What I got for Christmas

What I got for Christmas

This is what I got from Christmas 2022!

I got some Sherpa Christmas socks which have llama and icicles on them; from my mum and dad. 

I got a Hollister cream woolly pom-pom hat; from my uncle.

I got a NARS face palette in Hot nights from my aunt.

I got a Pandora travel charm which has a plane, suitcase, and globe from another uncle.

I got a I.k.k.s dark grey Hoody, which says in sparkles rock style from my aunt and cousin.

I got from my other cousin, some skincare products from La Rosée Paris, gel cleanser, essence, and other brands called Avril moisturizer for night and day! 

Primark Haul

Primark Haul 

So shops opened on Monday in the UK and I did a little bit of shopping at Primark and this is what I got:

A Disney glass water bottle which has a Mickey Mouse and a world with mouse ears print on it.

Some black hair ties and 3 hair scrunches witch are Grey, pale peachy pink almost cream coloured and the last one is a baby pink with a floral print! 

2 packs of cotton wool 

2 nail Buffers   

10 BEAUTY PRODUCTS I’LL ALWAYS REPURCHASE.

My returning favourites over the years…

For the most part, I always think repurchasing products is slightly pointless – there’s so many brilliant brands out there, products being released daily, why not branch out and try something new? But even so, there’s some staples even I cannot be without!

These are my trusty tried-and-tested favourites, the picks I come back to time and time again. I’m rarely without them, often placing orders when I’m halfway through so I have a backup on hand when I reach the end of the bottle or tube.
Some of these I’ve repurchased five or six times, always going back because I know they work for me – and you know what they say, if it ain’t broke…

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Body Creme; This is a relatively new addition to this list, but I’m already on my second tub in under six months. I am obsessed with this. I have to admit I’m a little slap-dash with applying body lotion, often hurriedly applying whatever comes to hand so I can get dressed and on with my day. But this has changed the game for me!
Not only does it smell delicious, it applies beautifully – seriously, this formula has broken the mould! I think my favourite thing about it is the way it sinks in to damp skin after a bath/shower, without lathering up or turning white on the skin. It’s honestly such a wonderful body cream, my skin feels (and smells) so lovely after use.

La Roche Posay Toleriane Face Mist; I talk about this mist a lot, it’s completely saved my skin. For reference, my complexion is often super dehydrated and prone to blemishes but it cannot abide anything heavy. It’s a very fine balance trying to get my routine right, but I’ve found this mist gives my skin a dose of moisture that means I don’t need to rely on heavy creams to get my fix. My skin feels quenched but never clogged.
I sort of sandwich it between products, applying it on to cleansed skin, then following it up with my serum, and then spritzing on another dose. It also works wonders over masks and makeup too.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum; Of course, my numero uno made it in to this list. I reckon I’ve been through 6 bottles of this since I discovered it, my skin adores it! It’s light enough to not break me out, but gives enough hydration so I don’t feel the need to use a moisturiser for the most part (I have been finding I need a little extra moisture lately!).
When my skin breaks out, I get quite bad scarring that takes forever to heal, so I like that this also helps to brighten the skin and fade the marks. It’s a wonderful product, I use it day and night!

Lush The Olive Branch; If you know, you know! The Olive Branch has been a regular in my shower since I was a teenager, there really is no other scent like it. They’ve changed the formula recently so it’s more of a gel (it was previously quite watery), which is ideal in terms of texture but I do find the scent isn’t quite as prominent. Still, I’ve got the Pansy body lotion so I can be a bergamot-scented dream regardless!

NARS Sheer Glow; If I had to pick one foundation to use for the rest of my life, it would be NARS Sheer Glow. Again, I’ve been through bottles and bottles and bottles of this. They should really bring out a supersize version so I can save on packaging!
If you’ve never tried this, don’t be put off by the name – the coverage is great, and the finish is beautiful. Soft, dewy and capable of camouflaging everything from dark circles to acne. Me love.

Oskia Renaissance Mask; The Holy Grail of face masks! Perhaps my favourite mask of all time, this little wonder worker smoothes and brightens the complexion while also helping with congestion and sorting out breakouts too. I always reach for it when my skin needs some attention, it really is a bit of a miracle product! I love using it on Sunday evenings so my skin feels fresh for the week ahead.

Byredo Mojave Ghost; Ahh my wedding fragrance! I adore this scent, the first time I wore this was the first time I thought a scent was just perfect for me. I used to want to save it for special occasions but now I’ve just embraced it as my scent and I wear it most days, it’s just such a special fragrance that I love so much.

Laura Mercier Illuminating Primer*; Another product I use daily, this hydrating hero is the first step in my makeup routine. I find it helps to blur imperfections and keep my skin feeling supple throughout the day, and it makes my foundation work just that little bit harder too. I’m on my second tube of this reformulated version, but I was a big fan of the OG primers too!

Glossier Cloud Paint; Who doesn’t love a bit of Cloud Paint eh? The creamy formula is perky skin in a tube! I’ve tried quite a few of the shades now but my favourites are probably Dusk, Beam and Storm. A little goes a long way, so they last forever and they’re great for travelling with too (not that anyone cares about that right now!).

BareMinerals Foundation Stick*; I adore bareMinerals as a brand, I don’t think I’ve ever tried a product of theirs that I haven’t loved. The Foundation Stick is a long time fave of mine, I use it as a base on WFH days and at the weekends, and sometimes as a concealer when my skin needs a little extra coverage. It’s blends seamlessly, is easy to apply and covers all!

So while I’m all for being adventourous, trying new brands and discovering products, there are some staples I’ll never be able to part from! Have you tried any of these?

9 Things to Do This Summer (on a Budget)

9 Things to Do This Summer (on a Budget)

Maybe this isn’t exactly the summer we had in mind (read: canceled vacations and closed beaches), but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of this year. Because you deserve the very best that the season has to offer, we’ve partnered with Gilt City to bring you major discounts on all of our summer favs that can be enjoyed from the comfort (and safety) of your own home.

Gilt City is an online shopping and lifestyle website that offers insider-level access to major deals on experiences in your area, top brands, and beyond. To quote Norah Jones, “it’s summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” Oh yeah, and it’s majorly discounted too. Read on for nine things to do this summer, and check out Gilt City for our favorite brands and experiences at a lower price. 

1. Perfect the at-home manicure and pedicure

So you’re wearing flip-flops and open-toe sandals more than booties, and you can no longer hide a bad manicure or chipped polish behind gloves and mittens. Painted and groomed nails are as essential for summer as a cute swimsuit and a faux tan, but they’re not always easy to maintain. Not only is painting your nails at home more affordable, but it’ll be safer this summer as well. Thanks to Gilt City, you can score major deals on high-end nail care brands that will leave your fingers and toes looking pretty all season long. Try MiniLuxe Nail Kits for up to 42 percent off nail kits, or Deborah Lippmann for 50 percent off nail treatments, colors, and more. 

 

 

2. Revamp your summer wardrobe

Fall fashion is fun (the plaid!), but I’m partial to summer clothes. Light fabrics, effortless styles, and pretty colors make this season’s clothing chic without having to try too hard. Revamp your 2020 summer wardrobe with crisp basics, lightweight shorts, and pretty dresses you can throw on (because the hardest decision you make all day should be whether to have a glass of rosé or an Aperol Spritz, not what to wear). We love Joules for effortless styles and summer basics, and thanks to Gilt City, you can get 40 percent off full-price items (yes, really!), and an extra 20 percent off of sale items. Revamping your summer wardrobe with the best items of the season doesn’t have to break the bank. 

 

 

3. Find a healthier replacement for your second cup of coffee

I love coffee as much as the next girl, but there’s something about warmer weather that motivates me to fuel my body with only the best. Instead of reaching for the second cup of coffee or an afternoon americano (which comes with coffee jitters and caffeine crashes), I’ve been opting for matcha, which is a powder made of concentrated green tea leaves. You get the boost of energy without crashes or jitters, plus up to 33 percent off MatchaBar with one of the packages from Gilt City. 

 

 

4. Get some Insta-worthy pool accessories 

The #1 most Instagrammed accessory of summer? A pool float. Whether you’re booking a weekend away at a nearby lake or you’re lounging by your aunt’s backyard pool more often than you’re in your own home, a pool float that’s as cute as your swimsuit is a necessity. Try the Giant Swan Float that went more viral than the “Renegade” Dance on TikTok, or the Seashell Float that helps you live out your wildest The Little Mermaid fantasies. Get up to 43 percent off fashion girls’ favorite pool floats and accessories at #GETFLOATY when you purchase through Gilt City. 

 

 

5. Host a dessert tasting

Sure, wine tastings are fun and cheese boards are always a crowd-pleaser, but if you want to really impress your friends, host a dessert tasting instead (yes, I did get this idea from Kyle Richards’s infamous party on season 7 of RHOBH). Not only is it fun, different, and creative, but who doesn’t love desserts? Give the people what they want and surprise your significant other with gourmet versions of their favorites, or have a few friends over for some cake and chill. Using Gilt City, you can score up to 36 percent off award-winning sweets from Mini Melanie, shipped to your door (be warned: the Oreo Sprinkles Cookie Cake will make you drool). 

 

 

6. Tap into your creativity and start crafting

Summer means more energy and longer days. With all the extra time you have after the workday is over, turn off the TV (sorry, Netflix!) and tap into your creative side. Michaels is our go-to store for everything you need to make a scrapbook for your college roommate’s bridal shower present or to get materials to try out a free sketching class on Youtube. Gilt City is conveniently offering 25 percent off any online purchase (available for delivery or curbside pick up). With a discount and easy delivery (or pick up), there’s no excuse to keep putting off that mood board you’ve been telling yourself you’ll start or picking up a new hobby like painting. 

 

 

7. Buy yourself flowers

One of the best parts of the season is fresher, brighter flowers, so why not make the most of summer by buying yourself a pretty bouquet (because self-love is a good enough reason for any indulgence). Plus, a fresh bouquet of your favorite peonies or sunflowers will not only freshen up your home and show off your style personality, but it will feel like a little extra luxury (and you deserve it!). Get up to 35 percent off bouquets from Bouqs when you order online through Gilt City. Plus, a major bonus for our Everygirl brides: you can also score almost $100 off towards any wedding floral package.

 

 

8. Switch to laundry care that’s better for you, your clothes, and the environment

Laundry is a chore, but upgrading to the right products can make it feel more like a luxury. With better options (and insane discounts), you no longer have to settle for laundry care that’s bad for the planet or bad for your skin. The Laundress has been saving us from dry cleaning prices and stains on delicate fabrics (like cashmere and silk) for years, and Gilt City is offering 40 percent off their eco-friendly detergent and laundry care. This season is the perfect time to freshen up bed sheets, wash the linen pants and swimsuits you never get around to dry cleaning, and turn laundry into a luxury (all while being friendly to the environment). Win, win! 

 

 

9. Spruce up your home with fun accessories

Winter is meant for cozy accessories, warm throw blankets, and lit candles. Summer, however, is the perfect time for brightening up the home with fun accessories and bold colors. Make the most of the season by adding a standout piece or two that will draw a whole lot of attention and revamp your space. And what’s brighter and bolder than a trendy neon sign? Name Glo is a go-to for high-quality custom designs and Insta-worthy accessories (my personal favorite is the Mini Stand “Yes”). Yes, they’re investment pieces, but only at Gilt City can you get them for 50% off. I mean, can you even resist a deal this good!?

 

 

 

This post was in partnership with Gilt City, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.