Latest In Beauty x India Knight Edit

If there's one thing I love more than the monthly Latest In Beauty boxes and their fantastic selection of products to choose from, it's their limited edition collections such as this latest release which is a collaborative box with The Sunday Times beauty editor, India Knight. The box is currently still available but if you want to buy one for yourself (because why not) or as a Christmas gift then go, go, go as it might sell out at any time!

*Latest In Beauty x India Knight Edit (£40, worth £210)

The box contains ten items, six of which are full sized and the box itself is worth a whopping £210 but you can buy it today for only £40 which is an amazing saving! All of the Latest In Beauty boxes are such incredible value for money and they're well worth checking out. The genre of products within the box ranges from makeup and skincare and haircare to body products. The brands are quite varied too from more highstreet options such as Zoeva and The Ordinary to more luxury brands including Elemis, Kiehls and more.

*Sam Mcknight Barely There Texture Mist 

Let's start with one of the haircare products and one of the nicest smelling products in the box. I haven't heard of this brand before, although I'm not really a huge haircare fanatic so I'm not surprised but I love the packaging, the scent is lovely and I love the product itself. The mist is quite fine (which is fantastic) and it gives my hair a little grip, subtle texture and a gorgeous scent.

*Charlotte Mensah Hair Oil 

If you've read my latest post then you'll know that I had a hair cut last week and since then I've wanted to try and keep it as smooth and as soft as the salon treatment left my hair so I was glad for a box of new hair products to try out. This hair oil looks so luxurious, I love the glass bottle and it smells nice too. I've tried a few hair oils since I started blogging in 2012 but the only one that I love is Moroccan Oil; however I am starting to love this one too.

Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 

The third and final haircare product is from another brand I haven't heard of but it looks pretty interesting, especially with that eye catching bottle. It is a silicone free, frizz fighting treatment which sounds ideal for my hair which most of the time makes me look like Hagrid...no exaggeration sadly. I haven't tried this product yet as there are so many items to try out but I can't wait to as it sounds great!

*Zoeva Heritage Eye Crayon 

Moving onto my favourite category of products, makeup. The first is product of my favourite items from the box, along with the body oil and lip colour. I haven't tried many products from Zoeva but I have wanted to for a while so I was happy to find one of their makeup items in the box. I have the shade 'morphology' but there is a lighter shade you could have received instead. I am happy with the darker option as it's such a pretty golden, red toned bronze which is perfect for this time of the year. I've been using it along my upper and lower lash lines for definition - it looks so pretty!

*BBB London Ultimate Arch Definer in Saffron 

Sadly one makeup item I can't use is the one I was super excited by (I just love brow products) as the shade just isn't right for my brows. I received the shade 'saffron' and I believe that everyone will receive the same shade which doesn't make much sense to me as everyones hair colour is different. The shade is too warm toned for my brows which are quite dark and more ash toned unfortunately. I love the packaging and the unusual spoolie/brush on one end of the pencil though.

*Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in Dominate 

My favourite item from the entire box is this beautiful red lip colour from Laura Mercier. The shade is 'dominate' which is a gorgeous cherry red shade that is ideal for the upcoming festive season as it screams Christmas party to me! I've been wearing the shade so much within my photos on instagram (@ofbeautyand) recently. It's the perfect travel size, it feels lovely on the lips and the shade is so flattering as it seems to make my skin and eyes look brighter and fresher. Thankfully, it looks and feels comfortable on the lips, there's minimal (if any) dryness and I do want to buy more of these lipsticks in the future.

*Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix 

I've been able to try a few Elemis products over the years and I've always been impressed so I'm happy to try another. This comforting night cream is designed to smooth and revitalise the skin overnight. As with all of the Elemis skincare I've tried, it feels lovely on the skin, it has a subtle scent and it does what it says on the bottle.

*Clinique Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator 

Another brand I've been able to try quite a few products from, especially skincare, is Clinique. I used to use their three step skincare routine as a teenager and while those products didn't work out for my eczema prone skin at the time, I do still love some of their products such as the seven day scrub and this refreshing moisturiser.

 *The Ordinary Nicinamide 10% + 1% Zinc 

The penultimate item is from The Ordinary which is a brand we all know for their simple, scientific and stripped back products at super low price points. I have been using their hyaluronic acid for a year or so now and I still love it, along with their primers. It is designed for reducing breakouts and congestion which is something I don't really have any issues with so it isn't a product I'll use so I'm going to pass it on to a friend.

*Kiehls Creme de Corps Dry Body Oil 

Lastly, another favourite of mine is this gorgeous body oil from Kiehls which is a brand I've wanted to try more from for years! It smells gorgeous, the scent is almost identical to Hustle Butter which is the tattoo balm I've been using recently so I love it. I use the tiniest amount on my healed tattoos so moisturise them and help them to look fresh and dark.

What do you think of this box? Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned? 

*gifted 

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Melissa Timperley Salon Review

Earlier this week I was very kindly invited down to the Melissa Timperley salon on Tib Street in the centre of Manchester for a complimentary hair cut as well as a treatment. You may have already seen some of these photos if follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand). I've never been one of those people who wants to go to the hairdressers, spa or a salon often as I can find it a little anxiety inducing but the salon had amazing reviews, it has won many awards and it is within an easy driving distance for me. I'm so glad that I went and I couldn't be happier with the experience and result!

If you follow me on instagram then you might have seen my stories within the salon and also beforehand as I was a little undecided on what I wanted. I knew that I wanted a few inches off the length as well as layers but I was debating as to whether a short fringe would be something I'd want. I'm still undecided but I might take the plunge in the new year and get a short fringe. I'd definitely go to the Melissa Timperley salon to get it done as I had such a nice experience there; also I've already started recommending the salon to friends and family.

*Melissa Timperley Cut and Innoluxe Treatment (£75)

The salon is very easy to find, especially if you're from Manchester but even if you are only visiting the city then I think it would be an easy location to get to as it is within a ten or so minute walk from the city centre and the main shopping areas such as the huge Primark on Market Street and the Arndale. The salon itself is on two floors and it has such an immediately friendly, calm and professional atmosphere. Hopefully you can get an idea of the salon from the photographs below but sadly I only had my phone to take photos with as I thought my huge DSLR or Sony A7iii would be a little awkward  to use but I wish I had bought it.

I booked my appointment online using their booking system, which was very easy and simple to use and as an anxiety filled millennial, I definitely appreciate an online booking system, rather than having to call the salon! I booked in for a cut and treatment with Rebecca, one of the salon stylists but depending on the individual you book with as well as your hair thickness and length, the prices may vary.

We first talked over what I wanted and while I was debating a fringe, I don't know if it's something I could maintain and keep on top of the upkeep so I'm glad we opted for a few inches off, longer layers and a longer side fringe. I really appreciated a talk though of what I wanted and what would or wouldn't work with Rebecca adding her opinion as it's something I haven't really experienced before in a salon. Previously, my experiences were 'I want X' and that's what I would receive without having a hairdressers or stylists opinion which would have been useful. I've had awful experiences within a salon (cough, red hair with blonde highlight...) as there wasn't much interaction or input from the hairdresser as to what would be best, thankfully that wasn't the case here.

First up, I had the Innoluxe treatment which is a treatment for coloured and or damaged hair to repair bonds and strengthen the hair. I haven't had a hair treatment within a salon before and I was so happy with the results as my hair hasn't felt as smooth, soft or manageable before which is quite impressive considering that my hair makes me look like a Hagrid impersonator most of the time!

For the cut I had almost three inches off my hair with some longer layers and an almost side fringe around my face to give it more shape. It is a style I've had similar variations of over the years but this is the shortest my hair has been for a while and it feels amazing! As Rebecca was cutting and then blow drying my hair, it feel so much lighter and far less bulky which is exactly what I wanted. Rebecca was so lovely, she was very meticulous and I never felt anxious or stressed as I have done in the past when other stylists/hairdressers have been cutting or brushing through my hair (why do some always using the most fine toothed comb to brush through wet hair - it always made me feel like I'd have no hair left!).

I haven't had my hair cut in a salon for a while and it felt so refreshing to walk out of the salon with a lovely light, fresh cut and hair that was the smoothest and softest it has ever been. As I said, I can feel very anxious within a salon, not just because of the potential to be unhappy with the outcome but because of the atmosphere but the Melissa Timperley salon didn't make me feel like that in the slightest. I'm happy to have found a wonderful salon that gave me exactly what I'd wanted and in a way that made me want to book my next appointment immediately. I will be paying for another appointment in the new year and I cannot recommend the salon enough.

Check out the Melissa Timperley instagram and Rebecca's instagram for amazing before and after photos! Thanks to much to Rebecca and to the Melissa Timperley salon for the opportunity and fresh cut! 

What do you think of my new hair? Have you been to the Melissa Timperley salon or would you want to in the future? 

*gifted

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Mens Christmas Gift Guide: Part One

I love this time of the year when the leaves are changing, everything feels a little more cosy and all of the Christmas gift sets are being released. I have quite a few beauty gift sets and advent calendars on my wish list this year! Today's post is my first mens gift guide of 2019 featuring a range of grooming, fragrance, lifestyle and home gifts for a range of budgets. Check out my first womens gift guide of the year for more gift ideas and to enter my giveaway to win a £60 gift card for TJ Hughes!

*Green People Grooming Ritual Gift Set (£15)

Let's start with a few grooming gifts as I think those are some of the 'safest' and easiest gifts to give at this time of the year, especially as men can be a little difficult to buy for, in my opinion. I love buying and giving gifts for friends and family but the two people I struggle with the most when it comes to finding great gifts are my dad and grandad. They end up with the same gifts every year but thankfully they always seem to like grooming or fragrance gifts.

This gift set from Green People is a fantastic all round, easy and natural gift set that I think would be perfect for those who are difficult to buy for including dads, friends and uncles but also people you might not know quite as well too such as friend's partners, colleagues or cousins, for example. I have been lucky enough to try quite a few products from green people such as their skincare, SPF and makeup with my favourite product of theirs being the *Green People Velvet Matte Lipstick but their gift sets are equally as fantastic.

The gift set contains three x 30ml bottles of their exfoliating face scrub, soothing shave gel and the cooling moisturiser, all three of which are certified organic, cruelty free, suitable for vegans and recyclable. I think this gift set is fantastic for so many people, not just in terms of the quality of the products and the ethos of the brand but it's a great basic set and I love the packaging!

*Carbon Coco Magnetic Charcoal Mask (£54.95)

Sticking with the grooming and skincare theme, Carbon Coco have recently launched their magnetic charcoal face mask. Skincare isn't just for women, everyone needs to look after their skin as it's one of the first lines of defence, it is the largest organ and it is also the first place to visibly show the signs of ageing, dehydration or a poor diet.

I will be posting a full review of the mask in the next couple of weeks but I wanted to include it within this gift guide as I think it's a great gift set idea and something a little different too as I imagine most people haven't used a magnetic face mask before. I've only tried it once so far but I love it and can't wait to share my full review soon.

*Remarkable Trees by Christina Harrison and Tony Kirkham (£24.95)

Next up, a couple of book gift ideas as along with beauty or grooming gifts, I think books are a safe bet, especially non-fiction. I personally love to receive book gift cards or books as gifts but they're even better if they are beautifully published and designed which all of the books from Thames and Hudson seem to be. I've raved about the gorgeous books I've received and bought from Thames and Hudson in various posts, including a couple of last years gift guides and my book recommendation for 2019 is no different.

Remarkable Trees is not only a beautifully published book but I love the layout and the incredible illustrations through it which depict various trees, plants, landscapes and seeds to provide a comprehensive look at the remarkable world of trees. This book would be perfect for those interesting in the natural world, natural history or gardening in general. I find most aspects of non-fiction fascinating so this book is perfect for me and it will be fully reviewed as part of my October and November reading wrap-up at the end of the month.

*Teatulia Classic Tea Selection (£14.95)

If you've read my womens gift guide then you will have seen the jasmine green tea from Teatulia that I mentioned (and loved) but today's post is all about their classic tea selection gift set. The set comes beautifully but simply packaged and includes three tins of their black, oolong and green tea options. The tins are 30g each and contain loose leaf tea so if you're gift recipient doesn't have a strainer or infuser then you could include one (along with a few other goodies) and the selection as a mini hamper.

Even though I'm English, I don't like tea unless it's black, herbal, green or mint but thankfully Teatulia has a great range of options to choose from including caffeine free herbal tea, spiced tea, teaware and tea gifts such as this lovely set. I think the set is great for tea lovers or those who want to try new varieties of tea. Check out Teatulia for more tea related gifts and teaware.

*ASDA Photo Double Sided Wall Calendar (£13)

I personally love to give and also receive personalised gifts and a photo book or personalised calendar ticks all the boxes for a thoughtful, memorable and special gift but one that it also practical - we all know by now how much I love practical gifts. I've gifted numerous photograph and personalised gifts over the years, from photo books and printed cushions to notebooks and calendars and they are always received with smiles!

I think any personalised gift will go down very well as a Christmas gift as it shows more thought and time has gone into the gift compared to a generic store-bought gift, especially if you can add memorable, funny or beautiful photographs. I added lots of lovely holiday photos to my wall calendar for 2020 as there are so many wonderful memories within the photographs that I want to display. I opted for a variety of collages and single photographs to I could fit the best photos in the best places and to add more to the calendar.

I usually gift my granddad a photograph calendar for christmas with photos of myself, my sister and our grandad which he always seems to love. I've made his calendars on a variety of websites over the past three or so years and using the ASDA Photo site was very easy, delivery was quick and I'm really happy with the print quality and colours. If you're looking to give a personalised photo gift this year then definitely check out ASDA Photo!

*Reco Plastic Free Shaving Starter Box (£25, sale)

2019 has been the year of reducing plastic and veganism and I couldn't be happier but one aspect that I haven't really considered until now is gift giving. I know that certain rolls of wrapping paper can't be recycled so I will be using brown paper this year that can be; however I haven't really considered plastic free gifts before. Thankfully more and more companies are brining out plastic free or more environmentally friendly products and Reco is one of them!

I was very kindly sent their plastic free starter box which contains the Reco 3R safety razor, Astra razor blades (x5) and their natural shaving soap. I have only used disposable razors, I've never tried a safety razor and it is a little intimidating, especially as the razor blades are so sharp and they have to be fitted each time. However, I am trying to reduce plastic waste so it seems like a fantastic, reusable option.

The safety razor is unisex, the blades are cheap to replace and there should be less irritation with a single blade. I've only used it once and while it is mildly terrifying to use, it isn't difficult but it requires a little practice. I think it would make a great eco-friendly and practical gift for men or women, particularly if you want to give more environmentally conscious gifts this year.

*Two Tiered Slate Cake Stand (£24.99)

Another great unisex gift idea is this beautiful, sleek and personalised two tiered cake stand! Again, this gift ticks all the boxes for gift giving as it's beautiful, unique, practical and it can be made a little extra special with a personalised message such as a quote, message or a name. I love the look of slate for homeware or kitchenware and this cake stand is no different. I think it would be ideal for anyone who loves to bake as it's a great size to display and serve sweet treats on such as brownies, cake slices or cupcakes, especially over the festive season. I love to cook and bake over the christmas period, particularly vegan gingerbread which would look so cute on the cake stand. If you're looking for personalised gifts, check out Happiness is a Gift for a wide range of wonderful gift ideas for all ages, budgets and interests!

*The Amazing Mystery Box - GOT (from £19.99 per box)

If you have a fan of a particular TV show, movie or series in your life then The Amazing Mystery Box would make a fantastic and unique gift idea! I chose the Game of Thrones box as it's one of my favourite TV series and I usually love the merchandise from the show. The value of the box is double the cost so it's amazing value for money and you can specify the box you want such as a particular TV show or movie (for example, Doctor Who and Star Wars) or by the age of your recipient.

My box contained six items ranging from stationery, pins and wearables to homeware and figurines. I'm happy with the range of items in the box as typically there are mainly figurines in boxes like this but I'm glad there are a few more practical items such as the glasses, tote bag and notebook, all of which I'd love. If you follow me on Instagram (@ofbeautyand), you'll have seen my unboxing.

I think it's a great gift idea that is a little more unique and even though it's a mystery box of goodies (which anyone would love to receive), it can be more personal to your gift recipient by the type of box you choose. If you have an adult, teen or child to buy for that loves mystery boxes, certain TV shows or movies or collectables then I can't think of a better gift this Christmas.

*Emporio Armani Diamonds For Men (£29, 30ml)

Last but definitely not least are a couple of gift ideas from TJ Hughes! I've included a couple of similar gifts from TJ Hughes within my womens gift guide if you want to check it out and be in with a chance of winning a £60 TJ Hughes gift card. TJ Hughes has such a great range of gifts to choose from including homeware, beauty and fragrance gifts. All of the gifts and fragrances on TJ Hughes are at fantastic prices and this one is no different so if you want to grab a bargain for yourself or someone else, check out their website or stores.

Emporio Armani Diamonds For Men contains the following notes: Italian bergamot, woods, pepper, cedar wood, vetiver, amber and cocoa bean which combine to make such a rich fragrance that I think will be a hit with so many gift recipients - my dad included and he can be very picky when it comes to all gifts but especially fragrances. If you are looking for a fragrance gift for yourself (treat your self!) or someone else this christmas then it's well worth looking on the TJ Hughes website or in-store to see if they have what you're looking for as you might be able to save a little money, which is always welcome at this time of the year.

*Baylis and Harding Citrus, Lime and Mint Grooming Duo (£7.99)

Lastly is a gift set from Baylis and Harding which is a great gift idea for dads, colleagues or as a secret Santa gift as you can't really go wrong with lovely smelling toiletries for christmas! This set contains a 300ml body wash as well as a 200ml shower gel. Baylis and Harding gifts always tend to be well presented and very inexpensive so if you're on a budget, it's a great brand to check out.

I just wanted to mention another unique gift to finish today's post and it's a luxe subscription service, Summerton Whisky Club, which I reviewed in my mens gift guide last Christmas. The subscription service is £50 per month and for the price you (or your lucky gift recipient) will receive the monthly bottle of whisky which is specially selected. I think it would make a very special and luxe gift this Christmas and it's a gift that will keep on giving for the length of the subscription you choose.

I hope you found a few gift ideas for the men in your life from today's post and don't forget to enter my latest giveaway with TJ Hughes for your chance to win a £60 gift card giveaway. It is UK only (sorry!) and it ends on the 17th November so you still have time to enter.

What do you think of my first mens gift guide of the year? 

*gifted

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5 Things To Do Around Greater Manchester This Autumn

If you've been following me on instagram (@ofbeautyand) recently then you'll have seen that I've been exploring my home city of Manchester for a couple of upcoming posts, the first of which is today's post in collaboration with hotels.com. I was kindly gifted spending money by hotels.com but all of the views within today's post are my own. 

There are so many wonderful sites to visit within the centre of Manchester, it's many districts and within an hours drive of the centre so if you are a North West local then hopefully today's post will give you a few ideas of places to visit during the October half term or this autumn. Also, if you're visiting Manchester from around the UK or abroad, whether you're staying in a hotel or a serviced apartment in Manchester, here are a few of my top places to visit this autumn in and around Greater Manchester. 

Shopping: Primark, Friends Cafe, Manchester Fort & Trafford Centre 

Manchester is known for a few things including cotton manufacturing, football and of course, shopping. I think many people around the North West view Manchester as a hub of shopping destinations, from the arndale and the many smaller shops around the city centre to retail parks and one of the most famous shopping areas in the North West of England, the Trafford Centre. 

I live a short drive away from the city centre so it is easy for me to travel to the city centre and I typically park at the Victoria station car park as it's cheap, easy to find and there are usually spaces available. Victoria station car park is within easy reach of many of the main attractions within the centre such as the football museum, Chethams library, the cathedral, the MEN arena and the main shopping areas. 

My favourite spots to shop have to include the huge Primark we have on Market Street which also has the UK's first Friends cafe inside - it's an exact replica of the cafe from Friends, along with various sweet treats. I also like the arndale for it's wide range of shops and places for a bite to eat, although it can be very busy at the weekend so it's best to head to Manchester during the week, if you can, especially when the christmas markets begin next month. 

Jodrell Bank 

As I've said, there are so many wonderful sites within the city centre but there are many interesting and historic places to visit within a short drive from the city centre so if you're staying in Manchester and you have a car then why not explore Greater Manchester and it's surrounding cities such as Cheshire, Liverpool and Leeds.

The world famous Jodrell Bank is an iconic landmark for astronomy as it hosts the Lovell telescope which since 1957 has been exploring the universe. The site is part of the University of Manchester and it features more than the telescope as there's a plethora of interactive learning opportunities, guided tours, science shows, workshops, areas of children and a garden/picnic area.

The area around Jodrell Bank is beautiful in itself as is the Jodrell Bank discovery centre, especially at this time of the year. It is less than an hours drive from the city centre, there are a variety of activities for all ages, especially if you have children who are interesting in space! You can buy tickets online or at the centre for £7.65 per adult and £4 for parking which makes it one of the cheaper attractions around Greater Manchester.

You can look around on your own (which is what we did as we were a little low on time) or you can take part in one of the daily telescope walking tours or check out their website for more events coming up. I would love to go to one of their stargazing nights (£9.50) but you have to be quick as they seem to sell out quite quickly.

John Rylands Library & Chethams Library 

Manchester has such a wide history from the roman and viking invasions to the suffragettes and the industrial revolution, the latter is the most evident era of history within the area of Greater Manchester as a whole with it's mass of red brick mills and victorian factories but there are a few unusually beautiful and older buildings within Manchester too!

Firstly, within Castlefield you'll find the ruins of a roman fort which dates back 79AD (that's the period in history when Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed Pompeii)! The ruins are close by the Museum of Science and Industry which is well worth a visit and it's the museum I've visited the most within Manchester.

Another impressive building is Chethams Library which is part of Chethams School of Music and it dates back to 1421 but it was opened as a public library in 1652 which makes it the oldest public library in Britain. I've only been inside once but I would love to again as it is almost a mini Hogwarts library! As it is part of a working school, you do have to go in with a guide but it is free and well worth a visit.

The final historic building I wanted to mention that is also located in the city centre is John Rylands library. The library dates from 1890 and was built by the wife of Manchester's first multimillionaire, John Rylands, as a memorial to her husband. As with Chethams Library, there are also free tours at specific times and I would definitely recommend going on a tour.

Quarry Bank Mill 

Last week we travelled to Jodrell Bank and Quarry bank Mill as they aren't too far away from each other and they combine two aspects that Manchester is famous for, cotton manufacturing and science. Manchester was known as cottonopolis due to it's factories, warehouses and the amount of cotton products the city could churn out thanks to the growing population of Manchester, it's links to the docks in Liverpool, canal network and the plethora of mills and merchants.

There are so many National Trust sites to visit in the North West and my favourites have to include: Gawthorpe Hall, Lyme Park, Dunham Massey, Tatton Park and Quarry Bank Mill. If you have access to a car and you would like to explore around Greater Manchester, I cannot recommend a visit to Jodrell Bank and Quarry Bank Mill, both of which are do-able in one day if you have an early start.

The mill itself is incredibly interesting to look around as it is one of the best preserved mills of it's time and it provides a fascinating insight into the lives of the children and adults who worked at the mill - while they didn't have idyllic lives to say the least but they were treated far better than at other mills within Greater Manchester. The lives of the workers at Quarry Bank Mill takes centre stage with the money making cotton itself as without the hardworking people, the mill wouldn't be profitable.

As well as the mill, there's also a second hand bookstore, shop, cafe and facilities as well as the apprentice house and garden which hosts small tours with knowledgable staff dressed in period costume. I cannot recommend a visit to Quarry Bank Mill enough as it's not only an interesting peek into the lives of the mill workers of the time and the process of cotton manufacturing but the area is beautiful and the gardens are perfect for an autumnal walk.

Tatton Park 

I've already mentioned my love for the National Trust properties within the North West and I didn't know which one to include as my final recommendation as it's a toss up between the wonderful Dunham Massey (which is home to an ancient deer population and the deer come very close to the visitors) or Tatton Park. I recommend both wholeheartedly but if you don't have much time or you really want to see the local deer then head to Dunham Massey; however Tatton Park is going to be my pick for today.

Tatton Park is one of the UK's most complete estates with a Tudor hall, Neo-classical mansion, parkland, gardens and it's own deer population (although the deer at Tatton Park aren't as visitor friendly or as visible, from my experience). I love visiting Tatton Park as not only is the mansion interesting to look around but the gardens are some of the most beautiful I've visited. I adore Tatton Park so much that I had to visit it on my birthday this year.

I have so many more recommendations for places to visit within the city centre, Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas so if you are visiting soon, feel free to comment below with questions or your own recommendations. I will have another post coming soon with more recommendations about visiting Manchester on a budget and more free activities. If you are visiting Manchester this week then be sure to look out for the monsters that have descended on the city centre as part of #halloweeninthecity and the halloween celebrations.

Have you visited any of these sites? Do you have any recommendations of places to visit in or around Greater Manchester? 

*collaborative 

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Latest In Beauty: October Edit 2019

I love subscription boxes, particularly when they are beauty themed and especially so when I can choose the items. Latest In Beauty have some of the best limited edition beauty boxes, such as the new India Knight Edit (which I will be reviewing very soon) but their monthly boxes in which you can choose the items, are fantastic. I've been lucky enough to receive a few of their monthly boxes now and I've been very happy with each one, from the presentation and delivery to the item selection and brands available.

*Latest In Beauty - October Edit (£22, Beauty Enthusiast Box)

The October edit contains so many wonderful products, from more unusual items including an exfoliating hand cream and biodegradable baby wipes to CBD lip balms, collagen shots, insect repellant and tanning sheets masks, among others. I was very kindly sent the 'beauty enthusiast' box in which you can choose up to six items although there are other sizes available. The 'beauty novice' box is £16 and you can choose up to three items and the 'beauty guru' box is £25 with the option to pick nine items.

*SportFX Game Changing Mascara 

Let's start with my favourite item from the box and it's probably by favourite mascara ever, closely followed by the DHC Double Protection Mascara. The mascara packaging not only looks amazing with textured water droplets on the tube but it is such a long lasting mascara that's waterproof and it doesn't require countless coats or an eyelash curler. The mascara is unusual as on one end of the tube, there's a built in mascara remover...yes! The remover when brushed through the lashes, left for 20 seconds and then gently removed with a damp Makeup Eraser cloth, almost instantly removes the mascara. It's very impressive and perfect for me as I had laser eye surgery a couple of months ago and I still want to be a little more gentle with my eyes.

*Ciate Glow To Highlighter - Moondust

Another favourite product is the Ciate highlighter! I've wanted to try something from Ciate, besides their nail polishes, for a while and I'm glad that this item came up on the October selection. The highlighter is a great little travel size, the shade is utterly beautiful and thankfully it isn't filled with very chunky glitter. It is a little pink toned but it looks pretty on the skin and while it isn't as finely milled and minimally glittery as I wanted it to be, I still love the result.

*Dr Hauschka Lipstick in Chessflower 09

I haven't tried anything from this brand so I had to choose this lipstick when it came up on the Latest In Beauty selection. The lipstick contains moisturising botanical ingredients and mineral pigments including rose petals, almond oil and camauba wax. The shade is 'chessflower' which is the most beautiful crushed purple velvet colour that is ideal for this time of the year. The texture is so nourishing and moisturising but the longevity is there too.

*Sure Ultimate Fresh Deodorant

One of the things I love about the Latest In Beauty boxes is the wide range of items, from fragrance samples and skincare to makeup, unusual items and everyday essentials. There are a few beauty subscription boxes on the market that have lovely items but they can be quite repetitive or have mostly one category of items, such as skincare but the Latest In Beauty range is much more practical and convenient with the inclusion of everyday toiletries in it's line up.

*The NF Co Biodegradable Toothbrush 

Speaking of everyday items is this very unusual biodegradable cornstarch toothbrush...yes, it's a toothbrush made of cornstarch. I'm aware of wooden toothbrushes but I haven't come across one like this before! You can recycle the toothbrush head and the packaging as well as the handle are biodegradable. I think that the addition of a biodegradable, zero waste and non-plastic item is amazing!

*Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Last but not least, I wanted to choose this mini micellar water from Garnier as I have the larger bottle and I thought the mini version would be perfect for travelling. I've been using this product since it was first released and I think it is fantastic. I'm glad it's part of the selection for October and it's still available on the site if you are looking to create your own box in October.

I cannot recommend the amazing Latest In Beauty boxes enough, either their monthly subscription boxes or their limited edition boxes as the range of brands, wide variety of products and the packaging/presentation is fantastic. My favourite items from the October selection have to include the amazing SportFX mascara (which I cannot recommend enough), the Ciate highlighter and the Garnier micellar water. The selection is fantastic this month!

Have you tried any of these products? What do you think of the October selection? 

*gifted

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Women's Gift Guide: Part One + Gift Card Giveaway

I can't believe that I haven't posted any halloween content on my blog or social media yet but Christmas has taken over already and it's only October! I'm not complaining through as I love the lead up to Christmas (arguably even more than the day itself) so writing my christmas gift guides each year is always exciting for me...although probably not for all of the couriers and the postman delivering wonderful gifts. 

Today's post is my first christmas gift guide post of the year, although I have already published a gift ideas post which features the amazing Beerwulf beer advent calendar that I'd love for you to check out. I also have other gift guides on my blog from Father's Day, Mother's Day and more which might be helpful if you are looking to get a head start on gift shopping this year. 

*Sara Miller Penguins Cake Plate (£51.50)

As this is my first gift guide of 2019, let's start with the most festive looking gift and that has to be this adorable penguin cake stand from Sara Miller. I instantly fell in love with this range when I was looking through their catalogue and it was very difficult to decide which item I'd like to feature in this gift guide because all of the christmas products are so beautiful but the penguin theme items were too cute to pass up. 

The cake stand not only looks beautiful as a gift itself but the box it comes in is almost as beautiful too. I love the packaging and the product design as it looks very festive and sparkly (you have to have sparkles over the festive season, it's the rule) but it isn't tacky, over the top or too much. I love the minimal but festive design, the colours used and the utterly adorable penguin family on the top of the cake stand. My mum's favourite animals are penguins and you can see why with this illustration so I know she will be incredibly happy with this cake stand. 

I've have had a couple of cake and cupcake stands over the years and they have either been too simple and a little boring or they haven't been very functional - either they are too small or massive! Thankfully this cake stand has a diameter of 27cm which is perfect for a range of cupcakes, brownies or a large festive cake to be displayed on. What also makes this cake stand extra special, along with the beautiful box, is the 22 carat gold embellishments...yes! I cannot recommend this gorgeous cake stand enough as an extra special gift this christmas and you should definitely check out the rest of this sleek and simple but adorably festive range from Sara Miller. 

*Morning Glamour Satin Pillow Case - single (£12.99)

Next up, I wanted to include a luxe and unique but reasonably priced beauty item that is perfect for makeup, skincare and beauty lovers that have everything. I personally love to give beauty, makeup and pampering gifts to friends and family as in my opinion they are very 'safe' gifts to give and I know that everyone will like and use those gifts but it can get a little repetitive and boring so this pillow case is a great alternative.

The satin pillow case is designed to help prevent wrinkles, reduce hair loss and breakages and to help your skin retain moisture, as it isn't absorbent like a traditional cotton pillow case. I do suffer from dry skin as well as hair loss so I was very intrigued by this product and it is something I've wanted to try for a while. I have the pink option but there are lots of others to choose from and so far I'm loving it! It is super soft and smooth on the skin and I just like using it as it feels much more gentle on my skin and hair. Overall, if you have a friend or family member that loves beauty products but seems to have it all, this pillow case is a unique and practical gift that would be ideal as a stocking filler or even part of a beauty filled hamper. 

*Paperscapes Book - Paris (£20)

Along with beauty products, I also like to gift books as I personally get so much joy and escapism from books and I think they can be perfect for those with anxiety - they've helped me so much over the past couple of years. However, buying books can be a little tricky as you might not know which books your gift recipient already has or their taste in books but I think non-fiction is a great option.

Paperscapes create gorgeously illustrated and designed non-fiction reads that features pop out illustrations/structures to display which I think is such a unique idea, especially for a non-fiction read for adults. The book contains information and stunning illustrations of various landmarks and buildings within Paris to look through and learn about. There are a range of books within this series featuring cities such as London and New York so if you know someone who loves or wants to visit one of the cities featured then these books might be a unique and interesting gift idea.

*Teatulia Loose Leaf Tea 

Moving onto a delicious gift and I'm only featuring a mini sample within this gift guide but you will see the lovely *Teatulia Class Tea Selection (£14.95) within my upcoming mens gift guide. I am separating my gift guides this year and while some are labelled as 'womens' or 'mens', they are obviously suitable for anyone! Along with the set, I was also sent a sample of the jasmine green loose leaf tea which comes beautifully packaged and designed, just like the tea selection. I love herbal, green and floral tea options so this one was perfect for me and it's so delicious. I usually drink tea in the evenings as a cosy alternative to coffee and this option is the ideal autumn evenings drink. 

*Bomb Cosmetics Microwaveable Hot Pack (£19.99)

I am very lucky to be a Bomb Cosmetics ambassador (aka. a bomb babe) so I receive some of their adorable products every so often which I am very grateful for! I am excited for every delivery from Bomb Cosmetics as I love surprises, their boxes are always filled with colourful packaging peanuts and all of their products are adorable...this hot pack is no exception. I was very kindly sent a couple of their products for this gift guide and I love both but this little hedgehog is too cute for words.

I love receiving their new products and this recently released range of 'hot packs' is right on time for the colder months as it's becoming very chilly in Manchester already. The heat packs come in a range of adorable animal designs from penguins and foxes to unicorns, mermaids, fairies and even a narwhal! They'd make lovely practical gifts as well as being a cute home decor item, especially for children and I cannot recommend them enough. 

*Bomb Cosmetics Into The Woods Sets (£14.99)

The second Bomb Cosmetics set I was kindly set, sadly isn't available on the website currently but hopefully it will be back in stock soon or you might be able to find it within store that stocks Bomb Cosmetics. It's such an adorably designed gift set but has the cutest woodland theme! I love Bomb Cosmetics products in general (I've bought many of their products, well before I started working with them) but their gift sets and bath blaster cards are my favourite products. There are so many beauty and pampering sets on the market but I think Bomb Cosmetics stands out as not only are they reasonably priced but they are beautifully designed, everything is handmade, many of their products are vegan friendly and all of their products are cruelty free. 

*Nailutral Natural Polishes (£6.99, available at Boots)

Sticking with the beauty theme but moving onto a couple of potential hamper fillers or stocking stuffers. I've already reviewed the fantastic at home gel kits from Sensationail but for today's gift guide, I'm going to be recommending their new vegan 'natural' polishes which contain 85% bio-sourced ingredients such as potatoes, corn and wheat! I was kindly sent a couple of their shades but my favourite has to be 'buff brilliance' which is my ideal everyday nail polish shade. The polish applies well, it lasts quite a while too and it dries pretty quickly. I think nail polishes would be great as stocking fillers, especially if they're a little more unique such as this new range. 

*Silk & Bubble Super Nourishing Hair Growth Mask (£30)

Along with the pillow case, I think that this hair growth mask is a great gift idea for those who seem to have every beauty product as it is a little different. I've tried so many hair masks over the years and they are mostly the same but what makes this one stand out is the gorgeous scent, naturally nourishing ingredients, the smoothing results and it is vegan! I'm so glad that more products are being made for the growing vegan demand and it's great that the beauty world is also trying to be cruelty free and vegan too.

The mask contains so many wonderful ingredients such as coconut oil, fig fruit extract, shea butter, castor seed oil and argan oil, all of which are great for the hair. It smells heavenly, like a tropical summer holiday and even though I've only used it a few times so far, it has left me impressed after every use. I use it on dry hair and wash it out after 30 to 60 minutes and it leaves my hair noticeably smoother, softer, less tangled and feeling nourished. I can't say anything about the hair growth claims but if you're looking for a very effective hair mask, give this one a go. 

*Eye Majic Instant Eyeshadow (£19.99) 

There seems to be a theme with today's gift guide of unique beauty products and this one is no different! You may have seem videos of this item online as it is quite an unusual product and it does have mixed results but I think that when you get the hang of it, it's easy. The set I was sent is contains 20 applicator pairs in a variety of shades but the set as a whole is the 'seduce' shade range. It claims to be hygienic, easy to use, long lasting, non-stretching and great for beauty on the go. My favourite shade combination is 'shade 2' which features a golden beige, bronze and dark brown shade selection; although all of the shades are so pretty and quite natural. I think this shade selection would be great for this just getting into makeup or again those who seem to have every beauty product in existence.

I have used them a couple of times now and while the first attempt was a little...messy to say the least, I think that with practice and a little blending it can look pretty good. To use you place the pad over your eyelid (making sure it's positioned correctly will help reduce the likelihood of mistakes) and gently swipe across the eyelid. I've found that you don't need to move the pad very far, if you do, you might end up with eyeshadow where you don't want it to be. After a little blending with fingers, the corner of the application pad itself or with a small brush, you do end up with a pretty eyeshadow look. I don't think it is as quick as it claims to be but the final result is great (with practice). If you're looking for a unique beauty stocking filler then check out Eye Majic.

*Sassy Shop Wax Scented Wax Melts (£4 each)

Taking a short break from the beauty gifts to a couple of heavenly scented wax melts from Sassy Shop Wax which is a Bristol based company specialising in wax melts as well as room sprays and bath products. Their products tend to sell out quite quickly so if there's a specific scent that you want then it would be best to order as soon as you can. I was very kindly sent two of their wax melt pots which are handmade wax melts that you can break up to use in your tea light wax melt burner (or an electric one). I'm more of a candle person, rather than wax melts, as I just find candles easier to use but breaking up the segments, using the melts and cleaning them out of the burner was very easy, thankfully.

I chose the scents 'snow pixie' and 'antique bookstore' and I'm so happy with my choices as not only do they look amazing with a sprinkling of glitter but they both smell incredible too. The 'snow pixie' scent smells almost exactly like Snow Fairy from Lush which is one of my favourite Lush scents, along with Olive Branch. Snow Pixie contains the following notes of bubblegum, banana, pear drops, musk, vanilla and sweet candyfloss. Also between the 1 - 31st October, 10% of the profits from the sale of the Snow Pixie melts go to The Pink Ribbon Foundation which is fantastic!

Antique Bookstore contains the following notes: rose, incense, black pepper, cedarwood, sandalwood, amber, leather, musk, patchouli, moss and vanilla which combines to make the most delicious musky, rich and leathery scent - it's the scent of an old bookstore with worn leather chairs. I love both scents and it's definitely difficult to choose a favourite so I'm going to recommend both of them. The scent strength for both scents is fantastic (even with just one segment) and I can't wait to use them again, especially Snow Pixie. I cannot recommend them enough and I wish they'd bring out candle version of these scents in the future! Again, another fantastic stocking filler and one that's a little more special compared to mass produced wax melts.

*True Skincare Facial Oil - Dry Skin (£13.50)

Reasonably priced facial oils that are also effective and contain lots of skin loving ingredients can be a little tricky but thankfully True Skincare have a fantastic range of affordable organic facial oils that would make for an ideal winter skincare stocking filler, either for those avid skincare lovers (such as myself) or those starting out with a skincare routine and need a product that's going to give their skincare a little TLC during the colder winter months. The facial oil contains lovely ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, lemon peel oil, evening primrose oil and many more. It is cruelty free, suitable for vegans, certified organic by the Soil Association and it is 100% natural.

Before 2019, I had incredibly dry skin due to eczema but since becoming vegan at the start of the year my eczema has been almost entirely non-existent which is incredible but I do still have smaller areas that are slightly drier than others which can be exacerbated during the colder months so hydrating serums, rich moisturisers and nourishing facial oils are still my go-to products at this time of the year or when my skin need a little extra hydration.

The oil I have is designed for dry skin although they do have an oil for dehydrated skin and for oily/combination skin too so there's a facial oil for everyone - even those with oily skin can benefit from a deeply nourishing facial oil. The oil itself is packaged beautifully, I love the pipette dispenser and it has a very subtle scent so if fragrance or strong scented products irritate your skin then hopefully these will be fine for your skin.

I've been using the oil every other day as part of my evening skincare routine and you only need a tiny amount as a little goes a long way so I think one bottle will last a while! The oil feels so nourishing on the skin so I think it is going to feel even better when the weather become colder and my skin needs an extra layer of hydration. It leaves my skin feeling soft, moisturised and smoother but it isn't tacky or overly greasy and it absorbs quickly. I don't think you can go wrong with this lovely, natural facial oil as a beautifully packaged skincare stocking filler. They also have a few utterly gorgeous gift sets too!

*Magnetic Eyes No Glue False Lashes (£12.99)

Before I move onto the last couple of products and the exciting gift card giveaway, I wanted to quickly mention a few stocking fillers and a fantastic value skincare set. First up, magnetic false eyelashes, yes! I have never been able to apply false eyelashes, even simple individual lashes are difficult for me so I tend to only wear them for Halloween looks (which you can check out, if you want) so magnetic lashes sound perfect for a beginner like me!

The lashes have tiny magnets on them and they stay on your lashes using smaller sets of lashes (similar to individuals) that also have magnets on them to sandwich your own lashes in-between them. It is such a great idea, especially as I am a beginner and I have sensitive eyes so glue is never a pleasant option. It can definitely be very tricky to get the magnets lined up on your lashes (it took me countless attempts but bear in mind that I'm a beginner) but they look so pretty and they make me want to wear false lashes more often.

*Ark Skincare SPF30 Primer (£36)

I'm not going to rave too much about this product as I already did on my August and September favourites post. I've been using this primer for the past few weeks and I love it, not only for it's skincare benefits and SPF but it helps my makeup last longer. It would be a wonderful gift on it's own or you can check out their great value gift sets.

*LookFantastic Discovery Bags (£12 - £36)

We all know how much I love the LookFantastic monthly beauty boxes (which would be a great gift idea) but I love their limited edition and seasonal boxes even more! They have just released a range of 'discovery bags' which range in price and brand but they are all amazing value for money. I was very kindly sent the First Aid Beauty bag (£20, worth £32) and the Clinique bag (£20, worth £34). I love the products I've tried already from First Aid Beauty so I was very happy when this box arrived! I think the discovery bags are a fantastic way of trying a few products from a brand before potentially buying the full sizes or to introduce a brand to someone else. 

*Vera Wang Princess EDT (£19.95, 100ml)

Lastly, two beauty gifts from TJ Hughes and my exciting gift card giveaway! I was very kindly sent a few products from TJ Hughes (you'll see more of them in my upcoming mens gift guide), including the gorgeous Vera Wang Princess EDT. I've tried a few samples of this fragrance and I loved wearing it each time so I'm very happy to have a full sized bottle of the fragrance, especially as the bottle is so cute! The fragrance is currently reduced on TJ Hughes from £60 to £19.95 which is a fantastic saving, particularly as fragrances can be very expensive so hunting around for bargains is a great way to save a little money on fragrance gifts.

The fragrance contains the following notes: waterlily, apple, mandarin, pink grapefruit, tuberose, dark chocolate, vanilla, woods and amber, which combine to make a lovely floral and fruity, feminine and fresh everyday fragrance. I've been wearing the fragrance as an everyday casual fragrance since I received and I love wearing it! The longevity is great considering it's an eau de toilette and it doesn't give me a headache which can happen with some stronger fragrances.

Fragrance gifts can be a little tricky but if you know someone who loves any fragrance or if you know their favourite then definitely check out TJ Hughes as they have a fantastic range of reduced womens and mens fragrances to choose from including a great selection of brands - from designer perfumes to celebrity fragrances. 

*Baylis and Harding Midnight Plum and Wild Blackberry Cracker (£5.99)

As well as a great range of fragrance gifts, they also have a variety of beauty, bath and body gift sets too such as this cute and very festive cracker set from Baylis and Harding. It contains a hand cream (which is always needed during the colder months) and a small perfume rollerball. I think it's a great set, especially as a stocking filler or a secret Santa gift. This particular set is currently out of stock on their website but it might be available in-store or you can check out the other sets available.

Now onto the section of the gift guide that you've all been waiting for, the gift card giveaway. The gift card is very generously being supplied by the lovely people over at TJ Hughes (thank you!) and while I would love to host an international giveaway, this one is only open to those based in the UK. The giveaway is for a £60 TJ Hughes gift card and the giveaway will run until midnight on the 17th November with the winner being announced on my social media (and via email) on the 18th November.

To enter the giveaway all you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below, filling in as many of the entries as you want but the more you fill in, the more chances you have of winning the gift card. Thanks so much to all of the brands in today's gift guide, especially TJ Hughes for the wonderful giveaway prize! Good luck and if you have any problems with the giveaway form below, let me know on Twitter (@ofbeautyand). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

This winner has been contacted - thanks for entering!

Have you entered my giveaway? What do you think of my gift ideas? 

*gifted

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