Recently, I had the opportunity to check out the latest and greatest from Molton Brown at one incredibly fun event! To support their latest “Vetiver & Grapefruit” collection, Molton Brown hosted a preview session at the lavish Mondrian London hotel. No one was ready for this ultimate smell and tasting experience. So, I cannot wait to tell you all about it now! *hashtag build the tension*
The fragrance expert, Virginie Danau, kicked off the night by introducing the new collection. She gave guests samples of both vetiver and grapefruit notes separately… So, they could better understand this contradictory yet fun pairing.
“Vetiver & Grapefruit has been skillfully constructed to play on contrasting aromatic materials: the warm sophistication of Haitian vetiver conflicts with the cool, tonic freshness of grapefruit resulting in a tense union. A closer look at vetiver oil reveals subtle grapefruit undertones – just enough to relieve this tension and convey a sense of effortless elegance. Enriched by the juiciness of lychee, floral accents of neroli and rose and livened up by the spice of white pepper and cardamom, the fragrance is highly addictive.” – Virginie Daniau, Fragrance Expert
I personally find this scent very innovative because it creates friction but finds a cultivating balance at the same time.
Cocktails with a twist…
Later in the evening, we were taken next door to a cocktail making class. *oh dear, I smell trouble* We had a chance to create 4 classic cocktails but with a #BuildTheTension twist. As someone who likes to enjoy a cocktail or two… I wasn’t good at creating a decent drink for everyone. *not ashamed to admit it* Nevertheless, I had a blast! *yay*
Molton Brown is one of my favourite brands out there. Their signature fragrances, shower gels, and hand care luxuries are always my top choice for any gifting occasion. Father’s Day is just around the corner, tho! *hint hint, nudge nudge*
All my friends and work colleagues know that I lead a very busy lifestyle. *busy bee* From running influencer campaigns during the week to shooting content for my blog over the weekend – things can get pretty hectic, to say the least! Therefore, I have to have the best skincare products out there in order to look the part.
In this blog post, I’ve decided to show you some of my favourite products in men’s skincare department. From anti-shine moisturisers to detoxifying clay masks to PRP treatments. All of this seems like a lot of work but I’m here to guide in the right direction. Are you ready?! *yasss* Let’s get into it!
Oil-control Skincare Essentials.
If you’ve been following my blog for quite some time, you probably know that I have a very oily skin. *heats up the frying pan* For me, it’s an on-going process of finding new products that help me combat shine and breakouts.
Recently, I’ve been using a face wash and a mattifying moisturiser from Clinique for Men. These products are very lightweight and they absorb into the skin very smoothly. The formula is designed to control oil levels giving that matte and shine-free look. I use face wash twice daily and apply moisturiser in the morning for an all-day freshness.
Urban Detox.
My skin is challenged to take a stressful beating in this tough big city environment. Every day, my pores get clogged like they never see the light of day. *yikes* Therefore, I use products like Power Pore Anti-Shine & Pore Treatment and Urban Blue Detox Clay Mask from The Lab Series twice a week to keep those nasty blackheads at bay. *girl, bye* Also, the Power Lifting Serum helps fight against the visible effects of gravity and pollution. The serum increases the rate of surface cell renewal for a younger looking skin. *aims to look mid-twenties forever*
This year, I’ve noticed a growing trend in anti-pollution skincare products. Most notably, a Daily Detox Serum from QMS Medicosmetics. It is known to address skin damage caused by pollutants in the atmosphere. *it’s a cruel world out there, you know* So, I apply the serum every morning to make my skin look bright and smooth for the day to come!
Taking Skincare to the Next Level…
I’m a firm believer in maintenance over a quick fix because life is a journey and you have to keep consistently working on it. Therefore, you have to work on preventing rather than fixing something when it’s too late. Am I right?!
Several months ago, I had my first PRP treatment because I wanted to try something new using my own natural resources. I used the plasma of my own blood to regenerate my weakened cells during this one of a kind procedure. After my first treatment, I’ve noticed some of the fine lines soften and my skin overall looking fresher and more hydrated than it has in years!
The specialists at YouGlo have a wide variety of treatments available. From facials to fillers, there’s something for everybody. So, I’m looking forward to my next consultation because I’m on a quest for maintaining my charming beauty. *wink*
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Thanks to Justina Navickaite (@itsjustinesjournal) for taking these pictures. Check out her latest blog post here.
As you can probably tell from the title of this blog post, the most important human of my existence is my dear Mother! *shocker, not really* I’ve been best friends with my Mum since day one. From building sand castles on the beach to kicking out her party guests on Saturday nights, our strong connection was always something that helped us to overcome all obstacles in life. *yasss, mama*
So, with that said… I would like to thank my Mum for putting up with me for so many years and for loving me unconditionally. You are the only one who fully understands me and knows me better than I know myself. Happy Mother’s Day! *scrolls down to see the last-minute gift guide*
This year, I’ve decided to spoil my favourite human with some very thoughtful gifts, which I found at Debenhams. From elegant fragrances to scented candles, there are so many cool things to choose from. Therefore, I selected my top picks for you to get some inspiration from. *buys all five items because they are too good to miss*
So, without further distraction, here’s the list of 5 things you SHOULD get your mum this Marvellous Mother’s Day:
A dressing gown – an irresistibly soft dressing gown would make any Mum extremely happy. I got her one in a super smooth island fleece material, which feels cosy and looks elegant too. *fancy pants* From £45.
A scented candle – it might be the end of long wintery nights but scented candles are always a good choice – at any time of the year. Luckily, my mum is obsessed with candles and always has one burning at home. So, I ordered a Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit candle from Baylis & Harding. It comes in a stylish gift box, which perfectly matches her insatiable taste and lively personality. £8.
A night cream – ever since I moved to London, good skincare regiment has become a vital part of my everyday life. So, when I go back home, I always bring some of my favourite skincare product for my Mum to try. Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Oil is the one because it works really well. The product replenishes the skin overnight with moisture and recovers radiance, making it smoother, softer and younger looking the following day. £33.
Eau de perfum – the luxury, glamour, and sophistication of New York… in a Tiffany & Co. perfume bottle?! Yes, that’s right! We may not have breakfast at Tiffany’s but at least she’ll smell like The It Girl with this signature scent from the top jewellery brand. From £52.
A handbag – last but not least, this shopper bag from Dorthy Perkins will make a perfect addition to my mum’s extensive handbag collection. I think it’s time to ditch that over-the-shoulder purse and go for something more practical. Mum, do you agree?! *hint hint* From £10.
What do you think of this last-minute Mother’s Day gift guide? Would you get any of these items for your Mum? Let me know in the comments section below!
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Thanks to Debenhams for sponsoring this post. However, all views expressed here are my own and does not reflect those of the sponsor.
Gifting is hands down my favourite part of the holiday season. Seeing a loved one’s face light up when opening a gift that I put so much thought and effort into is just priceless. There’s nothing more important than sharing these kinds of memories with my close friends and family, especially when I don’t get to visit them that very often.
Next week, I’m going back to Lithuania for Christmas. So, I’ll be spending seven days talking about London and explaining everyone what a ‘blogger does’ for a living. Sounds fun, right? But on a serious note, I’m so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful and supportive family. I couldn’t imagine the Christmas holiday without them! *grabs a tissue*
This season, I picked some of my favourite brands and put together a last-minute Christmas gift guide. Are you ready?! *plays cheesy Christmas songs in the background*
A Show of Stars.
It’s shocking to know that my Nan has never been in London. *shook* So, as her favourite grandson, I decided to look out for the brand that celebrates this delightfully whimsical world. Molton Brown has gift sets rich with seasonal luxuries and London in mind. Their festive wrapping is British-made in bespoke colours like bitter chocolate and celebrated in a signature grosgrain knot. I opted for their vintage with elderflower candle, shower gel and lotion set.
The Rare Blend.
Crafted in the heart of Jamaica, this rare golden rum blend is rich in mahogany hue, confident woody character and smooth robust taste. The Appleton Estate Rare Blend is produced in the lush Nassau Valley in Jamaica, which is the oldest rum distillery with over 265 years of experience. Therefore, this is a must-have item for any rum fan. Starts at £34.99.
The Cornerstone of a Great Day!
There’s no need for introduction, Cornerstone is my top shaving supply service of 2017! *once again, makes bold statements without any regrets* Cornerstone’s gift sets start at £30 and include a personalised razor handle, set of 6 blades, face scrub, shave gel, post-shave balm and travel blade cover. On top of that, the recipient will receive a £10 gift card to use on their next shaving set. What a wonderful time to master the art of shaving!
Skin ageing. Reversed.
Based on one of the most recent and important anti-ageing discoveries, Dr. Levy’s skincare products have been a vital part of my daily skincare regiment for months. Proven to boost your stem cell activity, Dr. Levy’s Booster Serum attracts and retains precious moisture to give that sought-after ‘plumping’ effect. Shea butter, vitamin E and aloe leaf juice work to calm and condition, while strengthening your skin’s defences. *found the secret to his eternal youth* Even though the price might be a little bit steep but your mother will thank you for the years to come!
An Inseparable Pair.
Sometimes, my obsession with smartphone cases and Apple Watch straps get a little bit out of hand. *orders one too many* From artist collections to make-your-own ones, there are many options for you to create that perfect gift for a tech-savvy loved one. Case Station currently runs daily Christmas deals and giveaways. So, you must check these guys out if you haven’t already! Starts at £19.99.
No Ordinary Designer Label.
Rugged good looks and sleek design make this Ted Baker watch a perfect companion for both your casual days out and formal suit and tie events. A coin-edge bezel rounds a sleek gunmetal watch marked with clean bar indexes and a date window on the grey sunray dial… Or also known as, a timeless timepiece for a millennial-mindset individual. *thumbs up*
The Whiskey Collector.
Every man in my family is a whiskey fan. So, there’s a huge pressure for me to find a good quality whiskey that is rich in taste. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is ideal for whiskey lovers wishing to grow their collection. This double barrelling of mature Woodford Reserve allows the spirit to extract an additional amount of soft, sweet oak character. The result is a complex
flavour of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple and spices with a long, creamy finish and lingering hints of honeyed apple. Priced at £66.
Without a doubt, Christmas is my favourite holiday of the year. Once Black Friday sales are over, I can’t help it but get all super excited for the festive season. Even though I love receiving gifts (like everyone else does), I love gift-giving even more! *avoids maxing out his credit card limit*
Growing up, my family encouraged me to invest more time in crafting a meaningful gift for people I care about rather than just spending a lot of money. Therefore, I opted for things like personal drawings, knitted bracelets and handmade ceramic bowls… Even though I wasn’t good at arts and crafts. *oops* The sentiment was always there but luckily my gifting abilities have improved a lot since then.
With any gifting opportunity, I try my best to find something that is very practical and high quality… Because it’s not just the thought that counts. I often spend a good day putting together my gift ideas. So, if you’re not a savvy gift-giver then don’t worry – I got your back. *on a mission to save your Christmas this year*
Jack Wills has launched a fine selection of Christmas gifts for him. Whether it’s for your brother or dad or your latest crush, there are some really cool items that are currently on offer. So, scroll down to see my picks and start ticking off that festive shopping list!
Oh, and by the way, have you seen my Jack Wills swimwear post shot in Miami?! *feeling nostalgic*
Team brunch in Richmond.
Last week, I spent my Sunday afternoon with Victoria (@Philorose) and Ollie (@ByOllieB) in Richmond. *dream team alert* Brunch at The Ivy Cafe was compulsory, followed by several shoots around the area (including this post). Funnily enough, after living in London for over 6 years, I never had the opportunity to experience Richmond in all of its glory… Up until now! Therefore, you are definitely going to see me there on a regular basis. *plans to relocate and live his true suburban housewife fantasy*
TEAM UPDATE: We finally started planning our adventures for 2018! It involves international travelling and some epic brand collaborations. So, watch this space for some further updates! *come through new year*