● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●: Search results for pamper

Hello lovelies! Hope you are all well!

A while back now, I asked on Twitter is anyone would be interested in seeing my guide to a pamper evening, and I've just got round to writing it up now.

From time to time, we all have those long, miserable days where we've been stressed, whether it be from work, school, college/uni or just general life problems. Now and again, I think its important to make ourselves feel better and give yourself a little pamper to perk us up! A little "me time" is definitely in order as a way to de-stress, relax and refresh ourselves.

I've devised my 10 tips for My Guide to The Perfect Pamper, so lets get started!

1. Run a Nice, Relaxing Hot Bath
This is probably the best way to relax and take a time out from life! With a few luxurious bath products, some gorgeous scented candles and some dimmed lights, this creates the perfect calm and relaxing atmosphere.
I love using the Radox Bubble Baths! They have some absolutely gorgeous scents and all help to make you feel calm and relaxed!

2. Remove your Make Up

Removing your make up after a long day is a must! This allows you to remove all the dirt and grime you skin has had to deal with and puts the day behind you. Its also important to cleanse and refresh your skin, and give it a little boost!
I generally remove my make up with the L'oreal Micellar Water and the L'oreal Cleansing & Perfecting Milk.

3. Use a Hair Mask

We all want soft, silky and healthy hair, and using hair masks is a great way to help achieve this. There are so many different hair masks on sale, each doing a different thing, each smelling differently and each specifically for certain hair types, so this is something that EVERYONE can do! Using a hair mask once or twice a week gives your hair a luxurious condition and helps make it healthier and stronger!

Hair Masks that I've been loving include the Naked Rescue Repairing Hair Treatment, Aussie 3 Minute Miracle and THIS ONE Hair Replenishment Mask.

4. Apply a Face Mask

I absolutely love using face masks! They help to improve the appearance and feeling on the skin and helps to remove all the dirt, impurities and extra oils. Again these come in all sorts of variations from gel masks to clay masks etc, all different scents and all different skin types.

I've been loving the Una Brennan Tea Flower Clay Mask and the Boots Botanics Ionic Clay Mask.

5. Cosy Loungewear

I think that cosy loungewear is a must for a pamper evening! We all want time to relax and de-stress, and some cosy pyjamas or a onesie is the perfect attire! These just allow you to be warm and comfortable and enjoy the evening ahead!

6. Paint your Nails
This is pretty much an optional step in a pamper session, but its one that can make you feel happy and make you feel good. Painting your nails can be quite time consuming, but when you have an evening to relax, this is the perfect task to carry out when wanting to relax and be calm!

7. Grab a Nice Drink
Enjoying one of your favourite drinks is the perfect way to relax and feel comforted! Whether it be a cheeky glass of wine, a warm drink or whatever tickles your fancy, having something you like is a great way to feel relaxed and is a perfect way to feel pampered.

8. Treat Yourself

Whether its doing some online shopping, ordering your favourite meal from the takeaway or indulging in your favourite food and drinks, treating yourself after a long and stressful day is the perfect way to make you feel better!

9. Skin Care Routine

Having a continuous skin care routine is the best way to keep your skin looking great and healthy! This is perfect for refreshing yourself and revitalising your skin. Maybe for a perfect pamper evening, try choosing a product you wouldn't normally use or buy, to give your skin that extra boost of hydration and moisture!

10. Cosy up in Bed

The best way to end a perfect pamper is to cosy up in a nice, freshly made, warm bed! This is by far the best way to feel relaxed, comfortable and to end the day. Whether you like to read a book, watch a film, write up a blog post or just generally browse the internet, this allows you to settle down and create a nice atmosphere ready to sleep. Maybe lighting a few scented candles, having some comfy cushions and a super soft blanket throw is the perfect way to feel cosy and warm!

So these are my Top 10 tips to the perfect pamper evening! Obviously these don't all have to be used when you need a little pick-me-up, but including a few of these after a long, stressful day is the perfect way to make you feel better and to cheer yourself up!

What are your tips to the perfect pamper evening? What products do you use when pampering yourself?

Have you checked out my blogger of the month "A Simple Melody"?

** All images used are from Google.co.uk/not my own photography

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AD - GIFTED | From time to time, we all need to take a step back from our busy, chaotic life and enjoy some "me" time. I always try to make time for a pamper session, whether its just to put on a face mask or a conditioning hair mask, or even just to run myself a lovely hot bubble bath, taking some time out each week is a great opportunity to relax, make yourself feel better and clear your mind from the stress of day to day life. I love to chop and change the products that I use in my Pamper Routine, whether it be a new face mask, a new hair mask, new bath products or even a new moisturiser, the products you use all depend on how you feel. Recently, I've added a couple of products from Nacomi UK to my Perfect Pamper Routine and have fallen in love!

I was kindly gifted the Nacomi Body Mousse in Mango Macarons*. The name itself already had my mouth watering, without even giving it a smell. This luxurious body mousse is enriched with Mango, Macadamia, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, making the product so smooth and silky, it just glides beautifully on the skin, providing a high level of hydration and moisture.

You only need a small amount of product, as a little goes a hell of a long way! Once rubbed into the skin, the mousse changes into a slightly oily consistency, not greasy at all, which is great for those with dry skin or even to use in the winter months! It sinks in within few minutes too, so you don't need to wait hours for it to absorb fully into the skin.

Mango Extract – extract from mango is a component of supporting the weight loss process – prevents loss of firmness and suppleness the skin.

Macadamia Oil – perfectly suited for stretch marks and scars, because it is quickly absorbed into the skin, moisturises it, stimulating the regeneration of the epidermis.

Jojoba Oil – strengthens the cellular structure of the skin.

Shea Butter – provides hydration and nourishment as well as smoothes and moisturises.

Nacomi Mango Macarons Body Mousse 180g*

Another product that I have introduced into my Pamper Night Routine has been the Refreshing Green Tea Bubble Bath Powder*. We all love a good, hot, relaxing bath and these Bath powders are something that I have really seen much of when shopping in the High Street and Online, so this one from Nacomi really intrigued me. The second you open the packet, you get such a burst of freshness, it's perfect for those days you want to wind down and relax, clearing your mind for a chilled out evening. Simply sprinkle the bath powder into a nice warm running bath, and watch it fizz and bubble away, creating tons of thick bubbles whilst filling the room with such great aromas.

If you're someone who loves to relax and chill in the bath, making a somewhat luxurious spa-like experience, I would highly recommend this product!

Shea Butter - deeply moisturises the skin, rebuilding its protective barrier. It also fights the premature signs of ageing such as flaccid, deprived of elasticity skin and discolouration.

Sweet Almond Oil - has very good moisturising and emollient properties, which will give your skin an excellent care and exceptional softness. Almond oil will also provide many nutrients, which will soothe and calm irritated skin.

Avocado Oil - moisturises the skin and gives it a huge dose of essential nutrients. Stimulates the production of collagen, which makes your skin firmer and more elastic.

Nacomi Refreshing Green Tea Bubble Bath Powder 100g*

"Nacomi UK is a Polish brand of natural cosmetics for face, body and hair care. It has been founded and active on the market since 2012. Nacomi formulas are based on high quality ecological and organic raw materials. The products are handmade and safe to use. Currently, the brand offers a wide selection of products for women, men and children. Nacomi is vegan friendly and cruelty free."

What is your idea of a Perfect Pamper Night? What are your favourite products to use in your Pamper Routine?

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AD - GIFTED | How long has it been since you've had a relaxing pamper night? Especially with the current lockdown and everything going on in the world, it's extremely important to take a step back and enjoy some time to yourself, and there's nothing better than a self care pamper evening. Obviously one of the most relaxing and unwinding things to do is have a nice hot bath/shower, but there are a few other steps you can take for the ultimate pamper. So treat yourself today by checking my list of self-care tips to get inspired.

1. First things first, skincare. Is there anything better than taking your makeup off after a long day, and just feeling extremely refreshed and revitalized. I like to use a hot cloth cleanser to take off any makeup, as its extremely gentle on the eyes for those who wear mascara, eyeliner or eyeshadow. I would then opt for a facial exfoliator, or a face wash with my cleansing brush, for a deeper clean, even followed up by a face mask for that super skin detox. This leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth. Finishing up with any products that I would use in my skincare routine, depending on my current skin needs. During the winter time, I'm ALL about hydration and getting that skin glow. Moisturising creams, serums, oils are winter essentials, and don't forget that lip balm!

2. Next up, haircare. Washing, drying and styling your hair can seem like such a chore, but applying a luxurious hair mask beforehand makes it so much more worthwhile. Hair masks that make my hair silky, smooth and shiny are my absolute must haves, as well as leaving my hair smelling delicious. I make sure to brush my hair thoroughly before applying my hair mask, and make sure each strand is covered from root to tip, and leave it to get to work for as long as possible, sometimes even overnight! I've also recently added the OGX Kukui Oil duo and The Hair Boss Overnight Serum to my haircare routine, and my hair has never looked better. So soft, nourished and super shiny.

3. After having a nice warm, relaxing bath/shower, it's a must have to put on some super cosy and comfy loungewear/pyjamas. Oversized is a must have as there is nothing worse than tight, uncomfortable clothing. I recently posted some super comfy loungewear finds from FemmeLuxe - think oversized joggers and cute matching co-ords!

4. Creating a cosy environment is an essential part of making your evening super relaxing and calm. Make sure to be lighting some candles, grabbing all the fluffy blankets and cushions, you could even hang up some cute fairy lights. Having a cosy environment around you can help to de-stress and give you a break from your daily routine.

5. Something that I've been including recently in my pamper routine is making a warm, relaxing drink. I've really been enjoying the Organic India Teas* and found these to really help destress and unwind during the colder evenings. My favourite is definitely the Tulsi Pomegranate Green Tea*. Infused with Pomegranate and Hibiscus flowers and the tangy flavour of Raspberries is a delightful combination and the perfect drink to have in the evenings. Tulsi is a great addition as it rich in antioxidants and can help to boost your immune system. The Organic India Teas are extremely relaxing, warming and delicious, and a must try for those who love green tea or even if you want a break from the usual coffee, tea or hot chocolate!

6. One part of your self care evening should be treating yourself to your favourite foods and drinks. There's nothing more comforting than ordering/making your favourite dishes, followed with a glass of your favourite drink to lift your spirits. There's so many great choices, whether you're a lover of pasta, pizza, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, the options are never ending, and there is always food to fit your mood.

7. Finally, get comfy and sit back and watch your favourite films/series. Whether you pick something from Netflix, Disney+, YouTube or just something on the TV, it's the perfect way to spend the rest of your evening. I'm currently watching Orange Is The New Black, and I'm hooked!

What are your self care pamper essentials?

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AD - GIFTED | Who says Valentines is just for couples? You know that day that if you’re totally single reminds you that you’re totally single. Fear not, make this Valentine's Day all about you. A day to celebrate your achievements, to pamper yourself and most importantly to love yourself! Rosina's Lotions & Potions have kindly gifted me a selection of their amazing products wrapped up in a beautiful gift box, including the Kale and Pomegranate Face Mask*, the Rose-Scented Signature Rosina's Candle*, the Rose Perfecting Oil* and a Rose Bath Bomb*, to help me create the perfect pamper evening this Valentines.

"Rosina's Lotions & Potions came to life in 2008 as an alternative to chemically laden modern skincare. With an initial dozen products and the brand has quickly grown to be an industry leading skincare and bath accessories company featuring vintage-inspired product design and history. The company was founded by Sophie Cooper who spent most of her youth either helping at one of her mother’s skincare clinics or stirring up pots of beautiful potions in her grandmother’s kitchen. Using Rosina’s unique recipes and her mother’s technical know-how Sophie created what would become one of the UK's leading natural luxury skincare brands."

Kale & Pomegranate Face Mask*

The Kale & Pomegranate Mask is an amazing multi-tasking treatment, that you can use as a cleanser, mask and exfoliator all in one. After using this mask on fresh cleansed skin, even after the first use, my skin appeared much smoother, healthier and more radiant. The pomegranate helps to gently exfoliate the skin to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion while the organic kale will make skin feel more supple and plump.

Signature Candle*

Can we just take a moment to admire the beauty and simplicity of this gorgeous hand-printed glass candle. Whilst burning, the candle fills your entire room with a beautifully perfumed rose essential oil, that helps to build and create that perfectly peaceful atmosphere when you want to relax and de-stress. A candle 100% worthy of featuring in a pamper night as it really helps to set the calming mood.

Rose Perfecting Oil*

Rosina's Rose Perfecting Oil is a delicate, but deeply moisturising, facial oil. Enriched with the healing properties of Helianthus, Argan Oil and precious Rosa Damascena. It is a facial oil rich in nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. I like to use this Rose Oil as part of my evening skin routine, so it can absorb into my skin overnight, and I wake up with a plump and hydrated complexion. A much needed skin pick-me-up for dull and dry winter skin!

Rose Petal Bath Bomb*

This gorgeous rosy pink handmade luxury bath bomb is packed with moisturising agents, anti-ageing properties and a delicate fragrances for a truly replenishing soak that leaves the skin super soft, moisturised and subtly-scented. As soon as you pop it into the bath, it bubbles and fizzes like crazy, filling the bathroom with a fresh and warming rose aroma. It's so calming yet invigorating, it's the perfect bath bomb scent to use before bed!

What are your plans for Valentines Day? What are your pamper night essentials?

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AD - GIFTED | Are you planning on a homemade hamper this Mother's Day, but unsure on where or how to start?

A DIY Mothers Day Hamper is guaranteed to make any Mum feel extremely spoilt and loved! Sometimes a homemade and personalised gift can be super special and just as thoughtful as a ready-made present. The reason I think a DIY gift is better is simply due to the fact you can personalise and include some gifts that you know will be loved. Personalised hampers don't have to cost a lot. There are so many gift ideas out there, that you can still put together a gorgeous hamper on an affordable budget, or if you really want to make a luxury hamper, there's also the opportunity for that.

Pretty packaging and presentation can really take your DIY hamper go from 0 to 100. This will be helping to make your gift look more spectacular and special, and can even help to personalise your gift to your receivers preferences.

Firstly, you'll want to decide what hamper you want to go for. Depending on your budget, you could put together a more relaxed modern style with a decorative gift box/bag or opt for a more traditional wicker hamper. I'd recommend looking online, in local garden centres, homeware stores or charity shops to find a suitable container for your homemade gift hamper. It may also be worth finding one that can be reused over and over again, as something decorative or as a storage solution.

Affordable Mother's Day Hamper

For those who are looking for a low-cost, affordable DIY hamper, the products I have featured in the photo above could be some really great options for you to include in your homemade gift. First up, who doesn't love receiving some chocolates?! I've opted for Maltesers as I know they are a favourite and will definitely go down a treat. Face masks and foot masks are the ultimate pamper, and for me, are an essential for any DIY hamper. I picked these up from Superdrug as they have such an affordable and extensive selection. Not only is ALDI a good place for food, but they also have a stunning range of candles and reed diffusers, extremely similar to those from Jo Malone. My favourite scent is definitely the Pomegranate range, a super luxury and affordable fragrance to add to your home.

A handbag must have from Benecos is the Orange Lip Balm*. Packed with natural and organic ingredients include Organic Orange Oil along with Organic Shea Butter, it's an essential for soft and smooth lips. Lavera is a great brand if you want some high quality and natural beauty/pamper products, perfect for Mother's Day. First of all, the Soft Purity Shower Gel*. The natural gentle, soft foaming, cleansing ingredients doesn't strip your skin of it's natural oils. Formulated with Organic Algae and Organic Water Mint thoroughly and effectively cleanses and nourishes your skin leaving it feeling refreshed and silky soft. The Hydro Sensation Gel cream* gives intensive moisture to your skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth with a youthful radiance and a perfect glow. Finally, the Very Berry Hand Wash*. The perfect addition, especially during the current coronavirus pandemic. Formulated with a delicious aroma of organic goji berry and organic acai, these moisturising and nourishing ingredients will leave your hands pleasantly soft and smooth

Luxury Mother's Day Hamper

For those wanting to go that extra mile and really push the boat out with a more luxurious DIY hamper, the products I have featured in the photo above could be worth including in your personalised gift. Starting off with the gorgeous Giorgio Armani Si perfume. This scent is chic, sultry, intense and soft at the same time, with deep aromas of fruity and floral notes. Heyland & Whittle is a great brand for those who love room fragrances and scents. I picked up the Clementine & Prosecco fragrance gift set as I think this is such a delightful combination; the fragrance is light and sweet, fruity and sparkling, perfect for a happy and uplifting Mother's Day gift. Again, chocolates is a must have, and these delicious Milk Chocolate selection box from Marks & Spencer looks exquisite. Also from Marks & Spencer is the Normandy Apple sparkling juice, an alternative for those not wanting to add a bottle of champagne, prosecco or wine.

Finishing up with some beauty products to help with the perfect pamper evening on Mother's Day. Soap & Glory are my ultimate favourite brand when it comes to skin and body care. They have such a vast selection of products and ranges that you'll be spoilt for choice. Faces masks scream relaxation to me, and this Miracle Moisture Mask is one of the best ones that I've tried. So refreshing, hydrating and moisturising. Finally, a newer brand I've discovered; Million Dollar Facial. Two of the best selling products that I would recommend would be the Million Dollar Medi+ Hydrating Elixir* and Medi+ Glyco Wash*.

What gifts will you be gifting on Mother's Day? Have you thought of compiling your own hamper? What would you include?

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AD| Worldwide lockdown situations have seen countries around the world implementing measures to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and to help kickstart some form of normality back into everyday life. Quarantine has us staying at home and watching the world go by, but that doesn't mean your love life has to come to a stop whilst the whole world has.

For couples lockdowned together, it can be quite hard to carry on living as normal when you're with your partner constantly, or if you're relationship is long distance, this can also prove problematic and hard to cope with. The key to this being communication. It's one of the most important parts for a good relationship, and it's needed more than ever during these uncertain times.

Something that can really help living together during this time is both quality time together and apart. Everyone needs their own space from time to time, and living together during a lockdown can be very hard and sometimes you just need to take yourself away from the situation and have some down time, even if it's just for an hour or two! Similarly, quality time together is also needed so you can catch up and feel connected with your partner. Maybe plan an at home dinner date, have a movie night, or even a pamper session together.

For singles in lockdown, trying to keep your love life on track can prove quite tough living life by yourself and feeling quite lonely. Dating sites likes Tinder, Bumble and matchmehappy.co.uk, to name a few, have been extremely popular during the COVID-19 lockdown. The free dating sites uk have been very helpful for singles to venture out and meet new people from the comfort of their own homes, so they don't feel like they are missing out on anything. Many dating apps have been installing video calling services so you can feel close to who you're talking to, but from the comfort of your own home. Think of it as dating in real life, without the awkward first date and less pressure, as you can feel relaxed and comfortable from your own surroundings.

However, during this global pandemic, singles and couples may be struggling with isolated life, so there are many ways to help battle this during lockdown. Communication with family and friends can really lift your spirits, and can allow you to stay connected with your loved ones, so it feels like you aren't missing out on anything at all, whilst staying lockdowned at home.

If you feel like you need a break from everything and need to relax, disconnecting from social media for a day or two can be really good for your health. You have the chance to forget about everything that is currently happening and spend more time focusing on you. Practicing self care is really important. Whether you take up an existing hobby, learn something new, or just pamper yourself, these can really help you feel normal in a not so normal world currently.

How has dating and your love life hanged during the coronavirus lockdown?

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If you have always wanted to try out a quality sheet mask, I may just have the product that you have been waiting for... Let's take a look at a couple of the Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks I picked up recently from Garnier.

Sheet masks originated from South Korea, a country known for their dedication to beauty and skin care. Since then, they have taken the world by storm, many beauty brands now have their own ranges of sheet masks and they are now widely available in both the drugstore and supermarkets.

The beauty of sheet masks is that they can be used pretty much anywhere and anytime. A perfect wake me up for those tired mornings, an evening glow boost ready for your night out, or even on the go whilst travelling, they are definitely a great addition to any skincare routine.

Instructions for use are super simple.

1. Unfold the mask. Carefully apply the white tissue to thoroughly cleansed skin. Make sure the blue protective film is facing outwards. Smooth the mask gently to ensure contact with the skin.

2. Remove the protective film.

3. Adjust the mask contours on the face. Leave for 15 minutes.

4. To remove the mask, peel off slowly from the edges. Gently massage in any excess serum, or use a cotton pad to remove.

The first product I picked up was the Garnier Skin Active Charcoal and Algae Hydrating Sheet Mask. Enriched with Black Algae Extract, LHA and Hyaluronic Acid, a perfect pamper product for those will oily/combination skin, as this helps to mattify, purify, and detox congested skin, as well as tightening enlarged pores.

Black Algae Extract is packed with proteins, nutrients and amino acids. A natural ingredient known for its anti-ageing properties and treating dark circles under the eyes, as well as helping with skin elasticity and fine lines. These nourishing, yet soothing ingredients hydrate the skin’s surface, while the Charcoal works some magic by removing any impurities, to give a gentle, deep cleanse to the skin.

Next up we have the Garnier Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face Sheet Mask. This has to be my favourite sheet mask that I have tried. Soaked in a super silky serum, enriched with Pomegranate Extract, Hyaluronic Acid and Plant Serum, this is a brilliant treat for those with dehydrated skin. Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient important for skin health, as well as packed with antioxidants and anti-ageing properties. What more could you want?!

After using both these masks for the recommended 15 minutes, my skin looked super healthy and hydrated. It's amazing how my complexion looked smoother, plumper and more radiant in such a short space of time! These Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks contains one whole week's worth of hydrating serum, which will keep your skin looking moisturised, revitalised and nourished all day and all night long. Masks so good that I have repurchased more of these to try and test out as a weekly pamper treat, as they are so fuss-free and easy to use. I would highly recommend giving these mask a go!

Garnier also have some other products available in the Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask range for all your skin types and needs, including;

Green Tea; Super Hydrating Rebalancing Mask

Chamomile; Super Hydrating Soothing Mask

Sakura; Super Hydrating Glow-Revealing Mask

Lavender; Super Hydrating De-Tiring Mask

Have you tried the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks? Which is your favourite?

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Stuck at home? Me too! We're back in lockdown again, but that shouldn't stop you from taking time out of your day and do some things to help pamper and look after yourself. Self care is a must have and extremely valuable in this current climate of a global pandemic, and is definitely something to incorporate into your daily routine. Feeling isolated can really get you feeling low, unmotivated and start making you feel a little unhappy, but doing something to make you feel better, no matter how big or small, can really boost your mood and cheer you up during these uncertain times.

Here are 5 lockdown beauty hacks that I've been adding into my day to day life and are 5 things I recommend you do to!

Since we're all staying at home, one thing that is super important is letting your skin breathe. None of us are really wearing any/much make up and this gives us the opportunity to focus on our skincare goals and make some sort of routine. For me, I've made sure to really try and stick to a skincare routine, cleansing properly, exfoliating my skin and weekly face masks to keep my skin glowing throughout the colder months.

A goal of mine in 2021 is to take much better care of my hair, keep it in healthy condition, and ultimately attempt to grow it longer. Throughout the previous lockdowns, weekly hair masks have been a thing, and will continue making an appearance into my haircare routine, in a bid to keep my hair healthy, soft and shiny, even during this extreme cold weather. During the winter months, coconut oil has become my best friend. I like to use this as an overnight treatment, massaging the oil from root to tip, in order to deeply condition and nourish my hair, and simply rinse out in the morning.

Coronavirus and lockdown has us washing our hands countless times a day followed up by hand sanitiser gel, walking outdoors to get our daily exercise, but all this will definitely take a toll on your hands and fee. It's super important to take care of them also! Moisturising hand creams and cuticle oils are the perfect combination to keep your hands looking and feeling nourished. And for the feet, I've been opting for moisturising foot masks and luxurious lotions to keep my feet soft and smooth.

Another lockdown beauty hack I've been using is skin dermaplaning. This is something that I've been doing every 3-4 weeks to improve the appearance and texture of my skin. Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment that removes peach fuzz and dead skin with the tiny scrape of a scalpel. I like to make sure my skin is well moisturised before treatment to help the blade glide over my face, without causing any injury. For this, I simply use a hydrating facial oil to keep my skin lubricated throughout. I picked up my dermaplaning tools from Amazon, and have noticed a big change in health of my skin. From the very first use, my skin was definitely softer and smoother, more radiant and glowy.

Finally, body care. Body exfoliation and moisturising can be quite the chore, but with a lot more time on our hands during lockdown, it's definitely something we should consider to help lift our spirits during these times. A simple beauty hack of regular exfoliation increases the skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness, and that's just the start. There are so many benefits from a couple minutes scrubbing in the shower, and of course you'll be left with the silkiest, softest skin possible! Followed up by your favourite body moisturiser or lotion, and you're good to go!

What lockdown beauty hacks are you using? Will you be adding any of the beauty hacks mentioned above into your daily routine?

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With my previous blog post being my Stocking Fillers Gift Guide for Men, I thought today I would do something similar, but share my own Christmas Wishlist. This is the first Christmas Wishlist that I have put on my blog and this year I actually have some kind of idea of gifts that I would definitely love to find wrapped up on Christmas morning. My wishlist features such a variety of gifts from beauty to homeware and fashion, so if you're still on the lookout for gifts to add to your Christmas list, grab yourself a coffee and have a look at what is on my wishlist for 2018!

Way back in January, I shared with you one of my current favourite perfumes; YSL Black Opium, and I'm still loving it now! It's been my go-to perfume for the year and lately I've been using it sparingly as it's nearly empty and I don't want it to run out. Every single time I've worn it, I received handfuls of compliments and people asking what fragrance I'm wearing. It's such a gorgeous and luxurious scent, so deep, musky and sexy. Definitely one of the best perfumes I've ever tried!

If there is one thing that I love about Christmas, it's the strong smell of Christmas trees. I'm lucky in that every year we go and get a real Christmas tree from a local garden centre to put up in our living room. The fresh, pine scent fills the whole house and makes everything feel so much more festive! Whilst browsing The Body Shops website, I noticed they have a special Enchanted Forest Reed Diffuser and it just sounds incredible. It’s the perfect fresh, frosty pine scent to set the mood for the Christmas holiday season, and keep you in the Christmas spirit all year round.

Since I began blogging, Soap & Glory have become one of my favourite beauty brands. They offer such a variety of products from makeup to skincare to bath and body care. There's always so much to choose from. Included in their beauty gift set selection this year is the The Mask Force Five Gift Set. From brightening masks to under eyes to pore refining to purifying and plumping, there's definitely something for everyone and every skin concern. It's every skincare lovers dream gift and a pamper night must have!

When it comes to footwear, I'm 100% a trainers girl. They are just so comfortable and practical for day to day wear. Nike have always been my choice of brand when it comes to picking new trainers. I find their shoes to be long lasting, well fitting and super comfortable. Recently, I've been eyeing up the Nike M2K Tekno Trainers, especially in the Rose and White colourways. I'm usually always wearing black so I want to inject some colour into my outfits, and new footwear is a great way to accessorise and style your outfit up.

In my Autumn beauty wishlist, I featured the new NARS Climax Mascara. It's been something I've wanted to try since I've seen so many great reviews. I've not really tried any high-end, more luxurious makeup brands before, as I'm always shopping in the drugstore. Retailing at £21, it's definitely has a much higher price point than my trusty Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara, which is a lot more affordable at just £7.99.

Would any Christmas wishlist be finished without some sort of bath and body set?! One of my favourites this year is definitely the Baylis & Harding Rose Prosecco Fizz Gift Set. I've used products from this collection before, and the scent is incredible! The fun and festive Christmas tree design set contains 100ml Bauble Shower Crème, 100ml Bauble Bath Crème, 100ml Bauble Bath Milk and 2 x gold foil wrapped Bath Fizzers. The gift set is fragranced with such a lovely sweet scent of Rose Prosecco Fizz, it's perfect for your next pamper night!

I've wanted a Faux Fur Throw Blanket for so long now, but I just can't seem to find one that I love. All I know it that I either want a nice dark brown or grey coloured throw, that will definitely make my room feel super warm and cosy.

Does it make me sound old if I've got an electric toothbrush on my Christmas wishlist? I'm getting really bored of using an old-fashioned manual toothbrush, and would love to ditch them for an electric version. I'm completely fascinated by the new Oral B Genius 9000 Rose Gold Electric Toothbrush. Featuring 6 built-in modes: Pro Clean, Daily Clean, Sensitive, Tongue Cleaning, Whitening, and Gum Care. This is just completely mind-blowing and amazing technology.

I've seen a lot of these Super Cosy Fleece Bedding Sets recently, and it's made me super jealous that I don't currently own one. I know that if I did have one, it would be so hard for me to get out of bed every morning. Super-soft and ultra-cosy, the fleece bedding set is perfect for the cold winter!

I absolutely love receiving new perfumes and fragrances as gifts. There are so many amazing scents out there, that there will always be something new to try. In terms of celebrity fragrances, I've previously tried out scents from both Rihanna and Nicki Minaj, and I've had my eyes set on something by Ariana Grande. A cracking gift for Christmas is the Ariana Grande Mini EDP Gift Trio. A collection of Ariana’s signature mini fragrances is the perfect gift as it would let you try out a few of the scents in mini, travel sized form, before buying a larger size perfume. Featuring 7.5ml bottles of her ARI, Moonlight and Sweet Like Candy scents, in a cute and playful cracker package. It's the perfect gift this Christmas.

What is on your Christmas Wishlist this year?

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Until 2020, many of us had not even have heard of the term 'furlough' before - but due to the coronavirus pandemic, many individuals have had to stop going to work and stay home for the foreseeable future. Being placed on furlough may come as quite a shock, a lifestyle change bringing with it many anxieties and uncertainties about your future, but you shouldn't let that worry you and try to make the most out of your time out of work.

Everyone will definitely use this time off for different reasons, some choose to better themselves and learn new skills, some may take up some new hobbies or even just a time to have a total reset and switch off from work life. Whatever you choose to do shouldn't be an issue, and you shouldn't feel like you need to do better in life, as living during the current pandemic is hard enough. But here is a small list of 7 things you can do to feel productive, less stressed and motivated during your furlough period.

1. Reach Out To Friends and Family

Speaking to others during this time is the best way to share your current feelings and thoughts, as the majority of the people around you are all in the same boat. Even if your friends/family aren't furloughed, we are all living under lockdown rules and regulations, so during these uncertain times talking with your loved ones may help calm your anxieties and help with any mental health issues you may currently be dealing. Texting, calling, facetimes or a 2020 favourite of a zoom call can help ease loneliness and isolation fears, ensuring you have some social contact, even if it is virtually online, will make you feel a lot better and will also kill some time during your time off. You never know, by reaching out to someone could be the highlight of their day and just what they needed to lift their spirits.

2. Pick Up/Start New Hobbies

Use your furlough time to fall back in love with a hobby of yours that you simply didn't have time for whilst working, or even start something new to fill the hours in your time off. This is the perfect opportunity to use your furlough period wisely and take some time out of your normal daily routine to enjoy something that you love or something you want to get into. Whether it's arts and crafts, sports, cooking or learning a new language, the opportunities are endless!

3. Declutter

We’re all stuck at home in lockdown, so now is the time to do that spring clean that you’ve been putting off for months and get rid of any clutter/rubbish that's currently in your home. The quote "tidy house, tidy mind" is very relevant here and a phrase we all know, but having a tidy living/working environment can really help channel some positivity into your daily life during these uncertain times.

4. Exercise

Exercise is super important for your overall wellbeing but also your mood and mental health. It can also help you to destress, feel less anxious, tone up and lose weight. There's so many different types of exercise you can do, and especially with the lockdown rules, going out for daily walks or working out from home has become extremely popular. Another thing you may consider looking into is browsing YouTube and finding a whole variety of workout videos and routines, suitable for all ages and abilities.

5. Learn To Cook/Bake New Things

Spending more time at home means you have additional time for things like cooking and baking. I know during my time off, I've loved experimenting with different ingredients and recipes, to help expand my culinary skills. Even if you're not so great in the kitchen, being on furlough will allow you to spend time on learning to cook, trying new foods and recipes, and just giving you that time to boost your cooking skills. Cooking something can give you something to look forward to, and gives you that sense of achievement when it turns out great. The internet is full of delicious recipes, I tend to browse the BBC Good Food sight when in need of inspiration, so if there's a particular dish or cuisine that you would like to make for yourself, the time is now!

6. Make Time For Self Care

Many of us were already feeling isolated and struggling with the lockdown, but being furloughed might have taken it to another level and cause many worries for lots of people. But it's definitely important that this doesn't affect your health and mind too much. Practising self care is definitely an essential at the moment, and even the little things can help to improve, refresh and re-focus your body/mind. I recently wrote a post about lockdown beauty hacks that may be worth a read if you're looking for something new to try during the current lockdown. Similar to this, I've also written a lot of content about pamper nights and products I would recommend when you're in the need for some relaxation.

7. Online Courses

Have you ever wanted to learn something new or improve your life/career prospects? Taking up an online course is a great way to use your furlough time productively, it allows you to study from home, helps you learn something new, and can be a beneficial addition to your CV. There are so many courses out there that I'm sure there will be one suitable for everyone. Many website also offer incredible discounts at the moment, or even some free qualifications which is perfect for those on a reduced furlough wage.

What things have you been getting up to on furlough?

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