The 2013 Christmas Gifting Season

For me, travelling means that my days are blurring and I sometimes forget which day of the week it is anymore, since it doesn't matter as much when I'm on holidays. But I was looking up the calendar today and I can't believe there are less than 10 sleeps before Christmas. Where did the days go?

I have not even started on my Christmas shopping (but I do get special pardon, since I'm travelling and will be bringing gifts from overseas to my friends and family when I get back). If you don't have an excuse like I do, then you need to start making a list of things you need to get for the people you will be seeing this holiday season quick stat!

Now there is a plethora of gifting ideas but sometimes it's hard to narrow it down to the right present, especially for those hard-to-please people. I find asking them what they want to be futile as they will give you non-committal and confusing responses so I just pick for them something I think is a bit of a luxury and indulgence.

There's a few of such gifts I've cast my eyes on over the past few weeks that I think will make beautiful gifts for a bit of luxury and pampering.

Jurlique Hand Care Essentials - RRP A$85* 

This rich and emollient hand cream set will delight the fussiest recipients with signature scents from Jurlique including rose, lavender, citrus and jasmine. Enriched with natural botanical, you're getting hand and aromatherapy every time it's used. With four 40ml tubes, there's one to leave at home, another in the car, office and even a spare to stash into that big handbag so you're never without a hand cream.

-Available at David Jones, Jurlique concept stores and online.

Philosophy Care Package - RRP A$130
If you think someone deserves a little TLC this Christmas, then send them this care package to show them how much they mean to you. Containing everything to turn around their skin around, this easy to follow regime contains the micro-delivery exfoliating facial wash; purity made simple
3-in-1 cleanser; hope in a jar moisturiser, hands of hope hand and cuticle cream and a two-step vitamin c/ peptide peel to give healthy glowing skin.

- Available in David Jones, Mecca Maxima stores and adorebeauty online.


Laura Mercier Mini Lip Glace - RRP A$45 

Everybody loves a good lip gloss and these five colour-coordinated bare nude shades by Laura mercier will beautifully enhance lips with subtle soft colours as well as add shine, sparkle and hydration, ensuring these lips will be kissed on Christmas day. Shades include pout, bare peach, bare blush, bare baby, gilded rose.

- Available in Laura Mercier counters in David Jones.

Jo Malone Cologne Collection - RRP A$150 

Now even the fussiest scent lover will fall in love with this collection of signature scents from Jo Malone. Containing mini sized (9ml each) bottles of lime,basil & mandarin, english pear & freesia, blackerry & bay, peony & blush suede, amber & lavender, there is a scent to suit every style, occasion and mood.

- Jo Malone is available in city David Jones stores.


Voluspa Crane Flower 100 hour candle - RRP A$49.95 

If home is more the space you want to be gifting then nothing is more pampering and inspiring than one of these beautiful crane flower candles. With a burn time of 100 hours, you will have many nights (or days) of enjoyment and with its unique birds of paradise nectar and grapefruit scent. Beautifully packaged in a gold embossed holder, it will become a keepsake that can be reused for holding trinkets or cotton pads.

- Voluspa is available online at Saison Shop

Illamasqua Fatale Palette - RRP A$53*

What's Christmas without a bit of colour to add cheer to the day? With this beautiful palette of surprisingly wearable shades, you can turn up or down the festive mood with the use of mauve and plum shades alone or layer it with copper and/or aubergine to create a smokey party look. Pigmentation and blending is never an issue with Illamasqua so any girl can pick this palette up and use it in a cinch.

- Illamasqua is available in selected Myer stores or online.

Burts bees Tint n Shine - RRP A$19.95*

For a Kris Kringle or stocking-stuffer, I can't recommend this little pack from Burt's Bees enough. Made with nourishing shea butter and apricot kernel oil, I find their hibiscus lip balm very moisturising and impart a soft tint that keeps lips soft all day. The blush lip shine can be layered on top for an extra gloss or used on its on for lucious looking lips. The best thing is that I spied these in Target online for $9.99 this week!

Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal 

Now finally, if you can spare a gift (this might be the perfect and charitable re-gifting opportunity for that cheese board you don't need), get into the spirit of giving to those less fortunate. Head to a Kmart store and make a wishing tree donation to give someone who would otherwise miss out on Christmas, a little cheer this festive time of the year. They would be most grateful for your generosity of giving back to the community. Just mark your gift for the most age/gender appropriate when dropping it off to the wishing tree. 

- You can make a wishing tree donation at any Kmart stores up until Christmas eve. 

I hope this small selection gets you thinking of the last minute beauty gifts you might want to pick for the special someone or for those in need if you're in a capacity to be charitable. I'm off to make my wishing tree option now (yes, you can donate online via giftcards too!)

Have you done all your Christmas shopping yet? What else have you got to pick up? 

* products marked were provided for editorial consideration. 

Mother's Day Gifting Guide 2013 Edition

Can you believe it’s already May? This means mother’s day is around the corner.

I know lots of people say it’s become such a commercial thing with mother’s day, but you know, if it takes a commercial focus to get us thinking and getting around to thanking and appreciating our mothers’ tireless efforts, then I’m more than happy to follow this particular commercialised event.

Some may already know what they need to get their mothers, but for the rest of us stuck on ideas, my one advice is think gifts that are PAMPERING! Don’t rush out to get her more kitchen gadgets or boring appliances (unless she specifically asks for it) to help around the home. Think indulgence and pampering because mothers often don’t get or take the time out to indulge or pamper themselves.

Being a beauty aficionado, I’m going to be biased and suggest a few amazing beauty products – all geared towards making mum feel special and pampered.  And as always, there’s gift ideas to cater for all budgets.

For the Scent-sational Mum
MOR Deluxe Soy Candle 284g -  RRP A$49.95* 

Let mum enter the world of sweet jasmine and vanilla musk with this deluxe Marshmallow soy candle that also has notes of roses and cotton candy sweetness. With over 60 hours of burn time, she will get many evenings of enjoying this exquisite candle housed in an ornate ceramic candle holder that can be re-used to store bits-and-bobs afterwards.Presented in a beautiful bowed tied box - how can she resist? Available in Myer, David Jones and MOR online.

 Balenciaga L'Eau Rose EDP 50ml - RRP A$125 

For the mum who likes a sophisticated twist, the sparkling notes of violets is infused with delicate roses and sweetness of blackberries. But the watch out for the lingering spicy green notes of patchouli, cypress and cedar that creates a sophisticated blend of pretty perfection. Available in David Jones, Myer and selected pharmacies.

 Estee Lauder Beautiful Romantics Set - RRP A$145

If your mum loves her classic, then you can’t go wrong with giving her the Beautiful set – with a burst of roses mandarin and lily scents, she will feel feminine whilst being enveloped by mid notes of Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang and orange flowers that lingers and with a sandalwood velvetier base. A great value when the 75ml comes with a perfumed body lotion and Bath and shower Gelee (also 75ml each) to make the scent lasts even longer and is valued at over $179. Available in Myer, David Jones and Estee Lauder online.

Oscar De La Renta Oriental Lace EDP 100ml - RRP A$165

For mums with more exotic preferences– this heady juice starts up with an inviting blend of hoya carnosa flower, laced with the sweetness of honey and almonds but shows a warm dark cacao and sensual heart of patchouli that is sure to please all discerning tastes. Available exclusively at David Jones stores.


For the Spa-licious Mum
Skin Physics Derma Sonic Cleansing Brush - RRP A$119

This latest gadget from looks like it could be a clone for the much pricier Clarisonic Plus facial brush with the same benefits of sonic technology and providing 6x the efficiency of manual cleansing. Not only that, just in time for Mothers day, you will get a Cellugen skincare pack valued at over $265 that you can gift to mum or keep yourself - what an amazing bonus!

Skin Physics available at Myer stores.

Natio Orange Blossom Home Spa Range*

Natio’s Orange Blossom Home Spa range Get a whiff of orange blossom in full bloom with Natio’s latest body care Spa range in Orange Blossom. From body wash to lotions to hand creams, the tangy citrus floral and fresh neroli scent is sure to be a hit to mums with prices ranging from 8.95 for the hand wash to $18.95 for the sea salt scrub. My pick – try the hand cream ($9.95) and body butter ($16.95). Available in Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies from 6th May 2013.

MUK Spa Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner - RRP A$26.95 each*

By far my favourite hair care product this year, this shampoo and conditioner set will give soft luscious silky manes to the most unruly hair, not only that, it is effective yet gentle, it's also free from parabens and sulphates. Mum will feel like she just stepped out of the hair dressers every time with its use with her transformed into shiny locks full of volume and body without the frizz. Available at MUK salons. Call 1300 768 264 for stocklists.

For the Skin-Savy Mum
Sisley Phyto Blanc Intensive Lightening Serum 30g - RRP A$390* 

Give mum bright luminous skin with this indulgent whitening serum. She will love the lavender scented light fluid that contains vitamin-c, AA2-G, extracts of mulberry, scutellaria and lemon to lighten pigmentation and give supple skin the is full of clarity and radiance. Available at Sisley counters in David Jones

Prevage Intense Moisturiser serum 30ml - RRP A$270* 

if mums been through stress lately, and showing the signs she’s appreciate this intensive serum with concentrated dose of idebenone, atrazine and thoitaine to protect against free radical damage and give skin improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and whilst boosting skin firmess and skin lumiousity. Available at Elizabeth Arden counters.

 SK-II Stempower Gift Set -  RRP A$159

Infused with SK-II's piteria essence, this set contains a full size 50g Stempower cream that promises to increase firmness and improve texture in 10 days. The set also contains travel size of its famous Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser 20g, Facial Treatment Essence 75ml, and a Facial Treatment Mask and is valued at $280. Available at all SK-II counters and Adorebeauty online.

Shiseido Cherry Blossom skincare set  - RRP A$75

The Hydration Cherry Blossom collection is the perfect pack to help regulates and maintains optimal levels of moisture for a healthy-looking, luminous complexion , valued at $120, contains: Night Moisture Recharge 75mL Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam 30mL Hydro Nourishing Softener 30mL Refining Makeup Primer 10mL. Available at Shiseido counters in Myer


For the Glam-loving Mum
Estee Lauder Mother's Day Makeup Collection - RRP A$90 

Let your mum master the art of glam with this limited edition makeup set  containing superb products with incredible value containing Shimmering palette of 9 eyeshadows, bronzer, 3 Glosses, the Sumptuous Extreme Mascara and 2 Pure Color Intense Eyeliners in a deluxe makeup bag with tip cards that help her create looks that shimmer day and night.Available at Estee Lauder Counters or online.

Clinique High Impact Favourites – RRP A$38 

The essential to creating glamourous statement eyes. Includes quickliner for eyes, mascara both in intense black, Take off the Day makeup remover in a cute little mesh beauty bag. Available at Clinique counters.


Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color - RRP A$65

Opulent and luxuriously creamy, which mum doesn’t want a Tom ford lippy to add to their collection? The pigments and shades deliver unparallel wear and colour sophistication – there’s bound to be a beautiful shade that would suit mums everywhere. Available in City David Jones stores.


Revitanail French Manicure Set - RRP A$25.00

For the classic manicured nails, mum will love this pretty and budget friend manicure set. Available at Priceline and selected pharmacies.

I hope this selection has inspired you. If not, take a look at all the catalogs that have already started flying into your inboxes - there's bound to be something that will tickle your mum's fancy. As long as you remember to give her something that pampering in mind, she'll love it because it came from you!

Product marked * were provided for editorial consideration.

Father's Day Gifting Guide 2012

Time sure is flying and it’s coming up to father’s day again. This year in Australia, the special day is this Sunday September 2nd and if you ask what my dad wants, there’s a couple of standard answers which involves food and more food or electronics (boys and their toys)!

Forget ties, shirts and socks. Here is selection that are my personal favourites for that special dad, no matter their age, who deserves something wonderful on a day dedicated to all them.

For the dad who secretly dips into mum’s skincare stash:

Get him his own with Clinique’s Skin Supplies For Men (SSFM) Great Skin For Him - A$52 This facial TCL gift set contain an Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel 15 ml, Face Scrub 30 ml and the M Lotion 30 ml, all the essential item.

And whilst we are at it, Dad will also love the SSFM Clinical Dark Spot Corrector - 30ml A$92 will gauranteed that redness, shaving irritations are a thing of the past. It will also help with fading those shaving cuts or dark marks from inflamed skin on their face! I have got my dad using this and he loves how his skin is smoother and less prone to ingrown from saving afterwards.

These products are available at all Clinique counters now.

For the tired and stressed dad:

Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Muscle Gel -  150ml $27.04 (20% off their RRP as a fathers day promotion) Give dad this non-sticky gel formulation that is infused with pure essential oils of rosemary, black pepper and ginger, and aromatic waters and he will feel all better after massaging it into his achy muscles. Perfect for soothing sores and strains after a big day of golf, footy, or even just an very long day of staying in the office. 

Aromatherapy Associates are available online so get your order in quick to make this weekend's delivery deadline!

For the dad who wants his grooming needs covered:

The Dermalogica Shave System - A$68 will ensure a smooth comfortable shave everytime and has every a man grooming needs covered from shave to beard. Dad will feel pampered after a shave with moisturisers Daily Clean Scrub (44ml), Pre-Shave Guard (22 ml), Soothing Shave Cream (74ml), Post-Shave Balm (10ml), Daily Defense Block SPF15 (22ml).

Available at Dermalogica counters in selected salons or currently on sale (25% off) at Adorebeauty online.

For the dad who loves to cook:

Spring is here this weekend so theres no better way to get well prepared for dad than giving him a new BBQ set - A$59 from BBQ Galore. He'll be able to cook like an expert and impress the crowd during the upcoming bbq season.
Available instores or online.

For the handyman dad: 

This Bunnings Gift Voucher is ideal for him to finish his latest project around the home. He'll love you for it because you read his mind and got him exactly what he wants!
Bunnings gift cards are available instores or online. 

For the techy dad: 

If dad has his ipad, ipods, iEverything, then he needs a power pack that will charge it all. Try this Belkin Power charger 400 - A$79 (and on clearance at the GoodGuys for only $23 whilst stock lasts), it will charge smart phones and boost the power of tablets while on the go so dad will never be disconnected again.

For the high-flying corporate dad:

He can never had too many cufflinks. Try some at Benjamin Cufflinks like these footy/ruby inspired ones (A$49.95) or for something more refined, try the modern blue stoned ones (A$55). With over 1600 designs  and with free shipping Australia wide, you don't even have to leave your seat to get dad a beautiful gift.

And finally for the dad who likes to smell good:

Z Zegna by Ermenegildo Zegna EDT (A$80 50ml | A$110 100ml) is cool and edgy. This scent picks up the sharpness of white peppers, the freshness of bergamot and rosemary and mixes it with a woody heat of nutmeg, patchouli and cashmere wood. it’s also got a bit aquatic quality to it but its essence is its warm woody base – just like dad's big bear hug & warm embrace.

Z Zegna is available at all Myer and David Jones stores. 

Another great new scent is Giorgio Armani Essenza EDP (75ml A$125 | 40ml A$95), a modern twist to a traditional scent, this juice contains a perfect blend of notes from bergamot and grapefruit that is muted by persimmon and freshened up by Morrocan cedar. It is the ultimate modern masculine scent that is sophisticated, complex and inspiring. In fact I like it so much, I wouldn't mind spritzing it on my wrist when I want to feel assertive!

Essenza is available at Myer, David Jones and selected pharmacies. 

Are there any gifts in here you think your dad would like? What would you get for your dad? 

2011 Holiday Gifting Guide

Christmas is fast approaching with only 10 more sleeps away, are you scratching your heads for some gift ideas for the family, friends and that work kris kringle this Christmas?

Then let this post full of gifts sets be some inspirations for you :)

Keep in mind some of these are limited editions and won't last long, to pick it up soon to avoid disappointment.

Budget friendly KK gifts
OPI Sweet Sensation Avojuice Skin Quencher Flavour Pack

Mini hand & Body lotion with fruity and floral inspired flavours like mango, jasmine, coconut, vanilla snowflake, and cranberry, they sound and smell good enough to eat.
RRP A$14.95 from David Jones

NP Time to Shine Lipgloss set

A trio of the best selling glosses from the NP Set range. With moisturising Aloe Vera and Shea Butter, you'll get sweet candy-licking glossy lips with good dose of colour injection.
RRP A$15 from Target Australia.

Bloom Organic Gift Pack*

Make your recipient look good and feel good with this travel-friendly set containing Organics Soothing Lip Balm, Organics Gentle Hand and Body Wash 50ml, Organics Exfoliating Towel.
RRP A$19.95 from Bloom Counters and online.

Natio Feeling Good Set

A pretty warm pink nail polish and lavender and rosemary hand cream with a great makeup bag that you'll want to take with you everywhere you go. It's too good to give away but at this price you can afford to get one for yourself as well.
RRP A$14.95 This set is available at David Jones and selected pharmacies only.

L'Occitane Delice des Fluers Collection*

This limited edition has the best gift picks for floral and rose lovers. The mini hand cream 30ml and solid perfumes 10g are great value at only RRP A$9.95 each and are perfect as stocking fillers, whilst the lipgloss 5g A$12.95, body milk  250ml A$29.95 and shower jelly 250ml A$19.95 make the perfect gift set together for any sensual rosy experience.
Available at David Jones and selected Myer stores. It is also available at L'Occitane online.

MOR Sweet Surprise Panettone Gift Set*

A duo of sweet lychee flower soapette in a resuable tin case and a 50ml hand cream. This gift will convey how lovely and sweet your recipient is to you!
RRP A$19.95 at Myer, David Jones and online.

For the girlfriends, sisters and mums

Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss to Go Set

A set of 6 delectable glosses all stored in a beautiful red holiday case. With shades in Sugar Rush, Pink Innocence, Wired Copper, Raspberry Pop, Star Ruby, Plum Divine, this will make sure that special someone stay hydrated, sparkly and shiny this holiday season.
RRP A$65 on counters at David Jones and Myer.

OPI Best of the Best Set

Can't decide what colours to wear on your digits or toes? Well these set of ten 3.5ml minis will ensure that your lucky (or fussy) recipient is spoilt for choice with the best selling OPI shades. They can go for neutrals or bright colours depending on their mood. Too easy. Shades are Alpine Snow, Bubble Bath, Tickle My France-y, Strawberry Margarita, Cajun Shrimp, Big Apple Red, I'm Not Really a Waitress, You Don't Know Jacques, Russian Navy, Lincoln Park After Dark. I've bought one last week and am stalking the postie anxiously to get my hands on it.
RRP A$49.95 at David Jones and selected salons.Get it now at Adorebeauty online for only A$44.95

Soap & Glory You Cube*

All packaged in a cute reuseable box, this has Soap & Glory's best selling products mini sized including a shower puff, Righteous Butter 50ml, Clean On Me 75ml, Hand food 50ml, Flake Away 50ml.  Personally I think it's missing the heel genius foot cream to be a complete set but overall, is a great collection perfect for taking on travels.
RRP $39.95 at Kit Cosmetics and online.

Korres Japanese Rose Duo Set

This limited edition of sweet smelling duo of shower gel and body butter is inspired by the Japanese Rose and will bring a smile to the scent loving girlfriend.
RRP A$39.95 at Kit cosmetics and online.

Ginuot Beaute NeuveRadiance Renewal cream & Anti-Wrinkle Mask*

For the sister or mum who relishes radiant skin, you can't go past this AHA infused day cream A$121 that manages to exfoliate the skin without irritating or causing flakes - it really is a facial in a jar. Couple it with the no-rinse anti wrinkle mask A$65 for firmer skin to fight of the signs of aging, it will guarantee youthful looking skin for longer. Who needs a beautician when you have all the products you need at home?  
Available at Guinot salons and Adore Beauty online.

Botega Vennetta 30ml

This woody mossy white floral is the new scent of season and would appeal to the sensual women who loves a sophisticated scent with interjections of suede. It took a few sprays to grow on me but I now that it has, I can't stop thinking about it.
RRP A$100 at David Jones.

Vani-T Precious Pack*

For the girl who loves their colour and their bling, this precious looking set from Vani-T will impress. A diamonte studded packaging of the Boheme Mineral Bronzer for gorgeous sun kissed cheeks and mineral lipstick in shade 'frisky business' a nude pink shade in a glittery makeup bag. Too pretty!
RRP A$75 at Vani-T online.
 
Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift set

An impressive ultimate firm and lifting skincare range that will forever put you into the good books of mum or the mother-in-law. My mum used it last year and it is her all time favourite face cream to date. The set contains four luxious skin essentials Re‑Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Creme 50ml(full-size), Re‑Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Serum, 15ml, Re‑Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age-Correcting Eye Creme, 7ml, Re‑Nutriv Intensive Hydrating Creme Cleanser, 50ml in a chic silver travel bag
RRP A$470 (valued at over A$740).

For the Special Men

Biotherm Aqua Power Set

For the man who looks after his skin (or is coaxed to be) this set containing the AquaPower moisturiser 75ml, cleanser 30ml and lotion 40ml will ensure his skin is hydrated and well cared for.
RRP A$64 in Myer stores.


Braun Series 7 790cc

For the man who loves to groom and adores his gadgets, the ultimate electrical shaver is this smooth gliding with 10,000 micro vibrations a minute that hugs the contours of face for the closest shave yet. best of all it is also self cleaning. If only he can be like the shaver around the home as well!
RRP A$549 from David Jones, Myer and the Shaver Shop

Remington Powerhouse Clipper*

For men who wants to maintain maintain their beard or side burn, he can now do so in the comfort of his own home with his own electrical clipper. Each charge gives 40 minutes of use and there's even an LCD screen onboard to let him know how much usage time he has left before the next charge which he can do using a USB cable. If he's game he can even try trimming the hair on his head with this as it comes with clipping attachments to cut hair lengths ranging from 1mm to 42mm.

And one for the family

Braun Triump 5000*

All you need is to buy separate brush heads and this gift can be used by the whole family. It comes with 5 brushing modes and various brush head attachments With a wireless sensor timer that monitors the duration of your teeth brushing and senses if you are pushing against your teeth and gums too hard, it's perfect for teaching the little ones how to correctly brush their teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. Nifty!
RRP A$199.99 at Myer, David Jones and the Shaver Shop

Have you been inspired? Is there anything on this list you are buying this Christmas?
Items marked * are samples provided for consideration