Latest in Beauty: Grazia Beauty Advent Calendar: Days 9 - 16

You can see what I received the first 8 days in my Grazia Beauty Advent Calendar HERE. I'm today sharing what I received days 9-16.

Day 9 - Dr Paw Paw Original Balm 25ml which is a full size product.

Day 10 - Aromatherapy Associates Forest Bathing Bath & Shower Oil 9ml - I love these bath and shower oils and this latest launch is lush.

Day 11 - Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml - this trial size has been in many boxes! One I'll pass along.

Day 12 - Sukin Purely Ageless Rejuvenating Day Cream 20ml - I found this slightly too rich for my skin and have passed it on. Great brand though!

Day 13 - Code 8 Precision Liquid Eyeliner - I've had a few of these in beauty boxes. Again, likely to pass this one along.

Day 14 - Spectrum C03 Brush - this is lush! Supersoft and I'm looking forward to using it.

Day 15 - NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Mask - single use - looking forward to taking some time out to relax and try this mask.

Day 16 - Dermalogica PreCleanse Oil 30ml - I used to use this years ago, will be nice to revisit.

In days 9-16 there are 4 things I'm really excited about trying and a few I've passed along. I wonder what the remaining days will hold! What advent calendar(s) are you opening?

My Picks: Christmas Gift Guide

Here's my top picks for gifting:

Beatitude Comfort Luxury Aromatherapy Candle** (30cl - £34) is total luxury. See my review HERE.

From Dermalogica I love their body buffing set** (£15.50) see my review HERE.

Love Lula have loads of amazing gifts. I've selected a couple from there. First up, the super luxe Christoper Courtney London Rescue & Shine Luxury Hair Massage Candle* (228ml - £39.95). See my thoughts HERE.

Next, from Balm Balm is this fantastic set which is great value for money. You can see my review of the Indulgent Organic Gift Set* (£39) HERE. This set includes perfume, body oil, body balm and a mini bath & shower oil.

Green People have some great gifts. This little Joyful set** is gorgeous (£19.95). See my review HERE.

I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of Imelda's book which I bought before launch (which comes with some free trial size samples!) You can buy it direct from Content Beauty or from Amazon.

From Kjaer Weis there is this gorgeous Lipstick a Deux set with a nude and bright (£72) pick yours up at Naturisimo.

Also from Naturisimo is this amazing Weleda Luxury Chest of Goodness (£30.95) which is stuffed full of products - 15 in total!

What's on your Christmas wishlist?

*received as part of the Love Lula Accredited Blogger Program

**complimentary

Dermalogica: Phyto Replenish Oil & Christmas Gift Sets

I've been testing out Dermalogica's latest launch (September) Phyto Replenish Oil (30ml - £62)* 

The oil is light as air and absorbs quickly leaving the skin looking radiant and glowy. The scent is uplifting with floral notes. Press a few drops onto the skin before foundation for a dewy look, before moisturiser or add a few drops to your day or night cream.

It works in three phases to strengthen, hydrate and shield. Camellia and Tamanu oils protect the skin's barrier. Orchid flower and Chia Seed Oils help to smooth out lines and wrinkles and lock in moisture. Sunflower, rice Bran and Rosemary extracts shield the skin against free radical damage and help to make the skin look more luminous. It really is a luxe treat for the skin and senses. The oil is best suited to normal and dry skin types.

Also...Christmas is fast approaching and I've had the pleasure of trying out Dermalogica's Body Buffing Christmas Set* (£15.50). You can see the rest in the range HERE. Packaging is simple (but pretty) and recyclable.

Inside you'll find:

An Ultimate Buffing Cloth which will buff and polish your skin. It's good for those hard to reach areas and great to use with the Conditioning Body Wash (75ml) to exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth rough elbows and feet. The body wash contains botanical extracts and essential oils. It cleanses the skin leaving it feeling refreshed and clean.

The third item in the set is Body Hydrating Cream (75ml) which is an old favourite of mine!  Easily absorbed the cream is fortified with lactic and hydroxy acids which are extracted from sugar cane and apple. It deeply hydrates the skin and is scented with Lavender, Orange and Green Tea.

*complimentary samples sent for review

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar - Days 8-14

On Day 8, I received the very fabulous Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil (7.5ml). I reviewed it here. One I'll definitely buy full size.

Day 9 gave me Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream 25ml - I'm super excited to try this one out. Smells gorgeous and feels really great on the skin. Full review will follow. Great size too.

On day 10 I got Inika Mineral Eyeshadow in Gun Metal - I've received several of these in beauty boxes before. 

Day 11 saw me receive a full size pot of STEAMCREAM

On Day 12 I got a Stila Lipglaze in Kaleidoscope. This looks like a really wearable shade and I love Stila's make up range.

Day 13 saw me get a Dermalogica Ultracalming Set which includes cleanser, masque, mist, serum and eye serum.

Today, Day 14 I received a Green People anti-ageing Eyeliner pencil in Grey. Looking forward to trying it out.

Are you opening the calendar each day? What are your thoughts on the contents so far?

Beauty900 Online Store: Dermalogica Stockist

I was recently sent some Dermalogica products from Beauty900 an online store which specialises in the brand. The site is run by Shumailas Hair and Beauty which is a beauty salon with five branches in East London and Essex (you can follow them on Twitter @shumailas_salon).  They offer free UK delivery and samples with every order.

I was sent a couple of mini try me sets* (I'm already a huge fan of Daily Microfoliant).

Full reviews will follow soon.  Have you used any Dermalogica products? What's your favourites?

*PR samples

Beauty Products I took on Holiday

I spent a few days last week up north staying at two wonderful locations - a post will follow at the weekend.  I tried to limit what goodies I took but....judge for yourself!

Skincare:

REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel 15ml 

Creme de La Mer The Eyebalm Intense 3ml

Bodhi Neroli Lucé Revitalising Face Oil 5ml

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser Sample*

Aurelia Revitalise & Glow Serum Sample*

Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water 35ml

Nuxe Nuxellence Jeuness Youth & Radiance Revealing Fluid 15ml

Rodial Glamtox Day SPF15 & Night both 15ml mini review here.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant 12g

thisworks in transit no traces Rosewater & Watermint infused pads link.

Melvita Orange Blossom Floral Water mini

Accorelle Serum, Day & Night cream minis

Bodycare:

Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts 100g - see my review here.

Soleil Organique 100% Mineral Sunblock Mist SPF45 120ml* - review here.

Nuxe 24hr Moisturising Body Lotion 15ml

Nuxe Huile Prodgieuse OR mini

Jurlique Rose Body Cream 50ml

Abahna Frangipani & Orange Blossom Bath & Shower Gel & Body Lotion 50ml

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml see review here.

Neom Tranquility Bath Oil 30ml - this appeared in my 5 bath oils post.
SKINLikes Natural Deodorant 70ml* - see my review here.

Hair:
John Masters Sachets 10ml - Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner, Citrus & Neroli Detangler and Honey & Hibiscus Hair Reconstructor
Gielly Green Repair Shampoo & classic Conditioner both 50ml
Kerastase Elixir Ultime

Miscellaneous:
balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream 30ml*
Dr Organic Manuka Honey Cuticle & Nail Solution 15ml
bubb & DIMPLES Champers Darling Nourishing Body Oil Candle - Travel size - see my review of the full size here.
SOCK Foot Salve 30ml* - see my review here.

If you've done a post on what you've taken on holiday send me your links!

*PR samples

Shopping My Stash #18

Here's what I've been reaching for this week -

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 30 - 50ml - I received this in my Beauty Bible testing package a while back.  A really nice moisturiser and I love that it has SPF 30.

Dr Organic Virgin Coconut Oil Hand & Nail Cream 100ml - I received this in Ramblings of a Beauty Bird's giveaway a while back. It smells amazing and super moisturises the hands.  I love it.

REN Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream 5ml - I won this in Ana's giveaway recently. It's lovely.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 15ml - this came as a Red magazine freebie.  I've used it a few times and like that it can be used as a moisturiser and a primer.  Smells lovely too.

Jo Hansford Intensive Masque 40ml - this came in LIB Advent Calendar.  You can see my review here.

Korres Guava Body Butter 50ml - love this sweet and fruity scented butter.

Have you used any of these products?

Samples #9

You can see my last samples update here.  Here's my thoughts on what I used in #9:

I seem to have binned a few samples with my last lot of empties - oops!

Beauty Lab Micropolish Dermabrasion 1.5ml - this was a bit too harsh for my skin.  From a brand I've not heard of before.

Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete 3.7ml - loved this! 

Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect 2ml - this seemed nice but quite a small sample.

Belnatur Oxy-Nutrigen Regenerating Cream - the whole range of these were nice. It was from a brand I've not heard of before.  They came from a Latest in Beauty Little Beauty Box.

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser 5ml - not a huge Eve Lom fan - this was ok but nothing special.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm 5ml - loved this and would consider buying full size.  Liked how you can use it around the eyes and the lips.

Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator 3ml - this was lovely with just enough scrub. Don't think there is a Caudalie product I haven't enjoyed using.

Belnatur hydro-nourishing Comfort Cream - nice to use.

Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence 2ml - I like every Sarah Chapman product I try! Must treat myself soon to a QVC set.

Laboratories Luzern Pure Cleansing Gelee 2ml - I didn't like this, found it irritated my eyes.

Belnatur Balance Cream - as above nice to use.

Faith in Nature Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo & Conditioner (both 7ml) - these were lovely.  My first try of this brand.  Definitely will look into it more.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml - I know this is a best-seller but I just didn't like it.  I hated the scent and felt it made my skin feel tight and dry.

Yonka Vital Defence Intense Hydration Cream 6ml - loved this. Really nice to use and I'd consider purchasing it in the future.

Here's what I've chosen for #10:

Two bath bombs from Bee Fruitful in Honey, Peppermint & Rosemary* and Honey & Lemon*

sk:n Age-Delaying Cream 5ml

Blend Collective Hydrating Hand & Body Lotion 5ml

Spa Fabulous Organic Heavenly Glow Exfoliator

Apivita Natural Serum

Clarins BB Cream 1.5ml 

Australian Bush Flower Essences Face Wash Serum 3ml

Apivita Pink Clay Mask

Melvita Ultra Nourishing Cream 

NUXE 24hr Soothing & Rehydrating Fresh Mask 4ml

NUXE Anti-Fatigue Moisturising Eye Cream 2ml

NUXE 24hr Moisturising Body Lotion 7ml

Nourish Hand Lotion

Formula Treatment Oil

Have you used any of these products?

*PR samples

John & Ginger - Twitter Competition Win

I won some amazing products via John & Ginger's recent Twitter competition.  Here's what I won.

Two Dermalogica Gift Sets

Decleor mini Candle

Lots of samples - great for travel/try me

Dermalogica Lip Shine

Decleor Supernatural Tote Bag

Decleor Cosmetic Bag

Dermalogica Tote Bag

John & Ginger stock a whole range of beauty products.  These include Dermalogica, Decleor, Aromatherapy Associates, Tisserand, St Tropez, Tigi, Karin Herzog, OPI, Rodial, Neom and Suki to name a few.  See the website here.

You can follow John & Ginger on Twitter @JohnandGinger 

Samples #8

My last samples update was at the beginning of February!  You can see the post here.

Here are my thoughts:

Tea Tree & Peppermint Intensive Treatment Foot Pack - 1 treatment - these are foot shaped and enriched with the treatment. Smelt nice and were cooling on the feet but not sure if they did much.

Lavera Balancing Face Mask 10ml - simply loved this mask which was scented with ginger, mango seed butter and calendula.  Got two uses out of the sachet and would buy again.

L'Oreal Everpure Shampoo & Conditioner both 10ml - enjoyed using both these.  Would perhaps buy full size.

Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm 2g - this was gorgeous!  I used it as a cleanser but it can also be used as a intensive balm or exfoliant.  I got 5 uses out of this tiny sample.  Would definitely buy this.

Sisley Moisturiser with Cucumber 4ml - I wasn't wowed by this.  It was ok.  There are other Sisley moisturisers that I prefer.  

Beemy Honey Moisturising Cream 5ml - I just didn't like the scent or texture of this cream.

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 4ml - simply loved this and would purchase full size. A nice light lotion which absorbed quickly.

Elemental Herbology Cool & Clear Facial Cleanser 3ml - this seemed a nice cleanser but as it was such a small sachet it was hard to get more than one use from it.

Cotswold Collection Jasmine & Orange Blossom Hand Cream 5ml - I seem to have thrown this sachet out with my empties.  This was lovely, supermoisturising and smelt gorgeous.

Comfort Zone Tranquility Cream - this was lovely.  It was quite a rich cream with a delicate scent.

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub - a nice scrub. Love Dermalogica skincare.  I think I just prefer the daily microfoliant.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ 2.5ml - absolutely love this! My skin just lapped it up.  I have acquired a few of the mini bottles to keep me going.

REN Keep Young & Beautiful Serum 3ml - I just couldn't use this as I found the smell of it a bit off-putting.  A shame as I really rate REN products highly.

Evolve Protein Build Conditioner 7ml - this was nice with a light scent.  Would maybe buy full size.

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment 8ml - definitely an acquired scent! I got a few uses out of the sachet.  Liked how soft and moisturised it left my hair feeling.  Would maybe buy.

Avon Advanced Techniques Moroccan Oil Leave in Treatment - I found this to be a bit heavy for my hair and I wasn't keen on the scent.

The samples I've chosen for week #9 are (and my sample stash is going down!)

Beauty Lab Micropolish Dermabrasion 1.5ml
Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete 3.7ml
Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect 2ml
Belnatur Oxy-Nutrigen Regenerating Cream 
Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser 5ml
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm 5ml
Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator 3ml
Belnatur hydro-nourishing Comfort Cream
Sarah Chapman Dynamic Defence 2ml 
Laboratories Luzern Pure Cleansing Gelee 2ml
Belnatur Balance Cream
Faith in Nature Pomegranate & Rooibos Shampoo & Conditioner (both 7ml)
Eve Lom Rescue Mask 15ml
Yonka Vital Defence Intense Hydration Cream 6ml

Have you used any of these products?

January Empties

John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo & Conditioner - both 250ml.  You can see my review here.  These lasted for ages and I'd maybe buy them in future.

Abahna Lilac Rose & Geranium Bath & Shower Gel 50ml - nice light flowery scent with a strong hint of lilac - lovely.  Would buy again.

Korres Mango Shower Gel 250ml - simply love this super fruity shower gel.  I used this in my morning shower for a great wake up call.  Will re-purchase.

Bodhi Bath & Shower Therapy in Rosemary and Mint Thé both 50ml - love both of these although Mint Thé has the edge!  You can read my review here.

Pure Fiji  Coconut Nourishing Exotic Oil 90ml plus mini trial size - first received this in Joliebox.  One of my favourite body oils.  Will definitely re-purchase after the spending ban!

Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Honey Bath 150ml - simply delicious! Smells gorgeous and creates loads of bubbles.  One I'd definitely buy again.

Neom Sensuous Body Wash & Body Lotion both 50ml - this came in the Scent with Love Gift set and are gorgeous products. They smell amazing - scented with ylang ylang, frankincense and patchouli.  Real luxury pampering products.  I'd buy again.

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Cleanser 40ml - this came in the Latest in Beauty Editor's Picks Box.  A really lovely product and one I'd perhaps re-purchase in the future.

The Body Shop Shea Shower Cream 60ml - received this at Christmas in a mini set from Jo.  Was really nice and super moisturising. I'd buy this.

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil 30ml & 10ml - one of my favourite bath oils ever.  I'll definitely be buying it again.  See my review here.

Balm Balm Relax Bath & Shower Oil 5ml - see my review here.  This bath oil was lovely and I'd buy it again.

Bodhi Jasmine Falls Relaxing Body Moisturiser 40ml - love this.  You can see my review here.  Would buy again.

Lucy Annabella Body Moisturiser Geranium & Frankincense 15ml - this sample cost £5.95 from Naturisimo.  I didn't like the scent of this so wouldn't buy.  Expensive sample.

Temple Spa Skin Truffle 15ml - simply love this luxe face cream.  You can see my review here.  I'd definitely buy this (got another 15ml to use).

Caudalie Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream 10ml - this came in a Latest in Beauty box.  Lovely would buy.

Lulu Time Bomb Trouble Shooter Neck, Jaw & Chest Cream 15ml - a rich cream scented with lavender.  Liked using it but didn't adore the scent.  Probably wouldn't buy.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 7ml - this came in the advent calendar.  Enjoyed using it but got loads of cleansers to use so probably wouldn't purchase.

LP Skin Therapy Overnight Replenish Cream 15ml - this also came in the Latest in Beauty Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible Box.  Loved this.  Would buy.

ESPA Lift & Firm Intensive Eye Serum 3ml - I found this too highly scented which put me off a bit.  Seemed a nice product but wouldn't buy.  The Super Active Lift & Firm Moisturiser which came with it in the advent calendar I had to throw out as the scent gave me a headache!  I've used other products from ESPA which I loved.  

What have you been using up this month?  Have you used any of these products?

Harrods Haul

I mentioned here that Nardine from Live...Laugh...Love had got me a couple of things in the Harrods sale.  I sent her the money via paypal and she sent me off the goodies which arrived yesterday.

She also sent me some amazing and very generous extras - thank you so much huni!

First up is Illamasqua Freak EDP 30ml Coffret which cost £38 (reduced by £10).  Included is a 30ml bottle of Freak EDP, Baptiste Nail Polish (deep purple) and an eyeliner in S.O.P.H.I.E (black).  I first tried this scent in a glossybox and loved it.

Kiehl's Christmas Crackers which were reduced to half price (£17.50) - we got three each. 

In my crackers are - Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (30ml) I got this in the Selfridges Advent Calendar in 2011 see here.  Love it.

The other two crackers contained Creme de Corps (30ml) a cult product - which also featured in the 2011 Calendar.  Another love!  My final one contained Amino Acid Shampoo (65ml) which is suitable for all hair types.  Looking forward to trying this one!

Nardine also sent me some very generous and lovely extras - the cutest cupcake soap I have ever seen by Tom Kosmala which she picked up at the Winter Wonderland in London.  All natural and hand made and smelling of fresh roses.  Simply gorgeous!

She also sent me a 13g travel size of Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (one of my current favs), a lovely selection of samples and chocolate!

Feel totally and utterly spoilt! As I said earlier this is my final haul before the spending ban kicks in on 15th January.

Thanks again Nardine for the lovely extras and for getting me the sales items.  Have you used any of these items before?