Mother's Day: The Gift Guide

Long gone are the days of a slap-dash sweep of Thorntons when it comes to Mother's Day shopping. It's time to spoil those extra special ladies in your life. If you're lacking inspiration for the perfect Mother's Day gift, here's my tried and tested selection of gorgeous goods...

Clarins Palette Eclat Face & Blush Powder, £30... For the feminine Ma

Why? Because it is so elegant, any mum would be rather thrilled to pull this out of their make-up bag. It looks every inch an item of luxury, a splendid little golden compact with a crimson velvet pouch. The palette is ideal for those who like a flawless look with a very natural finish. Understated and oh so classy.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, £34... For the on-the-go Mum

Why? Because it soaks in instantly, leaving skin hydrated but not greasy. Mums who are always on the go will love this beauty staple, I'm not sure if I could live without it. Skin is perfectly primed and it lasts for AGES. A clever little gift for sure. 

Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder, £46... For the happy-glow-lucky Mom

Why? This compact illuminator is so luxury that it's practically off the scale... so beautiful and ornate that it almost seems a sin to wear it! It makes a fabulous gift for those with a penchant for radiance, as it brings eye-catching luminosity without being gaudy. The velvet pouch holder is positively swoon-inducing. Ooohh, ahhhh...    

Nails Inc Spring Summer Collection, £25... For the yummy Mummy

Why? Fashionista yummy mummies will know that Nails Inc (so fabulously British, darling!) are the top when it comes to on-trend talons. This super cute Spring/Summer 2013 collection is the perfect gift for those with an eye for style.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, £26... For the new Mamma

Why? I am a huge fan of the Laura Mercier range, and her secret camouflage concealer does not disappoint. The separate peachy and creamy beige tones mean that you can combat and signs of fatigue with the help of a concealer brush. For mums that are weary, worn-out, and prone to saying: "oh-my-god-will-you-pleeease-stop-crying-now", this one is a total winner. 

Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1932, £110... For the iconic Mother

Why? Because it's more iconic than Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration (nothing tops Audrey) but this latest fragrance launch by Chanel is definitely up there. One whiff and you know you're in classic Chanel territory. The fact that Jacques Polge, Creator of Chanel perfumes, has created 1932, is no doubt to thank. Jasmine-based, this fragrance is initially sweet and crisp with a musk warmth. Sophistication in a classy little bottle.
Available exclusively in the Covent Garden Pop-Up Store, Chanel Boutiques, House of Fraser Glasgow, Fenwicks Newcastle, Selfridges Manchester Exchange and Selfridges W1 from 1 March 2013.

Related Posts

• Read the full review of Poudre Signee de Chanel, with swatch pics!
• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Review
• Clarins Rouge Eclat in True Aubergine: Get the look

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Christmas Presents: Top Ten Stocking Fillers

It's almost Christmas, which can mean only one thing (aside from the birth of Jesus...)

Gorgeous, glorious, glittering, gifts!

I'm writing this blog post mainly for the men out there, who are currently unaware of the great importance that these little packages hold. The men who will be plummeted into a frenzied panic around the 22nd December, frantically tearing through the Argos catalogue, the risk of a paper cut almost definite, in the vague hope of inspiration.

Fellas, little do you know that your delightful other halves have spent months planning the perfect arrangement of gifts. Hours deliberating over the perfect shade of that crisp Ted Baker shirt. An agonising hunt to find that perfect card, an everlasting token of affection.

So here are my top ten stocking fillers (those little extra treats make all the difference!) which are guaranteed to fill your partner with glee on that magical Christmas morning...

1. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Luminous Matte Lip Colour, £25
It's beautiful and classic, girls love this little luxury lippy! I'd recommend #33 La Distinguee (a lovely pink) for those who stick to lighter colours, or #38 La Fascinante (a bold, glamourous red) for those who aren't afraid to make a statement with a beautiful red lip.

2. Ted Baker Nail Duo in Cherry Bomb and Sugar Rush, £8.50
Glitter-fest nails are so in fashion this festive season, and this really cute set by Ted Baker looks every inch an absolute treat. The colour is amazing, with or without the top glitter coat. Serious want!

3. Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder, £19.97
This bronzing powder is fabulous. Perfectly matte and lasts for ages! It's wonderfully subtle yet can be layered up for a darker finish.

4. MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Fleur Power, £17.50
This is possibly the girliest blush in the World. It's a really feminine pink shade, perfect for enhancing those cheekbones. It's also extremely pigmented. Trust me, a little goes a long way. It's the gift that just keeps on giving.

5. Marc Jacob's Daisy Eau So Fresh, £40.80 for 75ml
Perfume really is a girl's best friend. Daisy Eau Do Fresh is a light, fruity, floral scent. Plus it's a new release!

6. Moroccanoil Oil Treatment for All Hair Types, £12.85 for 25ml
All girls want Moroccanoil for their hair. It's glossy sleekness in a bottle. Such a treat!

7. Nails Inc Polish in Basil Street, £11 for 10ml
Nails Inc are the cream of the crop when it comes to a gorgeous little treat. A bit expensive for a self-indulgent splurge, so this varnish is a great gift to receive. I love the Basil Street shade, classic nude nails are always in fashion.

8. Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer, £18.50 for 13ml
Delicious pearly drops of radiant complexion? Erm, yes please.

9. Topshop Wine Fairisle Socks, £5
The Fairisle pattern is so on trend that it would be a crime not to buy these gorgeously festive socks, perfect for a little stroll on Christmas day. Pure delight.

10. HD Brows Palette, £20.95
This set is practically brow-perfection in a handy little compact. All girls want well-groomed brows, and this is by far the best product to achieve them. Buy the Bombshell palette for medium to fair hair, or the Vamp palette for darker shades.

Psssst... You can send this blog to people as a handy little nudge in the right direction!

Chanel Rouge Allure in 112 Fantasque: Available Spring 2013

Ladies and metro-men, I present to you the most fabulous lip-wear available to mankind. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour. It is achingly sophisticated. Effortless class. Iconic luxury. And, joy to the beauty world, there are four brand new shades about to become available in January 2013.

I had the pleasure of reviewing the gorgeously sheer, shimmering pink, 112 Fantasque. The colour is very feminine and complimented my skin tone fabulously, the slight golden tones bringing out a natural warmth. This lippy left my pout nicely hydrated and soft, and stayed put after application.

At £25, this lip-wear may be a bit of a splurge. But it is beautiful.

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Banish Dull Wintery Skin

There's nothing worse than dry, dull, wintery skin. And it's so easy to forget that those little skin cells need some TLC when they're permanently covered by layers of chunky knits or woolly tights. I must admit, I'm a repeat offender when it comes to winter-skin neglect. I often ponder about the potential train-wreck which would ensue should an unintended night of passion arise... Anyhow, I digress.

My luxury winter splurges are Champneys Spa Indulgence Distant Shores Body Butter and Scrub, £10 each, available from Champneys.com The exfoliating scrub banishes old, tatty skin and leaves you super soft and rejuvenated. It also contains grapefruit, lemon and orange peel oils which naturally boost the skin's appearance.

The Body Butter is wonderfully rich, perfect for a good dose of rehydration. But my fave thing about this pampering duo is the smell. Mangoes and citrus, a tropical holiday delight on the coldest of British evenings. Brrr!