Showing posts with label luxury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luxury. Show all posts

Monday, 3 October 2016

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Review

Square glass bottle with gold top against lilac floral background
I've never went in for the whole hair, face or body oil thing. I thought it would be greasy and I would be slipping about everywhere. How wrong I was. In the Marks & Spencer Summer Beauty Box, which I was lucky enough to receive for my birthday, came a 10ml sample of the NUX Huile Prodigieuse Dry-Oil. In case, like me, you're wondering what Huile Prodigieuse means, my friend Google informs me that it translates as 'prodigious oil'. As a 10ml sample, it's perhaps not the most prodigious in size, but it certainly is a remarkable product. 

It comes in elegant, square-shaped glass bottle with a gold top. It doesn't have any sort of dispenser so you have to be careful that it doesn't all run out at once. What I love most about this product is the smell. It's quite heavy, classic and womanly- it reminds me a little of Clinique Aromatics. I would wear it as a perfume it smells so nice. 

I haven't used it on my face as I think it might be a little rich for my temperamental skin. I've tried it on the lengths and ends of my hair and it was how you'd imagine an oil to be on hair- oily. I have quite thin hair too- it might have been absorbed better into thick hair. The next day though, my hair looked super healthy and felt sleek and soft. By far the best results I've had with this product is as a body oil. It isn't greasy or shiny and absorbs quickly since its a dry oil. It's a pretty thin liquid so a tiny amount goes a long way. Most importantly though- it just feels really, really nice on the skin: both light and luxurious. It does wonders for the skin on my hands- they're so soft and supple after using this. I think I love it all the more because I've never used a product like it before and its quite a novelty for someone who is so used to standard body lotion or body butter. 

With a price tag of £17 for 50ml, this is a splurge and I would only buy now and again as a treat but if I could, I'd buy it by the gallon and shower in it. (Ok slight exaggeration- but it really is amazing)!

Have you tried it? What other NUXE products would you recommend?

Friday, 15 February 2013

Life's Little Luxuries... Pip Studio @ Amara.co.uk

Hey Everyone!

This evening I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful online gift and home accessories store- amara.co.uk. If like me you are a sucker for luxury items and unique designs, you may kick yourself (as I did) for not discovering it sooner. 

Amara was created in 2005 by Interior Designer Sam Hood and sells an array of designer brands including Missoni, Cath Kidston, Ralph Lauren and much more, meaning you'll never fail to find the perfect gift. 

When I was contacted about featuring one of their brands 'PiP studio' on Julz' Obsessions, of course I was delighted. The day after my parcel was sent out, I had a knock at the door (never leaped out of bed quicker!) from DPD courier service. This is the best online delivery I've experienced to date- I even got a text to let me know when it would arrive.
large brown package with black Amara label
Its safe to say that the PiP studio range is every girly girl's dream. Its a vintage-inspired explosion of pretty florals, bright colours. With a motto like 'Happy products for happy people,' its hard not to like it! What's even better is that because the brand isn't that widely known (to my knowledge), its unique, and you can be that one person who has the amazing home decor that no one else does- a theme that runs with most of Amara's brands. 
bright floral cushion  with contrasting grey and floral striped border - pinks, yellows, greens and blues
back of square cushion - grey background with white floral and leaf pattern with contrasting red and white gingham buttons
blue and pink flower striped cushion border on grey and white
blue fabric tag on cushion with little red bird next to text 'Pip Studio Bed and BAth'
decorative label reading 'Pip Studio bed and bath' gold, red and pale blue design
Firstly, I received Flowers in the Mix Filler Cushion*. I think we should just take a moment to appreciate how darn pretty it is. This cushion instantly fuses a vintage chic style into a room. Its really sturdy (exactly as a cushion should be) and is great quality- from the stitching to the material. The main colours are pink and green which coordinate with my room perfectly yet the aqua and yellow harmonise with it beautifully also. I really like the contrasting rim- I'm actually tempted to draw it in a notebook or something-its so creative. To be honest I never realised how such different designs would work so well together.long round bright floral pillow with tag attached
end of long round cushion scrunched into tied bow
close up of cushion with white flower and leaf pattern on grey separated by red and white gingham from yellow pink red and green bright floral print
Next is the Flowers in the Mix Bolster Cushion*. This is a longer, more 'pillowy' cushion. It is the snuggliest thing ever- it just moulds around you and you sink into it. It is the same lovely fabric as the filler cushion and again, I think the bold, contrasting fabrics really compliment each other. Also, weird observation- the drawstring side will make it really easy to wash. I am currently sitting on my bed with my back against this cushion and it is so comfy- it will definitely be my travelling accompaniment from now on.
square floral cushion on block pink and green and white bedding with long matching floral cushion just coming into foreground of shot
square floral cushion in front of long floral pattern cushion on bed with floral quilt. Dominant colours red pink and white
think the cushions look amazing against both plain background and with clashing florals. Who would have though two simple cushions could improve my bed in such a way? If your looking to revamp your room but aren't up for a full decor change, add a few of these gorgeous cushions and taadaa- room transformed. 

I think these cushions are gorgeous additions to my room, even if I do say so myself, and I have definitely discovered a new obsession with PiP studio @ Amara! Even my mum is head over heels- I have already had to take them back after she sneaked them into her own room, which makes me think- Amara really have succeeded in stocking the perfect gifts- Mother's day is soon after all!

Do you have anything from PiP studio or Amara? Aren't these cushions just the prettiest things you've ever seen?
green and pink floral text with brown outline reading 'Julz'