Valentines Gift Guide - Clinique Shave Essentials

With Valentines just around the corner I thought I would start my gift guide a little early. For this review I had a little assistance in the for of my new husband (video at the end) who tried each of these products to give me his honest opinion as opposed to me just guessing at what the fellas might like this February 14th.  This is the start of a series of posts with my recommendations for guys, girls and things you might both enjoy but first up is the Clinique Shave Essentials gift set for men.

Face Scrub

This was a really odd texture.. not like a scrub as I know it, more a rough, thick cream consistency. Hard to describe but it does the job as gently as it possibly can while remaining really effective. Ideally you exfoliate first to give the closest possible shave but when Lee and I tried it I missed that step (oohps). He's since tried it himself in the correct in order and is really impressed. Ordinarily he avoids exfoliating (he even hates my beloved Clarisonic) but he really took to this, the formula is so different to anything else he's tried. It may not be what I would want from a face scrub but when you're working with sensitive stubbly areas it's perfect!

Shave Gel

This lathered up really nicely so you don't need too much.. I'm not a fan of shave gel myself (I shave my legs in the bath, soap free) so it was fun playing with the foam but in all seriousness.. the shave felt smooth and when Lee's tried it himself and left it on for a minute or two before starting with the razor he said it was a more comfortable shave than he was used to.

Age Defense Hydrator

Now this was the out and out star product of the set and I think will almost certainly be repurchased. He's got very sensitive skin and has found very few products that soothe his face after shaving, everything seems to react and sting. He was fully expecting this to be the same but it wasn't. It was calming and comfortable upon application and all day long he remarked upon how soft his skin felt even inviting others to touch it.. 10/10! He's not easy to please so that was a real winner for him.

Overall it's a really cute little set that any guy would love to receive this Valentines (assuming they shave of course!) I love the Clinique packaging on the mens line.. possibly more than the womens and it wont look out of place next to my toiletries in the bathroom, very smart! 

By Valentines Lee will have super smooth, hydrated skin.

The gift set is available here for £39.99

but is currently showing as "coming soon" on buyapowa so keep your eyes peeled!

To see us trying out the products together and his own thoughts watch this...

Miss BB

Something Glossy For the Guys

I was SO excited when I saw this advertised in last months Glossybox. My other half is very much a modern man, somewhat of a "metro-sexual" you might say so I knew I had to subscribe to the new

Glossybox for Men

In this post I'll show you what he got in his first months box

His review with more product info will follow once he's had chance to try them out.

Personally I like the first box. The products are all things he'd try and nice sizes, The Cool Fix for example will last him a few months. I'm sure the Goldwell hair gel will go down well as he's always looking for something that will tame his unruly barnet but would never pay Goldwell prices. It's also a nice little tub to reuse for travelling.

It's great that someone has finally acknowledged that men want to look after themselves too. I think this is the perfect way for guys that don't necessarily feel comfortable going up to a counter and asking for advice to try lots of different products in the comfort of their own home and potentially find something they love in the process. Of course It won't appeal to all men but I know it will appeal to mine!

Glossybox for Men is a quarterly service in which you will receive 7 luxury sized samples.

It's priced at £15.00 per box + shipping and you can subscribe here

Miss BB

January brings the SALES...

To give you an indication of the crowds I faced this boxing day.. Here are the poor men and children abandoned outside the Next sale...

I avoided the crazed masses and shopped early on my break.. Here's a peek at what I picked up...

I loved this bracelet from warehouse.. And I'm not normally a jewellery person.. It was just too nice to pass up!

I picked up a little something for Lee from Origins.. A shaving time treat for his winter weathered face! He's tried it and loves it already.. 5*s for Origins!

Next up.. My first topshop makeup purchases!

I bought an eyeshadow palette for half price (practically free) there's no shade name/number so I can't tell you what it is but the swatches are below..

And one without flash...

I liked this little pullout that came with it too :)

I also got this lipgloss, this DID have a name, "tropic" very coral/orange... I'm not mega keen on the formula.. Not so thick and only about as glossy as a balm! Wouldn't be a great longlasting product!

The above swatch is the best for a true idea of the colour..

One with flash to show off all that glitter..

Lastly I couldn't resist my first ever Givenchy buy.. This gloss was nearly half price PLUS I get 20% staff discount so how could I say no?

The colour is 22 "Magenta Impression" and it smells blissfully fruity and goes on like a dream!

It's a really warm but hot pink..

The true colour is somewhere between this picture..

And this one..

So they were my first sale purchases of the season!

What have you guys been treating yourselves to over the past few days?

xoxo

Miss BB