Hand Eczema Be Gone

Never before had I had eczema, but last year the tables were turned and I developed a nasty bout of hand eczema and ever since, it has been a reoccurring condition. I had tried every cream under the sun, well that's a lie; I had tried every cream in the drugstore when I was beginning to give up. I was considering resorting to premium products, but then I discovered Aveeno Hand Cream, the only cream that seems to be working!

Having eczema on your hands isn't one of the most ideal places to develop the condition. My hands are always in use, so often their healing process is interrupted. The skin on my hand is prone to itching, drying and bleeding. Before I began using Aveeno, I found that other products weren't helping me deal with the problem, they were coating my hands, but they did not offer any moisture. However, since using Aveeno Hand Cream my skin looks significantly better. It has helped to deal with the problem by providing enough moisture to penetrate the skin, as opposed to just coating the skin.

If you have eczema or you’re just looking for an effective moisturiser head to Boots and browse through their Aveeno offering. As for me, I’ll be sticking with the Aveeno Hand Cream from now on. 

Essie Limited Edition Festive Fingertips Box

Oh yes I did. I got it Essie’s limited edition beauty box fully stocked with four full sized Essie nail polishes and nail stickers. Now I have to admit that I am late on the whole Essie band wagon, this box is my first purchase. I saw this as an opportunity to try the brand and all in time for Christmas. The beautiful box comes packed with every shade I need to see me through the Christmas party season.

Let’s begin with sole mate, my favourite of the collection a deep burgundy red. The perfect shade for vampy nail lovers, it’s just a shame that I can’t wear this in all seasons.

The second shade fishnet stockings is the brightest of the bunch. I believe that bright reds are not shades that are just suited to the colder months, and I for one love a good red all year round.

There is no better way to describe the third shade eternal optimist other than referring to it as a bold neutral. It is a warm rose shade that offers a sophisticated finish. I can see myself wearing this colour into spring.

Beyond cozy is the perfect glitter for the party season. This has definitely filed a void in my nail wardrobe as it is a glitter that can be worn with any outfit. In my opinion every girl needs a gold/silver glitter.

The sleek stick nail stickers in 04 love to love you are stunning. Intricately detailed with words of love I think I’ll reserve them for a special occasion or a day when I need a pick me up.

I suggest you get your Festive Fingertips on this beaut because I predict that she won’t be around for too long. To purchase these products separately would set you back £42, so it is a steal retailing at £24.99 exclusive to Boots. And if that hasn’t convinced you, I was so pleased to find that the box included a £2 voucher for any Essie product. Nail polish suggestions are welcome J. 

NARS Promiscuous – Lip Pencil Coffret

Mini Velvet Matte Lip Pencils: Sex Machine, Dolce Vita, Cruella and Never Say Never

Mini Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil: New Lover

Yes, I am guilty of this happening every year. In the run up to Christmas I panic and think that I will miss out on receiving many limited edition sets. And after browsing and resisting the many treats that the beauty world has lined up for us this year, I gave in. I ran into Space NK in order to find any remnants of NARS holiday collection with Guy Bourdin and I wasn't disappointed. By the time I managed to pull myself out of Space NK, I was the proud owner of the Promiscuous – Lip Pencil Coffret, and there’s not been a minute of regret since.

The set is what lip lover’s dreams are made of. For many months I had heard beauty babes rave about the NARS lip pencils, but I was yet to try them. This set feels like a steal rather than a splurge. It includes five of their best-selling shades, all in miniature form, of course. If the lip offerings were not enough the collection comes presented in a satin and patent pouch that channels the likes of Lulu Guinness.

As for the products, the reviews don’t lie. Theses pencils are highly pigmented and easy to wear. NARS infuse their lip pencils with vitamin E meaning that even their matte offerings don't dry out the lips. I just wanted to add that I don't recommend chomping your way through a burger while wearing the matte lip offerings, the shame of having Cruella all over my face will haunt me for some time :(.

In terms of longevity these pencils stick around for some time. The four Velvet Matte Lip Pencils last on the lips for over 6 hours without the need to reapply them. However, the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil needs to be applied more frequently due to their high shine finish which is understandable.

This set can no longer be purchased online, but you might be lucky enough to find a set in store.