I Christmas harder than anyone else I know! Seriously. My nickname, for goodness sake, is Christmas Tree-na! Geddit? I absolutely love the decorating, drinks, dinners and dancing. However, I’m a bit of a last-minute-Lizzie when it comes to buying gifts. I generally do it the last week before Christmas as I need a sense of urgency to get me going and like to do it all in one fell swoop.
Arnotts is the perfect place for me to shop as it literally has something for everyone all under one roof.
This week, I popped in and hit up Homemade by Clodagh for some lunch first while making some lists and getting a plan of action together. Then it was straight to the kiddies’ section for some new pyjamas for Maxi and Mini from Polarn O. Pryet followed by a dash over to Electrical in search of a drone for Will. On a roll!
Then it was over to the fancy pantsy, brand new MAC area for some self-gifting! This is the largest MAC space in the country. It’s HUGE and even boasts a private make up room. As always, there is so much to fawn over, but I loved the Nutcracker collection, especially for Christmas, and the colour range in the Shadescents lipsticks is phenomenal.
Charlotte Tilbury has also just joined Arnotts so it was there next for a pot of her legendary Magic Cream, eh, for me again. A bit of a splurge, but, come on, it’s Christmas! I really, reeeeeally want the Legendary Muse palette as well. I mean, who could resist those golden tones but hopefully Santa might get the hint if he’s reading this. Of course I drenched myself in Scent of a Dream perfume? It’s super secshi.
The NYX counter is always worth a visit and I immediately clapped eyes on the NYX Lip Vaults, which are exclusive to Arnotts. There’s something so enticing about miniature, handbag-happy lipsticks. An ideal gift for any lippie-lovers.
A little tip for those giving the gift of perfume this season, Arnotts have 10% off fragrance sets until Christmas, sensibly collected together at their dedicated fragrance gift space, so you can see the full range of what is available. If you’re yearning for something classic, opt for Dior J’Adore (or Sauvage for the men) or Chanel No5. For a younger, more modern spin, Chanel No5 L’eau is a gorgeous option. If your tastes don’t run along those lines, Mugler Alien – the bottle alone is a statement piece – or Creed Aventus are stellar choices.
The standout gift for 2016 has go to the the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. It’s the best hairdryer I’ve ever used. It’s a bit spendy but if you think about it, you wear your hair everyday so investing in something like this which has 16 patents pending and three click-on attachments including a diffuser, built-in temperature control technology means that burning your hair with too much heat is virtually impossible. It stays cool to the touch all the way to the tip of the nozzle, which ultimately protects hair—not to mention hands. In fact,powered by a tiny digital motor and filter that reside in the handle instead of a traditional strand-sucking exposed fan, it’s lighter and quieter,
It’s not too late to write to Santa, right?
If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, the RITUALS candles make stunning pressies. The packaging is divine and they look so much more expensive than they are, so don’t be afraid to snap them up. These are perfect for dropping over to neighbours, friends, in-laws etc.
And in terms of skincare gift sets, this Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is a definite yes. Not only is the cleansing product lovely, but the process of using the hot cloth is so relaxing. It’s certainly one way to calm The Fear after a boozy night out!
On a little side-note, I know I shouldn’t even be thinking about furniture this time of year, but seriously, just look at this Alexander James couch. We are in The Love. I can’t stop thinking about it since I saw it in the Furniture department in Arnotts.
As for the Matthew Williamson collection…..
And can we also start a debate on the item below… is it a handbag, is it a radio?! Either way, I love it!
A lovely little finishing touch is the gift wrapping station now in the store. Pop over with your pressies and have everything beautifully wrapped in no time at all. It’s so unbelievably helpful, if you’re an eject with sellotape and scissors like I am. If you forget to remember something, simply buy it online at arnotts.ie and avail of the Click & Collect option. Oh, and don’t forget your Arnotts Wonder Card to build up on (or spend) points this time of year. Christmas miracles, indeed.
Happy shopping!