A VERY VERY LATE REVIEW

So, my 18th birthday was in April and it's now August...  
Time truly does fly!
 

These are just a few presents I received which I am truly grateful for. I'd recommend all of the products from the selection below including body mists, photo frames and jewellery. I've also included prices if you're interested in purchasing any of these items for yourself or for future birthdays/Christmas.

 

BIORE CHARCOAL CLEANSER

 

I love this cleanser; I've used this product a number of times before. Charcoal based products are really popular at the moment. This is available from any beauty store; Superdrug sell it for £5.19.

 

 

Microbeads in most face scrubs are being banned by the end of this year, so if you're thinking about looking for a new cleanser/face wash, I would totally recommend.

 

It's very refreshing, has a nice smell and good texture. The bottle is very long lasting. You can use a flannel to help work it into the skin and you only really need a small amount on the palm of your hand with a little bit of water to help lather.

 

I did actually take this on holiday with me and unfortunately I couldn't seem to lock the lid properly when packing to return home. I've possibly broken it, I'm not sure!

 

On top of trying this product in their collect, I've tried their blackhead removal strips which I wasn't overly impressed with considering their price.

 

VICTORIA'S SECRET XO.VICTORIA ROLLERBALL

 

Although it's no longer available on Victoria's Secret website, it's being sold on Amazon for £28.00. I haven't properly started using this yet, but it smells amazing.
 

 

The packaging is really cute. The bow is particularly pretty and the flower design on the box ties in with the design on the actual rollerball. The inside of the box is covered with Victoria's Secret signature and recognisable pink and white stripes.

Personally, I don't know whether I'll be repurchasing because of the price and smaller size, however their particular range of perfumes make great presents for Birthday's and Christmas.

So if you're looking for a handbag size and more luxurious branded fragrance, I would highly recommend!

 

DARLINGTON PROSECCO GLASS & PHOTO FRAME

 

This is very suitable for an 18th Birthday! I couldn't actually find this exact glass on their website, however I found it available as a pair and an individual one would probably cost £45.00. You can also have it engraved; my engraving simply says 'Happy 18th Birthday' along with my name.

 

You can always purchase a prosecco glass from card shops or supermarkets. It just depends how much you want to spend and what design you want.


 

The photo frame, which is also from Darlington, looks stunning on any desk or drawer. I love the mirrored frame along with the crystals. It's perfect for any photograph. I also have an engraving of the date on the back too, making it extra personal. This exact one is £25,00. They also sell them in gold and ruby specifically for wedding anniversaries. 

 

LAYERING LAB PARADISE BODY MIST

 

 

 

This body mist, made up of tangerine, green tea and vanilla, is £2.99 from Superdrug. This is the first time I've ever used this, and I'll definitely be buying another bottle. I personally prefer having a range of perfumes and fragrances to choose from.

It's quite a strong and distinct fragrance and it's very long lasting on the skin, so you don't need to frequently top up. Regarding the price, it's obviously a little bit more expensive than your basic aerosol body spray. You only get 100ml of fragrance per bottle, but this means it's a perfect fit for your handbag/school bag.

I'd be interested to try some of their other bottles of fragrance. You can also use these fragrances individually or mix two bottles of fragrance for a unique scent. This is another positive of the product which I've never really seen before and haven't yet tried.

For something a little different, a good size, it's definitely worth purchasing!
 

PINEAPPLE JEWELLERY DISH

 

 

This is really cute and so useful for putting your favourite and most used jewellery items in. Pineapple shaped products seem to be very on trend this summer. Lilo's, ornaments and lights are just a few examples of items being shaped as this fruit.

Using gold and white for the colour theme of the dish seems very suitable and effective, and it features the letter 'S' which makes it more personal being the first letter of my name.

I couldn't find this exact version online, however I have found a similar one for £4.99 at New Look. It might be worth trying Primark's homeware section too.

THOMAS SABO CHARM NECKLACE 

This necklace is so pretty! I've never actually received any products from this brand before, and I've certainly never come across a charm necklace. I would probably recommend wearing it with a low cut top and teaming it with a chocker.

 

Obviously, this particular necklace has been purchased in silver, but you can also purchase in gold and some of their charms feature multiple colours. To purchase a replica, you have to buy the chain, carrier and charm individually.

Regarding the chain, these can cost in the region of £29.00 to £79.00. This particular chain is called a Silver Veneizia Chain, and it costs £29.00. What's most useful about this chain is it features two loops for attaching the clasp which allows you to have the necklace at a shorter or longer length depending on your preference.

The carrier is also in silver and costs £39.00. You don't have to have a carrier but it will stabilise the charm. These tend to range in price from £12.00 through to £39.00.

Finally, the charms. There is a huge selection to choose from; perhaps you want the first letter of your name or a charm to recognise a specific birthday. This particular daughter charm is £44.00.

The packaging is perfect. Although, black and white is very unoriginal; it's classy and clean. The inside of the box features some velvet cushioning.

It may be an expensive present, but you have the opportunity to build your necklace as you wish.

I think this makes a great birthday present for any age and I'm also keen to purchase their ankle bracelet for myself in the future. 

PHOTO HANGING KIT
 

I've never had one of these before, but they are honestly so cute. As I plan to go to University in September, I'll need homeware items to decorate my room. This specific set is from Wilko for £1.50. You can probably buy them from any homeware store or make your own.
 

Included in this kit are 10 wooden pegs, 2 push pins, string/cord, which is a good length with loops already available for hanging and 2 cards featuring motivational quotes. I'm a big fan of pink and purple so a massive thumbs up for the colour.

I haven't checked to see how many photos it will actually hold; obviously, it will vary depending on if they're landscape or portrait.

Overall, a really great idea, especially for your friends; I'll possibly be buying one for any upcoming birthdays!
 

By Sez x