is a sad thing to admit… but true it is! As soon as I am in for the evening, off comes my makeup with coconut oil and a face cloth… and then I choose my weapon to clean my skin with. I have a lot of cleansers, each doing a different thing; deep clean, nourish, brighten… but today I am going to focus on my Top 3!

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser

Free from potentially drying detergents and SLS’s this creamy cleanser leaves your skin thoroughly cleansed and soft. Australia’s leading salon brand, Alpha-H, pioneered the use of Glycolic Acids in skin care nearly 20 years ago, meaning they’ve had time to get the technology just right for fast and visible results on signs of ageing, sun damage, sensitivity and acne.

This hydrating non-foaming creamy cleansing lotion is perfect for all skin types. Its 3-in-1 function means that it completely removes all traces of make-up (including waterproof mascara) as well as toning and re-balancing the skin’s natural pH level. Containing Aloe Vera to condition and soothe, Vitamin E to hydrate and neutralise free radicals, this cleanser will leave the skin perfectly cleansed, soft and soothed without the tight drying effect of many cleansers.

I get mine online from CultBeauty.com for 25GBP… And bonus, it is a never ending pot!

MV Organic Skincare 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic

MV Organic Skincare 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic is ideal for when your skin is in need of a little extra attention. It makes a great treatment for oily and combination skin and is based on the principle of using fewer ingredients in higher, more active concentrations to achieve amazing results. Stars like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Watson and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley rave about the gentle-yet-effective products from the cult Aussie brand. You can use it as a cleanser, a serum or a night treatment for glowing skin.

If your skin’s feeling tired, stressed or dehydrated, pamper it with this deeply nourishing cleanser, which is packed with anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant rich essential oils. Camellia oil is rich in essential fatty acids, while Avocado oil contains Vitamins A, B and D and is great for dehydrated skin. The fragrant blend of lavender, orange, rosewood and geranium oils will instantly lift your spirits, while simultaneously cleansing and nourishing your skin. Massage 1-2 pumps of oil over your face, neck and décolleté for one minute, then hold a damp, warm-to-hot muslin cloth over your face for 10 seconds without wiping. Compress a further 2-4 times until oil dissolves. Treat yourself 2-3 times a week with this – your face will thank you!

This can also be picked up on CultBeauty.com for 56GBP.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

Rich and creamy, this hot cloth cleanser quickly removes daily grime and make up (even stubborn mascara) leaving all skin types clean, soft and radiant. With purifying eucalyptus essential oil, toning rosemary plus soothing chamomile and cocoa butter.

I got mine from FeelUnique.co.uk for a bargain of 15GBP!

Two AH-MAZING cleansers that I almost, almost put on the list, that are definitely in my TOP 5 are:

*Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

*Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel  

Love, Kel x

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Review: Chantecaille Waterproof Brow Definer

What is it?

Chantecaille Waterproof Brow Definer is an innovative dual-ended brow perfector with a grooming brush on one end and a triangular tip on the other that allows for tailor-made strokes and effortless application with a gorgeous matte-finish. The advanced formula combines the benefits of a waterproof brow pencil, wax and powder to create naturally fuller-looking brows instantly. Nourishing avocado oil keeps brows healthy.

What do I do with it?

Fill in sparse areas and define the arches with a very light hand in small strokes, then remove the opposite end cap to reveal the grooming brush. Brush through the brows to help blend and lift. No pencil sharpener required.

What do I think about it?

I saw this and instantly thought it was very similar to my beloved Tom Ford Brow Sculpt – and I was right, but this one is better!

I tried the shade, Oak Brown. It is the perfect brow shade for medium to dark hair. There is zero red undertone, which I love as it means the brows don’t look fake and obviously filled in. The result of this is perfectly natural looking brows! I have really struggled to find the perfect brow shade until now. I honestly wouldn’t buy any other!!

With an all day and night lasting power, this really has made it onto my holy grail list!!

You can grab this from any Chantecaille stand or online for around 32 GBP.

Love, Kel x

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

My Top 3: Foundations

Foundation is something I use hardly any of but I feel it has a huge impact. The smallest amount blended over my face with a Real Techniques Buffing Brush will perfect my overall complexion, minimising any flaws, leaving me with a subtle glow and healthy appearance. My natural, untanned skin tone can look ashy and one thing I will never do, is allow my face to tan. The idea of premature aging and sun damage gives me the heeby jeebies. So to be honest, I look a bit like a lolly pop when I take off my makeup – my face is always a couple of shades lighter than the rest of my body!

Another thing I have recently stopped doing is reaching for mattifying products, foundations included. My skin started to get shiny by lunch time since moving to Dubai and so I quickly ditched all of my favourite foundations for anything promising a matt finish. I soon realised that there was no weight behind any of these promises and my face was going to be shiny, regardless! So now I am back to using my favourite, trusty foundations and simply give myself a dusting of powder as and when I need it!

Here is a list of my Top 3 go-to foundations:

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

ULTRA-LIGHT SKIN PERFECTING SUNSCREEN MAKEUP BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15

The tiniest drop of this hybrid fluid creates a fresh, natural complexion. Skin looks refined and feels refreshed, creating an exquisite makeup experience. The fluid formula has a soft, water-light texture, and comes in 10 shades that match perfectly to skin’s undertones, whether pink or beige. I use shade 20, beige. Dermatologist-tested. Noncomedogenic. Oil- free.

I picked mine up from Bloomingdales in Dubai Mall for 220 AED, but I believe it can be found much cheaper online!

NARS Sheer Glow

A modern formulation designed to enhance your natural complexion without masking it. The weightless formula glides on effortlessly, blurring imperfections and evening out skin tone for the ultimate sophisticated finish that allows your skin’s natural beauty to shine though. Sheer Glow is a glowing, satin-finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Exclusive Complexion Brightening Formula, skin is hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother. This will illuminate your skin for an immaculate finish.

I got mine in the shade Fiji from Sephora for 229 AED. This can definitely be found cheaper online!

Chantecaille Future Skin

Chantecaille’s Future Skin is an innovative oil-free gel foundation with a refreshing, lightweight texture. This unique formula is composed of 60% charged water, which transfers moisture into the skin without the use of oil as an emulsifier. Future Skin is made with reflective circular pigments that provide adjustable coverage (medium to full) and ease the appearance of flaws. It is also loaded with natural botanicals, including aloe, chamomile and arnica, which work to calm irritation and soothe sensitive skin. Rosemary, green tea and rice bran help prevent environmentally caused oxidation.

Available from Bloomingdales for 359 AED

In the future, my Top 3 foundations may change, but this is what I have been reaching for, for a number of years now – I love them!

Love, Kel x

❤ ❤ ❤

Halloween Preparation with Lush!

It’s no secret that Halloween is one of my favourite holidays. Today I want to help you get ready for the spookiest — or cutest, depending on who you’re celebrating with — Halloween yet, with the perfect pamper for every ghoul and goblin!

This year my Halloween will be spent throwing another, traditional party. In preparation for just that, here are my top picks from the Lush, Halloween collection to get you party ready and in the spooky mood! This new collection of fresh products, ranging from bath bombs and shower jellies to handmade gifts are sure to tickle your fancy as well as captivate with their spectacular effects.

Nightwing Shower Jelly

Like a bat out of Jell-y! Fragranced with distilled lime, this shower jelly is made with refreshing fresh lime juice, cooling fresh aloe gel from the Kenyan slush fund project and a hint of vitamin E rich carob syrup.

Price: AED 40

Lord of Misrule Bath Bomb

An old favourite of mine. Revel in your bath with this mischievous bomb that features a spicy herbal blend of patchouli and black pepper oil. Inspired by the ruler of the pagan Feast of Fools, Lord Of Misrule has a deep  green  exterior that slowly froths away to reveal a rich wine-coloured centre. Just like at the Feast of Fools, when the wine starts to flow, the popping candy crackles and the festivities begin.

Price: AED 39

Lord of Misrule Shower Scream

A feast for the senses! Get down and earthy with this mischievous, herbal blend of patchouli, peppercorn and black pepper with an intriguing Fair Trade vanilla sweetness. As you rub this addictive lather all over the body, organic wheatgerm oil provides a nourishing dose of Vitamin E to ensure your skin is on fine (and fragrant) party form. You won’t be the fool after washing with this.

Price: AED 112

Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble Bar

My favourite from last year, I used this right through to Christmas! Have a ball in the bath with this warming and cheerful bubble bar that adds a bit of sparkle to a cold night. The energising blend of juniperberry, lime and grapefruit oils packs a punch. Perfect for a long, lingering soak, just make sure you get out of your bath by midnight.

Price: AED 40

Heebie Jeebie Gift Set

Darkness falls across the land, a midnight shower is close at hand! If the funk of 40 thousand years is terrorising the neighbourhood, take these two ghoulish products into the bathroom to ward away ghosts. But be warned, Lord Of Misrule shower scream and Nightwing shower jelly smell so delicious that they may just attract ravenous hordes of trick or treaters instead. Shower-lovers beware, you’re in for a scare… We’ve selected 2 of our most popular products, Nightwing Shower Jelly and Lord of Misrule Shower Scream.

Price: AED 120

Have a wonderful Halloween whatever you decide to do!! ]

Love, Kel x

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Review: Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cell Repair Night Oil

What is it?

An intensive overnight boosting treatment which works in tandem with the skin’s nightly repair mode. BioOrganic 100% pure botanicals ensure this exquisite oil instantly absorbs to work on all fronts. Kalahari oil provides abundant essential fatty acids, Mongongo oil restructures and regenerates the epidermis, Kigelia firms and tones, Baobab delivers precious Omega 3, 6 & 9 and the antioxidant properties of Hibiscus fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

What does it do?

Naturally fragranced with a floral blend of Neroli, Lavender, Rose and Mandarin, this addictive Cell Repair Night Oil works to hydrate and soothe dull and dehydrated skin promoting a luminous, dewy and radiant glow whilst helping to prevent skin ageing.

What do I think?

Winning 28 awards in 28 months, this London label focuses on reducing inflammation, stabilising your skin’s defence system, and slowing the aging process. The first thing that will hit you about this oil is the insanely awesome fragrance. With a blend of neroli, lavender, rose, and mandarin essential oils, it is perfect as a last step treatment in your regime because it’s very soothing, and will help lull you to sleep. As an oil, it also absorbs quickly – though not as fast as a serum, of course – with patting and gentle massages. It warms nicely between your palms and feels heavenly on your face. When I wake up in the morning, my face is dewy, not oily, and really, really soft.

After using this my skin looks healthier, happy and any dullness is banished. This has even helped out with any pesky blemishes and redness is quickly calmed down.

Skincare is that category where I am happy to splurge, having a good skincare routine and ultimately good skin is important to me. So far Aurelia have hit it out of the park and I look forward to using this each night.

Would I repurchase?

Absolutely!

I grabbed this from https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/ – they have super speedy international delivery, bonus!

Love, Kel x

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