Laura Rebecca Smith

Buying for a man can be a little bit tricker when it feels like they already have everything, but hopefully the below pieces can help you find something special for them. This year is all about the little luxuries they normally wouldn't treat themselves to. Whether it's a tailored overcoat, a designer aftershave or a polaroid camera, here are some ideas for the men in your life. 

THE FASHION LIST

THE BEAUTY & WELLNESS LIST

THE HOMEWARE LIST

Your Environment

Your environment can have a huge impact on how you feel. I don't know about you but when I'm in a messy room I really struggle to concentrate on anything else. Not only is a tidy area important, you want the space to feel comfortable and soothing. Nothing says cosy like soft furnishings and H&M's wool boucle blanket and knitted cushion set the right scene along with Neom's de-stress candle. Talking of scent's ESPA's pulse point essential oils will get you in the best frame of mind, while Neom's sleep spray is a peaceful way to end the day. Finally, when it comes to clothing only chic pyjamas, gorgeous textures and oversized knits are allowed. 

Skincare

Taking the time to give your skin some love and attention is the easiest and most relaxing way to feel like you're taking care of yourself. This not only provides some benefit for the here and now, it will ensure you have well loved and looked after skin in the future. Begin by properly cleaning your face with La Roche Posay's cleansing milk and The Ordinary's pore clearing face mask. Next, indulge your whole body with Aesop's refreshing polishing body scrub followed by their intensely hydrating body balm. Lastly, treat your face with real care by applying The Ordinary's hydrating hyaluronic acid and La Roche Posay's anti-blemish moisturiser, all properly absorbed with help of Revolution's Gun Sha tool (find the method here).

Exercise & Meditation

It's no secret that exercise can have huge benefits when it comes to your physical and mental wellbeing. I definitely overlooked the importance of it until recently when I signed up to Melissa Wood Health. Melissa's program focuses on combining yoga and pilates to create 'long, lean lines' in a more pared back, intentional way. Each workout is 25 minutes or less due to her philosophy that everyone should be able to find the time to 'show up for yourself' each day. She finishes her workouts with a few minutes of meditation which is just the cherry on top. Starting the day with purposeful movements and clearing the mind has had such a positive effect in a short amount of time and provides the clarity and calmness self-care should give you.

Reading

Reading can be one of the biggest joys in life and is a wonderfully, creative way to continue to learn and explore - all from the comfort of your own room. Taking those few minutes or couple of hours to be transported to another place or be immerse in an interesting subject gives us the chance to escape to our imagination and leave the unimportant stuff behind. If you're looking for a new book to delved into these are my recommendations:

House of Glass by Hadley Freeman - this is an immersive and thought-provoking story about a Jewish family in the 20th century and how they survived all the devastation they faced. This book is captivating and I found myself thinking about the members of this family long after I finished the book. It's such an important read, everyone needs to hear their story.

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo - This novel is a collection of stories about a dozen black women living in Britain, giving us the reader a broad insight into modern life and each woman's individual perspective and thoughts on it. The book offers us the opportunity to see into an array of lives and learn a lot along the way.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert - This novel provides pure escapism by transporting us back to a world of theatre in 1940s New York City with our young protagonist trying to figure out her path in life. Despite being set over 60 years ago, this book makes comments about women's roles and sexuality that is still relevant today.

Being Outside

Come rain or shine, is there anything we Brits love more than to go out on a walk? Despite seeming like a chore at times, being outside in the fresh air and moving your legs is another healthy way to work your body and clear your mind. This one may seem a little tricker with current restrictions but as long as you can find a nice area to explore, a brisk walk will do the world of good.

Imagery: tumblr, @darjabarannik, @eleonoraavirco, tumblr, tumblr, tumblr, @laurarebeccasmith_, @mandymadd

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