WINTER SCENTS: THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE EDIT

Hello everyone and Happy December! First of all, how is it December already? The months since summer, have just some how flown by! That being said here we are just a couple of days into the final month of the year, as well as on the countdown to Christmas. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you some of my favourite Christmas candles this winter season, that might help you get into the Christmas spirit...

1. bath & body works spiced gingerbread swirl | click to buy |

First up we have such a classic scent when it comes to Christmas, which is of course Gingerbread. I feel like Gingerbread is a love or loath scent but i personally love that balance of both sweet and spice combined. If you are from the UK and you think you can't get your hands on Bath & Body Works candles, think again as you can simply pick them up on eBay new and the pricing is around the same as a Yankee Candle would. I also absolutely love the designs on their Christmas products this year and they would make for the perfect gift, for a friend, loved one or simply yourself.

2. yankee candle all is bright | click to buy |

Next up is a favourite of mine from then new-in Christmas candles last year by Yankee Candle. For me when it comes to candles in winter you really want a scent that is fresh yet gives off that cosy and warm feel to the room, which that does just that. All Is Bright has that perfect mixture of fresh citrus-y notes and warm musk.

3. yankee candle winter wonder | click to buy |

Bringing things back to new-in for this Christmas by Yankee Candle (which fyi i think they have some really great scents this time around), especially with this beautiful Winter Wonder candle. Winter Wonder is similar in a way to All Is Bright has it has a balance of fruity citrus notes with the lemon/champagne and then also the warmth of vanilla musk and then you also get the subtle hint of fresh silver balsam.

4. yankee candle winter glow | click to buy |

Over the past few years this scent has been another Christmas/Winter favourite of mine, as you could say again that this is similar to All Is Bright but this candle has more of a cooling freshness to it rather than the warmth of vanilla notes. This candle all round is very fresh, cooling with that subtle hint of warmth from the amber undertones.

5. neom christmas wish candle | click to buy |

Neom candles are definitely more on the luxury side of things when it comes to candles but if you are looking to pick up more of a "luxury" style candle, then i highly recommend Neom. Neom candles always have that perfect spa-like feel to them that instantly fills a room, whether lit or not. This years Christmas Wish candle is packed full of essential oils all fruity, fresh and warming. 

6. m&s frankincense and myrrh candles | click to buy |

When it comes to high-street finds for me personally it is a toss up between H&M and M&S, that being said i am slightly disappointed with H&M's Christmas candles this year. That being said M&S are stocking a range of different shape/sized candles in their classic Frankincense and Myrrh scent, which i love as it is fresh, warming, very traditional and the packaging is always great to re-use for something else afterwards.

7. yankee candle christmas magic | click to buy |

Next up we have another new-in this season to Yankee Candle and probably not something i would usually opt for visually, as the packaging is red and i am more of a neutral/gold toned fan. That being said Christmas Magic smells like real Christmas Tree as it is infused with fir balsam, pine needle sap and cedarwood birch.

8. yankee candle frosty gingerbread | click to buy |

Ok this is the last Yankee Candle scent for this post, i promise. That being said Frosty Gingerbread is yet another new-in scent from the brand this year and is literally a sweet/baking scented candle lovers dream in a jar. Frosty Gingerbread obviously has that gingerbread scent to it but it also has more of a sweetness to it with the vanilla added in, to allow your room to smell like a fresh batch of homemade Christmas desserts.

9. bath & body works twisted peppermint | click to buy |

Finally we have a candle that really minds me of Candy Cane Lane by Yankee Candle, as it has that beautiful minty/sweet scent that smells just like candy canes do. Just like the Spiced Gingerbread Swirl candle, this would make the perfect gift as the packaging is simply beautiful and can also be picked up on eBay. Bath and Body Works also stock different products with the same scents, from body lotions to hand gels and shower gels, which is great if you wanted to pick up a scent for someone who isn't necessarily a candle lover. 

Catch up on my previous post: here 

xo.

EIGHT PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOU SMELLING BEACH-Y THIS SUMMER

Hello everyone! Following Friday's instalment where i talked about all things Travel lusting, which you can catch up on here if you didn't do so already. It really got me in the mood for talking all things summer, as well as getting in the summer mood (especially with all the lovely weather we have been having recently). One of my favourite things about summer is those typical beach-y scents, especially coconut scented products. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share you eight products that will keep you smelling beach-y this summer...

1. colab paradise dry shampoo

When it comes to hair, a lot of us tend to be made up of at least 85% dry shampoo come the end of the week and more so during the summer months. Not only does this dry shampoo leave your hair smelling all tropical and coconut scented, it will also leave your hair looking and feeling fresh/sweat-free. The best thing about this dry shampoo is you aren't left with that annoying white powder finish, some other brand dry shampoos have.

2. freshly baked london coconut tanning mousse

Who doesn't love a good tan during the summer? in-fact i love a good tan all year round and there is a way to have a tan without smelling like biscuits. There are so many different brands on the market at the moment launching coconut scented tanning products but this one from Freshly Baked London, is a lot more affordable than some others costing just £14 compared to over £30 from those other brands.

3. superdrug coconut oil with argan oil

If taking the more natural/raw products are more your thing, you can still keep yourself smelling beach-y with this limited edition coconut oil with argan oil. How genius this this oil? as it is the perfect mix of two of my favourite go-to formulas that i know work wonders for my skin and hair. This will also not break the bank as it retails for just £2.49 for a 125ml tub.

4. bath & body works copper coconut 3-wick candle
Keeping the beach-y themed scents alive beyond the way you smell personally, you can also keep your home smelling summery also simply by switching up your candles. This copper coconut candle is the perfect mix of coconut and a day at the beach type of scent, with the added warmth in its notes. Another favourite of mine is the coconut splash candle by Yankee Candle, which i featured in my latest must-try spring/summer candles post.

5. being by sanctuary spa hibiscus and coconut water body mist
I have always been a fan of Sanctuary Spa products, but i am completely obsessed with this Being range from the brand. First of all how cute is all of the packaging? Second of all they have a wide range of different products, several scented body mists included and this one hands down has to be my favourite because of the summery scent it throws off. This body mist is the perfect mix of sweet, yet exotic/slightly fruity with a hint of warmth.

6. primark bronze dewy glow gold face & body butter
I have mentioned a couple of these products from the Bronze collection at Primark in a recent testing primark beauty first impressions post and in that post i mentioned how obsessed i am with this range, especially the dewy glow face and body butter. I have been wearing this every single day since i picked it up, i love how dewy yet natural this makes your skin look as well as adding the perfect golden glow and what makes this product that much better is that it smells like coconut.

7. palmer's coconut oil formula products
One of my favourite coconut scented ranges definitely has to be the one by Palmer's and for so many different reasons. Not only do the brand got the scent of coconut perfect, the products actually work especially for me and my normal-dry skin type. Some of my favourite go-to products which i reach for a lot are the weightless shine dry oil, the body lotion and the leave-in conditioner. I actually recently switched up my "everyday tan" to a palmer's one and i am really enjoying using it.

8. bath & body works island white sand super smooth body lotion
One of the most effective ways to leave you smelling all beach-like and "coconutty" is probably going to be from smothering yourself in lotion, which is not only going to make your skin smell delicious, it is also going to keep your skin super soft and hydrated. Your skin need moisture all year round, as the cold can draw out the moisture but so can the sun and warmth. There are so many different coconut scented body lotions available to buy from as little as £1, favourites of mine are the Boots own brand, the Palmer's one and also the M&S essentials one.

Catch up on my flawless no makeup, makeup for s/s HERE...

xo.

MUST-TRY CANDLES | SPRING/SUMMER EDITION

Hello everyone! So if you have a huge obsession with candles as i do, then you will know it is a serious business and you have to (need to ha ha) switch up your candles according to the current season. With that in mind now that we are well into spring, i thought i would share with you some of my must-try candles for spring/summer...

1. yankee candle coconut splash candle

So when Spring/Summer comes around i literally go crazy on anything and everything coconut scented, well i always opt for coconut body lotion but i am talking, shampoo, shower gel and now candles especially as Yankee Candle now have a coconut scented candle. The notes in this candle are super fresh smelling, with coconut, vanilla, as well as sandalwood and other tropical fruity scents. This candle is going to give you instant tropical beach holiday vibes! 

2. bath & body works mineral springs 3-wick candle jar

Who doesn't love a good big hefty 3-wick candle where the scent packs a punch, especially when it fills your room with a fresh and soothing, slightly floral with a hint of fruity lime scent? Also how amazing is the packaging on Bath & Body Works candles, they are also perfect for re-using afterwards for storing makeup or bits and bobs.

3. h&m home white tropical paradise candle jar

H&M is always a great place to shop for homeware, especially for different/unique looking candles and candle jars. This candle screams summer vibes from its paradise title, tropical scent and tropical jar design with could also be used afterwards. H&M candles are also super in-expensive, burn well and always throw a good scent.

4. primark madagascan vanilla frosted kilner jar candle

Another place to pick up super in-expensive candles in a variety of different scents is Primark, in fact you can pick up a candle jar for as little as 80p. A favourite of mine is madagascan vanilla, as it is one of those all year round evening scents because it has the perfect mix of warm, fresh and sweet notes. This particular kilner style jar can be picked up in several different sizes and this large jar is a bargain, at only £5.

5. yankee candle summer peach candle

Another Yankee Candle scent and another favourite scent of mine for spring/summer is anything peach flavoured or scented. What i love about this particular candle is how warm the notes are in the candle, as well as the obvious scent of peach. If you couldn't tell by now i am a complete Yankee Candle fan, as they burn evenly, throw a good scent off and come in every possible scent you could think of.

6. neom organics real luxury intensive skin treatment candle

Finally we have a candle which actually has a multi-purpose function to it, as the candle doubles up as a skin oil treatment. The trick of this spa-like scented candle is to burn for 30 minutes filling your room with the relaxing notes of almond oil and cocoa butter, before leaving to cool for 2 minutes before drizzling on your body for hydration. Relaxing right? Neom candles also make the perfect gift for someone, when you are either stuck on what to get them or if you already know they are a candle fan.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

WINTER CANDLES: THE BEST SCENTS

Hello everyone! So back at the beginning of Autumn, i shared a post talk all about autumn candles: the best scents and seeing as we are now into Winter and the festive season is upon us, i thought it was time i did an updated version for the season. I am a complete candle addict (as i have mentioned on several occasions) and i have different favourite scents for every single different season.

1. yankee candle all is bright candle

So this candle just had to be first as it was my favourite candle last Christmas/Winter time and it was a new candle to the Yankee Candle range also. This candle has a slight citrus-y scent with musky notes, which when burning it adds a really warm and cosy feel to your home. 

2. yankee candle spiced white cocoa

I believe this is a new scent to this Christmas, if it isn't i haven't seen it until recently. When i was out shopping recently i gave this a smell and i fell in love, now it is definitely on my next to buy candle wishlist. The best way to describe how this smells is like a white chocolate hot chocolate from Starbucks with hints of spice nutmeg and sweet salted caramel, so the perfect balance of both sweet and spice.

3. bath and body works cinnamon caramel swirl

Sticking with the sweet and spice mixed scents, this eBay find of a bath and body works candle is simply beautiful and smells deliciously sweet like Christmas. If you are from the UK then ordering from Bath and Body Works can be a long process, save shipping time and take a look on eBay. Cinnamon Caramel Swirl smells just as it suggests on the jar, the perfect sweet dessert scented candle with a hint of spice with the cinnamon.

4. yankee candle winter glow

This candle is quite similar to the All Is Bright scent and was a favourite of mine a couple of years back now, the way that they are similar is with the freshness that both scents have rather than your typical sweet Christmas scents. Even though it suggests it would be more of a "cooling" scent, it has the opposite effect and gives your room a warming ambience. 

5. yankee candle snowflake cookie

Just in case you haven't noticed before, Yankee Candle scents are some of my favourites as they do such a wide range and Snowflake Cookie has been one of those favourites for so many years now. I love sweet scents at Christmas and this one is literally one of the perfect ones, as it smells like fresh baking without too much of a vanilla scent as i know vanilla isn't a scent for everyone.

6. yankee candle christmas cookie

Sticking with the baking/cookie candle scent theme, another favourite for when i want something with those vanilla-ry notes and that is Christmas Cookie. You might think, aren't Snowflake Cookie and Christmas Cookie the same? The answer to that is no, because what makes them different is the fact that one has that strong vanilla undertone and the other doesn't. Talking of baking scented candles, another favourite this year is a Gingerbread one i picked up from Home Bargains, by the brand wickford & co i believe.

7. neom organics london christmas wish candle

I actually mentioned this particular candle in a post a couple of months back now, which was a the best new-in beauty gift sets post and i mentioned in that post how perfect this particular candle would be for a gift for someone else or for yourself. I love the NEOM happiness candle but this Christmas Wish candle smells super cosy, as it has that Christmas warm spiced scent to it and the packaging is also beautiful.

8. h&m pine scented glass jar candle

Finally we have such a bargain candle that i am loving at the moment, as it not only smells like a forest full of real Christmas trees (which would be great to light if you have an artificial tree but want that Christmas tree scent) but it adds the perfect decorative touch to your room, with its gold glittery glass jar. This particular candle also comes in two other Christmas themed scents which are Black Fig and Rich Ginger, costing only £3.99 each.

Catch up on my favourite ways to find interior/decor inspo post HERE...

xo.

AUTUMN CANDLES: THE BEST SCENTS

Hello everyone! It is no secret that i am a complete candle addict and i have my favourite type of candle scents for each season, which i previously shared my favourite spring/summer candles. That being said now all of the Autumn/Halloween collections and scents are being placed on the shelves/online, i thought why not share with you a selection of the best scents for this time of year, from older to new-in scents.

1. yankee candle warm cashmere

This candle is a new launch for Yankee Candle this autumn and one that i am obsessed with the scent of as it is super calming with its sandalwood notes, cashmere woods and golden amber. What brings the warm vibe to the candles scent is the hints of cardamom, orange/spice.

2. kringle autumn winds candle

Kringle candles are a brand on one of my favourite candle site "Candles Direct", stocked with so many different autumn appropriate candles from the classic autumn winds with its spicy woody notes, cinnamon bark with its hint of coconut and vanilla, as well as frosted cranberry with its fruity tartness and a slight hint of sugary sweetness. As these jars are clear they come in handy, to re-use afterwards.

3. yankee candle pain au raisin

I have loved this particular candle scent from Yankee Candle for years now, as it is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy (what makes it perfect for autumn). This candle is a vanilla filled, with sweet almond, spicy cognac, cinnamon and all of these combined together gives the room appearance like it is filled with freshly baked "pain au raisin" hence the candle title.

4. yankee candle sugared pumpkin swirl

This particular candle is a U.S exclusive limited edition candle for this year and is perfect for those early autumnal months, along side Halloween. The candles scent is a perfect sweet treat with a slight hint of spice, nothing too major as its main features are definitely caramel/vanilla.  

5. bath and bodyworks pumpkin pecan waffles

Sticking with the pumpkin theme and another delicious-y sweet scented candle, with its hints of maple syrup, pumpkin spice and brown sugar. To me this candle smells like the most perfect autumnal breakfast on a lazy weekend morning, this candle will also throw out a scent with its three wick designed jar.

6. village candle amber woods

To me this candle is super similar in ways to the warm cashmere candle by Yankee Candle which i shared above, but the Village Candles are slightly cheaper in price and are a great dupe for the Yankee Candles packaging wise. Just like the warm cashmere this candle has notes of amber, as well as bergamot which i love as to me it has that "mens aftershave" feel to it.

7. yankee candle halloween candy corn

This scent of candle from Yankee Candle has been a halloween favourite of mine for years now, that being said i am unsure whether it is returning this year even though Candles Direct are stocking last years stock still. This scent smells exactly how it says it should smell, a perfect mix of sweet almost like freshly popped popcorn and halloween candy treats.

8. m&s golden amber

Finally we have another perfect autumnal scent featuring notes of amber, bergamot and patchouli giving the room that warm and rich feel to it. If you want a stronger scent from the candles scent, m&s also stock this particular candle in a three-wick version for under £10. I also love how sleek, yet classic and decorative the packaging of these candles are.

What are your favourite Autumn scented candles?

xo.

MULTI-PURPOSE MAKEUP & BEAUTY STORAGE

Hello everyone! So last month i did a couple of posts talking about all things makeup storage, from my own makeup de-cluttering/organising part one and part two, to a dressing table essentials that won't break the bank post. When it comes down to storage you don't always have to play by the rules and use something that is designed specifically for that purpose, you can switch things up and use something different. There are so many cool items out there, that can be used for its original purpose or to also store your makeup/beauty products and for today's post i thought i would share with you some of my favourite multi-purpose storage items.

1. jewellery boxes (similar style here)

You can get these dressing table perfect jewellery boxes, which tend to be glass with some form of metallic edging detail from pretty much anywhere and for not a lot of money. That being said these can be used for a lot more than storing jewellery, you can also store things such as nail polish, shadows and everyday makeup.

2. toothbrush holders (h&m home holder)

Toothbrush holders are the perfect multi-purpose piece, they can house your makeup brushes, lip glosses, cotton buds, eyeliners, lipliners and they come in some seriously cool prints, like this particular one from h&m home. As toothbrush holders tend to be a little more narrow in width, if you are using one for makeup brushes i would say they work better for smaller eye/detail brushes.

3. jar candles with lids (bath&bodyworks white peach)

Being the candle lover that i am, i know quite a few ways that empty candle jars can be used for rather than just throwing them in the bin. Candle jars with lids can be used for cotton balls, cotton buds and even lipsticks. I just love the way the empty jars look with things stored inside, especially if the jar design is chic looking like the bath&bodyworks ones. 

4. cute quote mugs (similar style here)

Yet another great multi-purpose piece other than for drinking a coffee or two out of is quote mugs, not only do they look stylish and chic, they also are a seriously cool way to store your brushes, lipliners, eyeliners and stick form products just like other jars. I also like the mix and match of the toothbrush holder and mug together. 

5. candle jars (diptyque gardenia)

Pretty much every single diptyque and jo malone candle/beauty lover will know, you probably can't get a more chic way to re-use anything than with one of these empty jars. These are another alternative for smaller brushes, lip and eye pencils and another cool use for storing your nail tools, such as nail files, scissors, tweezers etc.

6. wire baskets (similar style here)

Wire baskets are a super cool way to store all kinds of products, even to be used as bathroom storage and all depending on the size of the baskets uses. A cool use for these wire baskets is to store any bath bombs/lush products in, shower essentials, body creams/fake tan etc. If you got your hands on a square/rectangular shaped wire basket, this would be a cool way of storing your eyeshadow or larger face palettes. 

7. cake stand (similar style here)

I actually saw this particular way of storing your nail polishes on a cake stand on pinterest a while back, i think it is such a cool/unique way to have them on display. Another thing you could display on one is your perfumes on the bottom and some jewellery pieces on the top layers. 

8. bead box with lid (similar style here)

These particular box organisers usually used for storing beads, can be used for storing a few different beauty items. The first being your false lashes, rather than having all the boxes cluttering up your drawers and even to re-store once worn. Another couple of ways to use these for storage is for nail accessories, such as gems/glitter and also artificial nails. You can pick these bead boxes up for ridiculously cheap, some are as little as £1.50.

9. tea light candle holders (leredoute tea light candle holders)

Yet another way to store your makeup brushes, lip and eye pencils is by using tea light holders either buying them for this purpose, or because you are similar bored of burning candles in them (just don't forget to give them a clean before). You can pick up some super chic styles/finishes from metal, to bubble glass and mosaic tiles.

10. coffee table tray (h&m home round metal tray)

Usually used for a coffee table centrepiece but a great alternative is to use one to display your perfumes/favourite perfumes, you could also arrange a tray of a couple of different pieces, like a re-used candle holder with your brushes and jewellery.

11. letter holders (john lewis letter holder)

Not one for displaying your mail in one of these holders? no me either, but a great way to display makeup with one of these is to place your favourite palettes in the slots. Doing this is a great way of decorating your dressing table also. If a acrylic finish isn't your style, you can also get a hold of wire finished ones, wood and also plastic. This is a easy style of product that you could simply spray/paint whatever colour or finish you wanted to also.

12. wall shelves (similar styles here)

Finally we have a great way of storing your beauty products, if you don't have a lot of floor space. Because who said shelves were just made for books? Shelves are a great way of displaying all of your bathroom favourites, from shampoos, to body washes and if a display tray isn't for you then a shelf is another great way of showing off your perfumes/fragrances. If you wanted to do a two-in-one you could also store the wire baskets above on a shelf in a row, all depending on how organised/tidy you like things to look.

♥

TROPICAL TREND FOR SUMMER

Hello everyone! Now that we are well into spring and summer is just around the corner, i have found myself literally living for the whole "tropical" theme/vibe and i have noticed there are so many amazing pieces available at the moment. With that in mind for today's post, i thought why not share with you some of my favourite tropical themed finds from homeware, beauty and even phone cases.

1. skinny dip antigua makeup bag (£14)
If you have read quite a few of my posts, then you will probably already know that i am obsessed with skinnydip makeup bags and they are pretty much the only brand of makeup bag that i buy. I love how much you can fit in them, they come in cool prints just like this tropical print one and you can still see what product you are reaching for. I am going away soon so if you want to see an updated "what's in my travel makeup bag" post just like this one here, let me know on twitter.

2. bath and body works summer pocket bac hand sanitizer (£3.25)
I didn't know until recently you can actually pick up bath and body works famous pocket bac's up from eBay super easily, they have so many different scents, including their summer range. This particular scent is vanilla and warm amber, which combined is just as delicious smelling as a typical summer coconut scent.

3. ogx coconut water weightless hydration (£6.99 each)
Whilst on the subject of coconut, i actually recently started using this shampoo from ogx and i am really enjoying the way it smells/leaves my hair feeling. This particular formula of shampoo is designed to add a ton of moisture to your hair without weighing it down/leave it feeling heavy.

4. skinny dip flamingo print tangle teezer (£13.50)
On any normal day i will reach for a tangle teezer, as it is such a hair savoir for my long locks and i usually just use the regular plain pink one. That being said skinnydip have teamed up with tangle teezer with this super cool summery flamingo print brush, which would look amazing as part of your summer holiday wash-bag.

 5. skinnydip smoothie iphone case (£14)
Yet another skinnydip product and a brand i always go to for phone cases, as well as makeup bags because they also are always bringing out super cool designs. On their website at the moment, they have so many cool tropical/summery phone cases but this fruity smoothie case is probably my favourite, just as the peachy phone case/makeup bag is.

6. h&m mint green weave cushion cover (£8.99)
Moving on to more homeware style pieces, even more so this cushion cover by h&m (one of my favourite homeware places at the moment). If something was going to scream tropical trend to me, then this definitely would be it and it would look great paired with another block colour cushion or simply alone.

7. new look gold pineapple leaf plant (£5.99)
As well as the typical palm leaf print, anything pineapple themed always seems just as tropical and this artificial pineapple leaf plant with gold detailed vase is perfect to add just a touch of tropical vibes, in case you just wanted to add a little something without going too over the top.

8. village candle large frozen margarita jar (£14.95)
As some of you might know already that i am obsessed with candles and more specifically yankee candles, so of course i had to throw a candle into the mix. I am yet to try a candle from village candle, but i have heard some really great things about them and this frozen margarita scent really caught my eye, as what could be more summery than sipping a frozen margarita on a beach somewhere?

9. oliver bonas palm tree bottle opener (£14)
Another great homeware item to add just a touch of tropical vibes, in the form of a pineapple tree shaped bottle opener. This would look great on display at a summer bbq, party or get together, as well as being handy to open drinks with of course.

10. h&m palm leaf printed porcelain mug (£3.99)
Another h&m homeware item and one that comes in more than just mug form, as i actually already own the bowls and plates. I love the subtle gold leaf detailing on the tableware, as it is cool yet still quite classic looking. There particular mugs really remind me of the kind you get coffee in at a fancy restaurant or french café.

11. asos x ohh deer tropical palm agenda (£9.95)

Finally we have a more stationary/office homeware style piece, in the form of a agenda/diary book with this cool tropical palm print design. I love every single thing from the asos x ohh deer collection, as it is a stationary addicts dream and i also shared a similar notebook in a recent office/stationary decor finds post. 

♥