Help Meaghers Pharmacy #WRAP4HOMELESS this Christmas – Top 5 Picks for Him

A few weeks ago, Meaghers Pharmacy launched their #Wrap4Homeless campaign in association with the Peter McVerry trust and the response from Irish consumers has been amazing. For every two gifts that you pay to have wrapped by Meaghers Pharmacy, they will donate the proceeds to the Peter McVerry Trust and provide one person with a bed for the night. And, the last time that I spoke to Oonagh, the CEO of Meaghers, they had raised over €13,000 – what an amazing achievement!

But, the campaign isn’t over yet. A few weeks ago, I provided you with a “Top 5” gift guide post for the ladies in your life which you can read here. The response from readers was great, with many of you sending me pictures of your purchases on Snapchat (@Rougewriting) and Instagram (@RougeWritingHood) and, lots of you asked me to write a similar post about presents for men. So, I roped my brother into helping out on this one, and together we have constructed a list of our “Top 5” gifts for men from Meaghers Pharmacy.

Hugo Boss “Boss” – Available Here.

Clarins “Men Hydrating Essentials” – Available Here.

Ted Baker “Ted’s Essentials” – Available Here.

Disney “Grumpy Shower Duo” – Available Here.

Clarins “Men Super Moisturise Gel” – Available Here.

So there’s a little gift inspiration for you. And, you can do you good deed of the week by choosing to support Meaghers’ #Wrap4Homeless campaign while shopping.

If you do choose to donate, I would love to hear about it so why not let me know over on Twitter (@rougewriting) or tag me in photos of your gift/orders over on Instagram (@rougewritinghood).

Rouge x

Christmas 2016 – Fragrances for Her

“Perfume is the key to our memories.” – Kate Lord Brown.

 

 

 

Fragrances for Her:

Giorgio Armani “Sí” – Available Here from Debenhams.

 

Armani’s “Sí” is a gorgeous full-bodied, yet feminine scent. The perfume has warm, musky undertones with notes of neroli, jasmine and Sicilian bergamot. I think that this option is a pretty versatile one as it can be worn during the day or night. It’s quite a rich scent so it’s probably not for those who love an extremely sweet perfume, but it’s definitely a great option for those who prefer an intense, long-lasting fragrance.

 

 

 

 

Mugler “Angel” – Available Here from Debenhams.

 

This perfume has been a “cult favourite” of women worldwide for as long as I can remember but, until recently I had never tried it. And, I have to say, I was missing out. This is a lovely, fresh scent for daytime wear. With notes of honey, chocolate and red berries; this is one of the sweeter smelling options on the list. So, while I prefer a sultry, seductive fragrance for nights out, I love wearing this one during the day at work because it’s nice and subtle. I’ve been getting lots of compliments on this scent. It’s also worth noting that this fragrance is refillable, so it works out as the “good value for money” option too.

 

 

 

 

Replica “Beach Walk” – Available Here from Brown Thomas.

 

Want. Need. Must have! This fragrance from Replica is on my own personal Christmas wish list. So, I hope Santa is reading. I absolutely adore salty, ocean inspired scents and when I sampled this fragrance a few weeks ago, I fell head over heels in love. This is a really fresh, crisp scent that is filled with notes of pink pepper, lemon, bergamot and ylang ylang. I think that this one would be the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or a natural, calming scent.

 

 

 

 

Moschino “Fresh Couture” – Available Here from Debenhams.

 

Any of my Snapchat followers will know that I love this fragrance so much, I’ve almost used up my entire 100ml bottle in 3 months. You can read my full review here.

 

 

 

 

Tom Ford “Velvet Orchid” – Available Here from Brown Thomas.

 

If I could only use one fragrance for the rest of my life, I would choose this one. I absolutely adore it. Now, be warned, it is a very strong scent so this isn’t an option for those who like subtle, soft perfume. However, it is slightly less spicy than the original “Black Orchid” scent so, I would suggest this one for anyone who loves that fragrance. With cool citrus tones and a seductive sandalwood base, “Velvet Orchid” is an instantly recognisable perfume that will quickly become a woman’s signature scent.

 

 

Viktor & Rolf “Flowerbomb” – Available Here from Debenhams.

 

After reading this post, you’ll probably realise that I prefer strong scents with notes of sandalwood and leather. However, that isn’t to everyone’s taste. If the lady in your life prefers a warm, floral fragrance; then “Flowerbomb” is the one for her. This perfume is very floral, with notes of orchid and jasmine. So, it’s safe to assume that anyone who loves to fill their home with fresh flowers or enjoys gardening, will adore this fragrance.

 

 

So, there you have it. Lots of different fragrance options for the ladies in your life. Whether, she loves sweet, sultry or floral scents – this list has got you covered. However, if you’ve got a fragrance that you think I should have included, please mention it in the comment section – all suggestions welcome.

Rouge x

 

P.S if you want to take a look at some of my other gift guides for Christmas 2016, I will leave a list of links below:

• “Secret Santa” Gifts under €15.
• Gifts for Her (The Splurge Edition).
• Skincare Gift Ideas, for Her.
• Help Meaghers Pharmacy #Wrap4Homeless Gift Guide.
• TheBalm Christmas Collection.

Secret Santa – Christmas Gifts Under €15

 

For Her:

 

 

“Pink Fizz Cocktail Candle” from Meaghers Pharmacy.

 

 

 

“Tropical Flower Mac Keyboard Cover” from My Shining Armour.

 

 

 

“#Girlboss” by Sophia Amoruso from My Shining Armour.

 

 

 

Cocoa Brown “The Golden Goddess Collection” from Meaghers Pharmacy.

 

 

 

Bombay Duck “Enjoy Today Mug” from Meaghers Pharmacy.

 

 

 

Catrice “High Glow Mineral Highlight Powder” from Meaghers Pharmacy.

 

 

 

For Him:

 

 

Disney Shower Duo from Meaghers Pharmacy.

 

 

 

Gillette “Mach 3 Wash Bag” from Cara Pharmacy.

 

 

 

Shruti “Whisky Stones” from Cara Pharmacy.

 

 

 

“Dog Mug with Teabags” from Debenhams.

 

 

 

“Super Sours” from Debenhams.

 

 

 

“Drinking Game Bar Mats” from Debenhams.

 

 

And, there you have it! We’ve taken all the hard work out of choosing “Secret Santa” gifts for those colleagues that you’ve barely spoken to or, the distant relatives you only see once a year, over the festive season.

On another note, if you’re thinking of purchasing any of the gift options from Meaghers Pharmacy, don’t forget to support their #Wrap4Homeless campaign. You can find more details here.

If you have any goodies that you think should be included in this list, just leave the details in the comment section!

Rouge x

Gifts for Her – The Splurge Edition

“She ain’t got time for lovin’, Louis Vuitton her husband..” – The Weeknd.

 

Alright, so it’s fairly safe to assume that this gift guide may only be of interest to those who have recently won the lotto and are hoping to buy the ladies in their life a gorgeous Christmas gift with the proceeds. However, there’s no harm in writing a little “lust list”. We’ve all got to dream, after all.

 

 

Alexander Mc Queen “Padlock Tote” – Available Here.

 

 

 

Valentino “Rockstud 100 Ankle Boots” – Available Here.

 

 

 

Chupi “Dew Drop in the Wild” – Available Here.

 

 

Cartier “Hypnose” Watch – Available Here.

 

 

 

Charlotte Tilbury – “The Golden Goddess Look In a Box” – Available Here.

 

 

I want it all!! For more affordable gift guides, you can check out the main blog and, stay tuned for more..

 

Rouge x

PHYT’s Skincare – Gift Ideas, For Her

If you’re struggling to decide what to purchase for the ladies in your life this Christmas, skincare gift sets are usually a safe bet. Well, unless you choose the wrong products, of course. Women of all ages like to take care of their skin but what you probably didn’t know is that many of the formulas that are on the market at the moment contain lots of chemical “nasties” that are actually bad for the skin if used for a prolonged period of time.

I have pretty clear skin – due to a combination of good genes (thanks, Mum) and the use of good quality skincare products. The “no make up selfie” above will demonstrate the current condition of my skin, without layers of foundation and concealer. So, followers of Rouge Writing Hood often ask me about skincare and the products that I use on a daily basis. And, I can honestly say that no matter how many times I take it upon myself to test new products from different brands, I always seem to return to the French brand, PHYT’s.

PHYT’s are an organic skincare brand, available online or from a number of stockists throughout the country. They’re a salon brand who never fail to deliver on their promises. Plus, their formulas are organic and gentle, so they’re suitable for all skin types. Keeping this in mind, I’ve complied a list of Christmas gift sets that are available for purchase this year. And, the great news is that the brand are currently offering a 20% discount on ALL of their gift sets if you shop online here.

PHYT’S NOURISHING CLEANSING SET:

This set contains three essential products for everyday use. We’ve got “Lait Nettoyant Cleanser”, “Hydrole Orange Toner” and the “Lip Balm Comfort”. Suitable for all skin types and the cleanser is very gentle so I think it would be great for sensitive skin. This would be a particularly good gift for young girls who are just starting to wear make up and learning to take care of their skin.

EAU MICELLAIRE & CONTACT+ GOMMAGE:

This gift set would make a great pressie for any gals who are a little lazy when it comes to removing their make up. Especially those who like to party all night long because the “Eau Micellaire” is a great formula for removing make up quickly, before you roll into bed. After a night out, I always use my “Gommage Contact +” to gently remove dead skin cells, before applying a face mask to revitalise tired, dull skin. This gift set is currently reduced from €60 to €48 so it’s a really affordable option.

LAIT HYDRO & CREME AQUA HYDRATANTE

If I had to choose two skincare products to bring to a desert island, the “Lait Hydro” and “Creme Aqua Hydratante” would be an easy choice. These products aren’t for oily skin but they work wonderfully on dehydrated, dry and normal skin types. That means that they’re perfect for winter. This set would be a wonderful gift for Mums, who are always in search of a good moisturiser.

GEL NETTOYANT & LIP BALM COMFORT

Bath sets are really popular Christmas gifts but, many of them are heavily perfumed and often, this means that the formulas are drying on skin. Not ideal – especially during the winter months. However, this set from PHYT’s is (like all of their products) made entirely from natural ingredients. The body cleansing “Gel Nettoyant” is soothing on skin and will help keep it moisturised and healthy throughout the winter months. And, no woman can ever have enough lip balms.. At €27 (reduced from €34), this set is no more expensive than those found in pharmacies nationwide, and I assure you that the formulas are above and beyond the quality of the “cult-favourite” drugstore options.

LAIT CORPS FLEURIE & GALET EXFOLIANT

This is another body skincare set. Young girls with a passion for false tanning will find the “Galet Exfoliant” really useful for removing the “snake-skin” look. This mint scented soap is great for removing dead skin cells and exfoliating skin. And, the “Lait Corps Fleurie” is a gorgeous body lotion that is naturally scented with flower and plant extract. Mums, grandmothers, sisters and aunties would also love this set, but I wouldn’t recommend purchasing your girlfriend/wife a bar of soap for Christmas – even if it is as pretty as this one!

And that’s it folks. PHYT’s are an organic, natural brand that I am really passionate about, so if you purchase any of their products, I would love to hear your thoughts on them. Just drop me a line on Twitter (@rougewriting) or Instagram (@rougewritinghood).

You can purchase any of the above sets in stockists nationwide or here at the PHYT’s Ireland website.

Rouge x