As the next part of my Christmas gift series, I thought I'd put together a little list of last minute present ideas for those who aren't quite prepared yet. I know Christmas is a difficult time of year and it's so difficult to be organised/prepped for the big day; therefore, I thought I'd try helping some of you out by sharing some new brands and products that might be of interest to a loved one in your life!

From beauty to lifestyle, here are a few last minute ideas that will hopefully help you out...or if not, why not treat yourself to a Christmas present this year? After all, you deserve it and nobody has your back like you've got your own!

BEAUTY 

Mask Time - Skincare Subscription Box

So one thing I know I'd LOOOOOVE to receive as a gift all year round is a subscription box. If you've been watching my vlogs on Youtube for a while, you will know my adoration for a surprise subscription box each month. Now, I've found the perfect box for skincare lovers, like myself, to indulge and self-pamper yourselves to your heart's content! Mask Time are an incredible brand that offers two types of skincare boxes - one for skincare novices (Glow Starter) and another for the skincare experienced. I opted for the Glow Setter (the experienced) box, which consists of 8-10 masks that arrive to your door on a monthly basis. An array of masks that target a variety of skin problems - including dry skin, irritated skin, dehydrated skin, troublesome skin etc - with a handy guide that translates each product and explains all the benefits of using each mask. I'm obsessed with this gorgeous subscription box and believe it's the best Christmas gift for anyone whom is skin concerned or obsessed with beauty!

SHOP MASK TIME HERE

SHOP THE GLOW SETTER BOX HERE

Esquido - Gel Eyeliners

Eyeliners are such a great stocking filler for the beauty lover. Super easy to fit into a stocking and something that is going to last for a relatively long time, in terms of beauty products! These Esquido Eyeliner Gel Pencils are NEW and something I've been loving testing out over the past month. They are available in both black and brown, and they are currently on sale! The formula is dreamy - a smooth and creamy texture, allowing the product to glide onto the eyelids/waterline. The pigment is also super strong so little product goes a long way. I'm very impressed with the longevity of the liners throughout the day too - they don't budge for hours, unlike some of the eyeliners I've tried in the past. Most eyeliners I've tried don't last for longer than 30 minutes on my waterline, but this one seems to stay on for hours! I adore these liners and I honestly think they're a beauty staple.

SHOP THE PRODUCTS HERE

ACCESSORIES

Daniel Wellington - Women Classic Black York 36MM Watch

Daniel Wellington is a brand that I've admired from afar for so many years. I fall in love with all of the sensational timepieces they bring out on their website. My favourite watch at the minute is the Women's Classic Black York - a sophisticated brown crocodile textured strap with gold hardware and a large black face. I love how simplistic yet classy this watch it; it's also super versatile, I cannot think of an outfit this wouldn't look great with. From a day at work to an evening party, this beautiful DW watch is just one of the many timepieces that caught my eye when browsing the site. There are so many to choose from so you're bound to find the perfect one for our loved one - it is the ideal luxury gift! I also have a code (CHARLOTTEPRICE) if you want to save an additional 15% on any products (including gift sets) on the DW website.

SHOP THE WATCH HERE

LIFESTYLE

Mustard Stationery - Cherry Collection

A new brand which I've fallen head over heels for these past couple of months is Mustard Stationery. Mustard offer a range of stationery, tech accessories and other cool gifts that would be ideal for the Christmas period. My favourite, for sure, has to be the wonderful Cherry collection - the themed collections are so cool and I love how satisfying it is when all my stationery matches. From pen holders to water bottles, notebooks to stress balls, these collections are great for people of all ages. I know so many students who would love a little matching collection like this, as well as many adults and children in my life! These are such a fun gift idea and something that it unique compared to the classic Christmas gifts. The products are also super inexpensive so they are great for stocking fillers and secret Santa gifts too. Let me know which collection you love the most from their site, I have my eyes on the Cactus and Retro collections next...

SHOP THE CHERRY COLLECTION HERE

What last minute Christmas gift ideas are you go-to's? Do you like any of the products/brands I have mentioned about?

Lots of love

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This post includes a few gifted products from brands; however, all opinions are honest and my own. 

Fake tanning has been something that I've adored over the past couple of years. Although I know it's not for everyone, I just love how confident popping some fake tan on makes me feel. It's always important to do things that make you feel confident and in control of your life so you just have to push other's negative opinions away if their judgement is getting you down. 

Me and my best friend, Megan, whom some of you might be familiar with from my Youtube channel, have just filmed a video in regards to our ultimate winter tanning routine. If you fancy giving it a watch, CLICK HERE to see what products we use and our top tips for tanning novices! One thing we definitely cannot live without when it comes to our tanning routine is the Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Self Tanning Foam. This product is honestly a god-send for all us guys and gals who want the ultimate bronzed look. There are so many reasons why I always choose Bondi Sands as my top tanning brand so I've decided to collate all of my favourite products from Bondi, alongside sharing the results of Ultra Dark. 

Why I Love Bondi

If you've seen my video, you will know all about my love for Bondi. Compact in a sleek black tube holding 200ml, the Ultra Dark tanning foam is my absolute go-to to achieve that sunkissed winter glow. Personally, I like to pop on two layers to make the change even more visible. My top tips would definitely be to exfoliate and moisturise an hour before applying to tan to ensure smooth, even application. 

I also cannot stress to you enough about how important it is to use the right applicator when using tanning products. The Bondi Sands Application Mitt is an essential - not only is it re-usable, it is double-sided AND high quality, meaning application applies like a dream. They are also extremely affordable at £4.99 per mitt; they'd honestly make the perfect stocking filler for all those tan lovers in your life! I'd definitely recommend investing in one of these Bondi mitts because they are super long-lasting and easily washable. I've been through so many tacky, cheap £1 mitts that only last for one or two applications so the Bondi ones are more cost-effective in the long run! Finally, the results of the tan are why I will always and continually recommend Bondi to all of you. After applying two layers, letting the tan develop overnight and washing it off first thing in the morning, my skin is left with an even, smooth and bronzed glow. If you are looking for a tan that will make a difference, definitely opt for ULTRA DARK. However, if you're new to the whole tanning field and want to try something a little lighter, there is also 'LIGHT/MEDIUM' or 'DARK' as other shade options! 

Overall, Bondi Sands is a brand that I can only praise for its amazing results and wonderful range of tanning products. Below are a few of my favourites or products that I'm hoping to try in the future. Here is a list of some great stocking fillers or main tanning gifts that will be sure to satisfy the giftee:

1. Self Tanning 1hr Express 

2. GLO Shimmer One Day Tan 

3. Exfoliation Mitt

4. Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk (for FACE)

5. Self Tan Eraser

6. Self Tanning Lotion DARK

7. Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk (for BODY) 

8. Back Applicator

9. SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion

What are your favourite tanning products? Do you love tanning over winter like myself?

Lots of love

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This post is in collaboration with Bondi Sands; however, all opinions are honest and my own.

University is one of those settings where just about anything can happen, depending on how
you choose to spend your time, and what activities/societies you choose to get involved in.
Being a student means enduring and exploring a huge array of different opportunities, with a LOT of emotion coincidentally. You’re surrounded, on a regular if not daily basis, by all kinds of people who are discovering themselves and enjoying the adventure of life. Although it can put a lot of pressure on you, it puts you in the best situation to cease life and new experiences - different societies offer access to assorted sports, hobbies, and events that you might otherwise never have thought to try out.

A lot of people associate student life with partying and getting bevved up every night; however,
from my own experience, that is definitely not the case. I care WAY too much about my grades
so I spend the majority of my time working or feeling gravely guilty if I'm having a evening off.
Nonetheless, I still love clubbing and going on a good night out with my best pals, dancing the
night away and making lots of funny memories. Always drink responsibly though kids! Anyway,
for the sake of providing some balance, here are a few suggestions for opportunistic and great things to do during your student days, aside from partying every evening.

Travel abroad - exchange student, trips + fun

Many universities have “student exchange” schemes or opportunities within a course to travel
somewhere for a year, such as the Erasmus program that runs around Europe and allows
students the opportunity to do a year abroad somewhere else on the continent. Other college trips include events organised by student societies, such as skiing expeditions, trips organised for members of different degree programs, like visits to historical sites/museums/art exhibitions, and so on. Some trips will just be organised by friends who want to travel together for fun, and others will be run as challenges by the university and its partners.

Whatever the case, you should strongly consider doing some travelling abroad, if you get the
chance. It’s likely to be an extremely memorable, eye-opening experience. It may even
strengthen the opportunity to get a career, who knows? I can't wait to go travelling - I'm
planning on doing a long six month (possibly more) trip around Asia after I've finished my
degree before I start my career.

Keep a journal

Journaling isn’t half as popular these days, but keeping a journal during your student years
can be an excellent idea for a variety of reasons. For one thing, writing a journal helps you to analyse and come to terms with your experiences in real time. If you’ve had a particularly weird or stressful week, writing about it can help you to clear your mind, relax, and make sense of things. In fact, it’s even been suggested that writing about difficult experiences can alleviate some of the emotional stress of the experience. I know it certainly does for me; after suffering with anxiety and depression, writing all of my emotions/fears/daily encounters down definitely relieves some of the mental tension.

Furthermore, another reason why journaling may be a great idea is to simply cherish that
journal years down the line, either to fondly remember particular anecdotes, or to cringe and
laugh. It will be such an amazing feeling reliving all of the best, exciting and hilarious
memories of my university days when I'm older. You'll be able to share the stories in a lot more
detail too if you write them down; this is sort of the reason I create videos on Youtube so that
all of my vlogs can be watched for years to come and I can rewatch all of my funny student
moments with my best friends.

Consciously Develop the Habits you Desire

If you listen to many of the leading success gurus out there, success in life is largely a matter
of developing and maintaining the right kinds of habits, rather than doing epic, world-changing
deeds. University seems like the perfect time to find yourself, form a new type of independence and flourish. Want to get fit and stay athletic throughout your life? Start hitting the gym each day. Want to stop being so messy? Begin a habit of tidying your room or apartment each day. Books like James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” and Charles Duhigg’s “The Power of Habit” can help you with the specifics. A lot of it has to do with starting really small and working your way up - it's a lot easier to create a positive habit than you initially think!

What things are you doing (or did) whilst at uni other than
clubbing and studying? Do you wantto travel after uni like
myself?

Lots of love

At this time of year, we’re all frantically gift buying for those that we love. It can be really hard alongside
other life pressures, like deadline season or a busy schedule at work. Whether you’re buying for two
people or twenty, you’ll always want to make sure that you’re picking out presents that they’re going to
love. Sure, if you’re buying for your bestie or your boyfriend, your parents or siblings, then you’re
probably going to have an idea of what they want...or they’ll tell you. However, what if you’ve got a
secret Santa to get? Or you’re buying for relatives or friends or in-laws and you’re not really sure what
they want? Or, worse, one of your nearest and dearest is extremely picky? Then what do you do? Well,
here are a few fab ideas that always go down well.

Gift Sets

First of all, you’ve always got a good old fashioned gift set to consider, and we’re not talking about
beauty per se. There are a variety of gifts sets that involve food or clothing or coffee or flowers - and
don’t forget hampers too. If you have no idea what to get, going for something quite general like this
will always be a winner. I absolutely love the range of products on Not On The High Street, especially
their vast range of gift sets so it's definitely worth checking them out this Christmas if you're really
stuck!

Experiences

Something that will forever go down well is the idea of an experience - it's definitely my favourite type
of gift to give and receive. If you have no idea what to get, or you just want to spoil someone, then
experiences are perfect. Here, we’re talking about a weekend away, a dinner somewhere, or a spa
experience. Because who wouldn’t love to get that for Christmas? My brother and I have teamed up
his year to get our parents a lil weekend away; this is so exciting for me because I've managed to save
enough to treat the people that I love. I'll be sure to vlog it on Christmas day so don't forget to
subscribe to my Youtube channel so you don't miss out!

Personalisation

Right, if you’re dealing with that family member or friend that is fussy to buy for, and they are giving
you NO indication about what they might want, get personal. It always works. Think about what you
might be able to get for them, something that you would love yourself or maybe consider a
hobby/interest that they're into. This could be a scarf with their initials on, a personal number plate, a
monogrammed mug or bag. Just try to think about something they’d love, but that they wouldn’t
expect and different to the generic 'personalisation' gifts.

Pampering

All things pampering. This is honestly the ideal gift for anyone who is undergoing a lot of stress,
someone who needs a treat or just that person who loves indulging/trying new beauty products. This
could include a little beauty gift set or if you know what the 'giftee' would love for a pamper night, why
not go one step further? Get them a buffing brush or gloves, exfoliating products, moisturisers, masks,
treatments and more. Honestly everyone loves a good old pamper.

And For The Stocking Fillers...

Now, you may be on a student budget, like myself, or you may be starting out in your career and your income may be a little low. Keeping
costs down is a high priority for me at this time of the year, despite my desire to spoil all my loved ones.
When it comes to stocking fillers and secret Santa gifts, there are some go-tos that always work.
Chocolate, mini alcohol sets, books, socks, lipsticks, grooming kits, jokey presents that you see in the
gifting isles in supermarkets - they’re all perfect. Don't forget about the little things, they are
sometimes the best gifts to give.

What is the best gift you've bought for someone this Christmas? What have you asked for this year?

Lots of love

Welcome to another brand focus on a company I'm very excited to be sharing - Odylique. I've been lucky enough to try, test and review the stunning lipsticks Odylique have to offer and it's only made me want to try MORE of the range, alongside their other products. The amazing benefits and the ethics behind the brand are the two main reasons why I adore Odylique so much - I cannot wait to share this brand with you in the rest of this post and express the many factors on why I've fallen head over heels for them!

BEHIND THE BRAND

So one of the main reasons why I was excited to work with this brand is because of its history and the reasons why they chose to create the products. Being someone with extremely sensitive skin, I knew that this brand was for me. Odylique centres around formulating the perfect skin and cosmetic products for sensitive skin sufferers. Thus, all of the products are made from natural ingredients - organic herbs, natural active ingredients (no nasty artificials!) and plant oils. Margaret, founder of the company, has honestly made a break through with her lipsticks, and I'm sure the same goes for her vast range of skincare available on the site. The expanding knowledge surrounding harmful ingredients in cosmetics and the importance of using only organics spurred Margaret to create this amazing brand, which has been in the making for a lengthy 30 years.

PACKAGING

In regards to packaging, I absolutely love the sleek, sophisticated and simplistic look of the lipsticks. The black packaging, paired with the silver gives a classy feel to the brand. Additionally, I'm a huge fan of the cardboard boxes that the lipsticks come in. Floral monochrome patterns and beautiful silver foiled writing further add to the luxurious (and ethics) of the brand. Odylique have also incorporated fair trade and responsible packaging, in aid of supporting safe and healthy working conditions.

REVIEW

Onto the most exciting part of the post...my opinions on the lipsticks! I was super excited after reading all the information about the brand and hoped that the actual products lived up to the expectations I had. I have to say, they did NOT disappoint! I've been wearing these lipsticks for the past couple of weeks to university and I can't believe how nourishing the product feels on my lips, especially during the colder months. My lips have felt less chapped and extremely moisturised, which I never really find after wearing cosmetics all day. I also love how natural the colours are for everyday use. Peach melba is a stunning coral, peach tone that brightens any look, whereas Raspberry Coulis is a deeper purple, ideal for evening wear or a bolder look. Although the lipsticks give a medium pigment, the colour is super long lasting. I honestly think these lipsticks would be the perfect stocking filler for any makeup lover, even better knowing they are an ethically-inclined brand too! Odylique have been a dream to test and I cannot wait to get my hands on some of their skincare in the future.

USE THE CODE: CHARLOTTE15 TO RECEIVE 15% OFF THE LIPSTICKS

What are your favourite organic brands? Do you want to try Odylique products?

Lots of love

As many of you will know, I'm currently studying a Forensic Science BSc at the University of Lincoln. Therefore, you can definitely guess that I'm into all things true-crime related...from documentaries to murder mystery videos on Youtube, I am OBSESSED. So when an email popped into my inbox in regards to a 'Jack the Ripper tour' that would involve walking the streets of Whitechapel (the area the serial killings happened in the 1800s), I was extremely excited! Fortunately, I was able to bring my boyfriend along to enjoy the experience with me so we headed from Kensington (where my boyfriend studies at university) to Aldgate on the tubes.

The meeting point where the 'media-only tour' would commence was just outside the tube station, therefore extremely easy to locate the tour guide and begin the experience. After reading up on the 'Jack the Ripper' murders for years and inevitably frustrated that we've never had (and will probably never have) an answer as to who committed the crimes, I couldn't wait to be reliving the 1800s by walking the streets of the serial killer.

Our tour guide was absolutely fantastic - Richard oozed enthusiasm, knowledge, experience and a true passion for the case. I felt and experienced every story he told as we walked around. We visited 12 locations in the Whitechapel area - each being a crime scene, potential crime scene or a historical place that related to the events. The tour was a lengthy two hours so we were richly filled with knowledge and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire tour.

Ripper Vision was an amazing feature that gave the tour a uniqueness and amplified the eerie atmosphere of Richard's story-telling. The streets were also quite misty and very dim-lit, adding to the atmosphere further. Ripper Vision basically allowed Richard to share images relating to the serial killings as he explained the deaths and Victorian Whitechapel; a little device displayed images on the sides of relevant buildings, walls and structures to add to the infamous case. We were even shown graphic images of the women, which definitely enhanced the eerie brutality of the case.

After discussing who may have REALLY been the killer and people who the Victorian police may have missed when questioning, we headed back to Brick Lane for a meal to finish the evening. Aidan, myself and a few other people who attended the tour had a tasteful meal at Monsoon, an Indian Cuisine that Richard loved and adored. We all had a lovely chat about the experience and Richard's background, finding out that he had grown up with a true passion for this case and has been working on it for years. This was no surprise to me because you could easily tell his love for mysteries and this largely known Jack the Ripper case. Overall, a massive 10/10 for me and I'd highly recommend that you check out this website to secure tickets next time you're in London.

Would you like to experience one of these tours? What are you favourite infamous serial killer cases?

Lots of love

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This experience was complimentary but all opinions are honest and my own.