OPI Wicked Nail Lacquer Oh, For Oz Sake / Let’s Rejoicify £15.60

 

I had wanted to test some Christmas glitter nails and was sent these two varnishes from OPI. I have to say that whilst not what I had in mind (full on glitter), these are actually pretty perfect for Christmas! Part of the Wicked Holiday range for 2024, the collection contains every shade to take you into Winter. 

Oh, For Oz Sake

The Oh, For Oz Sake is a beautiful, ethereal pearlised white that is translucent and yet buildable.

It’s shimmering particles on a natural nail, gives just a light reflection of ‘mermaid’ however, I soon found out that actually it transforms any nail colour into a 3 dimensional shimmering colour.

Here I have applied to my little finger, just one coat and it’s taken my glossy navy (gel) nail colour into a stunning, show-stopping shimmering turquoise. I can’t wait to see how it transforms my other colours! It’s a beautiful colour on it’s own, especially when under artificial light as really glistens. 

Let’s Rejoicify

I have to say this is my favourite colour I have tested this year. A deep wine that is shot through with a shimmer that I can’t quite work out if it’s the same wine colour or fine silver. 

The dark, rich merlot lends itself to open fires, drinking red wine and seductive party vibes. It’s also incredibly on trend and looks amazing on fingers as well as toes. Whilst the website describes it as a purple, I would definitely say it’s a deep burgundy, rich and luxurious.

Not only does it look fabulous on its own but again, transformed my navy into a midnight sparkling, deep shade. In fact I have actually been looking for a colour like this for some time, as it’s not quite black, red or navy but a mixture of all 3!

With up to 7 days wear and with the patented Pro-Wide brush for easy application, you only need 1 coat for a light shimmer, or you can build up the colour with 2 coats. These make fabulous stocking fillers, although I think you would be hard pressed to part with them! Available to purchase at OPI online or by clicking the link HERE

Dr. PAWPAW® Original & Tropical Balms RRP £14.25

If you haven’t tried the Dr. PAWPAW® range, let me introduce you to a complete game changer for your lips. The formula is one that is not ‘cosmetic’ but lends itself to a product that should be stocked in every medicine cabinet. 

Founded in 2013 by Johnny and Pauline Patterson, who sought the holy grail in providing a natural relief for their daughter’s eczema. Not only did they find the winning combination but it is now stocked in over 50 countries, and the huge success is owed to the healing formula.

Newly launched this year is the ‘Multi-Pack Original & Tropical Balms’, containing 4 wind up Balm Sticks, that provide instant relief to dry, cracked lips.

The magical formula includes ingredients such as:-

• Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil - soothing, nourishing and an emollient that helps increase the water content of the skin. 
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - rich in fatty acids, helps nourish dry lips and also contains anti-oxidants to protect the lips caused by environmental aggressors such as UV rays.
• Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil - locks in moisture and strengthens fragile skin. Leaves lips looking plumper. 
• Euphorbia Cerifera (Candellila) Wax - helps prevent lips from losing moisture. 
• Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract - contains Papain which helps with inflammation and also contains high levels of vitamin C that help naturally exfoliate dry, chapped lips. 
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract - soothing, helps lips that have been burnt in the sun.

The Multi-Pack contains the Original lip balm as well as 3 fruity flavoured lip balms in Coconut, Watermelon and Mango. Each one is 4g and will last ages. They’re suitable for men, women and children and make ideal stocking fillers (I have separated mine and will put in the Christmas crackers this year)! It goes without saying that they leave your lips feeling super soft as well as smelling scrumptious (the Coconut is my favourite)!

100% natural, the formula is vegan and Peta approved and you can purchase them by clicking the link HERE.

Le Grande Voyage De L’Occitane En Provence Advent Calendar Review RRP £68

 

When I was younger my advent calendars consisted of a cardboard scenic Christmas scene with small cut out windows. Behind each window wasn’t a gift but a smaller picture and, every year it filled me with the same excitement of ‘what was behind the windows’. The most exciting picture always had some glitter in the scene, which as a child left me squealing with delight. As an adult, and my children now young adults it’s often hard to replicate that excitement I had as a child. Whilst I still fill my wooden advent up with chocolate for my children, they too have slowly lost the enthusiasm of chocolate coins!

Then L’Occitane sent me their advent calendar to review from this year’s Le Grande Voyage collection, and once again that nostalgia of excitement has made a come back!

The beautifully designed box is running the same theme as the previous gifts I reviewed, with the ‘Toile de Jouy’ French design of a train travelling through citrus groves and the escapism of Provence. Toile de Jouy, meaning cloth from Jouy a town near Paris, was designed and printed by Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf dating back to the early 1700s. It’s intricate, swirling design is well known to adorn materials used from Laura Ashley and Cath Kidston.

The pattern is so intricate you can barely make out the 24 enclosed windows however, this just builds to up the anticipation of ‘what lies behind each door’. Each side of the advent contains 12 windows waiting to be pressed open.

Now, I do always struggle to review advent calendars as I don’t like to ruin the element of surprise. With this in mind, I have put a photo up of the contents and listed them at the bottom of this review. What I will say is that it contains products that pamper not just your body, but your skin and hair too. It’s a luxury advent containing many of the best selling products from L’Occitane. 

An idea of just how luxurious can be seen by the ingredients list of some of the products. Many of them contain:-

• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - this rich butter is extracted from nuts and has a high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids. It contains linoleic, oleic, stearic and palmitic acids that nourish and moisturise dry, dehydrated skin types. It also creates a barrier on the skin to protect it from pollution and harsh weather elements. It’s suitable for all skin types and whilst moisturises it doesn’t leave the skin looking oily. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties so is ideal for sensitive skin and those suffering from conditions such as eczema.
• Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil - again anti-inflammatory but also is antimicrobial and so helps prevent bacteria. It contains a high amount of vitamin E and anti-oxidant proanthocyanidin that helps refine the skin tone and improve hyperpigmentation. 
• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - this emollient protects the skin by forming a barrier that doesn’t clog pores. It gives a shield from environmental aggressors such as UV rays, pollution etc. It’s ideal for all skin types including sensitive.

So now would be the time to look away if you don’t want to see what’s inside the box (although if like me, you just cannot resist)!

Inside you will find:-

• Neroli & Orchidee Hand Cream 30ml
• Shower Oil Cleansing & Softening 35ml
• Ultra Rich Body Cream 20ml
• Immortelle Divine Youth Cream 4ml
• 5 Essential Oils Shower Gel 50ml
• Effervescent Cube For Bath 18g
• Verveine & Agrumes Shower Gel 35ml
• Dry Skin Hand Cream 30ml
• Amande Shower Scrub 20ml
• Intensive Repair Conditioner 50ml
• Overnight Reset Oil-In-Serum 5ml
• Cherry Blossom Shimmering Lotion 35ml
• Verveine & Agrumes Body Milk 35ml
• Sensitive Skin Shower Cream 35ml
• Lavande Blanche Soothing Hand Cream 10ml
• Verbena Extra Gentle Soap 50g
• Light Comforting Cream 5ml
• Milk Extra Gentle Soap 25g
• Gentle & Balance Miceller Shampoo 35ml
• Milk Concentrate 20ml
• Glycine Hand Cream 10ml
• Face Make-Up Remover Glove
• Cleansing Milk 20ml
• Intensive Foot Balm 50ml

I have personally used many of these products and some that I haven’t. I cannot wait for the 1st of December to start opening the doors! Whilst the cost of this advent calendar is £68, the actual total of the products are worth £129.50 a saving of £61.50, and at the moment you get a free ‘Bauble’ gift when you spend over £55! The products are all cruelty free and you can purchase by clicking the link HERE

Paul & Joe Advent Calender 2024 RRP £206

 

I’ve just done my Instagram Reel and live TikTok on the Paul & Joe Advent Calendar (@askmollybeauty), and you can see from my ‘unboxing’ my excitement. This truly is the best advent calendar I have reviewed this decade! 

It has so many beautiful gifts inside that include makeup, skincare and lifestyle. Gifts that are so beautiful you would want to give to your nearest, and gifts that you would never expect in an advent calendar.

For the purpose of this blog I will list these gifts at the bottom of this blog. 

The packaging is kitsch, vintage and full of florals and cats!  I have written up on Paul & Joe before and how the Parisian designer has a love of cats.  Indeed inside are 24 boxes that lead to the countdown to Christmas, celebrating in design with Gipsy & Nounette (Paul & Joe’s cats)! 

It is expensive but you get what you pay for and, unlike other advent calendars this really does have top quality products that you would use every day. Its value is worth nearly £400!

As mentioned above the advent is filled with 24 boxes in the most beautiful packaging. Inside you will find a variety of products.

This eyeshadow palette has a stunning embossed floral compact, that gives that perfect solid ‘click shut’ sound. It has a decent sized mirror and brush however, it’s the pigments of the shades that really make this stand out. 

The eyeshadow contains both gold shimmer and silver sky blue eyeshadow. Suitable for all skin tones you can wear these colours just on the lid or on top of other colours to give a 3 dimensional look. It has a decent sized mirror that is perfect for touch ups. 

I think No 6 should be my lucky number now. I couldn’t conceal my amazement when I opened this live on social media. It really is the epitome of giving a wow factor. 

Inside No 6 is the cutest, kitsch ‘Parasol’, umbrella. The cover fabric almost shimmers in the light and has a beautiful cat design on the front. 

The umbrella itself has the same pattern, a beautiful cream handle and a silver chain, making this an umbrella to show off. It’s classy, fun and most definitely Parisian in design. The intricate detailing from the silver pendant on the chain, to the silver and cream handle make this an umbrella to show off.

It’s not just an umbrella to use on rainy days, it’s a multi-purpose umbrella that has UV protection so shields you from the sun’s harmful rays!

Also included is the perfect ‘Christmas Red’ lipstick. Paul & Joe lipsticks are not just colour, they actually treat the lips with a variety of ingredients to moisturise and prevent dryness. This limited edition lip colour, is a true red that will suit all skin tones giving that injection of glamour for Christmas. 

The formula contains Jojoba Oil, Cocoa Butter, Avocado Oil, Madonna Lily Extract and Hyaluronic acid, all active ingredients that help moisturise dry lips, protect the lips from environmental aggressors and are anti-aging. 

It’s a glossy, satin texture that glides on to the lips making them feel moisturised. The packaging is utterly delectable with the high shine patent finish and of course the trademark floral stamped on to the lipstick itself. 

Cat lovers will adore this lip treatment, which is literally shaped as a cat’s head! This treatment contains a cocktail of ingredients to help prevent chapping, burning and irritated lips. It contains an SP25 so will fully protect your lips against the UV rays and looks fabulous on it’s own as gives a bare hint of healthy, dewy pink. 

There are stickers and then there are embroidered stickers that you can put on anything to upgrade your look. These embroidered Gipsy and Nounette cat stickers instantly makeover a notebook, card, phone case etc. The ideas are endless and they look fabulous!

The advent is available online at Paul and Joe or by clicking the link HERE

So look away now if you don’t want to see all the surprises - and there are some big ones in here!

• Hydrating Foundation N01 (30ml)
• Protective Foundation 01 (15ml)
• Illuminating Foundation N01 (15ml)
• F Shiny Foundation 001 (15ml)
• Gel Blush, Limited Edition A001 (12g)
• Eyeshadow, Limited Edition C001 (2.5g)
• Lipstick, Limited Edition C001 (3g)
• Moisturising Lip Balm, Limited Edition A001 (11g)
• Lipstick Care 401 (2.6g)
• Lipstick Case N001
• Washing Gel (50g)
• Body and Hair Mist (60ml)
• Nail Oil 01 (10ml)
• Cat Hand Rest Cushion (W230 x H120 x D55mm)
• Silky Hand Cream (40g)
• Hand Cream (40g)
• Slippers (t36.37)
• Gipsy and Nounette Stickers (W85 x H140)
• Anti-UV Umbrella / Parasol (Diameter: 50cm)
• Terry Towerl (W255 x H215mm)
• Pouch Flower Pattern (W135 x H215mm)
• Tote Bag (W250 x H415mm)
• Pouch Gipsy and Nounette (W210 x H155 x D120mm)
• Pocket Mirror (W98 x H107 x D10mm)

L’Occitane En Provence Christmas Gifting Nourishing Shea Butter Collection £55 / Invigorating Verbena Collection £74

 

I always start my Christmas gifting reviews mid/end October, usually I like to get Halloween out of the way however, some of the gifts this year are too good a value and so beautiful that they’re likely to sell out before mid December. Every year L’Occitane En Provence have the best selection of Christmas gifts and so I’m excited to start off my Christmas gifting edits with these 2 collections. 

Le Grand Voyage De L’Occitane En Provence, these beautiful boxes have been hand drawn by Calicut Paris. The intricate design features Provençal landscapes weaved with florals, fruits and flora. 

Nourishing Shea Butter Collection £55 (worth £67)

The Nourishing Shea Butter Collection is packed full of products from the Shea Butter range and contains everything you need to nourish dry, dehydrated skin types. 

Within the box contains a full size Sensitive Shower Cream 250ml in a pump dispenser. This creamy, rich Shower Cream delicately emulsifies over the body (I used with a body puff) and leaves the skin feeling nurtured and cocooned. 

There are several ingredients in the Shower Cream which help not only nourish dry skin but protect it from the harsh winter elements. Ingredients such as:-

• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed Oil) - helps the skin retain water, so your skin is more hydrated and moisturised. It’s non-comedogenic which means it doesn’t block pores so ideal or all skin types. 
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil - anti-inflammatory, this oil is high in Oleic Fatty Acids so ideal for dry, dehydrated skin. It’s also good if you suffer from irritated skin such as eczema as helps soothe and calm itchy skin conditions. 
• Glycerin - provides a barrier on the skin to protect it from environmental aggressors, helps hydrate the outer layer of the skin.

The Extra Rich Soap is one of my favourites that I not only have used in the past for my bathroom, but that I also like to keep in the downstairs toilet. It’s ideal if you suffer from dry hands, flaking cuticles and makes a wonderful individual present. 

It lathers so well, but doesn’t leave that tight feeling other soaps often leave. This is due to the rich ingredients, many similar to the Shower Cream but also includes:-

• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil) - increase the production of collagen, helps keep the skin feeling supple and can also reduce dark spots. It has many fatty acids and is anti-inflammatory as well as being anti-microbial so helps prevents infections. 
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil - repairs dry skin, hydrates and moisturises. It also helps condition flaking nails and dry cuticles. 

It goes without say that again, it smells wonderful a soft, light musk that is nurturing and leaves hands and the body delicately fragranced. 

Also included is a full sized 150ml Hand Cream that contains 20% Shea Butter, a 75ml Rich Body Lotion that contains 15% Shea Butter and a fabulous Dry Skin Foot Cream 30ml that contains 15% Shea Butter. 

The Hand Cream is a rescue remedy if you have dry, chapped hands. It heals calluses from weight training, manual labour etc and also heals dry, cracked cuticles. As well as anti-inflammatory Shea Butter it also contains:-

• Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) - full of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 which work in harmony to soothe dry, chapped hands. It also contains many vitamins that help protect the hands from free radicals and environmental elements such as wind, sun etc. 
• Argania Spinosa Kernal Oil - otherwise known as Argan Oil, this skin conditioner helps keep the hands feeling supple. It reduces lines and also helps if you suffer from itchy skin. Ideal if your hands are in water or exposed to elements such as wind and sun. It’s packed full of omega fatty acids that really hydrate dry skin types.

If you are suffering from dry, cracked heels then the Dry Skin Foot Cream contains 15% Shea Butter. It not only repairs but helps with inflammation as also contains Lavender Oil. Lavender also is a natural sedative and can help with tired, aching feet. 

Another amazing ingredient is Heterotheca Inuloids Flower which is Mexican Arnica, known to be beneficial for arthritic and rheumatism due to analgesic properties. It also helps  prevent skin infections as is antiseptic. 

Finally the Body Rich Lotion has every ingredient that helps nourish dry, scaly legs, dry elbows and prevent stretch marks. Ingredients are included to help keep the skin supple as listed above, but also includes Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, known to firm saggy skin and Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Extract), which contains a high amount of fatty acids. It also contains Mel Extract otherwise known as Honey that is both skin soothing and skin healing. 

Invigorating Verbena Collection £74 worth £95.50

This gift is a beautiful boxed packed full of the uplifting Verbena products. It’s suitable for both men and women and is a delicate light lemon and geranium scent. The scent itself is head clearing, refreshing and reminiscent of lemon groves and the citrus scent of Provence. It’s the perfect escapism from our rainy, cold winters and a must have to start the day or relieve tired, aching muscles from a long day.

As with the Shea Butter, the Verbana Collection is wrapped up neatly in the signature L’Occitane En Provence yellow tissue paper. It’s inviting and the recipient will want to delve in to see what’s inside.

Included is a full sized 250ml Refreshing Shower Gel, 70ml Body Lotion, 30ml Cooling Hand Cream Gel and a full sized 100ml Eau De Toilette.

This is one of my favourite Shower Gels from the whole of the L’Occitane En Provence range. It is often found in 5 star spa resorts all over the world, and for good reason, it’s simply divine. The refreshing lemon scent fills the whole bathroom but really leaves you feeling alert and ready for the day. It instantly relaxes tight shoulders and you’ll find your tension just escaping from your body. 

It just doesn’t smell amazing, it also contains ingredients to help keep your skin at it’s optimum health, ingredients such as:-

• Coco-Glucoside - a deeply nourishing ingredient that hydrates and locks in moisture. 
• Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract - Lippia leaves are often used in products as the plant is anti-inflammatory. It helps with conditions such as eczema and dry, irritated skin. It also protects the skin from bacteria as is anti-microbial, so helps prevent acne type conditions. 
• Litsea Cubera Fruit Oil - this aromatic plant is excellent for acne and oily skin types. The scent helps with mental clarity and clears a foggy mind.

This Eau De Toilette is the perfect antidote for when you are feeling tired, stressed and anxious. The uplifting and reviving scent is aromatic and can really help alleviate some of the symptoms that come with depression and anxiety. 

It can be spritzed all over, at any time of the day when you are feeling overwhelmed and need to regain feeling centred. Ideal to use after a long day at work, as a pick-me up or to simply refresh before you are going out. I like to keep it in my study to spritz when I’m flagging and my concentration levels are falling. 

The set also includes a 70ml Body Lotion, a light lotion that sinks into the skin without clogging pores. Again with the same uplifting and rejuvenating scent, this non-irritating lotion helps protect the skin from environmental pollution. It protects the skin with similar ingredients to the above.

Finally the Hand Cream Gel 30ml is a light ‘Cooling’ gel that sinks in immediately without leave any greasy residue. It contains Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Oil and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil to really help refresh tired, aching hands. Whether you work as a gardener, hairdresser or if you have been unwell, this is an excellent Hand Gel to help refresh and protect your hands all year round.

These both make wonderful Christmas gifts (I have more to come), and are ideal for everyone. You can, of course, split the gift too. The products are all cruelty free and you can purchase at L’Occitane En Provence in stores, online or by clicking the link HERE