Valentine’s Day 2018 is almost here and I am sure you might have a thing or two already in your mind to give or to receive. If you have not still got a chance, here I am with some recommendations for the last minute gift's for Valentine's day for him and her that will surely be worth to check out. I’ve put together a little gift guide whether you’re looking for a little inspiration, hint ideas or something to treat yourself. I have divided the recommendations into separate sections, skincare, fragrance, and haircare which I hope will be helpful.
I will start with the skincare first. I have few products which I have repurchased, emptied, and few which I am testing and quite liking them. For the first step after cleansing, there are toners and essences.
Shiseido Eudermine Revitalizing Essence (CAD $78 ) is one of the first essences I purchased and I still love it. It is the oldest product from Shiseido and is prized for over a century in Japan. This softening lotion delivers immediate moisture and responds to changes in the climate to keep skin's moisture level constant regardless of location or time of year. Subtly perfumed with an accent of rain-washed peonies that seems to relax your entire being. Skin radiates, its softness evoking that of a flower petal. The bottle is of heavy glass and looks very beautiful anywhere it is kept.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-in-lotion (CAD $320) It prepares your skin to reap the benefits of serums and treatments to follow. This light yet potent, hydrating and conditioning formula contains caviar water, a highly-concentrated infusion with active caviar-rich components to lift and firm. It also helps to refine and minimize the appearance of pores. I use it regularly and a few drops are all I need, worth the price.
Cle de Peau Hydro Softening Lotion (CAD $140 ) is a multi-benefit softening lotion that protects skin against dryness and provides a luxurious hydrating treatment that inspires a radiant complexion. Delivers immediate softening benefits to enable intensified hydration. Promotes clarity and a look of brightness from within. Helps skin resist the effect of environmental stress and maintain a stunning appearance. Please note that in the picture is not a full-size product but a trial size.
Next comes the serums, I am very picky on the serums, they are the most important step in the skincare routine, they target the needs of the skin. For me, I am all for brightening, anti-congestion or purifying, plumping my skin.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift (CAD $730) is a next-generation gravity-defying serum that lifts, firms and provides long-lasting effects. With a look that pays homage to our iconic skin caviar pearls, this formula contains scientific advancements that create exceptional results. Past skin damage recedes as existing cells are rejuvenated as new ones are super-charged, nourished and protected appearing lifted and taut. This serum epitomizes science and luxury, the heart and soul of La Prairie’s skin caviar collection. I have been using this for almost more than half a year and every time I use it, my skin kind of thanks me.
Omorovicza Acid Fix (CAD $115) is a multi-purpose treatment, Acid Fix exfoliates, peels, resurfaces, brightens and plumps the skin. Combining a potent blend of AHA and BHA acids, it helps to reverse the damage caused by sunlight, pollution, and acne for a glowing and more youthful complexion. I have used it few times and like the results on my skin. I will review it in detail in coming weeks.
Clarins Double Serum ( CAD $120) is a dual-phase hydric and lipidic anti-aging treatment* rich in [20+1] plant extracts. It stimulates the five vital functions of the skin, and, for the first time, has decoded the language of youthfulness. Its unique universal and bio-inspired dual formula combine 20 of the most powerful anti-aging plant extracts with turmeric extract, which is concentrated in turmerone to effectively and visibly treat the signs of aging. This is something I have started testing few days back and using it in the mornings, I feel my skin is glowing and more refined, thanks to the turmeric in this serum. I will have a detailed post on this serum soon.
Good Genes by Sunday Riley ( CAD $140) is an all-in-one Lactic Acid Treatment is formulated with high potency a purified grade lactic acid that immediately exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, revealing smoother, fresher, younger-looking skin. Fine lines appear visually plumped while the skin looks more radiant. With continued use, the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and the visible signs of aging are reduced for a healthier-looking complexion. Perfect for all skin types and all ages, this treatment is enhanced with licorice for brightening, Good Genes clarifies, smooths, and retexturizes for instant radiance. I am on my third bottle and love what it does to my skin.
Dior Capture Youth Glow Booster Age-Delay Illuminating Serum (CAD $120) is a glow booster to help restore radiance. Murunga Plum, known to be 100 times more concentrated in Vitamin C than oranges, combined with alpha hydroxy acid helps to brighten the complexion and smooth skin texture. It is all about the glow and smooth healthy skin.
Skin exfoliation and peeling is something I do once or twice a week to remove the dead skin and the rough skin. I do use both physical as well as chemical exfoliation. The three I am liking these days are below.
Vichy Idealia Night Peeling is a radiance activating peeling with glycolic acid to reveal a radiant, more even complexion by morning. It is gentle and effective, even suitable for daily use.
Yonka Gommage 305 is a gel formula for exfoliation and clarifying the skin. It is so gentle it can even be used on the eyelids. It is 4-in-1: exfoliates, hydrates, purifies and illuminates the complexion. It helps to eliminate flaws and dead skin cells, evens out skin tone and reduces the appearance of redness, reveals radiant skin that feels smooth and supple. I purchased it a few years back for the first time and have repurchased it few times, it is a staple.
Face oil is something that I hear not many people use on the face. I suggest you check out the face oil that is suitable to your skin type and when you find the suitable one, you will never look back.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Youth Watery Oil ( CAD $125-30ml, CAD $185-50ml)) is described as a revolutionary formula that combines the power of a serum, the richness of an oil and the freshness of a lotion. The skin appears instantly smoother, plumper and revitalized. I use it regularly under my moisturizer in the mornings and then layer on the makeup or sunscreen depending upon my schedule for the day, either staying home or going out. This is such a nice addition to my face oils and I am in love.
Goldfaden Fleuressence Botanical Oil (CAD $190 – 30ml) provides essential fatty acids to support the skin, necessary protective antioxidants as well as elasticising and revitalizing extracts to the skin. The oil is dry, non-sticky and readily absorbs into the skin, restoring its plumpness.
Decorte Vitality Tincture Soft-Oil Infusion Essence is described to have the ultra-nourishing oils from the Baobab, or Tree of Life. This multi-functional Vitality Tincture™ saturates skin with moisturizing oils, essential in times of dehydration, extreme cold and life changes that can destabilize its balance. It is plumped with vital moisture to improve skin function, skin stays calm and soothed, looks healthy, lifted and glowing.
Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme Night Dual Treatment is a two-step night-time regime combines two products: Diamond Extreme Oil and Diamond Extreme Mask that use the skin’s natural time of rest to accelerate anti-aging results. Skin wakes nourished, revitalized, brighter and more beautiful, lifted from the inside out. This is a brand I want to try more from. I had customized facials from Natura Bisse during my last vacation and I was amazed at the results.
Now come the moisturizes, I use moisturizer after my serum or face oil to seal in all the good things I applied on the face.
Dior Capture Youth – Age-delay advanced creme (CAD $120) is a new addition to my moisturizers and is so luxurious to feel and apply. The cream boosts the antioxidant power of the skin to defy visible signs of aging. A natural-origin plant mesh instantly helps to smooth, retexturize and strengthen the skin’s surface.
Vichy Idealia Day Care ( CAD $45) is an antioxidant-rich formula specifically formulated for normal to combination skin to correct first signs of aging, smoothes fine lines, boosts glow, refines pores. The texture of this cream is texture is soft, fresh and silky.
Darphin Ideal Resource Micro-Refining Smoothing Fluid (CAD $105) is described to be specially created for the needs of combination skin. Ideal Resource Fluid contains micro-refining technology that smoothes the look of the fine lines and wrinkles and unifies the skin’s surface. The light fluid is delicately scented with white flowers. This fluid refreshes and clarifies skin, tightens pores and prevent new imperfections, illuminates and enhance skin radiance, moisturizes skin, and refines texture. I am really enjoying using this fluid, perfect for the morning and stays on well under makeup.
Resultime 5 Expertise Eye Cream – I am on my second tub and as you know eye cream is not something that anyone is able to finish fast as less than pea size amount is all you need for both eyes. I received a sample of this eye cream with the purchase and I was hooked. This is one of my favorite eye creams, keeps the eye area healthy, plump, and smooth. It uses a unique formula to fight the five signs of aging in the eye contour area: dark circles, puffiness, fat pockets, wrinkles and sagging. It provides a rejuvenating boost for eyes.
Now for the face primers, they can be used on the face whether followed by makeup or not. Primers are available for most of the skin concerns like oil control, redness control, radiance-boosting, pore-blurring and many more. I have my picks which I am loving these days.
Guerlain L’Or Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold is a complexion-perfecting primer infused with pure gold flakes. I have been using this regularly and is one of my favorites. The consistency is gel like and it makes the skin look naturally radiant and healthy.
Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm is a radiance-boosting balm which is formulated with skin-energizing Lychee Extract and light-reflective pearls for the perfect, natural glow. I use it on the days when my skin needs some extra moisture and glow or on days I am using a matte foundation. It keeps my skin radiant all day.
Laneige Mini Pore Blur Perfector (CAD $42 – 40ml) is described as a primer with an oil-controlling formula that let’s achieve smoother skin and long-lasting makeup. This glides on nicely and thenabsorbs fairly quickly into the skin. The makeup is easy to apply and stays on well when I use this primer. It is not that it gives a perfectly matte finish but it gives the natural kind of finish which gives the skin natural healthy glow.
Coming to the lips, my lips are very dry and I have to constantly use a balm on the lips to keep them normal and avoid the flakiness.
Kopari Coconut Lip Love is a coconut gloss will lock in moisture and love on lips for a long time. It gives a glossy shine on the lips and also tastes a bit like coconut and smells the same, I really like it. It is a blend of coconut oil, vitamin E and shea butter nourish lips. The Coconut Kiss Kit (CAD $33) is a great way to try these tinted lip glosses.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (CAD $24) is a leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips overnight.I have used it few times and really like the results. My lips are smooth, moisturized, and stay very comfortable throughout the day.
Hand creams, as most of you might know how it feels when you are going somewhere or doing something, during a busy day, you notice your hands and see how dry and rough they look, when it comes to your mind to start caring and be regular with the hand cream. Same happens with me, now after few years, I still forget but I do try and keep deluxe size or full-size hand cream tubes in my bag, car, and on the vanity.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian A' la rose scented hand cream leaves a delicately scented and moisturizing veil on the skin with nuances of Damascena and Centifolia roses. It smells heavenly and has become a favorite in short time as it was launched recently. It leaves my hands silky soft with no residue. The packaging and the formula all speaks of luxury. I will write more about it on the blog soon.
Roger and Gallet Rose Hand & Nail Cream is formulated with 96 percent natural ingredients and enriched with shea butter and rose petal extracts to hydrate and sooth. This smells amazing and is a perfect partner for on the go due to its very compact size.
For pampering the body, I have few favorites and few products I have tested recently. The products are Sisley Restorative Body Cream, Kopari coconut Melt, Fresh Brown Sugar Polish, Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Amyris Body Oil, Roger and Gallet Rose soap.
For men, I have few fragrances that I like on my husband. Dior Sauvage and Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme were both gifted by me to him in the last year and I love it on him, ofcourse he likes them too.
Dior Sauvage is fresh, raw, and noble at the same time. The notes are Reggio Bergamot, Sichuan Pepper, and Ambroxan.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme is Explosive. Addictive. and Seductive. The notes are Bergamot, Grapefruit, Cinnamon Leaf, Black Pepper, Lavander, Chilli, Saffron, Oud Accord, Tobacco Accord, Pimento, Cinnamon Leaf, Cumin.
Givenchy Gentleman is a warm and spicy fragrance. The notes of the fragrance are Lavander, Leather, Patchouli. The bottle, heavy glass and highly graphic, takes on a modern allure in timeless codes. It is belted in black, the name stands out in white.
Guerlain L’homme Idéal is a sensual and fresh fragrance. The notes are Orange Blossom, Mandarin, Lemon, Bergamot, Rosemary, Vanilla, Amaretto Accord, Leather, Patchouli, Vetiver from India, Cedar Wood. The bottle is masculine, luxurious, and distinguished. Square, faceted, and streamlined.
For women, there are different features of the fragrance that attracts her, it might be a particular note in the fragrance or the pretty packaging of the fragrance.
Guerlain Mon Guerlain is warm and spicy fragrance. The notes of the fragrance are Jasmine, Lavender, Vanilla. The quadrilobe bottle, created in 1908, established itself as one of Guerlain’s iconic bottles. Simple and graphics, it echoes an alchemist’s bottle and owes its name to its stopper, which is formed from one piece to obtain a shape resembling four lobes.
Shiseido Ever Bloom is a musky white floral fragrance that diffuses a delicate scent that delights the senses. The top notes of the fragrance are Lotus, Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose, Violet. The middle notes are Orange blossom and gardenia. The base notes are Hinoki wood and musk.
Givenchy Dahlia Divin is earthy and woody fragrance. It is the most used one since it was launched last year. The notes of this fragrance are Patchouli, Plum, Sandalwood.
Aura Mugler is a woody aromatic fragrance for women and features the notes of rhubarb leaf, tiger liana, orange blossom, bourbon vanilla, and Wolfwood.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl is a sexy oriental fragrance. The top notes are sambac jasmine and tuberose crystal. The middle notes are velvet almond. The base notes are Tonka bean, cocoa, and coffee. If you look at the packaging of the fragrance above in the form of an elegant black stiletto shaped bottle.
For the hair, I am fan of hair oils, whether as a pre-wash or after hair wash. I massage the rich and moisturizing one's with benefits for my itchy scalp as a pre-wash. For using after hair wash, I go for the one's which help with the frizz, shine and control or the hair.
Moroccanoil Treatment (CAD $49) is described as Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and shine-boosting vitamins, this completely transformative hair treatment detangles, speeds up drying time and boosts shine—leaving you with nourished, manageable and smooth hair with each use. I have this oil since years and love the results I get from it. This is one of my most trusted hair product. My detailed review here.
Kerastase Elixir Ultime (CAD $57) is described as a versatile Beautifying Oil enriched with Oléo-Complexe for all hair types; made with four precious oils: Maize, Argan, Camellia and Pracaxi. With just a few drops hair is transformed, adding silky, weightless shine. I purchased this last year and have been using it on and off for both before and after hair wash, a nice addition to my hair oils.
Leonor Greyl Regenerescence Naturelle is described as a cocktail of botanical oils which help increase blood circulation, purify the scalp, stimulate hair growth and fortifies hair. I like how calm it makes my scalp.
Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil (CAD $62) is described as uxuriously light oil absorbs instantly to restore hair to its prime. Infused with a rich blend of jasmine, edelweiss flower, lychee, sandalwood, cassis, bergamot and argan extracts, each protective drop penetrates the hair to deeply condition, strengthen and smooth—imparting intense nourishment and incredible shine. Works wonders on dry, damaged and color-treated hair…Liquid gold. I purchased it for the first time two years back and repurchased this second bottle last year.
Another recommendation I have is the Universalist makeup bag from Sephora with the exclusive bleeding heart design by graffiti artist James Goldcrown. The makeup bag is called Bleeding Hearts – The Universalist (CAD $53). The bag is a nice size and the will be perfect to carry the makeup for a weekend or long trip. There is a seperate compartment for brushes on the top and the lower one is very spacious for all the makeup. The quality of the bag is good and it will last for a long time if you are looking for something like this whic looks cute and sturdy enough.
There are two new brushes from Sephora collection which I have been using regularly since last few days, they are dense and very soft. The collection is called Sephora Collection Pro Slanted Buffing Collection (Pro Slanted Buffing Detail #89 – CAD $38 and Pro Slanted Buffing #88 – CAD $45). They are perfect for applying the foundation and each brush features innovative slanted ferrule technology that hugs the contours of the face. The combination of the circular brush head and smooth dense synthetic bristles makes blending and buffing very easy.
The last recommendation is the Diptyque Set of Mini Candles (Baies, Figuier, Roses) – CAD $135. This is perfect for someone who loves home fragrances or wants to try these for the first time, what could be better to have the mini candles before splurging in the bigger size. I purchased this set last month as I have few large candles from Diptyque but these looked so cute and perfect for even taking it with me when traveling.
I have tried and covered many of products that I have used for either too long or for few days and which I think will be a great gift for someone or for yourself, for that glow, presence, and vibe that you would feel on the occasion with your love.
I have few more ideas in mind, I think this editorial is getting a bit too long. Let me know if you want recommendations and roundup on the face masks, more fragrances, hair care, home fragrances or makeup. For most of the products which I have already reviewed on the blog, I have linked them with their names to the original post, if you are interested.
Below is the International giveaway for the Kopari Beauty Coconut Kiss Kit