Day 19 - Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

I was so happy to see this hand cream today - Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve.  I got a 30ml tube.  Full size of 75ml retails at £14.  As with the other Kiehl's products received in the advent calendar I haven't used this product before.  It is lightly scented with eucalyptus oil (this scent disappears quite quickly when on hands) and also contains avocado and sesame oils.  On the website it says "forms glove-like protection barrier against moisture loss".  My hands are so dry at the moment so can't wait to use this!

Lavera Bath Salts

I noticed the other day that Naturisimo were selling gift boxes of Lavera bath salts (which I love!).

They usually retail around about £2 each (80g sachets).  This box cost £10 for 6 (that's 12 baths, usually get two baths a sachet - though on the sachet it says to use the whole lot per bath).  I have used the wild rose and lavender & aloe vera varieties before.


Looking forward to using them again and trying vanilla & coconut, orange & sea buckthorn, vervain & lime and milk &   honey.  I also picked up two free juice beauty sachets samples.

Day 18 - Lancome Genifique

Today I  got Lancome Genifique, a youth activating concentrate (7ml).  This is a generous sized sample in a little dropper bottle.  Full size of 30ml retails at £54.65.  


It says on the Lancome site to "apply daily, morning and evening before your normal skincare routine". I am looking forward to trying this out as I am loving the Genifique Yeux I got on day 10 (one product I'd definitely re-purchase, mainly due to loving its gel like texture and the way it feels on the eye area).

Best of Boudoir Box

This morning I received my final Boudoir Prive box.  It cost £17 plus £2.95 P&P.  Here's what I got.

Day 17 - Armani Code Femme EDP

Today I got Armani Code Femme EDP - 3ml.

I haven't tried this perfume before.  It has notes of orange blossom, vanilla, honey and jasmine.  It smells really nice.

Day 16 - Lancome Bi-Facil and Secret Santa

Today I got Bi-Facil non-oily instant cleanser 30ml.  I could have done with this product earlier this morning to take my eye make up off!

At my work Xmas party I got this lovely candle in my Secret Santa.

I also receive my Beauty Box Swaps Secret Santa.  Just awaiting the Secret Santa that Nav organised.

Day 15 - YSL Waterproof Eye Pencil

Today I got a mini YSL Waterproof Eye Pencil in black.  Looking forward to trying this.  Will probably take it to work today as it's my work's Christmas night out tonight and I'm getting ready at the hotel - It'll be great for a smoky eye look as you can use it as eye pencil or eye shadow due to its supple texture.


See you tomorrow! x

GLOSSYBOX - DECEMBER

Guess what arrived this morning!  My December Glossybox!  I had peeked on some blogs to see what it contained and I'm not disappointed!  I am loving the glossy red box (Christmas edition).  

Here's what I got:-

Full size Nouveau Lashes (8g) Noir Mascara.  Not heard of this brand before and keen to try.  Glossybox says "quick drying, flake-free formula and dramatic volume from just one application, excellent staying power".  Retails at £14.99.

Full size Rituals Foaming Shower Gel (200ml) in T'ai Chi (White Lotus & Green Tea).  Have used this before in another scent.  Great product.  Retails at £6.50.

Deborah Lippman Razzle Dazzle mini Nail Varnish - gorgeous red glittery shade with nail polish remover mitt.

Fab Face Cleanser 28.3g, "a mild nourishing cleanser that's ideal for all skin types.  Calms redness and reduces skin reactivity with regular use".  Keen to try this one as love cleansers.  Haven't heard of this brand but you can buy it at Boots and mini Cargo Lip Gloss in Paris.

I am really pleased with the box.  Which one did you get?

Day 14 - Kiehl's Creme de Corps

Today I got the cult product from Kiehl's - Creme de Corps body moisturiser.  It retails at £8.50 for 75ml.  The size I got is 30ml.  Great for dry skin, I've tried this lotion in the past and its fab although it does take a while to sink into the skin.

It contains beta-carotene, cocoa butter and sesame oil (its neutrally scented so won't clash with perfume).  I am loving all the Kiehl's products within the calendar and I'm definitely going to go in store to check out the full range.

Monu Freebies

Sam at Honey Go-Beauty posted about this freebie offer on Beauty Box Swaps on Facebook.  

I received three mini sample tubes (each 5ml) of Enriched Body Cream, Neck and Bust Cream and Hand and Nail Cream.  As well as a booklet about all the products and a price list.  You can find out more about Monu products here.

Day 13 - Lancome Miracle EDP

Today I got a 5ml EDP of Lancome Miracle which retails at £36 for 30ml.  I used to wear this scent  so it was nice to try it again.  With notes of Lychee, Freesia, Magnolia, Jasmine, Ginger, Pepper, Amber and Musk.  I'll enjoy using the sample but won't re-purchase.

Superdrug Freebies

I picked up a couple of items in Superdrug recently.  These were free as I used my points!  I first read about the Vitamin E SPF 15 Radiance Moisture Cream on Gemma's blog.  

I also picked up a Montagne Jeunesse Ultra Deep Cleanse Amore Rose face mask for normal, oily and t-zone skin.  

Have you bought anything with your points recently?

Day 12 - Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Today I received Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  This is 4ml size.  Full size retails at £36 for 30ml.

I am keen to try this product as the website says "One night.  A few drops.  Younger looking skin by morning".  The elixir is paraben free and stuffed with essential oils, Omega 6 fatty acids and evening primrose oil.  Good for dry and dehydrated skin. (perfect for this time of year) The website says to apply 2-3 drops onto cleansed skin and massage in.  Can be used alone or with moisturiser.  I am loving these mini products! x

Day 11 - Flowerbomb EDP

How excited am I! Today I received a mini EDP of Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf (5ml).

I love this perfume so was pleased to get this.  If you click the link above you will see that Debenhams are offering 15% off the perfume and body lotion at present - a really good deal if you like this scent.

50ml is retailing at £43.35 instead of £51 and the body lotion is £34 instead of £40.

With notes of centifolia rose, Indian osmanthus, catleya orchid and sambac jasmine.  This is one of my favourite items from the Advent Calendar.

I'll be doing a post at the end of the month letting you know what my favourites have been and which I will definitely re-purchase.

Feel Unique Beauty Box - December

Imagine my excitement to hear the postman at the door this morning, especially as I knew I was due my Feel Unique Beauty Box!

It's a really fab box, I am really pleased with the contents. 

"Finishing Touches...add some magic to your Christmas...

Sparkle your way through the Festive season with this month's fabulous finishing touches.  With a sprinkle of sugar, a touch of gloss and a spritz of fragrance, all eyes will be on you!"

They are also giving £5 off any product if you spend £30 or more.

Onto the contents:

25ml Annick Goutal Mandragore EDT - this retails at £62.05 for 100ml.  It has notes of Bergamot, pepper, mint, star anise, boxwood, ginger and mandrake. It smells really fresh, fruity and minty on my skin.  A unisex scent, I love it!  I think it is a very generous addition to the box (its also in a cute little purple bag with tassled drawstring).  Would also make an excellent gift.

1g Tigi Bed Head Candy Fixations Sugar Dust a full size product at £9.35.  We got something similar in a previous box (which I haven't tried yet) but happy to give this a shot though.

30ml Clarisonic Nourishing Care Cleanser for normal/dry skin.  Not sure if I'll use this as I have combination skin although my skin is a bit dry this time of year.

4ml Nails Inc. in Oxford Circus, a candy pink colour.

8ml - full size Figs & Rouge Sweet Geranium Balm which retails at £3.49.  It can be used for cuticles, dry skin areas, lips etc.  Have used this before and loved it especially the smell of geranium.

Finally, a trio of Living Nature skin samples - all 2ml - vitalising cleanser, extra hydrating toning gel and nourishing day cream.

I was really pleased with this box and will probably use everything in it and thought it was excellent value.  Did you get this box?  What are your thoughts?

Days 9 and 10 - Lancome L'Absolu Nu Lip Colour and Lancome Genifique Yeux

Yesterday I got Lancome L'Absolu Nu Moisture Replenishing Bare Lip Colour in shade 302 (Voile de Rose).  It's a nice light colour and very moisturising on the lips. This is 1.42g.  A full size costs £21.

Today, I  got Lancome Genifique Yeux, an eye cream with a light gel texture (the kind of texture I like best in an eye cream).  Looking forward to trying this out as I don't know anything about this range.

P.S. Thanks so much to all my followers I am so excited to be nearing the dizzy heights of 100 followers! I really do appreciate it so much.  I am planning to do another giveaway in January and this will be international. x

Wish List #1

These are five products I am adding to my wish list (thanks for drawing them to my attention girls!)

Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm - Pink & Peach - reviewed by Victoria at Cosmetic Cravings

Rodial Glam Balm Lips - reviewed by Get gawjus

Aromatherapy Associates Overnight Repair Mask - as reviewed by Jude at Love Lust & Fairy Dust

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Lipstick 05 - as reviewed by Sian at Quite Frankly

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara as commented on by Been There, Done That, Got the Lipstick

Birthday Weekend

Last weekend we stayed at Knockinaam Lodge near Portpatrick in Dumfries and Galloway.  The lodge was once home to the Hunter-Blair family - its now a country hotel in 30 acres with its own private beach - though much too cold in December for swimming in the wild Irish sea!  (I took this photo from the beach).

Our room was Churchill, which had an amazing bathroom and huge bed!  The bath was ancient and really deep and was large enough to be able to float without touching the sides! (even hubby who hates baths loved it!)  There was even a step to help you climb in!

Each morning we had a full Scottish breakfast which was yummy (if highly calorific!) complete with toast, muffins, oatcakes, croissants and pots of leaf tea.

Here are the pampering products I took with me:

It was a great weekend away (even though the weather was cold and windy) x

Days 7 and 8 - Lancome Renergie Cream and Armani Diamonds EDP

With my excitement of getting the Amarya Beauty Box I forgot my Advent Calendar!

On day 7, I got Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Cream (15ml) which you can read about here.  It retails at £60.25 for 50ml. I'm looking forward to trying it out.  A generous size pot and would be good for travel too.  A review will follow.

Today I got Armani Diamonds EDP (5ml).  It's a fruity, floral scent with woods and amber - one for the handbag on nights out!  I really like the smell of this one!

Amarya Beauty Box - December

I was excited to receive my December Amarya box before I left for work this morning!  Included is a full size Christmas gift from REN worth £28!  The set contains Neroli & Grapefruit Body Wash and Body Cream (both 200ml). I've used the Rose Otto set before - lovely products so interested to try these ones.

The set comes in a beautiful gift box.  REN collaborated with de Gournay (a wallpaper company).  The designs are taken from Japanese and Korean hand-painted wallpaper designs.

Also included is a 10g sample of Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream and a spray vial of the new scent range by Acorelle in Citrus Verbena which you can find out about here.  It smells citrus-y and fresh.

I'm really pleased with the box this month x