Maiyabellexo

It's the most wonderful time of the year... I can't tell you guys how excited I am for Christmas. The smells, the food, I'm ready for it all! I really enjoyed creating last year's gift guides and you seemed to find them quite helpful so I'm bringing them back and today I'm showing you some amazing stocking fillers. These are all the little side gifts that maybe aren't quite 'big' enough to be main presents but are still super cute and thoughtful!

christmas gift guide stocking fillers 2018

I love buying stocking fillers as they tend to be more personal and unexpected than the bigger presents. Food gifts are a popular choice for obvious reasons but these new Galaxy Wafer Curls are much more exciting than a standard bar of chocolate. I have the Chocolate Creme option but there's also Hazelnut Creme which sounds dreamy! The re-sealable pouch makes them great for sharing too! Following on from sweet gifts I personally think you can't go wrong with a flavoured lip balm - this Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup* offering smells incredible and is really moisturising!

It can be slightly tricker when it comes to gifting beauty as everyone has different taste. If you have a friend or family member and you happen to know their favourite shade then a MAC Lipstick never fails to please! Or if you want to play things safe the Revlon Lash Glue and Happy Place Cosmetics Makeup Brush Cleanser are sure to go down a treat! I love receiving minis and gift sets and Clinique always have some amazing deals for xmas! The Moisture Surge range is my fave! The CND Vinylux Long Wear Top Coat* is another great option for any nail polish addict!

My personal favourite stocking fillers are home/lifestyle goodies like this Matalan Marble Alphabet Coaster. It's so pretty and only costs £3 - bargain! Everyone loves to feel warm and cosy around this time of year and for me, The White Company Winter Candle just screams Christmas! I also think you can't go wrong with a cute set of pyjamas or some fluffy socks. Primark is amazing for little bits like that, their Pink Hearts Hot Water Bottle is one of the best purchases I've made this year! I've added some more ideas for inspiration below!

Will you be doing stocking fillers this year?

Maiya

Thursday, November 29, 2018

A Christmas Gift Guide - Stocking Fillers

Will you be doing stocking fillers this year?

Maiya

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It's that time of year again when everyone is going crazy trying to find the perfect Christmas present for their friends and family but when Black Friday rolls around it's the perfect time to get what you need at a big discount. It's also a nice time to treat yourself to that new eyeshadow palette or limited edition candle you've had your eye on so whether you're looking for yourself or someone else here are my top beauty picks of the year! Happy shopping!

black friday deals you don't want to miss blog post 2018

Charlotte Tilbury | Starting with the queen of luxury, Charlotte currently has some amazing deals on her site with up to 40% off on some gorgeous products including a lip gloss trio, makeup duos and even a skincare kit that comes with a full-sized Magic Eye Rescue! You also receive a free Scent Of A Dream 30ml when you spend £75 so it's the perfect time to snag yourself a bottle!

Kiehl's | I've really grown to love Kiehl's products this year and if you've been considering trying a couple bits from them or you're already a massive fan now is the time to place an order! If you purchase two or more products and use the code BLACKFRIDAY you get 20% off everything which is amazing! Their Ultra Facial Cream is a classic and is definitely worth checking out if you have dry skin! I'm really tempted to pick up the Glow Formula Skin Hydrator and Buttermask For Lips.

Grow Gorgeous | My love affair for this brand is still going strong and the fact they currently have 50% off their entire range is very dangerous for my bank account. I love everything I've tried from them but their shampoos and treatments in particular always leave my hair in tip-top condition. If you want to try something from them I'd highly recommend their Hair Retreat R&R Routine Set and Thickening Hair & Scalp Mask Intense*.

Beauty Bay | If you're looking for a one-stop shop then you need to check out the deals on the BB website! They have sales on pretty much every product you can think of including the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaisannce Palette, Ofra Cosmetics Highlighters and Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow! What are you waiting for?

Mio Skincare | Like most people I'm definitely feeling the pressure of Christmas but I've been trying to step up my self-love game and Mio has been such a lifesaver for helping me de-stress. If you're more into bath and body bits then they're the place to go! They currently have 30% off all of their range including the Liquid Yoga Bath Soak which is literally heaven on earth. If you're lucky enough to have a bathtub I'd order a bottle or two! Their Future Proof Active Body Butter* is also in the sale as well as the Liquid Yoga Space Spray* which are two of my current pamper faves! Also if place an order this weekend be sure to use my code - MAIYAFRIDAY for an extra 5% off the whole site! You're welcome!

Selfridges | I absolutely love shopping at Selfridges and this year they have 20% off everything when you use the code - SELFCCE at the checkout. It's the perfect place to get all of your presents in one whether you're buying beauty, style or home gifts. My top picks would be the Diptyque Vanille Scented Candle and Bobbi Brown Ready Set Glow Skincare Set.

Look Fantastic | This is one of my favourite places to shop online for beauty and I think they're probably the most versatile one out of the bunch! Their discount code BF25 will give you 25% off a wide range of brands including GHD, Clinique, NARS, Illamasqua and many, many more! It would a crime not to indulge!

Will you be making the most of the Black Friday sales?

Maiya

Friday, November 23, 2018

The Black Friday Deals You Don't Want To Miss

Will you be making the most of the Black Friday sales?

Maiya

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If you've been following my blog since the beginning you'll know that I'm obsessed with skincare. It was my original focus and even whilst studying Hair & Media Makeup in college I was always more interested in the skin prep. However, K-Beauty isn't something I'd ever really looked into until recently. By Wishtrend make quite a few different products and a few months ago they kindly sent me a couple bits to try out. I've also recently discovered Tonic15 which is an online store that houses some of the best Korean skincare brands around. I was lucky enough to attend their pop-up event last month and came away with a bunch of goodies which I've been testing and today I thought I would share my thoughts on everything. I think it's safe to say I've gone K-Beauty mad!

korean beauty skincare round up blog post

The first product from By Wishtrend is their Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water*, you all know I'm partial to using acids in my skincare routine but I'd never used anything Mandelic based before this but it's actually given me the best results out of all the acids I've tried! It's an Alpha Hydroxy Acid that works by sloughing away dead skin, helping to give a smoother, firmer appearance and also helps your serums and moisturisers penetrate better. I'm already two-thirds of the way through my first bottle and thankfully I have a back-up that's ready to go! The second product they sent me to try is the Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream* which is very different from anything I have in my collection. It's more of a balm than a moisturiser and it's specifically designed for stressed/sensitive skin and can even be used as an after sun. It has a beautiful almost buttery texture but it doesn't feel heavy or greasy on the skin. The jar looks quite small but a little goes a long way. The key ingredient is Guaiazulene which is extracted from Chamomile and has herbal properties that help calm inflammation and regenerate new skin cells. I have a lot of natural redness in my skin which often gets irritated but as soon as I apply this it looks instantly calmer and less aggravated. This is a must-have for anyone with sensitive skin!

At the Tonic15 pop-up, I learnt about some amazing products but the one I was most excited to try was the May Coop Raw Sauce* which was recommended by both Jin (the founder of Tonic15 who's probably the sweetest woman I've ever met!) and Laura aka the product queen! It's a hydrating essence made with 93% Maple Tree Sap and it smells absolutely divine. It also contains Black Currant Fruit Extract which helps protect against free-radicals. I've been layering it under my serums and moisturisers and it's been amazing for amping up the glow and hydration as the temperature's dropped. You guys know I'm a sucker for cleansers and the Make P:rem Relief Moisture Cleansing Foam* has been my go-to for a quick morning cleanse. I'm not normally a big fan of foams but this cleans my skin without leaving it dry or taut. Hubby also likes this so it's a great one for the guys! I also have their Safe Me Relief Moisture Mask* which is rich is Nordic Berry Extract and Hyaluronic Acid which are both great for nourishing and soothing the skin. Who doesn't love a good sheet mask? The Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish* has been on my wishlist for ages and I'm so excited to finally have it in my stash. As the name would suggest it's a physical exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and helps unclog pores and blackheads. It's also extremely nourishing and leaves the skin beautifully soft and hydrated. I originally thought it would smell sweet but it's quite fresh/herbal and the particles are just the right size. If you struggle with dull/dry skin I highly recommend checking this out!

There were a few other K-Beauty distributors at the pop-up event and I actually met Michele, the founder of The Konjac Sponge Co which was so cool! I'd heard so many good things about their award-winning sponges and she even helped me find the right one for me and also gave me a little tutorial on how to use it. Konjac is 97% water, rich in minerals and is naturally alkaline so it leaves the skin perfectly balanced. I have the Mythical Dragon Konjac Face Sponge with Green French Clay* which is perfect for those with combination skin. I've been using it to cleanse and exfoliate and I'm really surprised at how gentle it is! It's 100% natural and can be used with or without a cleanser. I love using it in the morning as it gives an added massage which really helps de-puff and removes any dead skin. They also come in a super cute box with a hook so it's really easy to keep clean!

Have you tried any K-Beauty yet?

Maiya

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

A Korean Beauty Skincare Round-Up

Have you tried any K-Beauty yet?

Maiya

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I introduced acids into my skincare routine quite early on when I think back. I didn't actually know I was using them until way later when I actually knew what they were but around the age of fifteen Salicylic Acid was a massive part of my skincare routine. Since then I've discovered more advanced formulas and a wide range of products including serums, masks and even cleansers that are extremely effective but don't leave the skin feeling completely stripped. There are so many types from AHAs and BHAs to PHAs and many more and I know it can be a little overwhelming and scary knowing where to start so I'm going to run you through my top picks and tell you which ones are best for which skin concern. Get comfy, it's about to get technical!

Glycolic Acid | This is probably the most popular offering and whilst it does do its job extremely well, I've found it to be a little too much for my skin (more on that later). Derived from Sugar Cane it is the smallest molecule of the AHA family meaning it's able to penetrate much deeper and breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells helping to increase cell turnover and even out the skin tone. I have a few Glycolic bits in my stash, the most used being the Pixi Glow Tonic which has been a go-to of mine for years as it's alcohol-free and enriched with Aloe Vera to keep the skin calm and hydrated. They also have an amazing Glow Mud Cleanser with 5% Glycolic and Glow Peel Pads which are much stronger than the tonic at a massive 20%! Alpha H Liquid Gold is another cult classic and is great if you have a slightly more mature skin and your main concerns are pigmentation, sun damage and ageing in general. I also love the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Peel which contains 1.4% Glycolic but is still super effective. I like to use it as a night-time serum to gently exfoliate and reveal brighter, healthier skin the next morning. It's also an absolute bargain at £5.99! The key thing to remember with acids but particularly Glycolic is to build up your tolerance and always wear SPF in the day!

Salicylic Acid | I've used Salicylic for years and it tends to be the one I reach for when I have a lot of breakouts and congestion. It's usually derived from Willow Bark and is oil soluble making it ideal for people with oily/acneic skin. If you get blackheads, whiteheads or just clogged pores, in general, this is the acid to go for as it helps dissolve the dirt and unclog after just one use. I recently discovered the Caudalie Vinopure Blemish Control Infusion Serum which contains 100% natural Salicylic Acid, Grape Polyphenols and Organic Essential Oils. It has a beautifully thin, non-greasy texture that absorbs straight away, it also smells really fresh (thanks to the Peppermint Oil). I've been using it for a good couple months now and I've noticed a massive improvement in the congestion around my nose and chin and my skin also feels a lot smoother and more refined. If you prefer a physical exfoliator I've also been loving the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant* which is a finely milled powder than gently buffs and polishes helping to unclog pores and reveal smooth soft skin!

Mandelic Acid | This is a relatively new ingredient to me but out of all the acids I've tried this is definitely my top pick. It's an AHA that comes from almonds, but it has much bigger particles than others so it takes longer to penetrate the skin. This makes it slightly gentler and I've found that my skin really prefers it to Glycolic as I get less irritation and redness and also find the results last a lot longer. My favourite product is the By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water* because it helps resurface, removes dead skin cells and gives me a lovely healthy glow. I also love that it's fat-soluble as it makes it another great option for those with super oily skin without being harsh or stripping.

Lactic Acid | I've only tried a couple of formulas that contain Lactic but it's probably my second favourite pick. Naturally derived from milk, it works to dissolve the 'glue' between cells helping to gently slough away the dead skin that causes a dull, rough complexion. It's another gentle option and is perfect if you want to introduce yourself to acids and have a normal/dry skin. A little while ago I finished up a whole bottle of The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and apart from the weird smell it did an amazing job of exfoliating and refining my skin's texture. I used it as a day-time serum and it sat beautifully under my moisturisers and the Hyaluronic Acid helped my skin stay soft and plump! Another fave is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution which is an intense exfoliating treatment formulated primarily with Salicylic and Lactic so it's great for congestion, breakouts and dull skin that needs a boost. You only need to use it once/twice a week as a mask and I would recommend holding back from exfoliating every day when using this!

And there you have a quick round-up of my favourite acids and what they do! I always notice a massive difference in my skin when I don't use acids and I highly recommend looking into them if you have any of the skin concerns I've mentioned!

What's your favourite acid/product?

Maiya

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Acids In Skincare | What They Do & My Top Picks

What's your favourite acid/product?

Maiya

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A lot of new products have made their way into my stash over the past couple of months and I've had so much fun testing them out and switching up the items in my daily routine. I tend to save up and treat myself to a little haul towards the end of every month but I've also received some lovely PR packages so today I thought I would show you all of the new goodies I'm currently working my way through!

the new beauty bits i'm currently testing blog post

Grow Gorgeous Thickening Hair & Scalp Mask* | It's no secret that I'm partial to a bit of GG haircare. Their shampoos and conditioners are some of my favourites as they clean and nourish the hair without being stripping or causing irritation. I also love using their treatments when my hair is feeling blah and needs an extra boost. Recently my main aim is hydration and this mask is perfect for deeply nourishing and thickening the hair without being heavy or leaving a residue. It also smells incredible!

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation | This foundation is completely different to anything else I've tried in terms of formula and finish and while it's taking me some getting used to so far I'm really liking it! The packaging is very sleek and luxurious which I'm definitely a fan of but I would be a little cautious while travelling! I can't properly test it out right now as I have a lot of dry flaky skin which unfortunately this clings to like a b*tch but once it's gone I'm going to start using this as my everyday base! The full review is coming soon!

Makeup Revolution Fast Base Concealer | You all know I have a love affair with this brand and their Conceal & Define Concealer so it was only natural I try their latest addition. To me, this is very Charlotte Tilbury 'inspired' but I can't say 100% as I haven't tried her Magic Away Concealer yet. I've only swatched it on my hand but the texture felt really smooth and easy to work with. It feels slightly thinner and a little drier compared to my fave C&D but I think that might make it a better option for under the eyes. I'll let you know my thoughts once I've been able to fully test it out!

Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer & Original Nail Lacquer* | I'm not a big nail polish user (mainly because I can't paint my nails to save my life) but I do still get intrigued by the popular brands and seasonal collections. I was kindly sent these two Butter London shades to try and the quality and formula are so different from other brands I've tried! They apply super smoothly and have a beautiful opaque finish which means you don't need to faff around applying 100 coats! Fancy is a lovely mauvey-purple which is really shiny and great for autumn and Come To Bed Red is literally Christmas in a bottle! I can't stop wearing them!

Milk Makeup Charcoal Cleanser | If you follow me on Instagram you would've seen me posting about this about a month or so ago. Milk Makeup is an American beauty brand that is currently unavailable in the UK so you can imagine how excited I was to find it in TK Maxx for £6.99! I don't have any other charcoal based cleansers in my collection right now so I thought this would be a nice little addition. It has a light gel texture and I like to use it as a morning or second cleanse by applying it to dry skin, adding a touch of water and massaging it through. You can splash off but I tend to use a flannel. I've only tested it a few times but so far me likey!

Merumaya Bi-Phase Plus Eye Makeup Remover | This is another little gem I found in TK Maxx on sale for £3! Yes - three tiny pounds! I love their Melting Cleansing Balm and have been lusting after their toners for ages but this is something I couldn't pass up. Now obviously I'm not a massive eye makeup/waterproof wearer but I really like dual-phase oil and water formulas and for the price, I knew I had to give it a go!

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream with Active HydraMesh Technology* | I have to say I'm really enjoying Dermalogica products at the moment. Everything is super effective and their packaging is so user-friendly! This is the new reformulated version of their classic Skin Smoothing Cream* and in my opinion is 100x better! I do like the original but I've found this one is so much more hydrating and my skin feels a lot smoother and plumper when I use it. It's ever so slightly richer but still feels moisturising without being heavy or greasy. My foundation also sits beautifully on top of this so it's definitely one to consider if you like a fresh, well-hydrated base!

Have you tried any of these products recently?

Maiya

Sunday, November 11, 2018

The New Beauty Bits I'm Currently Testing

Have you tried any of these products recently?

Maiya

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So it's been a minute since my last monthly favourites and I'm not really sure why but today I'm bringing them back! Recently I've been venturing out a bit more with my beauty purchases and have added some new brands/products into my daily routine. They've all received my seal of approval so today I thought I would show you all of the bits I've been loving over the past few weeks!

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Booster* | I've realized that I only really tend to get blemishes around that time of the month and when I do they're a right pain but this booster has been amazing for speeding up the healing process and stopping them becoming more inflamed. Salicylic Acid kills bacteria that causes spots and Niacinamide reinforces the skin's defence barrier and helps even out skin tone. It has a thin serum like texture and is completely clear so no-one will know you've got it on. How amazing is that?

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel | I mentioned this in my Morning Skincare Routine post last month and it's still the product I've been reaching for the most. Sometimes oil based cleansers can be a little heavy for everyday use but this leaves my skin feeling beautifully clean and soft with no greasy film. The Pumpkin Enzymes help gently exfoliate while Vitamins C & E restore and nourish the skin. I've only had it a few months and I'm already nearly halfway through it!

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer | Chantilly | It was hard to decide whether to include this or my trusty Makeup Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer but I've included the NARS one as it's slightly more natural and not as thick. It's not as 'radiant' as they claim but it still has a beautiful satin finish that you can leave or set depending on your skin type. I also love the subtle yellow undertone it has as it makes it perfect for concealing redness/discolouration!

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick | Pillow Talk | I think every CT fan will tell you that once you try one of her lipsticks, there's no turning back. I don't how what it is about this formula but it gives you the smoothest/plumpest pout whilst still being matte and hydrating! I need some new shades asap! If you have any suggestions holla at me!

Nivea Sun UV Face Sunscreen Shine Control SPF 50* | We all know we're supposed to apply SPF all year round but during the winter months, it can be really off-putting having a thick, gloopy cream sitting on your face. If I don't get sun protection from my foundation I love using this new mattifying lotion from Nivea. It has such a lovely texture that doesn't disrupt makeup and has the classic scent which always perks me up and makes me think of Summer!

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo | Lightning Dust & Fire Crystal | If I said this was the most intense, wet looking, dreamiest highlighter I've ever used I'd be seriously understating! There was so much hype around this brand and particularly these duos when they first launched but at the time I wasn't very interested. Fast forward a year later and I'm completely obsessed! It's obvious by now that I'm into the glowy look and a mix of these shades dusted on the cheekbones, cupids bow and nose will make you look angelic!

Gosh Cosmetics Velvet Touch Lip Liner | Nougat Crisp | This has been one of my favourite lip pencils for years. It has just the right amount of pink and brown and helps define and shape the lips without being too noticeable against my fair skin. The texture is super smooth and easy to apply and it lasts a lot longer than others I've tried. And it's only £4.99 - bargain!

Have you tried any of these products recently?

Maiya

Thursday, November 08, 2018

October Favourites

Have you tried any of these products recently?

Maiya

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