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Colorful Eyeshadow Looks for Spring

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Spring is here and it’s time to put away our winter neutrals and break out some of that color! That can be intimidating for people like me who tend to steer clear of colorful eye shadow palettes. What colors do I choose? Where should they go? Generally speaking, I tend to go for more neutral single shades—something a little easier and harder to mess up. So, for the month of April, I challenged myself to welcome color into my life.

Colorful Eyeshadow Looks

Spring Eye Shadow Look #1

First I started with the Solar Flare PurePressed Eye Shadow Palette. This palette is a great balance of neutrals with a pop of color and the perfect first step to dipping my toes into this color challenge. The shades went on so smoothly and complements my complexion well. I used Sunspot on the lid, Flash on the outer corner, Cosmic for a soft liner to define the eye and Orbit for a pop of color on the lower lash line.

Spring Eye Shadow Look #2

jane iredale pink quartz purepressed eye shadow triple

Next up we had Pink Quartz PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple. The shades went so well with my eye color. This trio makes creating a look SO simple and I received so many compliments throughout the day. Pink Quartz ended up being my favorite palette of the three I tried. I paired it with Enchanted Glow Time Blush Stick for the perfect flushed look.

Spring Eye Shadow Look #3

jane iredale blue hour purepressed eye shadow triple

At first glance, Blue Hour PurePressed Triple was daunting. When I saw three shades and one of them was black, I was pretty intimidated!  But, I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this trio for the first time. I started by spraying my Deluxe Shader Brush with some Hydration Spray to grab a little more pigment. Instead of using the medium shade as the base, I opted for the lightest grey/blue and framed my lids with the other remaining shades. There were so many possible combinations for a variety of looks, I realized how creative I could be!

Lesson learned: You don’t need a special occasion to wear color! I loved having an opportunity to see how these can work in everyday look and how simple applying vibrant shades can be. Giving myself the gift of color was the perfect confidence boost and now I’m ready for Spring!

Holiday Self-Care Tips with OLAPLEX – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Key Takeaways

  • Prioritize holiday self-care by setting aside time to de-stress, recharge, and maintain balance so you can give your best to others.
  • Incorporate simple winter self-care routines like OLAPLEX treatments or nourishing hair masks to strengthen, hydrate, and protect hair during the busy season.
  • Turn everyday holiday tasks—shopping, cooking, or wrapping gifts—into opportunities for self-care with easy, at-home OLAPLEX hair treatments.

Jump to

As the holiday season approaches, let’s try something different this year. While the season calls for goodwill toward others and giving, remember to put yourself first. This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s only by taking care of yourself that you’ll be able to be your best for others. This means time to unwind, de-stress, and strap your boots on for the holiday season. These holiday self-care tips will help you maintain balance and shine, inside and out.

As a company dedicated to healthy hair from the inside out, it should be no surprise that OLAPLEX wants every user to experience well-being inside and out. Acts of care for yourself inspire the care you put into everything you do. Whether it’s taking time for a much-needed night on the couch or pampering yourself for the day simply because you’re worth it, challenge yourself this holiday season to not once but regularly check in for self-care.

“I don’t have time for self-care today,” or the notion that showing yourself acts of love will take too long, might just be anxiety talking. When one incorporates and prioritizes wellness acts into their routine, they can see just how simple it can be. You can choose to show up for yourself for five minutes one day, or all day—there are no rules here! Even small acts of cold-weather self-care, like a nourishing hair mask or warm tea, count.

To help you relax during the season of go-go-go, we want to remind you of ways you can work on yourself while you think of others. We know you still have to make it to those shops before they close, we know you’re busy, and we want to help take the edge off by coming along for the ride. We all have to do things during this season to prepare for the holidays; here are some of the most common stressors and how OLAPLEX can help brighten the experience:

Holiday Shopping

Most of us have to do it. Whether you’re online shopping or picking up gifts at the store, maximize your time by treating yourself to healthy hair. For winter self-care, do the intensive OLAPLEX treatment at home with N°.0 Intensive Bond Building Treatment and Nº.3 Hair Perfector® to rebuild your hair from the inside out. If you have hours of errands or online shopping to do, leave the treatment on and style your hair slicked back, in braids, or a bun. In between errands, you might also want to try OLAPLEX N°.7 Bonding Oil™ for instant shine and protection. OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ will also boost color vibrancy, softness, and tame frizz and flyaways so you can feel your best while you shop for your loved ones. Once you’re ready, shampoo and condition the treatment out with N°.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and N°.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner. If you’re noticing lots of buildup in your hair, try a clarifying shampoo like N°.4C Bond Maintenance® Clarifying Shampoo. This deeply cleansing yet gentle and color-safe clarifying shampoo removes heavy metals, hard water minerals, chlorine, pollutants, product buildup, and excess oil that can cause dull, discolored hair.

Cooking or Baking for Friends, Family, or Roommates

We know holiday meals can mean a day in the kitchen in your sweatpants. Why not elevate a day of deliciousness by working on your hair to make it just as snack-worthy as your holiday supper? Opt for an OLAPLEX N°.0 and N°.3 Hair Perfector® treatment for intensive bond building, or try a hair mask that hydrates hair and prevents breakage, like the Rich Hydration Mask or the Weightless Nourishing Mask. Not sure which hair mask is right for you? If you have fine to medium hair, the Weightless Nourishing Mask will provide lightweight hydration through 5 washes* while reducing and preventing breakage. It’ll also give your hair instant volume that lasts all day. To use the Weightless Nourishing Mask:

  1. Start with a shampoo that’s made for fine hair, like N°.4FINE Bond Maintenance® Shampoo. This volumizing shampoo for fine hair is clinically proven to strengthen, repair, and prevent future damage from everyday elements, styling, or salon services.
  2. Apply the mask to wet hair, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends of your hair.
  3. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse.

Those with medium to coarse hair should try the Rich Hydration Mask. This mask also provides instant hydration that lasts through 5 washes.** It even strengthens hair and provides all-day, humidity-resistant frizz control, keeping strands smooth when the kitchen heats up during baking or cooking. Simply apply the mask to wet hair after rinsing with N°.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo. Leave the Rich Hydration Mask on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse it out.

Wrapping Presents and Decorating

We can’t teach you how to wrap like a professional, but we can repair your hair like one. If you have a cozy day at home wrapping presents or decorating, consider it back-to-back treatment time with OLAPLEX to rebuild bonds and moisturize simultaneously! Start with an intensive pre-bond-building treatment with OLAPLEX N°.0 and N°.3 Hair Perfector®, then rinse with N°.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo and condition with N°.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner. Once you get out of the shower, take care of your scalp with N°.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment. This weightless scalp serum immediately hydrates and soothes the scalp as it protects against accelerated scalp aging to promote hair health over time. You can apply it to your scalp using the needlenose applicator before styling wet hair or as an overnight treatment on dry hair.

Next, apply No.6 Bond Smoother® to damp hair to soften, smooth, and hydrate it while controlling frizz.

To make holiday shopping easier, explore OLAPLEX gift sets. These curated gift sets have everything you need to give your loved ones stronger, shinier, and healthier hair through the holiday season and beyond.

*On virgin tresses

**On bleached hair tresses

Self-Adhesive gel polish? Is this even possible? Does it work? YES!

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One of the things that I always use to make myself feel more put together, or polished, is having my nails “done”.

And by “done”, I don’t necessarily mean heading into a nail bar, I’ve been doing them myself for a while now, but just having some colour on them – it adds a finishing touch to any look.

So, when the gorgeous Catherine from The Skin Wardrobe reached out to tell me about her latest to launch innovative new Scandinavian brand taking Sweden by storm, “Love’n Layer”, I was immediately intrigued…. One application with Catherine? I was HOOKED!

I spent the afternoon in the amazing Skin Wardrobe Studio for the inaugural launch of Love’n Layer.  Catherine applied one hand for me, demonstrating how easy it was (and it really was!), and then gave me the other side to go home and do myself.

We also chatted about the amazing array of colours and designs, something for everyone and every occasion.

The thing I love about adding colour to your nails, is that is really finishes of any look, and it’s a great way to let your own unique style personality shine through.

The first colour I chose was LONDON BLUE – the vibrant blue below – it suits almost everyone, as blue is the most contrasting colour to our skintone. This stunning colour creates a gorgeous POP that works if you love wearing colour too, but also is a great way to add that subtle colour to a more neutral outfit.

Interested to know more? Let’s break it down.

WHAT IS Love’n Layer?

Layers is an innovative, pre-set and pre-cut adhesive gel nail polish. Following nail preparation, it takes 3-5 minutes to apply, without mess and unnecessary drying time. Its thin, yet strong, layer supports and protects your existing nail while adding colour and pattern into your life!

SHOP THE HAND LAYERS EXCLUSIVE TO THE SKIN WARDROBE

These are more than just nail stickers, and SO much easier that at-home gels. The founder of the business, Ida Thern, created this product out of a need for non-toxic, and non-pungent nail polish, that was easy to apply, and more importantly, easy to remove.

And on top of all that, they are REALLY affordable! A set of Hand Layers starts at $38… way cheaper than going to a nail salon, and LORDY so much quicker!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

There are 4 easy steps that can be done in under 10 minutes, YES! 10 MINUTES!

As a busy mum, I sometimes even struggle to find the time to do my own gel nails, and I’m at the mercy of the machine until I’ve painted and set my nails 3-4 times over… with Layers, there is NO mess, and NO drying time! So you’re literally done in minutes… here’s how it works

  1. Prep and clean the nails – preparation is key. Any residues and oils like moisturisers etc can affect how the nails adhere.
  2. Pick your size from the pack – match the gel nails up with your nail shape, peel off and apply to your own nail bed
  3. File the excess – there will be some overhang, so simply use the glass file to file under the nail, and remove the excess gel
  4. you can cure under a UV light if you wish, it hardens the nail and adds more of a shine, but this step isn’t essential if you don’t have a UV lamp

You can watch how I applied my VERY FIRST SET over on my instagram and see how easy it really is – WATCH THE VIDEO

Removal is super-easy too! Just get your fingernail under the edge of the gel coating and gently lift – the layer should come away relatively easily, and with no need for chemicals and no damage to your nails.

CAN YOU DO YOUR TOES TOO?

100% you can! there are layers for hands and feet, and so many cool colours to choose from. The application process really is quick and mess free.

Both my hand sets have lasted over 2 weeks, and my toes are still going 3.5 weeks later! Plus there additional sizes in your pack, so if one happens to pop off or chip, it’s really easy just to replace it without having to buy a whole new set.

WHAT YOU NEED

So to start yourself off on this amazing new nail journey, you’ll need to grab a pack of hand layers, a glass file, and if you want to set the gels, a small UV lamp.

You could also add some toe layers into the mix, and if you want something a little extra-special, there are also glitter layers, animal print layers and heart layers to choose from.

  • So you’re saving time – CHECK.
  • You’re saving money – CHECK.
  • You’re looking after your nail health – CHECK.
  • And by purchasing from The Skin Wardrobe, you’re supporting an amazing NZ small business! – CHECK

It’s a no-brainer really, what are you waiting for? Now the only question is, what colour are you going to start with??

GET ALL YOUR LOVE’N LAYER PRODUCTS EXCLUSIVELY FROM THE SKIN WARDROBE HERE

Skin Benefits of Chamomile

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Ingredient:

Chamomile

Fancy Latin Name:

Anthemis or Roman chamomile or Matricaria recutita L. (German blue chamomile)


Why Do We Love Chamomile?

It’s almost impossible to count the ways in which we love chamomile, actually. Both Roman and German chamomile have myriad uses, most of which are calming in nature. From soothing teas to healing balms to skincare products made with chamomile essential oil, this potent herb offers something for everyone.

Where Does Chamomile Come From?

German chamomile is a medicinal herb native to southern and eastern Europe. It is now grown all over the world, with Hungary as the main producer and the source of our blue chamomile oil.

Roman chamomile is grown all over, and is also referred to as English chamomile. We source ours from the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

What Are The Skin Benefits of Chamomile?

  • German chamomile can help alleviate itching and inflammation thanks to alpha-bisabolol and chamazulenetwo of the most powerful constituents of the oil.
  • Chamazulene, present in both German (more) and Roman (less) chamomile, can help reduce redness in skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
  • Chamomile has bacteria-fighting capabilities.
  • Chamomile applied to the skin has shown some promise in treating eczema, without the rebound effect that comes with steroid treatment.
  • Chamomile should only be used on the skin in properly diluted formulations.
close up photo of dried chamomile flowers, yellow and light brown in color

What Are The Health Benefits of Chamomile?

  • Chamomile has shown significant benefits for people with anxiety and depression, and may be most effective when taken daily as a supplement.
  • Chamomile tea has anti-spasmodic propertieswhich can help relieve menstrual cramps.
  • Several cups a day of chamomile tea can help alleviate symptoms of PMS, including depression and anxiety.
  • Chamomile can help settle gastrointestinal upset, thanks to the anti-spasmodic properties mentioned above, so a few cups of chamomile tea a day is great for folks with GI issues!

Fun Facts About Chamomile:

  • It’s possible to have an allergy to chamomile, especially if you are allergic to related plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.
  • Chamomile is used to make perfumes, skincare, healing balms, tea, beer, and even an herbal liqueur.
  • German chamomile grows up to 2-3 feet tall. It has thin, feathery leaves and white flowers with yellow centers with an apple-like scent.
  • Roman chamomile grows only 4-5 inches, and likes to spread out horizontally, which is why you often see it as a ground cover in gardens. The flowers have a similar appearance to the German variety.
  • One million cups of chamomile tea are consumed throughout the world every day!

Osmia Products with Chamomile:

With love and calm chamomile energy,

The information contained in this post is for educational interest only and is not intended to represent claims for actions of chamomile. This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any physical or mental illness or disease.

Reference articles:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210003/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10799352/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5646235/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970572/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074766/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5589135/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8242407/

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025

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*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide

Makeup brushes always make great pressies, and personally I can never get enough of them! They are the perfect solution for easy Christmas gifting when it comes to makeup lovers. Check my list of the Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets for 2025.

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025

I’ve scoured all the best brands for the cutest brush sets for Christmas this year, and here are my favourites:

MAC of All Trades Christmas Brush Set £52.50

If you want a magic little trio that feels festively luxe but still totally brilliant for all year round, this is it. The set brings together three pro-quality full-size brushes (a bronzer fan brush, a synthetic duo-fibre face brush, and a blending eye brush) in a pretty mint-green quilted bag.

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide - MAC
Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide – MAC

It’s perfect for gifting to someone who loves a polished everyday look, and because it’s a holiday-exclusive, it feels extra special: simple, chic and totally M·A·C-worthy.

REESON The Brush Set

From my own brand REESON, this one is the beauty-lover’s little secret: two multi-tasking brushes that are soft, easy to use and really versatile. The No. 1 brush is ideal for base products (think tinted moisturiser, foundation, concealer or bronzer/blush balm) and the No. 2 is perfect for lids, powder, concealer or setting powder.

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide - REESON
Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide – REESON

For someone who wants to keep things minimal but still get a polished look, or for makeup beginners, his little set is the perfect fuss-free gift.

Bobbi Brown Complete Brush Set

This set is all about effortless elegance and timeless quality and ideal for someone who appreciates understated, polished makeup. The brushes are ultra-soft, build natural-looking finishes and are versatile enough for a variety of looks (from everyday to glam). It’s a low-drama, classic “put-together” kind of set that feels like the kind of gift your future self would thank you for.

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide - Bobbi Brown
Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide – Bobbi Brown

I adore Bobbi Brown makeup brushes and the Full Coverage Face Brush is an icon in the beauty industry. This set contains the iconic foundation brush, plus the Sheer Powder brush (another of my faves) along with eye makeup brushes. It all comes in a handy case too.

Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Brush Set

For those who want a full kit without spending a fortune, this set is the dream. It bundles everything you need to cover face, cheeks and eyes: from fluffy blush and setting brushes to a complexion sponge and eye-shadow crease brush.

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide - Real Techniques
Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide – Real Techniques

Because the bristles are synthetic, it’s perfect for both creams and powders, and it’s lightweight, beginner-friendly, and cruelty-free. Great for your beauty-loved bestie who wants to up their makeup game without the stress.

Zoeva It’s a Celebration Brush Vault

I’ve liked every brush I have tried from Zoeva so far and this set contains everything you need for any makeup consideration. If you’re shopping for someone who loves playing with their look or loves a full glam routine, this vault is the one.

Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide - Zoeva
Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 Gift Guide – Zoeva

It’s a 12-piece brush set covering everything from base to brows to dramatic eyes, all handcrafted, vegan and cruelty-free. Basically a mini brush wardrobe – whether they want a flawless foundation, a soft contour, a smoky eye or a defined wing liner, this vault has got them covered. It feels like a lovely Christmas treat for anyone who loves experimenting with makeup.

This brilliant kit contains 15 vegan face and eye brushes for £180, and the full value is £256. It’s the perfect gift for anyone serious about their makeup.

If you have any questions about my Best Christmas Makeup Brush Sets 2025 list*, please let me know.

If you are still shopping for a bargain, make sure you check out Best Cyber Monday & Black Friday Beauty Deals 2025- Roundup.

Thoughtful Gifts f – Merindah Botanicals

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Finding the perfect Christmas gift can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to give something thoughtful, luxurious, and actually useful.

This year, skip the generic presents and give the gift of glowing skin with premium Australian natural skincare.

At Merindah Botanicals, we believe the best gifts are those that encourage self-care rituals and deliver real results. Whether you’re shopping for your skincare-obsessed best friend, your hard-working mum, or that colleague who deserves a treat, our curated Christmas gift guide makes it easy to find beautiful botanical gifts for everyone on your list.

From luxurious gift sets under $150 to thoughtful stocking fillers under $30, we’ve organized our top picks by recipient and budget so you can find the perfect present in minutes. All our products are made in Tasmania with pure botanical ingredients, beautifully packaged, and ready to delight.

Let’s find the perfect gift together.

Top 5 Christmas Gifts for Skincare Lovers

For the women who do everything for everyone else—the ones who deserve to be pampered but rarely take time for themselves. These are our hero gifts that deliver spa-worthy results in just 5 minutes a day.

1. Glow Ritual Gift Set – $129.95

Our bestselling gift set is a complete facial ritual in one beautiful package. This luxurious collection includes our Uplifting Cleanser, Hydrating Anti-Ageing Elixir, and Luxurious Face Cream—everything needed for a 5-minute ritual that delivers spa-worthy glow. Perfect for the woman who gives so much to others and deserves something truly special for herself.

Why she’ll love it: Complete routine, premium packaging, Australian botanicals, visible results in just 5 minutes

Shop Glow Ritual Gift Set

2. Go to Glow Set – $115.95

Your shortcut to radiant skin. This thoughtfully curated set includes our most-loved glow-boosting products for a complete facial ritual. Ideal for the busy woman who wants professional results without the time commitment.

Why she’ll love it: Glow-focused formula, complete routine, proven results

Shop Go to Glow Set

3. Essential Beauty Pack – $99.95

A beautiful collection of skincare essentials that delivers a complete routine. This versatile set is perfect for the woman who appreciates quality natural skincare and loves a well-rounded ritual.

Why she’ll love it: Complete care, natural ingredients, exceptional value

Shop Essential Beauty Pack

4. The Selfcare Escape Set – $79.95

Create a complete escape-from-reality ritual with this nourishing collection. Perfect for the woman who needs regular reminders to slow down and prioritize self-care.

Why she’ll love it: Complete self-care ritual, beautiful packaging, indulgent experience

Shop The Selfcare Escape Set

5. Rejuvenating Face Gym Set – $49.95

For the woman who loves a good facial massage and gua sha moment. This set brings professional techniques home with tools and products for sculpted, glowing skin—all in just 5 minutes.

Why she’ll love it: Professional results at home, includes tools, quick ritual

Shop Rejuvenating Face Gym Set

Gifts for Your Partner (Husband or Wife)

For Her: Glow Ritual Gift Set – $129.95

Show her she deserves the best with our premium gift set. The Glow Ritual Gift Set delivers everything for radiant skin in one beautiful package. It says “I see how hard you work, and you deserve this luxury.”

For Him or Her: Essential Beauty Pack – $99.95

Natural skincare for everyone. The Essential Beauty Pack is a thoughtfully curated collection that works beautifully for any skin type. Simple, effective skincare with premium Australian botanicals—no complicated routines, just clean, nourishing products that deliver results.

Luxurious Individual Gifts:

Create your own custom gift pairing:

  • Hydrating Anti-Ageing Elixir – $64.95: Lightweight miracle serum for visible results
  • Uplifting Cleanser – $51.95: The perfect start to any skincare ritual
  • Luxurious Face Cream – $44.95: Daily luxury in a jar
  • Invigorating Body Scrub – $43.95: Transform showers into spa moments
  • Nurturing Rosehip Oil – $39.95: Versatile oil for face, body, and hair

Shop Gifts for Partners

Gifts for Friends

Your best friends deserve gifts that show you know them—and that you want them to feel pampered and appreciated.

For the Self-Care Queen: The Selfcare Escape Set – $79.95

Perfect for the friend who needs regular reminders to slow down. This beautiful set creates a complete escape-from-reality ritual with nourishing skincare essentials.

For the Glow Getter: Go to Glow Set – $115.95

Give your radiance-obsessed friend exactly what she wants—glowing, healthy skin. This curated set delivers visible results with our most-loved glow-boosting products.

For the Skincare Enthusiast: Essential Beauty Pack – $99.95

Introduce your friend to premium natural skincare or help them expand their collection with this thoughtfully curated set. Everything they need for a complete routine.

For the Ritual Lover: Rejuvenating Face Gym Set – $49.95

For the friend who loves a good facial massage and gua sha moment. This set brings professional techniques home with tools and products for sculpted, glowing skin.

Shop Gifts for Friends

Gifts for Colleagues

Show appreciation without breaking the bank. These thoughtful gifts are professional, universally loved, and beautifully packaged.

Premium Option: Rejuvenating Face Gym Set – $49.95

A standout Secret Santa gift that shows genuine thoughtfulness. The gua sha tool and complementary products create a complete at-home facial experience.

Mid-Range Options:

  • Invigorating Body Scrub – $43.95: Everyone loves a luxurious body scrub. This silky, botanical formula transforms showers into spa moments.
  • Luxurious Face Cream – $44.95: Daily luxury that shows you care

Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Nurturing Rosehip Oil – $39.95: Lightweight miracle oil for face, body, and hair
  • Nourishing Hand Cream – $35.95: Fast-absorbing, deeply nourishing, never greasy
  • Gua Sha – $29.95: Trendy, useful, beautifully packaged
  • Calming Toner – $27.95: Refreshing botanical mist for all skin types

Stocking Fillers & Secret Santa Gifts:

  • Eco Makeup Cloth – $23.95: Sustainable, effective, planet-friendly
  • Purifying Konjac Sponge – $19.95: Gentle exfoliation for glowing skin
  • Soothing Lip Balm – $18.95: Small but mighty luxury

Shop Gifts for Colleagues

Soothing natural lip balm tube displayed on stone, a vegan lip balm that provides deep hydration and protection for dry lips.

Gifts Under $50

Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean expensive. These beautiful gifts deliver luxury without breaking the budget.

Gift Sets Under $50:

Rejuvenating Face Gym Set – $49.95 Professional glow-boosting techniques at home with gua sha tools and complementary skincare.

Individual Luxuries:

  • Luxurious Face Cream – $44.95: Daily luxury that shows you care
  • Invigorating Body Scrub – $43.95: Spa-worthy exfoliation
  • Nurturing Rosehip Oil – $39.95: Versatile miracle oil
  • Nourishing Hand Cream – $35.95: For hands that do so much

A tube of nourishing hand cream displayed alongside its packaging, with a small bowl with shea butter and a Australian Finger Lime Caviar, all set against a neutral background.

Thoughtful Smaller Gifts:

  • Gua Sha – $29.95: Ancient beauty ritual, modern results
  • Calming Toner – $27.95: Refreshing botanical mist
  • Eco Makeup Cloth – $23.95: Sustainable beauty essential
  • Purifying Konjac Sponge – $19.95: Gentle daily exfoliation
  • Soothing Lip Balm – $18.95: Silky, nourishing lip care

Shop Gifts Under $50

Last Minute Gifts: Digital Gift Cards & Quick Solutions

Running out of time? Don’t panic. We’ve got you covered with instant solutions that still feel thoughtful.

Digital Gift Card – Delivered Instantly

The perfect last-minute gift that doesn’t feel last-minute. Our digital gift cards are delivered via email within minutes, giving your recipient the freedom to choose exactly what their skin needs. Available in amounts from $50 to $250.

Perfect for:

  • When you’re running out of time
  • Long-distance gifting
  • When you’re not sure of their preferences
  • The person who has everything

Why it works: Let them build their own skincare ritual. They know their skin best, and you’re giving them the power to choose premium Australian natural skincare.

Shop Gift Cards

Quick Ship Favorites (Ready to Send):

If you have a few days and want a physical gift:

Stocking Fillers (Ships Fast):

  • Soothing Lip Balm – $18.95
  • Gua Sha – $29.95
  • Eco Makeup Cloth – $23.95
  • Purifying Konjac Sponge – $19.95

Small Luxuries:

  • Nourishing Hand Cream – $35.95
  • Calming Toner – $27.95
  • Nurturing Rosehip Oil – $39.95

All orders over $120 receive free shipping Australia-wide.

How to Choose the Perfect Gift

Still not sure? Use this quick decision tree:

Budget First?

  • Under $30: Stocking Fillers (Gua Sha, Lip Balm, Konjac Sponge, Eco Makeup Cloth)
  • Under $50: Individual luxuries or Rejuvenating Face Gym Set
  • Under $100: Essential Beauty Pack, Selfcare Escape Set
  • Under $150: Glow Ritual Gift Set, Go to Glow Set

Recipient First?

  • Busy Mum/Caregiver: Glow Ritual Gift Set (5-minute ritual for women who do everything)
  • Self-Care Lover: Selfcare Escape Set, Essential Beauty Pack
  • Natural Beauty Enthusiast: Essential Beauty Pack, Go to Glow Set
  • Busy Professional: Rejuvenating Face Gym Set, Go to Glow Set
  • Eco-Conscious Friend: Eco Makeup Cloth, Konjac Sponge, any of our natural products

Skin Concern?

  • Anti-Aging/Glow: Glow Ritual Gift Set, Hydrating Anti-Ageing Elixir, Go to Glow Set
  • Dry Skin: Nurturing Rosehip Oil, Luxurious Face Cream, Nourishing Hand Cream
  • Sensitive Skin: Calming Toner, Purifying Konjac Sponge
  • All Skin Types: Essential Beauty Pack

Why Choose Merindah Botanicals for Christmas Gifting?

Australian Made: Every product is crafted in Tasmania with premium local botanicals

🌿 Natural Ingredients: Pure, effective formulations without harsh chemicals

📦 Beautiful Packaging: Gift-ready presentation that looks as good as it feels

🎁 Thoughtfully Curated: Each set is designed for complete rituals, not random products

🚚 Free Shipping: On all orders over $100 Australia-wide

💚 Sustainable: Eco-conscious packaging and practices

5-Minute Rituals: Spa-worthy results without the time commitment

This Christmas, give more than just a gift—give the experience of glowing, healthy skin and the ritual of self-care. Whether you’re shopping for the woman who does everything for everyone else, your hard-working best friend, or that colleague who deserves recognition, Merindah Botanicals offers premium Australian natural skincare that delivers real results.

From luxurious gift sets to thoughtful stocking fillers, every product is crafted with pure botanical ingredients and designed to make skincare feel like a treat, not a chore.

Ready to find the perfect gift?

Shop Our Complete Gift Guide | Browse All Gift Sets | Get a Gift Card

13 Best Christmas Stockings 2025: Chic & Stylish Christmas Stockings

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There’s nothing more festive than stylish Christmas stockings bursting with presents to adorn your fireplace mantle. The best Christmas stockings might be an easy, decorative element to add to your festive scheme – but you’ll be surprised by the ways this simple accent can elevate your space.

Even as adults, opening some quirky, thoughtfully-chosen Christmas gifts – or even novelty stocking fillers – is a total joy. Because even if we’re a person who thinks they have everything, a set of the best Christmas stockings are as much part of festive tradition as an annual Christmas movie binge or sniffling at the John Lewis Christmas ad – and one we take quite seriously.

SKIP TO:

Christmas décor and getting your home ready for the holidays has become as much a part of the build-up to the big day as the best beauty advent calendars and Christmas party dresses. And how you decorate your home says quite a lot about you as a person. Are you a freshly cut pine or artificial tree kind of person? Do you go full-blown with maximalist designs or stick to monochrome luxury Christmas stockings to enhance your carefully chosen interiors? And then there is the very important question of where to hang your Christmas stocking, too?

While our edit of the best Christmas stockings is filled with only the most stylish (would you expect anything else?) there’s certainly a design for all tastes, ready to await Santa and his reindeer. Read on for 13 stylish Christmas stockings to bring holiday cheer into your home!


Where to buy Christmas stockings in 2025

If you’re hunting for the perfect Christmas stockings in the UK this year, you’re in luck because there’s so much choice on the high-street. Our favourites include Selfridges for luxe, statement stockings, Dunelm for cosy faux-fur designs, Damson Madder for the trendiest designs, Free People for a boho-chic festive vibe, H&M Home for stylish yet affordable options, and finally, Fortnum & Mason for timeless classics.


What is the best material for Christmas stockings?

It all really depends on the look and feel you want. Velvet offers a luxurious, classic vibe and holds shape beautifully, making it perfect for a traditional mantel. Knitted fabrics or wool will deliver that cosy, nostalgic feel, ideal for a homely, Fair Isle‑inspired Christmas. Faux fur or felt stockings are soft, cuddly, and lightweight, perfect for stuffing with gifts. For a more modern or minimalist aesthetic, cotton is always a fail-safe choice (and my personal favourite).


What’s the best way to hang a Christmas stocking?

The traditional way to hang Christmas stockings is, of course, along a fireplace mantel – it’s classic, cosy, and instantly festive. But not all of us have a fireplace to hang our Christmas stockings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get festive. The best way is to think outside the mantel: try stylish hooks on a wall, drape them along a staircase railing, or suspend them from a bookshelf or door/cupboard handle.


Ahead, the best Christmas stockings for your most stylish gifting display yet.

After more Christmas gift inspo? Check out the best Christmas gifts, the best gifts for her, and the best Christmas gifts for teenage girls. For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

How to Style Your Hair While Growing It Out — Posh Lifestyle & Beauty Blog

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Growing out your hair can be an exciting but challenging journey. As your hair transitions from short to long, it often passes through awkward stages where styling can feel frustrating. Uneven lengths, unruly layers, and the temptation to chop it all off again are common struggles during this time. It’s a phase that requires patience, creativity, and the right hair care techniques to maintain a polished look.

For those looking to ease this transition, professional guidance can make all the difference. Bella Salon, known for its expertise in helping clients through every phase of their hair journey, offers tailored services to keep your hair looking stylish as it grows. From personalized cuts that shape and enhance your growing locks to treatments that promote healthy hair, Bella Salonis a go-to destination for maintaining your confidence during this period.

Understanding the Growing-Out Process

Growing your hair out isn’t just about letting it grow—there are specific phases your hair will go through, each with its own set of challenges.

  • Phase 1: From Short to Medium Length
    This initial stage is perhaps the trickiest, as your hair moves from a structured short style to a somewhat undefined medium length. Hair can feel difficult to control, with awkward layers and lengths appearing. You might struggle with a lack of volume or a shape that doesn’t quite match your vision. The key here is embracing texture and making regular visits to the salon to keep your hair neat, even when it’s growing out.

  • Phase 2: Medium to Long Length
    As your hair begins to approach longer lengths, the awkward phase gives way to more styling possibilities. However, you may face challenges like split ends, tangling, or uneven growth. This stage requires careful maintenance, including conditioning treatments and trimming to keep your hair healthy as it grows.

Styling Techniques for Every Stage

As your hair begins to transition from short to medium length, styling can become tricky. The key is to embrace the in-between stage by choosing versatile looks that are easy to maintain yet stylish.

  • Textured Pixies: Adding texture to a pixie cut is a great way to work with shorter lengths. Texturizing products, like lightweight pomades or sea salt sprays, can give your hair dimension and volume while still keeping things manageable.

  • Messy Waves: Messy waves are perfect for adding a carefree, tousled look to medium-short hair. Whether you’re using a curling iron or enhancing your natural wave with products, this style adds body and movement to your growing locks.

  • Sleek Bob Variations: Sleek, blunt bobs are a classic go-to as your hair reaches the medium stage. With regular trims to maintain shape, this style offers a polished look while giving your hair the freedom to grow.

At Bella Salon Austinprofessional stylists can help you maintain these styles and adapt them to your hair’s evolving length. They focus on techniques that promote growth, ensuring your hair stays healthy while looking stylish at each stage. Their experts will also recommend specific cuts and treatments that prevent awkward growth patterns, making the transition from short to medium hair smoother.

Once your hair starts growing past the medium length, you’ll have more styling options. However, maintaining the health of your hair becomes even more important as split ends and damage can quickly diminish the look of longer hair.

  • Layering: Layers are an excellent choice for medium-to-long hair, adding shape and texture. Layers can also take the weight off your hair, giving it more volume and movement without sacrificing length.

  • Beachy Waves: Loose, beachy waves are a perfect go-to for this stage, offering a laid-back but chic vibe. You can use a curling wand or braid your hair overnight for heat-free waves.

  • Braids: As your hair grows longer, braided styles become a fun and protective option. Braids not only add style but also help prevent hair from tangling and breaking during the growth process.

Regular trims at salons are essential to prevent split ends and keep your hair looking fresh as it grows.

Hair Care Tips to Support Growth

Growing out your hair isn’t just about styling—it also requires a solid hair care routine that supports healthy growth. To ensure your hair stays strong and shiny as it gets longer, here are some essential tips:

  • Deep Conditioning: Regular deep conditioning treatments help replenish moisture and nourish your hair from within. This prevents breakage and keeps your ends from drying out. They offers customized deep conditioning treatments that cater to your hair type and specific needs, promoting stronger, healthier hair.

  • Reducing Heat Styling: Excessive use of heat tools can weaken your hair, causing breakage and split ends. To avoid this, try to limit blow-drying, straightening, or curling. Opt for heat-free styling options when possible, like air-drying or using protective styles.

  • Protective Hairstyles: Protective hairstyles, such as buns, braids, and twists, can help reduce stress on your hair and minimize damage during the growing-out phase. These styles also protect your ends and prevent them from breaking, ensuring healthier growth.

How Bella Salon Can Help

Bella Salon Austin is dedicated to making your hair growth journey smooth and stylish by offering a range of personalized services tailored to your hair’s needs during each stage of growth.

  • Customized Haircuts: Whether you’re transitioning from short to medium hair or moving toward longer styles, the stylists at Bella Salon are skilled in creating cuts that work with your hair’s current length while encouraging healthy growth. They’ll help maintain shape and volume, preventing awkward phases and ensuring your hair looks polished at every stage.

  • Specialized Hair Treatments: To promote healthy growth, Bella Salon offers a variety of hair treatments designed to nourish and repair. From deep conditioning to keratin treatments, their experts will assess your hair’s condition and recommend the perfect treatment to restore strength, prevent breakage, and enhance shine.

  • Styling Sessions: For those struggling with styling their hair during the growing-out process, they provide professional styling sessions. Whether you need help with mastering messy waves or are looking for protective styles like braids, their team can offer guidance on how to style your hair in a way that complements your growth goals.

Professional care is key to maintaining the health of your hair during the growing-out phase. Regular trims and specialized treatments not only keep your hair looking great but also prevent long-term damage that can hinder growth. At Bella Salon, you’ll receive expert advice and services that ensure your hair stays strong and beautiful as it grows.

Conclusion

Growing out your hair doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With the right approach and the support of professionals like those at Bella Salon, you can embrace each stage of your hair’s growth with confidence. Whether you’re in need of a fresh trim, a nourishing treatment, or styling tips, Bella Salon is here to guide you through the process.

Ready to take control of your hair growth journey? Book a consultation with Bella Salon Austin today and get personalized hair advice from experts who understand the challenges of growing out hair. With their help, you’ll achieve healthy, stylish hair every step of the way.

Why you should be careful shopping the Boxing Day sales

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Now don’t get my wrong, girl loves a bargain… BUT how many style mistakes are made this time of year because of the rush of getting something on sale.

If you’ve even attended a workshop of mine, or you’re in my membership group, or had a 1:1 session, you’ll know my thoughts on sale purchasing, and if you don’t, I’m going to share it with you…

MY BIGGEST SALE RULE IS….

via GIPHY

Simple as that…. but why? Well a few reasons.

1. If you don’t love it enough to have committed to paying full price for it, you don’t love it enough for it to get a place in your wardrobe.

Clothes, like a new car, depreciate the second the leave the store and enter your wardrobe. If you’re only buying something you think is ok because it’s on sale, the reality is, you’re probably not going to reach for it much.

2. Some small businesses can’t afford to go on sale

Small businesses are often running on really tight margins and they don’t actually make a huge amount of money from each individual sale. But expecting them to discount on Boxing Day (and other sale periods), you’re expecting them to cut even more into that tight margin, but you’re always wanting a quality item from  a small business… is that really fair for everyone?

3. You’re not SAVING $50, you’re still spending $150….

Sale mentality can get us gooooood! “ohhhh but it’s marked down so I’ll save $50″… yes my friend, but you are still SPENDING money in order to get that item… if it doesn’t meet all the criteria of the checklist below, its just not worth it!

4. Some stores mark UP before they mark DOWN

yes thats right, you’re not getting the bargain you think you are, you’re just paying normal price because some stores have done some sneaky mark UPS in Nov and Dec….

5. We bargain with ourselves if it’s on sale.

“ooooh its a bit big, but thats ok, I’ll make it work, it’s on sale!”

“hmmm it’s not my best colour, but that’s ok, it’s on sale!”

“I’m not sure where I’d wear it, but it’s only $20, I’ll see how it goes”

Sounds familiar? These are the expressions of someone who has a wardrobe full of clothes, and still feels like they have nothing to wear because they’ve compromised for a bargain!

Now I’m not saying don’t buy ANYTHING in the sales, I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of $$$ off, but here is you’re checklist just as reminder so when I come do you’re wardrobe audit, I’m not pulling out 12 things with the tags still on…. ya hear me?

  1. Do you LOVE LOVE it?

  2. Does it fit a need, or fill a gap in your wardrobe?

  3. Would you have paid full price for it?

  4. Was it already on your radar?

Sale shopping can be fun (it can almost be a sport at times) but it can also be bad for our bank balance, AND our wardrobe it we don’t get it right.

Save that money for the things that you REALLY love, and if you happen to get them on sale think of that as the cherry on the top!

If you’re struggling to work out WHAT you need to fill the gaps in your wardrobe, PERSONAL STYLING BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2024, both in personal and online.

Book yourself a free 30 style consult and we can chat more about how we can work together to make sure you’re making the RIGHT purchases going forward. https://chasingcait.com/30-minute-style-consult/

What do you think about sale shopping? Tell me in the comments below

P.S. Are you ready to step into your style with confidence?….here are 3 ways I can help you to get started :

1. book a FREE 30 minute style consultation to chat about how I can help you elevate your everyday style – BOOK HERE

2. Join The Style Circle – my monthly styling membership and get an all access pass to me – JOIN HERE

3. Ready to work with me? This is your official invitation to work with me this year. To step into your style with confidence CLICK HERE

The 11 Best Frizzy Hair Solutions

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Article by Usman Hassan & Syed Irfan

For many women, frizzy hair is a serious and frustrating problem happening in winters. For some, it’s a daily occurrence and for others, it happens every now and then. Before we go on to discuss how you can avoid or fix frizzy hair in winters, it’s necessary to know what causes it in the first place.

The lack of moisture is the main cause of dry and frizzy hair. The cuticle layers on hair strands require moisture so as to make them smooth. The lack of moisture can be caused due to:

  • Swimming in cholorinated water
  • Extreme humidity
  • Certain chemicals of hair products
  • Extensive use to heat through a blow dryer
  • Using the wrong products on your hair

But the good news is that it’s very easy to get rid of frizzy hair through things which are very commonly available in every home.

Coconut oil in a jar

So go on and beat your frizz with these 10 beauty tips for hair:

#1 Make a smooth paste of almond oil and one raw eggapply it onto your scalp and leave it for 45 minutes, so that the roots can absorb nutrients. Rinse hair with warm water and make sure to use nourishing conditioner and shampoo.

#2 You must look for a conditioner which has protein in it.

#3 Use carbonated water (e.g. soda water ) after you shampoo your hair. Carbonated water has low pH and helps to fight against frizz caused by humidity. You need to do this for a quite a while to see results but this truly is one of the best and easiest solutions for getting rid of frizzy hair.

#4 You can reduce hair frizz by applying an avocado mask onto your hair. Make a thick paste of avocado by mashing it with curd and then apply it onto your scalp. Repeat this remedy twice a week for best results.

#5 As you know too well your hair is made of protein. Coconut oil acts as a natural source of protein and it also brings moisture to hair. Warm 2 table spoons of coconut oil in a small pot for few minutes. Make sure not to overheat it, though. Apply the warm coconut oil on your hair and wrap your head and hair in a towel. Leave it overnight. In the morning, wash your hair with a good shampoo and let your hair dry naturally. Do these simple hair treatments twice a week and within no time, you will have your no-friz shiny strong hair back.

#6 Make a mixture of Vitamin E and coconut oil; warm the mixture and massage onto your scalp. Frizz will be dramatically reduced.

#7 Apply apple cider vinegar and water onto your scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water. This simple remedy greatly reduces frizz and also makes hair shine.

#8 Apply mayonnaise and almond oil onto your scalp and wash with warm water for smoother hair.

#9 Mix honey, coconut oil and bananas and apply and leave on for about 30 minutes.

#10 The combination of olive oil and eggs when use together can bring real changes to your hair. This remedy is great for frizzy hair.

#11 Honey and yogurt when apply together on your scalp can help reduce frizz to a great extent.

    There are many tips around the web for fighting frizzy hair, just make sure to use natural ingredients in your remedies.

    So, what is your favorite hair remedy? Is there any other remedy that you would like to share?

    This article was written by Muhammad Usman Hasan and Syed Irfan Ajmal.They blog at BeautifulYou.com.pk which is a premiere health, beauty, and fashion informational portal.