3 Highstreet Hand Creams

Happy new years guys! So unlike many others, I haven't done my 'Best of 2016' beauty products post because actually much of what I share on here are my favourites or my regular routines, so I thought there would be a lot of repetition. Anyway, today I wanted to share with you three affordable hand creams that will protect your hands this winter, so on with the post...

The first hand cream is the newest in my collection, and it's the Sanctuary Spa Velvety Hand Cream (£3.00/30ml). My cousin gifted this to me for Christmas because she noticed that I didn't own anything by Sanctuary Spa, which was very thoughtful! So this hand cream is light in formula, slightly more thicker than a lotion but has a similar blend-ability to it, and so it's quick to put on and sink in. It doesn't leave any greasy residue and it's just a lovely hand cream, you can feel that it has that luxury, spa-like aspect to it. So this is an absolute treat to put on, especially when you are doing your nails. The scent of this is amazing to, it's a light citrus scent which is what adds to the luxury feel as it isn't too potent, but it's definitely discernible. I feel like I would have paid more for this item, so this is an absolute bargain in terms of price.

Soap and Glory Hand Food (£2.50/50ml), is a cult favourite, it has a sweet marshmallow-like scent that is addictive, and moisturises the hand nicely. Despite this, I think this is my least favourite hand cream. I know, I know, how could I say that? For me, I need a hand cream that will sink into my skin, and this is the only hand cream I own that sits on my skin the longest, which is okay when you are at home, but out and about, I feel like my hands are slippy and I have the urge to wipe my hands on my jeans. So although it is the most affordable for the amount you are getting, this is my least reached for product. However, it's a cult favourite for a reason, and that might be because my hands don't get super dry, so perhaps that's why I don't like the feeling of it.

So this last product is actually my favourite, it's Patisserie De Bain Sugared Violet Hand Cream*(£3.99/50ml). I personally contacted this brand to tell them that I loved their products, they have such a niche idea using candy as inspiration, and they were kind enough to send me a few products from their range. I also know that the scents won't be everyone's favourite, however it's the formula that I am absolutely in love with. This is the thickest consistency, however don't be fooled by this because this actually sinks into the skin so quickly, that you can't even remember if you put anything on! It's one of those which is ideal for travel because you can carry on with your day not hindered by sticky hands. The scent of this is also so nostalgic for me too, it smells like the sweet Violets which it's inspired by, so if you have the chance to sniff this, it's definitely worth it. Their range can be found in Superdrug, and you'll love their products if you like scents to stay on your skin!

I would love to know what your favourites are and if you have tried any of the ones I have mentioned! Be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date with my posts!

* This post contains a PR sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sì by Giorgio Armani

I love fragrances and although I don't talk about them a whole lot, I want to start exploring with scents a bit more. I think perfume is one way that you wear your personality, especially before you meet someone, it creates an impression, and so picking something that feels comfortable and like you is a must!  

Giorgio Armani Sì Eau de Parfum (50ml/£67.00) was a gift from my older sister, and as soon as I had a whiff of this, it was love at first smell! It's a scent which makes you want more, it's powerful and potent which means that you only need a few spritz but doesn't get too overpowering or sickly either. This scent lingers on my clothes, which I love, and so the quality of the product is definitely on point. 

When I smell this I can detect a woodsy rose and vanilla, and that's what captivates me with the scent, it's sultry but also really comfortable to wear in the day and night. I honestly wear it everyday now, I am totally hooked and I really wish I discovered this sooner because it smells fantastic. If you haven't smelt this, I would urge you to, especially if you like vanilla based musky scents. I haven't yet heard of anyone who doesn't like this, so I would love to hear what you guys think! 

Packaging wise, I love the simplicity, it's probably more of dressing table staple due to the heavy glass bottle but I have no complaints! All in all, it's just a beautiful fragrance that I think can be used in all seasons, but I think in spring and summer, this will be perfect for the evening due to the muskiness. Right now, no one is going to stop me wearing this. 

 For a more detailed descrption Boot's describe Sì as:

"Sì – The Modern and Elegant Chypre. Chic, sultry, intense and soft at the same time, Sì is a chypre scent reinvented, lingering on the skin and captivating the senses. It combines an inflection of three accords: blackcurrant nectar, modern chypre and light musky wood. The fragrance opens with notes of Sicilian Bergamot, Mandarin oil and blackcurrant liqueur which is supported by a heart which bursts with Rose May, Neroli and Egyptian Jasmine. Warm undertones caress the unique chypre base notes of Patchouli oil intertwined with Blond Woods, amber and musky undertones known as OrcanoxTM. Finished with a sweet animalic accord of Vanilla which gives this fragrance, longevity and unforgettable sillage. "

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Review: Ted Baker Body Spray

While I bet that everyone knows the brand Ted Baker, I wonder how many people associated them with having a fragrance of any kind ('cause I sure didn't!). So when I spotted these cute bottles in Boots, I really couldn't resist and since there was a 3 for 2 deal on...me, my sister and my mother all got a bottle to ourselves.

The product that we picked up us the Ted Baker Mini Body Spray (£2.50/50ml) and the the reason why I picked it up was because of the packaging, it's pink and small and honestly just looks girly, but in a sophisticated way. What I also like is the fact is that the packaging is plastic and so this is great for travelling or just throwing into your handbag (which is what me and my sister plan on doing). 

As for the scent, I will let the Boots website do the talking:

Sparkling fruity grapefruit, mandarin and mango are teamed with subtle floral notes of neroli and jasmine, while the base of patchouli, sandalwood and musk completes the scent.

I would describe the scent quite fresh and feminine, potent without being overpowering, you only need a maximum of three sprays of this to go about your day. The mist is fine and does deliver and distribute the product nicely. The only negative about this item is that the scent doesn't last very long, which is a shame, on me it lasts around the 3 hour mark, so this really is a 'refresher' type product, that is perfect for applying midday or just before an event, rather than at the start of the day where you are relying on this scent to get you by. Although I would like this scent to last longer, at £2.50 I do think this product is worth it, in my bag I know this will last me a lot longer than any aerosol sprays that I usually carry. Since I got this on the 3 for 2 deal that Boots do, I got three of these cute body sprays for £5, and so for me that really does outweigh any negatives. At the very least, I think this product deserves a sniff. 

I would love to know what your favourite fragrances are! Let me know in the comments below!
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