Oriflame Review

Oriflame ReviewI met the folks from Oriflame back at the Mumpreneur conference and they very kindly gave me a few products to try out at home. I have to admit that I’d never heard of the brand before but apparently they have been going since 1967 albeit not in the UK for all of that time.

I have very dry and sensitive skin and often suffer from allergic reactions, therefore I try new products with a mixture of fear and anticipation. Overall I’ve been very impressed by the few products I have tried and thought I’d share my initial impressions of Oriflame.

Optimals Skin Youth Day Cream

Optimals Skin Youth Day Cream

‘Light day cream that helps smoothen complexion, prevent visibility of first lines and enlarged pores. Contains smoothening microspheres and patented antioxidant technology Lingon 50:50™ to prevent skin ageing. SPF 10.’

This moisturiser has the texture of double cream and by that I mean the stuff you eat. After one month of use I haven’t had any adverse reactions and my skin feels moisturised and comfortable. This cream has an anti ageing formula but as I don’t really suffer from wrinkles yet I can’t comment on whether this cream would help cure or prevent them. Overall it had a lovely texture and I would be happy to continue using it, with the added bonus that it’s a very reasonable price.

Pure Nature Organic White Tea Extract Moisturizing Gel Mask

Pure Nature Organic White Tea Extract Moisturizing Gel Mask

‘Moisturizing gel mask with white tea extract. Rich in anti-oxidants to revitalize your skin. For all skin types.’

I first used this mask one morning when I felt absolutely terrible! My youngest had been suffering with asthma, the dog had a tummy ache and I only got about four hours sleep (how did I ever survive newborn twins if a night like this seems so hard). I popped the mask on for ten minutes during which time my skin didn’t feel tight or pulled and then I washed it off. I think this little beauty saved my poor tired skin, it really made me feel a lot better and significantly more moisturized. I can’t wait to try it out on cold winter days when my skin feels at its driest.

Amber Elixir Eau de ParfumAmber Elixir Eau de Parfum

‘Inspired by the mysterious beauty of amber, Amber Elixir exudes an enticing aura of sensuality and tranquility. Warm lingering notes of blackcurrant and mandarin embrace alluring heliotrope, mystical amber and sensual musk as you are consumed by its seductive amber glow.’

All sounds wonderful doesn’t it, but I’m one of those women who has a signature scent…. Except it’s rather expensive on a daily basis. Finding a daily perfume that I am happy with is no easy task, but I’ve become quite attached to Amber Elixir. It has an expensive quality to the scent and the bottle is beautiful.

Overall

I’m always sceptical of cosmetic brands that I’m unfamiliar with, I tend to stick with a brand when I know it works for me. However I’ve been very impressed with Oriflame so far, I’d love to try out some of their makeup and I think they’re definitely worth investigating further.

Details

To check out more items from the Oriflame range or buy online visit www.oriflame4me.co.uk.

Laces are fun for more than your shoes!

Aces Laces

Aces Laces

I met Alexis from Aces Laces a few months ago in London and I instantly loved her concept for collectible shoelaces for kids (and adults like me!!) The idea is simple, purchase a mystery bag of laces and fingers crossed you get the design you want, if you don’t then swap them with your friends. At the time I received two neon pairs and a pink pattern. I was slightly disappointed because I really wanted the retro tape design but that’s the luck of the draw.

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I recently received a few more designs, two fabulous pairs featuring the Aces Laces Graffiti Fox logo, a stripy pair and a surprise bag……

Which contained the tape laces!!!

Retro Tape Laces

Retro Tape Laces

Obviously these laces are meant to be used in your shoes but I think they’re almost too nice for that, so my kids and I have been thinking of some alternative uses. I think they’d also make great stocking fillers.

Lace Bracelet

Lace Bracelet

Alternative Use No. 1

Laces can be plaited together to make brilliant bracelets. Simple plaiting looks great but you could of course attempt more ambitious designs or just wrap them around as they are.

Shoelace Bunting

Shoelace Bunting

Alternative Use No. 2

For the crafty among you, these make a great alternative to bias binding or string in bunting. Lay and pin across your fabric flags (triangles) and sew into place.

Shoelace Dog Collar or Lead

Shoelace Dog Collar or Lead

Alternative Use No. 3

Sew them onto a plain dog collar or lead to add some style to your pooch!

Shoelace Card Hanger

Shoelace Card Hanger

Alternative Use No. 4

Hang up the laces and then use them at Christmas to peg your cards too.

Shoelace Bows

Shoelace Bows

Alternative Use No. 5

Use them instead of ribbons in your hair!

Shoelace Plaits

Shoelace Plaits

 

Of course they also look great in shoes!

Aces Laces

Details

For more info on Aces Laces and to view their range visit their website here.

Boujies Royal Pomander Candle Review

Boujies Royal Pomander Candle

Boujies Royal Pomander Candle

A good quality scented candle can give off ambient lighting whilst setting the tone and mood of a room, particularly on special occasions such as Christmas. Unfortunately not all candles are created equal and many that smell devine on the shelf seem to barely muster up a whiff of scent when lit at home. So when I was introduced to Boujies, an independent British perfumer and modern alchemist I was very eager to put their candles to the test!

With the festive season rapidly approaching Boujies sent me their Royal Pomander Candle to try out. Billed as an indulgent fragrance bathed in sweet orange top notes punctuated by a base of cinnamon, clove and fine spices, all sounds wonderful so far. Boujies

Packaging

When buying candles packaging may not always be your first consideration, however it is the first thing you will notice about the Boujies range. Many of their candles come in their signature polished steel container inside a lovely round box. If you have gifting in mind then I think your recipient couldn’t fail to be impressed. The styling looks equally good in a modern or traditional setting and it oozes class and sophistication. Even when your candle isn’t lit it looks rather fine sat on the shelf.

Initial Scent

Some scented candles can be overly sweet to the nose and give off headachey vibes as soon as you lift the lid, but the Boujies candle was like dipping my nose into December! I left it in my lounge with the lid off and despite being unlit I could still smell a faint fragrance, perfect if you’re looking for a gentle daytime scent.

BoujiesBurning

Tunneling and uneven burns are the bane of my candle life! Put simply I like a candle to burn evenly right across the surface inside of tunnelling down the middle at pace, leaving the sides unused and disappointing. The first time I lit the Royal Pomander Candle I left it on for two hours and it melted evenly right across the surface. This gives you a much higher scent yield and better value for money.

BoujiesRoom Fragrance

Where so many candles fall down the Royal Pomander rose to the challenge, shortly after lighting my lounge smelled truly festive and decadent. Although as my husband mentioned it was so authentic that we both began to crave mulled wine and nibbles! The scent was not overpowering like an air freshener but just infused the air to create the right mood. I was thoroughly impressed by the fragrance yield.

Could the candle be improved in anyway?

At first glance this candle from Boujies may seem expensive at £36, however they really are worth the price in comparison to their cheaper (and naming no names more expensive) cousins from other brands. They make the perfect gift and don’t let down on any of their promises. Several of their fragrances are available in smaller versions costing £12-£14 which is a great way to test them out.

If I had to come up with any recommendation, I would love to see a mini gift set with miniature versions of several candles to test out fragrances, but that’s more of a wish than an improvement on my part.

Would I recommend them?

I can and I will, they’re stylish, fragrant and live up to their claims. Plus they’re a British company who manufacture right here in the UK, I believe wholeheartedly in supporting our homegrown companies and creatives.

Details

For more information on Boujies and their entire range visit their website here.

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