Power of the perfect gift

* AD - products mentioned were gifted for a review

As a grown-up with grown-up friends, gift-giving has evolved. It’s no longer I’m buying something for one of my friends, but rather my husband and I are buying a gift for another couple. A definite shift from my early twenties, when wilder ideas were acceptable and budgets were… considerably tighter.

These days, most of my friends come as a unit. A power couple, to be more specific. When you’re surrounded by driven, successful, and genuinely inspiring people, you have to think carefully about the kind of gift you’re giving. And when I’m unsure—or struggling with couple-specific ideas—I go for the next best thing: perfume.

There are two brands that never fail thanks to their impressive range of incredible scents that won’t break the bank: Armani and YSL. For this post, I’m sticking with the latter. YSL has been absolutely blowing my mind lately, and their selection of fragrances for him is especially strong.

I’ve already spent plenty of time talking about the feminine side of YSL, so it won’t surprise you when I say you can never go wrong with the timeless classic Black Opium. It’s iconic. While it disappeared from the spotlight for a m.oment, I appreciate it even more now—it once again stands out the second you walk into a room.

Libre is another hugely popular release. I love all of the variations… apart from the OG. Well, that’s a lie—I do love the OG, but unfortunately there’s a compound in it that triggers migraines for me. That said, whenever I smell it on someone else, I admire it deeply and wish I could wear it long-term too.

For men, the MYSLF collection is nothing short of divine—especially Le Parfum. It’s the perfect balance of masculine and sporty, yet mature. Fresh, but not shower-gel fresh. It has weight without being stuffy or overpowering. It’s my husband’s current favourite, and I absolutely love smelling this fragrance on him.

I also enjoy the Y collection. It’s slightly lighter, and honestly, I’d consider wearing it myself. (Hi, my name is Veronika, and sometimes I wear my husband’s cologne.)

Ultimately, gifting for couples—especially power couples—is about choosing something that feels intentional, elevated, and timeless. A great fragrance does exactly that: it’s personal without being risky, luxurious without being excessive, and memorable long after the wrapping paper is gone. Whether it’s for them, for him, or for her, YSL offers something that fits effortlessly into a couple’s shared lifestyle. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember: smelling incredible is always a power move.

La Vie Est Belle Elixir: The Raspberry Dream I Didn’t Know I Needed

* AD - this post was written in collaboration with Notino.co.uk

The past year and a half has clearly been all about giving our favourite perfumes a berry twist. I’m not entirely sure why berries are suddenly everywhere, but I’m absolutely here for it. I can pretend all day that I’m a vanilla girl or an Arabic-perfume girl or whatever-scent girl… but juicy berries will always have my heart.

As much as I enjoy the original La Vie Est Belle, it’s never been a fragrance I’d feel the need to repurchase the second I run out. It’s lovely—just not a signature scent for me. The Elixir version, however, is a completely different story. It shares the same iconic bottle shape as the OG, but the deep red juice inside gives you a hint of what’s waiting.

And honestly? The scent is nothing like the original. I’m genuinely surprised Lancôme didn’t launch this as an entirely new perfume. It opens with the most authentic raspberry note—rich, juicy, and vibrant—that clings to the skin for hours. As it develops, soft florals and a warm cedarwood base start to peek through, giving it depth and a slightly more mature character.

The longevity is impressive, and there’s something about it that feels like a nostalgic slice of summer wrapped perfectly for winter. It smells like frosted raspberries—cold, sweet, and sparkling—and it’s easily the most raspberry-forward fragrance I’ve tried so far.

This might just be one of my favourite launches of the year and definitely a fragrance worth watching for in Black Friday deals. If you’ve been craving a scent that feels both cozy and vibrant, this one is absolutely worth sampling. Whether you’re new to raspberry-heavy fragrances or already obsessed with them like I am, La Vie Est Belle Elixir delivers something that feels familiar yet exciting. It’s the kind of perfume that makes you want to keep sniffing your wrist—and trust me, you will.

Gifts for New Parents From a New Parent

* AD - This post was written in collaboration with Notino.co.uk

Since becoming a parent, I’ve realised that every single gift I ever gave to new parents before having a baby myself was… well, useless. My intentions were pure, but I had no idea what new parents actually need.

Now that I’ve been through it, I wanted to share a list of gift ideas based on what we were given (and loved!) — plus a few things I picked up in the first few months. These ideas cover every budget, so let’s dive into how to become the best friend a new parent could ask for.

1. Candles & Diffusers

I’m sorry for the TMI, but once your baby starts solids, the smell of nappy changing becomes haunting. Parents might get used to it, but visitors definitely won’t. Having a nice diffuser or candle burning is therefore a must.

     

I’m a long-term fan of Bath & Body Works candles (as you have seen here many times), but Yankee Candle or any good quality and stylish wooden diffuser will do the trick. 

2. Baby Bodysuits

You can never have too many. Babies are messy - especially as they get older and start solids. Spit-ups, spills, blowouts… you name it. A bundle of soft, practical bodysuits is a gift that will actually get used every day.

3. Tea & Biscuits

This one surprised me. When we first brought our baby home, our friends arrived with a massive box of biscuits and Yorkshire tea. We were grateful but thought, “How will we ever eat all this?”

A week later, in the middle of sleep deprivation, hormonal ups and downs, and general chaos, that tea and those biscuits were our life savers. A warm cuppa and a few shortbread biscuits made everything feel a bit more manageable. It’s still one of the best gifts we received.

4. Food

Even before the baby, my husband and I were efficient cooks — quick meals with our air fryer, grill, or rice cooker. But even with those habits, the newborn days were a blur.

When friends dropped off homemade lasagnas, it was such a relief. We didn’t have to think about dinner, just heat and eat. So if you’re unsure what to bring — bring food. Homemade meals are always appreciated. And if you are not so much of a cook, Just Eat will do just fine. 

5. Coffee

Now that our baby is 9 months old, life is more predictable, and daily walks have become part of our routine. Those walks almost always end with coffee from a local café. But being on the maternity pay, it can get quite expensive - I am not one of those people to tell you not to buy a coffee to afford a deposit for a house but I always saw a coffee from a cafe as a treat I would indulge in only occasionally. Not daily. For that reason, coffee shop gift card is something I will be buying for new parents from now on.

6. Gift Cards

Speaking of gift cards, I’m a huge fan. They might not seem personal, but they give parents the freedom to get exactly what they need — whether it’s coffee, baby clothes, or even nappies.

If you want to focus on mum, a massage voucher is gold. All the carrying, bouncing, and feeding can wreck your back, so a professional massage feels like heaven — and a much-needed bit of “me time.”

My advise is not to buy nappies or wipes unless you know the parents’ preferred brand. A gift card lets them choose what works for their baby.

7. Mustela Cleansing Water

Yes, I was influenced by social media — but this product truly works! The French brand Mustela is popular for a reason and their cleansing water cleared my baby’s acne overnight, and now that he’s older (and messier), a quick wipe with it keeps him clean no matter how much food ends up on his face. It’s gentle, smells lovely, and saves countless trips to the sink. 

Additionally, you can add some Mustela baby sunscreen or Arnica cream. 

When in doubt, think practical, comforting, and low-effort. New parents don’t need fancy gifts — they need things that make daily life easier, cleaner, or calmer. And sometimes, that’s as simple as tea, biscuits, and a big candle.

Everyday Lip Combo with Mac Cosmetics

AD - please note the products mentioned were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

I must admit—MAC Cosmetics has never been high on my list. Back when I was a teenager, it was the aspirational brand. I still remember getting my first paycheck after moving to Scotland and heading straight to the MAC store to treat myself to a foundation and powder.

Unfortunately, it was a letdown.

Looking back now, I realize the foundation just didn’t suit my skin type, and the powder wasn’t right for me either. But that disappointing first experience left me with a weird aversion to the brand for years. Still, I gave it another shot—picked up a couple of their cult-favorite lipsticks—and yet again, I was disappointed. But here's the thing: the problem wasn’t MAC. It was me.

Take Ruby Woo, for example. It's iconic, but I never feel comfortable in red lipstick. Then there was the nearly-black lipstick from Ariana Grande's collab—shockingly, it made my pale complexion look straight-up vampiric. Not in a cool way.

But things started to shift when I tried a few other MAC products: their lip liners, liquid lipsticks, and setting spray. Suddenly, I could see why the brand had so much hype. Maybe teenage me just didn’t know what worked for her. Maybe the issue wasn’t MAC—it was my own product choices.

This Year Changed Everything

This year marked a real turning point. I finally began to appreciate MAC for what it is: a brand with a huge range of shades, tones, and finishes. Once you know your undertones and what flatters you, MAC becomes a playground.

After carrying the lip liner Whirl with me everywhere, I decided to explore more shades. That led me to one of the best lip combos I’ve tried in ages: the lip liner Soar paired with the MACximal Silky Matte Lipstick in the shade Mehr.

Both are cool-toned—perfect for my complexion. Soar feels even creamier and more pigmented than Whirl, and I suspect it suits me better colour-wise. I tend to overline my upper lip just a little for that plumper look, and Soar delivers beautifully. It glides on easily, creates a defined shape, and—bonus—it lasts really well. Even more so than Whirl, surprisingly.

Mehr: A Lipstick Worth the Hype

Now, let’s talk about Mehr, the star of the show.

First off, can we discuss the packaging? I don’t know if MAC changed their materials recently, but this lipstick feels so much more expensive than the ones I’ve tried before. Maybe it’s because the others were from limited edition collections—but this one, in the classic black bullet, has a satisfying weight to it. The rim even seems to be metal, which adds to the high-end feel.

Does packaging matter in the grand scheme of things? Not really. But does it make a difference when you're holding it in your hand, applying it in the mirror? Absolutely.

As for the shade—it’s everything I hoped for and more. I did my research, scrolled through tons of swatches and reviews, but I was still nervous it might lean too warm. Luckily, it didn’t. It’s the perfect pink-nude, leaning more pink, but still cool-toned. The finish is matte, but the formula isn’t drying at all.

Personally, I love a glossy lip, but let’s be honest—matte lasts better. So I sometimes top it off with a clear gloss, and I’m good to go.

The Perfect Everyday Combo

Together, Soar and Mehr make the ultimate everyday lip combo. It’s wearable year-round and works for pretty much any occasion.

I’m not someone who rigidly swaps out shades based on the season (except for Christmas, of course), and this is one of those combos that just works, no matter what time of year it is. You’ll never feel out of place wearing it.

Brows: Quick and easy

* AD - Please note the product mentioned were gifted to me for a review by notino.co.uk

I’m the furthest thing from a brow expert. In fact, brows are my least favourite part of my makeup routine — they just feel daunting. That said, I actually enjoy testing brow products because there’s so much variety out there. And since I want the best results with minimal effort, I’m definitely picky.

Lately, drugstore brands have been quietly dropping a wave of new brow makeup launches, so I picked a couple that looked like they might make my life easier. Here’s what I found:

Maybelline Brow Mousse

Tinted gels have always been my go-to — just brush them on and done. At least, that’s the theory. In reality, most still need constant touch-ups or an extra pencil to fill in gaps.

But Maybelline’s brow mousse? Different story. The formula somehow makes my brows look fluffy and fills in sparse spots, no extra steps required. Plus, it holds them in place all day. I got the lightest shade — it’s cool-toned, perfect for blondes, and honestly exceeded my expectations. Right now, it might just be my favourite brow product: zero effort, great payoff. Perfect if you’re not into the whole “brow sculpting” thing.

L’Oréal Faux Brow Dual Pen

I’ve had my eye on this pen since it launched and finally caved. Both ends are super fine, so you can draw individual hairs that look surprisingly natural. And once it’s on, it’s on all day.

That said, it’s probably not for me. I don’t need that much filling in (the Maybelline mousse already covers me), so this pen feels a little redundant. But if your brows are on the thinner side, or you love that fuller, bushier look, this is a fantastic option. It comes in six shades — warmer than Maybelline’s, but that warmth makes sense for mimicking real hair.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Creams Reviewed: OG, Nude Glow & Matte Compared

* Please note these products were gifted to me for a review

When You Think of IT Cosmetics, You Think of This

When someone mentions IT Cosmetics, my mind instantly jumps to their iconic CC+ Cream — and I’m sure I’m not alone. It’s the product that catapulted the brand into cult-favorite status. Since then, the CC+ Cream family has grown to include two newer additions: Nude Glow and Natural Matte.

As a beauty blogger, I’ve had the chance to test all three, and here’s how they stack up.

Let’s start with my least favorite: Natural Matte

Let’s just get this one out of the way. The CC+ Cream Natural Matte was a total miss for me. I have dry skin and prefer a dewy finish — matte products tend to sit awkwardly on my skin and this was no exception. On top of that, the shade I picked was way too dark (my fault, but I also suspect the matte shades run deeper compared to the OG and Nude Glow formulas).

The result? A combination that didn’t work on any level. If you have oily skin, it might be worth a try — but for me, it’s a firm pass.

Now onto the Nude Glow

At first, I was really into this one — and to be fair, I still like it! But it hasn’t become a staple in my routine. The coverage is lighter than the OG and Matte versions, which actually complements the glowy finish nicely. It leaves my skin looking fresh and luminous, and I love that I can wear it on its own without piling on extra products.

That said, because my skin is quite dry, I still have to prep it well before applying — otherwise that fresh glow fades faster than I’d like.

And finally, the classic: Original CC+ Cream

This was the last one I tried — and honestly, I didn’t expect to like it more than Nude Glow. But I get it now. I finallyunderstand the hype.

The coverage is medium to full (definitely more than Nude Glow), and the formula just melts into my skin, making it look fresh, flawless, and healthy all day long. What’s even better is that it’s pretty forgiving — even on days when I slack on skin prep, it still holds up beautifully. That’s not something I can say about the other two.

If I had to pick just one, the Original CC+ Cream would be my go-to. While I appreciate the concept behind Nude Glow, I’m not sure it delivers enough to justify the price — at least not for me.

A Traveler’s Guide to Japanese Skincare: What’s Worth Trying?

Despite being pregnant, I managed to visit two continents outside of Europe, and one of the countries I traveled to was Japan. We’re all familiar with the trend of Korean skincare, but did you know that Japanese skincare is just as highly regarded as its South Korean counterpart? Before my trip, I conducted extensive research and returned with a suitcase full of more and less well-known skincare products from the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese skincare is surprisingly affordable, especially when purchased locally.

I’m slowly testing everything I brought back, and as the year comes to an end, I’ve put together a short review of the first batch of tested products. All of these are also available in our region through online stores. I’ve included a link for each product where you can purchase it. On those pages, you can use my discount code VERULAV5, which earns me a small commission – but feel free to shop wherever it’s cheapest for you! 😊

Kosé Softymo Speedy Cleansing Oil

Let’s start with one of the most iconic products in Japanese skincare. This cleansing oil is mentioned in nearly every video offering advice on what to buy when visiting Japan. I gave in and followed those recommendations – and I’m glad I did.

The oil cleanses very effectively. It’s very runny for an oil, so one pump is enough to remove even waterproof makeup in just a few moments. Thanks to its lightweight texture, it rinses off easily and, unlike many other cleansing oils, doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy after cleansing. I truly can’t fault it and will definitely add it to my list of products I’d happily repurchase.

Shop here.

Bioré Marshmallow Whip Foaming Cleanser

When it comes to this foaming cleanser, I missed the mark and regret not listening to videos recommending other facial cleansers. I was drawn to the idea of a thick foam resembling marshmallows (and I’ll admit I was tempted by Japanese teleshopping, which didn’t feature this specific cleanser but showed something with a similar effect).

The foam itself isn’t bad, but it’s nothing extraordinary either. It doesn’t wow me, but it doesn’t disappoint. It’s lightly scented, cleanses the skin, but leaves it feeling a bit tight and dry. While it’s not bad enough to stop me from using it up, I wouldn’t buy it again. Additionally, I feel like it runs out too quickly.

Shop here.

Rohto Mentholatum Vitamin C Cream

Originally, I wanted to buy the brightening essence from this collection, but since both boxes looked identical and had no English labels, I ended up with the cream instead. I didn’t mind, though – you can never have too many face creams! Unfortunately, this one didn’t work well for me.

The cream is quite rich and nourishing. If I had used it for a longer time, I think I would have noticed a more even skin tone because even after two weeks, my skin looked slightly brighter. However, I started breaking out shortly after using it, which can happen sometimes, but the problem didn’t go away even after another two weeks. Ultimately, I had to stop using it, so I definitely won’t be repurchasing it.

Shop here.

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Water Essence SPF 50+

My happiest pick so far was definitely this SPF. Like with most of the products mentioned, I took inspiration from social media – and this time, it paid off. After years of blogging, I’ve tried countless SPFs, so take the following statement seriously: This is the best SPF I’ve ever used. I think it’ll be hard to find something that suits my skin better.

As the name suggests, the cream has a gel-like, watery texture. It’s lightweight and absorbs into the skin almost immediately without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. It hydrates the skin and leaves it soft to the touch. Any additional benefits beyond sun protection are a bonus for me, and the fact that this sunscreen works better than a regular hydrating cream and serum combined makes it the holy grail of my current routine. The only downside is a faint alcohol scent. It doesn’t bother me, but it could be a warning sign for those with very sensitive skin.

Even though I won’t be able to get it as cheaply in Europe as I did in Japan, it’s still relatively affordable (around £10 per tube). If you’re planning a trip to Japan, make sure to add this SPF to your shopping list!

Shop here.