Beauty gift ideas

I am not going to mention the C word. But it's November and today I soaked the fruit for my cake ready to bake it tomorrow. It's coming. I'm sorry but it is and if, like me, you simply feel exhausted at the thought, allow me to cheer you up with some beauty gift ideas. They can be for you after all.

The NARS Man Ray collection. I need none of it and probably wouldn't use it but look. Look at this and tell me you don't want it.

This limited edition Chanel nail polish makes my pulse race. It's basically British Racing Green. Divine.

I want this hand cream. I want to hold it and love it for the rest of my life.

 Sparkly red or gold nail varnish by the best in the business. Yes please.

The Dyptique holiday candles are always something to get excited about although I have found my perfect Dyptique candles now, having tried pretty much all of them. This one for the living room, and this one for my study (since you ask). But these are beautiful.

I bought a beauty box (yes, I am obsessed with beauty boxes) and this came in it (full-size) plus many other things that made it SUCH good value. Get into beauty boxes, they are amazing. Anyway, this serum is annoyingly good. It feels like you are putting water on your face.

I bought this tinted lip salve a few months ago and it's so good. I take it everywhere and it comes in three shades.

Early doors. I'll be back with more ideas in the coming weeks.

While I am here, I would like to recommend Dynasty on Netflix, it's trash TV of the highest order but the clothes and make-up are to die for.

Beauty buy update, part 2

I forgot some things. Yeah, I bought so much I forgot to tell you about some of them.

Now I am loving this, you pop it on, go about your business for 10 mins or so and then just rinse it off. It comes off easily, no chipping away at dried on mask and it makes your face brighter. Very nice.

I am also adoring this Grapefruit shower gel. It's lovely and refreshing and nicely rich, a little goes a long way.

Yesterday I went to Boots and got this.

I have tried so many dry shampoos and never understood the point of them, they never seemed to work on me however I think I have found The One. XXL volume is fantastic, I sprayed a bit on my hair yesterday which was looking a little lank and flat and instant volume was mine. I was amazed. There are now 14 varieties of Batiste so clearly it's a case of finding one that's right for you. Also, it's refreshingly cheap!

Perfume update and other stories

Today I finally tried the Dries Van Noten perfume at Liberty.

It's £150 for 100ml. Of course it is since I love nothing cheap. Predictably it's divine. Properly gorgeous and very sexy. I think the Malle fragrances have something in common. I am not enough of a nose to identify what it is but this reminded me of Lipstick Rose only more subtle. There is something heavy and sexy going on. I didn't buy it but it's on my list.

I am reliably informed that the Marni perfume is exclusive to Harrods so I've still not tried it yet. Am getting desperate though. the more exclusive something is, the more i want it. I am an advertiser's dream.

Oh, and I bought the Dr Sebaugh deep exfoliating mask (and received samples ahoy). I gave it a whirl when I got home and early signs are extremely promising. It's a gel and you apply a thick layer, wait 10 minutes and rinse off. My skin does look pink and glowing. It's tingles when it's on which is pleasing. I shall keep you posted on whether this is a one-off or necessary to your lives.