Christmas Gift Ideas From Fruits & Passion

Hi ladies! I can't believe I am actually on time for a gift guide this year! I know I have been so bad at keeping up with blogging recently - well, since this summer to be honest - but we all know that life just kind of gets in the way sometimes! I have been busy juggling with personal life issues, my part-time promo job as well as starting a company.

A huge parcel from Fruits & Passion totally made my day though some times ago and I thought the products would all make amazing holiday presents, so today I am sharing them with you in case you are in need of some inspiration!

I can't get over how fresh Frosted Birch Decorative Diffuser Set ($28.50) smells! This decorative set is the ideal way to create a holiday feel! It diffuses Fruits & Passion fragrance that evokes the woody freshness of birch in winter and the comforting warmth of cotton with a touch of jasmine for a statement of elegance. The scented liquid is absorbed by the diffusing components and, through capillary action, then perfumes the air.

The modern and original Rosemary and Cardamom Kitchen Trio on a slate ($44.50) from the exclusive Bistro Collection adds a trendy, decorative touch to your kitchen. Made from first cold pressed olive oil and an olive derivative with moisturizing properties, Cucina soap and hand cream scent and soften the skin. Practical and chic, the dish detergent completes this indispensable kitchen ritual. I absolutely love that this trio comes with a slate plaque to go under the bottles and add a dash of style to your kitchen! The aromatic Rosemary and Cardamom fragrance opens with vibrant rosemary notes that give way to a delicately spiced cardamom and pink pepper heart.

Fruits & Passion festive-looking Bath Salts Balls and Foaming Bath Balls ($7.50 or 3 for $15) shimmers like pretty, coloured lights to add a festive air to any bathroom and makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Another suggestion: be original and surprise guests by using these delightful bottles as place cards at the table!

The limited-edition Coriander and Olive tree Hand Soap Collector’s Bottle ($22.00) hand soap comes in a beautiful decorative glass bottle inspired by vintage Italian wine. Renowned for its cosmetic properties, olive protects and softens the skin. Specially designed for use in the kitchen, the biodegradable Cucina Hand Soap cleans hands effectively and gently. It is made with first cold pressed olive oil from the Mediterranean and other softening and revitalizing plant extracts. Delicately scented, it rinses off completely to avoid interfering with the flavor of your favorite foods.

Be sure to check out Fruits & Passion Holiday 2013 Catalogue for even more gift ideas!

Disclaimer: One or more products were sent to me for consideration to review. I am not affiliated with this company and the fact that the products were free absolutely does not influence my opinion.

March Empties

Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel-cream for Dry Skin This was my first experience with a Marcelle skin care product and I'm pretty happy with it. At first, I was skeptical that a gel-cream would cure my dry skin, but if it didn't heal it completely, it definitely helped it a lot.

At first sight, I would have though this moisturizer would be best for use in the summer because of its light texture, but don't underestimate it as it's very moisturizing - yes, it really helped my dry and irritated skin through the harsh winter weather. The only thing I found odd about this cream is that when you rub or scratch your skin, little gel residues fall off so you have to be careful when you apply foundation or retouch your makeup through the day. Oh, also, it's beyond me that some companies still choose not to formulate their day cream with SPF, but oh well, I guess you can't have it all. See my super old and horrible review here.

Repurchase? Yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Zorah Biocosmétiques Xia Ultramoisturizing Facial Cream

Burt's Bees Beeswax & Banana Hand Creme (sample size) This is similar to Burt's Bees Beeswax & Almond Milk Hand Creme which I have used up in January and did not like. Because my job involves submerging my hands in the water and manipulating harsh chemicals a lot, I need to keep my eczema-prone hands moisturized so I keep sample-size hand creams in the pocket of my uniform. I really hate the texture of this hand cream, it's really thick and hard to spread on my hands, I guess it's because of the beeswax. It might be OK for night time but it tends to make my hands sticky during the day and that's annoying! This smells better than the Beeswax & Almond Milk one but it's very strong (which doesn't annoy me personally).

Repurchase? No

What I'm currently using to replace it: George's Special Dry Skin Cream (travel size)

Pharma Science pms-DESONIDE Cream 0.05% Another cream for my eczema which did not really work. At least it did not discolored my skin like some stronger ones did.

Repurchase? I hope I won't have to!

What I'm currently using to replace it: other eczema treatments

LUSH Lil LUSH Pud Bath Bomb This was the very first LUSH bath bomb I tried and I was very disappointed with it. There is nothing exciting to say about this bath bomb: it turns the water an ugly greenish-brown (reminds me of poop!), it didn't fiz for a long time, and it didn't moisturize my skin or anything. Also, in my opinion, it smells more of gingerbread than pudding, but the scent quickly dies down once this bath bomb has stopped fizzing. See my review here.

Repurchase?  No

Alberto VO5 Hot Oil Hair Treatment These have been around for such a long time and it seems everybody and their mother (and grand-mothers!) swear by them but it just didn't work for me. I didn't notice any difference in my hair, but at least I'm glad it was not left all greasy like some oil do.

Repurchase? No

Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes I received a coupon for a free box of this some times ago and even though Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes are designed "To feel cleaner and fresher than toilet paper alone", after reading the ingredients, I decided to use them on my face for a quick clean in the morning when I'm in a rush before school or work.

It worked well and my skin was not irritated at all - if I remember well, these wipes contain aloes. The only thing I did not like is that the wipes did not stay wet for long and I had to spritz them with toner but oh well, they were free after all! I also like that they come with an "EasyReach hanger" so that you can simply scotch it to a wall which makes it very handy.

Repurchase? No, I would rather use $1 baby wipes from the dollar store.

What I'm currently using to replace it: Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes

Passion Savon Oatmeal & Banana These were OK I guess although I have tried better handmade soaps that smell better and don't melt as quickly, such as the ones from LUSH and MJ's Soap Shop. See my review here.

Repurchase? No

Passion Savon Chestnut & Chocolate Torte These were OK I guess although I have tried better handmade soaps that smell better and don't melt as quickly, such as the ones from LUSH and MJ's Soap Shop. See my review here.

Repurchase? No

August Empties

☑ L'Oréal Sublime Mousse Conditioner

I absolutely HATED this mousse hair dye. The conditioner was OK, but I will not repurchase the hair dye. See my review to understand why.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Féria Shimmering Boost Hydrating Conditioner

☑ John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Liquid Shine Illuminating Shampoo & Conditioner (sample)

Free samples are always nice, but I'm still not convinced by these shampoos and conditioners specifically desgined for brunettes. They didn't prevent my hair color from fading and they sure didn't illumniate it.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

☑ Udderly Smooth Udder Cream Body Cream (sample) review

This must be one of the best body cream for my dry and eczema-prone skin. It is non greasy and it's absorbed very, very quickly into the skin, leaving it imediately smoothed and moisturized. I was actually quite surprised at how fast it soothed my dry and irritated skin and eased the itching due to eczema. This cream is also soooooo inexpensive ($2.75 for 4 oz. tube), I will be sure to repurchase it!

Repurchase: yes!!!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing Body Moisturizer with Cucumber

☑ Fruits & Passion Orange Cantaloup Foaming Bath Cream

This is total crap! Despite its steep price ($23.00 for 250 ml), what you get is far from the "thick, creamy, fragrant foam", as claimed. The foam disappears after 10 minutes and even if the product smells great in the bottle, I can barely smell something once poured in the bath. It did leave my skin softer, but not enough to skip moisturizer.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Fruits & Passion Blackberry Musk Foaming Bath

Again, very average foam that last about 10 minutes. Disappointing for the price.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: random bath treats

☑ Biotherm Aquasource 24h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel (sample)

This sample was very small so I'm not too sure what to say about it, except that gel moisturizers are never a great match for my dry skin, as most are not moisturizing enough.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Marcelle Hydra-C 24H Moisturizing Gel Cream for dry skin

☑ Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion (sample) review

This lotion is eco friendly, cruelty free and vegan and it can be used all over your body. Despites its formula being a little too light and watery for my liking, it works well but boy is it pricey ($25 for 4 oz)! For now, I'm currently testing a new face cream so I'm using the full-size version of this lotion on my hands to see if it will help with my eczema.

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

☑ NeoStrata Sunsation Insta-Tan For Face Deep Dark

I've had this for so long but I've never really been into self-tanners until recently, and I'm not sure if it's because it's too old or just because it's total crap, but I don't get a tan at all when I use this product. I have also tried it on my body but no, nothing. And it's supposed to be deep dark...

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Clarins Intense Bronze Self Tanning Tint For Face and Decolleté

☑ Jergens Naturals Aloe Soothing Body Moisturizer with Cucumber review

Despite its light texture, this product is very moisturizing and I do think it has slightly helped with my eczema. I'm absolutely in love with the clean and fresh scent - perfect for summer!

Repurchase: yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Hand & Body Lotion

☑ Hana Shine Shield Thermal Protectant (2 oz) review

This product is a thermal serum that can be used as a leave-in conditioner, which I did and I feel it did a pretty great job. When I first used this product, I didn't feel it did something for my hair, but I changed my mind after a couple of days of using it. My hair were definitely softer, shinier and more manageable. I woould not repurchase because I think $29.99 for a 2oz bottle is definitely expensive!

Repurchase: no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioning Cream Sleek & Shine

March Empties

☑ Earth Therapeutics Gardener's Hand Repair Protective Conditioner

I got this from Winners for around $7. I thought it was quite pricey at the time, but that it must be worth it as it claims to be a "protective conditioner" and I was looking for a good hand cream to protect my eczema-prone hands when I was working as a gas station attendant. Oh and of course, when I see something labelled "shea butter" or "oatmeal", I can't resists (silly? Yes, I know). But in the end, this product didn't really work for me. The texture is too light, and it didn't really protect my hands from the irritants I had to deal with everyday ( car oil, water, gas, etc).

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Boots Botanics Body Overnight Hand & Nail Cream

 ☑ Burt's Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme

I figured a creme designed for babies could only be good for me... but I was wrong. The texture is quite strange, it's very solid and it's hard to apply on the skin, and it didn't even feel moisturizing. I wasn't fond of the srong scent either. I never thought Burt's Bees could disappoints me one day...


Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

 ☑ Fruits & Passion Field Berries Foaming Bath

This is total crap. The foam - if there's any foam at all - will only stays for around 10 minutes. At this price, I would have expected a luxurious bath!


Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: other bath treats

☑ Naturally Upper Canada Cranberry Moro Orange Foaming Bath Milk

I can't believe this costs $3! Yes it smells great, but it's good for only one use and it does absolutely NOTHING. It doesn't foam at all, you can't even tell there's something in your bath! Glad I got it in a gift package.


Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: other bath treats

☑ Cranberry & Pear Bath Soak

I got this in a gift package and totally forgot about it until recently, when I decided it was time to clean up my bath products. It's good for only one use and it doesn't really do something.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: other bath treats

  ☑ Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils (review)

Look at the brush after only 1 month or so of use:

Crap is still a weak word to describe this... thing. It's not completely used up though, but it's all dried up and it's a mess to use. GARBAGE.

Repurchase? no!!!

What I'm currently using to replace it: L'Oréal Voluminous Carbon Black

 ☑ Garnier Nutrisse Creme Rich Nourishing Conditioner Cream

It's the conditioner cream that came with the box of Garnier Nutrisse Intense Red Nourishing Colour Cream. It smells great, very fruity. I prefer the Nice 'n Easy conditioners, though.

What I'm currently using to replace it: Alberto VO5 Deep Nourishing Moisture Intensive Mask 3 Minute Mask

 ☑ Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

1 down, only 8 more to go LOL! I tend to stock up on these when I find them on sale. Seriously, I love this lipbalm, it's such a staple. It's the first natural lipbalm I have ever tried, and I instantly got hooked! It tends to let me down when the weather is really harsh, but otherwise, it does the job.

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

  ☑ Clobetasol Ointment 0.05% w/w Topical Corticosteroid

This is the only thing that can temporarily get rid of my eczema. It's quite strong and it tends to discolor my skin and makes it thinner, but I couldn't care less, as long as my eczema goes away. Sadly, these's no permanent treatment for eczema, so I have no choice but continue to use it.

Am I the only one who thinks the little deisgn in the red square looks like poo? Yes, I'm that immature LOL.

Repurchase? yes, but I will try the generic version before to see if it works just as well.

What I'm currently using to replace it: Taro-Clobetasol Ointment USP, 0.0% w/w Topical Corticosteroid

  ☑ Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion (sample)

Well there wasn't a lot of product in this so I can't really write an opinion on it, but it's a little too light for my liking.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

  ☑ Nivea Express Hydration Body Lotion (sample)

Hmmm this smells great and it leaves the skin soooo soft! It's a shower cream but it feels more like an oil to me. It feels very moisturizing, I would love to bath in this!

Repurchase? yes

What I'm currently using to replace it: Avon Moisture Therapy intensive Treatment Extra Strenght Cream for extra dry skin

  ☑ Burt's Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser with orange oil (sample) 

Wow, I can't believe I haven't tried this cleanser before! It's absolutely amazing for my dry and eczema-prone skin as it's non-foaming and oily. You might want to use a toner after use as it tends to leave a film on the skin. I love it as it's so moisturizing. I will buy the full size tube for sure!

Repurchase? yes!!

What I'm currently using to replace it: Mario Badescu Skin Care Enzyme Cleansing Gel (sample size)

☑ TRESemmé Naturals Vibrantly Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner (samples)

I didn't really enjoy using those samples. The shampoo didn't leather really well (although I do know a shampoo doesn't need to lather to be effective, it's just my personal preference) and the conditioner was to light for my liking.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: Nexxus Therappe Luxurious Hydrating Shampoo and Humectress Ultimate Hydrating Conditioner

☑ Kate Somerville CytoCell Dermal Energizing Treatment (sample)

This is supposed to "stimulate stem cell activity and restore the skin with new, energized cells". I can't treally tell as this sample was good for only a week. I don't think I have ever heard of this brand before.

Repurchase? no

What I'm currently using to replace it: -

Birthday FOTN, NOTW and presents

I celebrated my birthday with some friends Friday night. We went to my favorite restaurant, Jardin Thai (I ate sushis with cream cheese and smoked salmon and General Tso's chicken) , and we went clubbing at Le Vieux Shack.

Here's my FOTN:

Eyes

Annabelle Galaxy Eyeshadow Paletter - Shooting Star

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Onyx

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Mascara - Blackest Black

OLAY Regenerist Touch of Concealer Eye Regenerating Cream

Face

Annabelle Zebra Bronzing Powder - Haute Gold

Annabelle Blossom Blush - Peachy

Lips 

Vaseline

(= ♥

I added eyeliner before leaving the house LOL. Don't you think it makes all the difference?

And here's my NOTW, using Borghese Nail Lacquer in Venetian Red (thanks again, Kim!) and Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in Rockstar Pink:

with flash

without flash

Sara and my boyfriend got me some goodies for my birthday =D

 Sara decorated the bag and the box with words I say often like "man", "sex", "shit"... yes, typicial me LOL.

 Maynards Juicy Squirts Sours: These are my favorite candies ever!

 How cute is this!

Fruits & Passion Foaming Bath Collection: The collection includes 2 fl. oz of Blackberry Musk, Pear Peony, Grapefruit Guava, Orange Cantaloup, Georgia peach and Field Berries. They all smell yummy, and I can't wait to try them!

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express in Black Drama: I'm currently using the original The Falsies and loving it (even though I don't really see the "dramatic false lash effect"), so I'm sure I'll love this one just as much!

Burt's Bees Facial Care Kit: 

This set is sure to naturally cleanse and will leave your face feeling refreshed and radiant.

• Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream 170g
• Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub 15g
• Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil 4.25g

This set costs around $14 so it's a great bargain as the cleanser alone costs $12.99. I wanted to try a cream cleanser that wouldn't dry out my skin as it's already dry and it worsens in the winter so I'm very happy with this!

Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black and Red: I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy some myself because I'm very lazy and I didn't think I could achieve something great, but I will definitely give it a try.

Jim Benton's It's Happy Bunny Socks: I needed socks, and I love Happy Bunny! Sara picked these out because it says things I can totally relate to those quotes:

 "I hate everything." (Typical me!)

 "I just don't listen." (I... just don't listen LOL)

 "It's all about me. Deal with it." (Yes, I'm selfish like that)

Jim Benton's It's Happy Bunny and Betty Boop Slipper Socks: Slipper socks are great to lounge around the house in, but unfortunately, these didn't fit, even though it says it will fit shoe size 4 to 10.

 "It's cute how you think I'm listening." (Typical thing I would say to my boyfriend LOL)

I'm not sure what happened here, but the design on the back of the socks seems to have been glued to iself and it makes the socks incomfortable to walk in.

Yoshi plush: I was in Future Shop with my boyfriend when I found some adorable Nintendo plushes and my boyfriend bought me Yoshi! Isn't it the cutest? ^^

I have the best friend and boyfriend hehe! =D