Advent Calendars

I've been extremely lucky this year. My hubby treated me to the Liberty Advent Calendar, I bought the You Beauty Box one and my friends Magi and Derek on Tuesday night surprised me with a Yankee Candle one - I'm not going to bore you all with a post everyday - instead I'll do a weekly roundup.

Day 1 - Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme 40ml - I've used this several times before and it's a lovely hand cream. Perfect for winter. Looking forward to trying this again!

From YOU Beauty Box Advent Calendar on day 1 I got one of my favourite cleansers from Aurelia Probiotic Skincare - Miracle Cleanser 30ml with a Bamboo Muslin Cloth which is presented in a little velvet drawstring bag (which is a nice touch) - see my review HERE.

The Yankee Candle Advent Calendar contains tea lights and a votive and today I got a Candy Cane Lane tealight which has a sweet minty aroma.

Are you opening an Advent Calendar today?

October: Lately I've been Loving

This super-cute crocheted cactus made by Emily Sian Hart I just couldn't resist and it makes me happy every time I look at it.

Attending the amazing Portobello Book Festival and catching up with friends both old and new, buying some books and getting them signed. Day was made!

Being able to try out cult product Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask*, their fabulous Reincarnation Facial Exfoliator* (which is the best exfoliator I've ever used) and their soothing and nourishing Lip Balm with Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter*. Full reviews will be on the blog soon. You can pick all these up at Love Lula.

I've totally fallen for the whole Daisy & Mallow range. This tea*..oh wow..amazing!  It's now my No.1 chai!

I picked up this gorgeous coffee table book which is full of interesting ideas and projects at newish Edinburgh store Elk & Wolf. Can't wait to go back and pick up some Christmas presents. They stock a beautiful and unique range of homewares, jewellery and candles.

Exciting times! My YOU Beauty Advent Calendar landed! It's now hidden away until the 1st December.

Being one of the first to try the latest launch by bodhi & birch. The new range of body oils* are absolutely exquisite. See my review HERE. Sicilian Rose is my favourite!

What have you been loving this month?

*complimentary

Advent Calendars: The first 6 days

I showed you what I got in my Advent Calendars on 1st December - see HERE. I'm doing  round up of the first six days and my thoughts on the contents:

1st December

YOU Beauty:

NUXE Creme Fraiche de Beaute Mask (50ml FS) - fairly sure I've tried this mask before. It moisturises and soothes the skin and is suitable for all skin types. Still to try but looking forward to a pampering session.

M&S:

Philip Kingsley Geranium & Neroli Elastizicer (40ml trial size) - I absolutely adore the original version so I know I'm going to love this!

4160Tuesdays:

The Sexiest Scent on the Planet Ever (IMHO) (2.25ml) which has a heady bergamot top note, with a heart of woods and base notes of vanilla and ambergris. This one I've not really tried yet.

2 December

YOU Beauty:

Molton Brown Festive Frankincense & Allspice Hand Wash (100ml) this has a spicy scent which is a little bit masculine. Huge fan of MB hand washes so it will get used!

M&S:

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (FS) I've used this before and loved it. Happy to see this included in the calendar.

4160Tuesdays:

Silk, Lace & Chocolate (2.25ml) which is a blend of cocoa absolute with a touch of strawberry and a hint of bergamot. I quite like this one although I find the strawberry note a touch artificial.

3 December

You Beauty:

Cowshed Cow Pat Handcream (50ml) with a extra for £5 off your next order voucher code. I've used the cowshed handcreams before and have enjoyed them.

M&S:

Had to laugh at two Cowshed products today! Inside is a 100ml bottle of Cowshed's Grumpy Cow Body Lotion which is my favourite scent from the brand. It has uplifting notes of red mandarin, grapefruit and petigrain.

4160Tuesdays:

Shazam! (2.25ml) which reminds me of Chai Latte Tea! With notes of amber, spices, orange, black pepper and incense.  I really like this one.

4 December

YOU Beauty:

Sally Hansen Complete Manicure (Blue Streak FS) I'm not a fan of polish so this one will be gifted on.

M&S:

Pur Volume Vixen Mascara (mini) always happy to try a mini mascara. Not heard of this brand before.

4160Tuesdays:

Doe in the Snow (2.25ml) this is one of my favourites a sweet scent which was inspired by fruity chypres of the 60s and 70s and has notes of citrus fruits, flowers and woods and is "stirred with an icicle". I'd buy this one.

5 December

YOU Beauty:

HD Brows Bronzer in Light/Medium I very happy with this as was needing to buy a new bronzer.

M&S:

Leighton Denny Renovate which comes with a nail buffer I've used this before and was impressed with how it left my nails feeling. My New Year resolution is to grow my nails and I'm sure this will certainly help.

4160Tuesdays:

London 1969 (2.25ml) this is my absolute favourite so far and I will be purchasing a bottle of this! It has top notes of orange, lemongrass, grapefruit, mandarin and cedrat with a heart of Moroccan cedarwood, sandalwood, incense, lavender and violet with base notes of Indian patchouli, labdanum and musk.

6 December

YOU Beauty:

ila Bath Salts for Cleansing (50g) this was one of the items I was most excited about in the calendar. Ila also offer £10 off any purchase online with a voucher code. These salts smell amazing - along with Himalayan Salt crystals there is wild-crafted Juniper Berry and Geranium. 

M&S:

Rosie for Autograph Nuit Parfum (15ml) with centifolia rose, jasmine and musk. Looking forward to trying this one.

4160Tuesdays:

Dirty Honey (2.25ml) with pure white mock orange blossom and honey notes. I like this one and I'll definitely consider picking it up.

What do you think of the selection for the first 6 days? If you got an advent calendar which one did you chose and what are your thoughts on the contents?

Shopping My Stash #48

Here's what I've been using this week - 

Green & Spring Relaxing Shower & Bath Foam 50ml - I'm a huge Green & Spring fan and found this in the cupboard while I was searching for something else. Perfect to use just before bed as the herbs it contains are perfect for relaxing and soothing.  See my review here.

Trilogy Rosapene Night Cream 25ml - this very generous sized pot came in the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar. Made with anti-oxidant rich Rosapene Oil this light cream nourishes and regenerates the skin overnight while you are sleeping.  It's one of my favourite Trilogy products.

MVO Face Oil sample* - a rich and lush face oil packed full of nourishing things for the skin.  See my review here.

Viridian Skin Repair Oil 100ml* - a lavender scented body oil which is perfect to use just before bed.  See my review here.

SHU STEAMCREAM 75ml* - yet another product with a lavender scent! I love this light as air multi-purpose cream.  See my review here.

The Body Deli Blueberry Fusion Micro Scrub 60g* - one of the freshest and most delicious scented products I've ever used. A really effective scrub.  See my review here.

What have you been using this week?

*PR samples

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar - Days 22-24

ooh the last three days! 

On Day 22 I got Neom Moroccan Blush Rose Organic Hand Cream 50ml - this is my favourite hand cream - see my review here.  Super happy to have back up of this!

Day 23 gave me Weleda Skin Food 10ml - a repair cream which nourishes dry skin.  This balm is just perfect for elbows, knees, feet and hands.

And today, Day 24 I got Therapie Himalyan Detox Salts 100g - I simply love these salts. Used before bed they help you to have a perfect and restful night's sleep.  See my review here.

What did you think of the last three days of the calendar? I've been really pleased with the contents this year - it's been a great mix and amazing value for money.

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar - Days 15-21

On Day 15 I got BioEffect EGF Serum 2.5ml - I've tried this several times but have a friend who I know loves it so I'll save it for her.

Day 16 saw me get Dr Organic Dead Sea Mineral Eye Rescue Rollerball 15ml - I'm a huge Dr Organic fan but not tried anything from this range.  Looking forward to trying it. Full review will follow.

On Day 17, I got DHC Deep Cleansing Oil 30ml - I've used a few things from this brand before and I loved this oil so happy to use it again.

Day 18 saw me receive Dr Lipp Lip Balm in a huge 15ml size - I've used this before and enjoyed using it.

On Day 19 I received Model Co Black Mascara 8ml - I've not used anything from this brand before but love mascara.

Day 20 saw me get Q Fine Fragrance Body Spray 100ml - a brand I've not heard of before.  It smells quite nice.

Today, Day 21 I got Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist 30ml - looking forward to trying this as have loved all the other Alterna products I've used.

Did you get the calendar? What are your thoughts as to the contents?

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?

YOU Beauty Advent Calendar

I've had my YOU Beauty Advent Calendar for a while now and can't believe today's the day for opening the very first door! It cost £49.95 with free P&P as a member of the YOU Beauty Discovery Box and includes products worth over £240!

I'm not going to be doing a post a day but will do a round up at the end of each week as to my thoughts on the contents.  Being the very first day I had to show you what I received..

Today I received a 10ml tube of Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask which retails at £93 for 60ml.  I've used this gorgeous mask before. It refreshes and energises tired and dull skin plumping it up and helping to make it look fabulous. You can see my mini review here. A great first day!

Have you used this?  Did you buy the calendar?

Advent Calendar - Days 2 & 3

Here's what I got in my YOU Latest in Beauty Advent Calendar for days 2 & 3:

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Eyelash Curlers (RRP £7) - looking forward to trying these out.  I like this brand and happy to see these in the calendar.

Today I received a mini 3g Benefit They're Real! Mascara (black) which apparently lengthens, curls, volumises, lifts and separates.  Looking forward to trying this out.

Have your got the calendar?  What are your thoughts so far?

Latest in Beauty - YOU Beauty Advent Calendar

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