The December round-up
This month’s round-up is slightly earlier than usual because the sales have started – so if anyone does like the sound of my recommendations, I don’t want them all to have vanished off the shelves!
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As usual, here’s my pick of the things I’ve bought, tried and added to my list as contenders for my suitcase in December.
Beauty
I’ve already raved about L’Oreal’s Skin Perfection range – the perk-up cream has been perking me up since August.
So I’ve added the Advanced Correcting Serum to my daily routine and am loving it too. Really light, easily absorbed and my skin is looking much better despite the paltry few minutes I spend on it. £16.99, currently part of three for two at Boots.
And I’ve been rediscovering Elemis, one of my favourite skincare brands when I’m feeling flush, after I was given the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. This just melts make-up off my skin and doesn’t dry it out, and the pot is a great compact size for travel but lasts ages. £39.50 from John Lewis.
For travel to sunnier destinations than northern Europe, I’ve been testing the Ultrasun sun protection range too – see the full Ultrasun review.
Fashion
I’ve been feeling like I’ve lost my fashion mojo recently – too much practical mummy wear, not enough fun. Fortunately I had the lovely and ultra-stylish Jo from Fashion Detective (check out the relaunched blog), giving my wardrobe the onceover and a pre-Christmas shopping blitz at Westfield.
I won’t list everything – for example, I came within a whisker of buying a fab orange coat from Topshop, sadly not in their 50% off sale – but rediscovered Uniqlo and its fantastic winter wear.
Bargain Cashmere jumpers and the great Heattech range which is ultrathin but stores body heat to be thermal, and comes in great patterns
It’s currently working well in my freezing office, but next time I get to Iceland, Lapland or see more of Scandinavia than Copenhagen, I’ll look less like Michelin woman with some fab tights and tops to layer.
The kids and babies range is incredibly cute too. Minnie hasn’t been short of presents, but a return visit is definitely on the cards with any leftover Christmas money.
After snapping up a jumper and bird print dress from Red Herring at Debenhams, plus an owl tunic top at Apricot, I found myself in Oasis, where I’m pretty much guaranteed to be tempted by something.
As it turns out, by two dresses (including a swallow design, £38 – yes, yet another bird print…) and some winter floral Primrose print trousers, £42, which I suspect are going to be a very useful travel multitasker.
Also available from John Lewis, where the ripple stitch green dress I bought is now on sale for £20 and from House of Fraser.
Travel essentials
With Amazon vouchers burning a metaphorical hole in my pocket, I’ll have plenty of books to list in the January round-up. But to start the New Year, I’ve been treated to some new stationery.
I do love a fab notebook to tote around with me, and this bird print version (there is a theme developing) from Paperchase is great for plotting some travels for 2015.
Then to schedule them in, I’ve got a Coral leather look diary,which is also small enough to tote around with me. Also available from Amazon.
And for Minnie? A new bed… Well a new inflatable bed. Check out my review of My First Ready Bed.
Disclosure: Contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission if you buy using these links
Main image courtesy of Depositphotos; all products courtesy of the retailer
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