You Beauty Advent Calendar - What was inside!

I have absolutely loved opening this calendar and it is such good value for money. Infact it is even on offer right now for less than £35.  I did a quick preview of the You Beauty advent calendar here and now that all 24 doors have been opened, to see all of the products together is really quite something!

This Calendar isn't small, infact it took my hubby being involved in the photos so that I could show just how big this calendar was.

So behind the first door was Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser (30ml).  This product was neatly packaged inside a velvet drawstring bag and comes complete with a Bamboo Muslin Cloth.  This cleanser is one of those products that I urge you to try if you haven't yet because I absolutely adore it. Described as being an 'intelligent, aromatic, creamy infusion' it glides on to the skin lifting off all impurities. Fusing probiotic and peptide technologies with BioOrganic ingredients to hydrate and soothe skin whilst helping to prevent skin ageing.

Day Two Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm (Rose) - Get a hint of colour and a whole lot of conditioning with a tube of Burt’s Bees® Tinted Lip Balm in Rose. It enhances your lips with a warm red shade while botanical waxes and shea butter nourish and soften dry skin. Like all Burt’s Bees® this lip tint is 100% natural.

Day Three Moroccanoil Treatment (25ml) - This is an award-winning signature product that created the worldwide buzz on argan oil. It is so versatile it can be used as a conditioning, styling and finishing tool. Featuring a proprietary blend of powerful ingredients, this advanced treatment helps to fortify hair, improve elasticity and shields against harmful environmental stressors.

Day Four Nuxe Shower Oil Prodigieux (30ml) - Described as being 'an ultra-sensorial shower oil which gently cleanses, leaves a satin finish'. It has a delicate fragrance and is suitable for all skin types.

Day 5 ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy (15ml) - This unique, rejuvenating night mask brings together replenishing plant extracts, restorative marine actives and soothing essential oils that transform skin overnight. An intensely rich cream-gel blend feeds the skin with the essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals it needs to look and feel smooth, hydrated and energised..

Day 6 The Organic Pharmacy Marigold & Comfrey Handy and Nail Cream (50ml) - You can never have too many tubes of handcream in my opintion and this one is a light, instantly absorbed organic and natural hand cream. It is enriched with Shea Butter, Jojoba and Aloe with healing herbs Marigold and Comfrey to soothe and nourish dry hands. 

Day 7 Margaret Dabbs London Glass Crystal Nail File - This is a slim and elegant but most importantly, effective to use nail file. Designed to smooth and seal the tip of the nail, protecting and reducing the risk of snagging. The finest, highest quality abrasive crystal finish protects the nails, making them less prone to splitting and can be used on both finger and toe nails.

Day 8 Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish - This polish comes in shade Rapid Ruby, so perfect for the festive season and has a 3-in-1 Nail Colour Technology. Just one flawless stroke for a precise application of colour that delivers a base coat, incredible colour and a glossy top coat finish all-in-one. The ultra-precise brush makes everyone a pro as it glides perfectly on nails for a gorgeous professional finish.

Day 9 Leighton Denny Miracle Mist (75ml) - Heaven in a can if you paint your nails.  This is a speed dry spray for your nail polish and it is deal if you want smudge-free polish that’s touch dry in seconds. A nonsticky formula which works to condition the cuticles, whilst drying the nails quickly. 

Day 10 Oskia Renaissance Mask (15ml) - This is a brand and a product I have been wanting to try for a long time.  Described as being a 'Nutri-active Brightening & Resurfacing Mask' it is packed with the Oskia trademark blend of what are referred to as beauty-boosting clinical nutrients and bio-actives. This indulgent exfoliating mask will re-awaken complexions leaving your skin immediately brighter, healthier, smoother, refined and beautifully illuminated. 

Day 11 This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (10ml) - I absolutely love this stuff and always try to ensure I have some on my bedside table.  This spray is infused with 100% natural essential oils of Lavender, Vetivert and Camomile and is clinically proven* to improve your sleep quality. Harnessing the potent aromatherapy power of the award-winning deep sleep super blend, you will wake up feeling and looking refreshed.

Day 12 Omorovicza Refining Facial Polish (30ml) - Another brand and product on my 'want to try' list, this Facial Polish is enriched with marine micro-algae which refines texture, and brightens tone, while natural pumice exfoliates dead skin cells, smoothing the epidermis and helping regenerate the skin.

Day 13 Bee Good Youth Enhancing Hydrate, Smooth and Prime Serum (10ml) - A luxurious, high performance concentrate bursting with potent, natural ingredients to target the signs of ageing, fine lines, even skin tone and penetrate deeply, delivering intense hydration to the skin. Expertly formulated with collagen stimulating peptides, hydrating British honey, antioxidant rich propolis, firming blackcurrant seed oil and moisturising larch extract. Suitable for all skin types. Use morning and night before moisturising.

Day 14 Nanshy Kabuki Brush (Full size) - Kabuki brush is an indispensable tool in any purse. This compact brush is great for application of mineral make-up, bronzers, loose powders. Handcrafted from soft, synthetic bristles which feel gentle on your skin. This type of brush doesn’t absorb make-up or oils from your skin, for an additional hygienic benefits.

Day 15 The Vintage Cosmetics Company Pink Duo Pencil Sharpener - This super cute, polka dot pencil sharpener by The Vintage Cosmetic Company is sure to prevent any messy make-up bags by keeping all shavings safely enclosed. Sharpening both thick and thin pencils, even jumbo crayons, and housing a convenient cleaning stick this duo sharpener is pretty and functional!

Day 16  Rodial Smokey Eye Pen (Black 1.2g) - This eye pen has a super-rich pigment and gel-effect definition as well as a long-lasting soft formula that can be easily blended to create a dramatic smokey eye. 

Day 17 MUA Dusk Til Dawn Palette - There will be just one of these two offerings in each Advent Calendar. So sparkle this season with MUA’s Winter Eyeshadow Palettes. These 12 shaded highly pigmented palettes are packed with stunning natural and deep tones which, if you like your blue shades, you will love this palette.

Day 18 Miller Harris Rose Silence Eau de Parfum (14ml) - Rose Silence elicits a solitary rose and an intimate embrace. The first rays of sunshine on a lazy morning stream through the window. A rose, fresh and luminous, untouchable yet crisp, with a delicately fruity resonance of sweet mandarin and tangy blackcurrant. Undertones of warm skin are created with creamy sandalwood and subtle musks.  If you love the fresh scent of Roses, then this perfume is almost too amazing to comprehend because it is just like walking through a rose garden as a fresh scent hits your senses.

Day 19 Sanctuary Foaming Micellar Cleansing Water (50ml) - This soothing rose water and nourishing argan oil are combined with micelles which act like magnets to gently lift away make-up and impurities from the skin. Your skin is left feeling instantly clean, fresh and soothed.

Day 20 Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer 40ml - This Vitamin E Face moisturiser from Malin+Goetz has been specially formulated to be suitable for all skin types. A residue-free moisturiser it gently and effectively hydrates and ph balances the skin without blocking the pores. On the skin it doesn't feel too thick and begins to absorb on contact.

Day 21 Carmex Original Pot (7.5g) - First introduced in the US in 1937, this is Carmex’s hero product to save dry lips. The award-winning formula is a favourite of celebrities and make-up artists. Containing menthol, camphor and beeswax and the Carmex trademark tingle we know and love. It soothes. It relieves. It moisturises.

Day 22 Amie Skincare Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish (25ml) - This Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish contains 95% natural plant extracts and is free from harsh chemicals. New Leaf cleans deep down into pores to remove excess dirt and oil, leaving skin clear, soft and smooth. Gentle yet highly effective, suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.

Day 23 Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer (30ml) - This is a leave in conditioner which is designed to give hair a new lease of life. Intensely nourishing lightweight gel crème conditioner. Its unique encapsulated burst of 5 oils works as an invisible shield, protecting hair whilst restoring healthy levels of moisturisation. With anti-frizz and humidity prevention, this thermal heat protection leave-in conditioner leaves hair feeling softer and deeply nourished.

Day 24 The white Company Orange Clove Signature Candle (35g). This candle I could smell everytime I opened up the calendar to reveal the contents behind each door and it wasn't until the very last door that I finally found the scent.  This candle combines notes of the wonderful freshness of orange peel and green leaf, with the earthy, woody richness of vetivert, Orange Grove is uplifting and zesty, yet comforting and warming.

I would love to know what you think to this advent calendar and whether or not any of the products really impresses you.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

No Bleeding Lips!

No Bleeding Lips is a product that intrigued me as soon as the press release hit my inbox, the product name alone can lead to many thoughts, I mean obviously no one ever wants to have bleeding lips! However, No Bleeding Lips is not a cure for bleeding lips in a blood loss term, it is infact a Secret Lip Liner which works to stop lipstick and lip gloss from bleeding and feathering plus it helps to create a sheer defined lip shape. 

Wax-based and paraffin free, the need for lip liner, something I have about 3 of, is now something I don't need to worry too much about buying (do I?). It is also waterproof and the product claims to prevent lip smears for up to five hours but I noticed when using it on my work night out before Christmas, that it infact lasted around 7 hours, which is pretty impressive..

When it comes to using No Bleeding Lips, it is really easy to do. You just outline the lips by simply twisting the pen up but be cautious about how much you twist it up because you cannot twist it back which is slightly annoying, draw No Bleeding Lips around the outer edges of your lips as shown on the diagram below.

Then once complete, you can apply your lipstick or lip gloss as you would normally do. When using it, it actually glides on to the lips really easily and at the same time creates a nice base for your lipstick, so it makes applying colour really easy.

If you are intrigued enough to try this genius of a product then you will be chufed to learn you can buy it on the high street and it is in Superdrug priced around £12.50.

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

The Beauty Guru Box with Latest in Beauty

When Latest in Beauty asked if I would like to select some products to create my own beauty box I jumped at the chance. With a subscription service to tailor your own box how you want it, Latest In Beauty make Beauty Box making easy.

Image Credit - Latest In Beauty

Firstly you have the option as to whether or not you create your profile to let the Latest In Beauty Team know your beauty preferences, favourite brands and style and then some brands and products will come up as a recommendation. 

The next stage 3, 6 or 9 of your favourite products to try each month, all with free delivery, so you know exactly which and how many products you receive. Your first month's subscription will come in a gorgeous limited edition make up bag which is chic and reduces unnecessary packaging as shown above.

So I was given the chance to try out the Beauty Guru option which involves selecting 9 products from over 200 in total which you can see listed right here, within a couple of minutes I had already picked 9 and I was not even a third of the way through the selections, so I was constantly adding, removing, re-adding and debating with myself which products I would really like to try.  In the end I did managed to select 9 products and they are:

High Definition Bronzer in Light/Medium. The simple, silky and long-lasting powder is ideal for contouring, or just adding a touch of a tan, as the subtle pearlescent pigment keeps the colour natural and adds a satin finish to create that radiant look we all strive for. 

Aloe Leaf extracts are used as a soothing ingredient to minimise redness and Vitamins A, C, and E offer antioxidant benefits.

MUA Luxe Palette in Paradise. With 10 eyeshadow shades which are super-pigmented with a sleek design which makes it easy to carry around in your handbag.

As you can see, this palette covers all bases when it comes to warm plum and copper tones.

Anne Semonin Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes. These ingenious Eye Express Radiance Ice Cubes are formulated with a powerhouse of ingredients to dramatically reduce puffiness and dark circles. 

Marine Spring Water and Hyaluronic Acid provide a much-needed hydration boost, Ginkgo Biloba promotes microcirculation, Gourd Extract alleviates puffiness, and Bioflavonoids work to brighten the eye area, reducing the look of dark circles. 

Living Proof Pre Shampoo Treatment - Most of us don’t think about treating our hair in the same way we do our skin. There are more skin cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers than you can shake a makeup brush at, but for our hair we just rinse, repeat, and go (and not always repeat if we’re honest). Well, no more! Pre-shampoo treatment is here, and your hair deserves it.

Living Proof Healthy Hair Conditioner - This conditioner from Living Proof is part of their acclaimed Perfect Hair Day (PhD) range. While we love a good pun, naming their range PhD isn’t just for humorous effect. All these products are backed by hardcore scientific research and Living Proof’s own patented molecules. If anyone can claim to have a PhD in haircare, it’s Living Proof.

Ila Cleansing Bath Salts. These salts go beyond luxurious, they offer detoxification for anyone who is tired or stressed out and because they are designed to wage a war against poor circulation they actually ease puffiness, swelling and cellulite. Effectively ila have created a product which dictates that taking time out and lying in the bath is productive for our mind, body and soul...Yes please! 

These salts work to leave skin feeling smooth and enriched, Juniper Berry strengthens and protects the body's energy field and Rose geranium and lemongrass actively cleanse negativity healing your body both mentally and physically.

Pure Konjac Facial Puff Sponge - For those of you not up on your Ancient Indochinese medicine (pretty niche we know), Konjac or Konnyaku, is a native Asian plant found growing at very high altitudes. Packed with minerals and antioxidants, 100% free from impurities and pollutants, and naturally sustainable, this wonder plant is ideal for use in skincare.

That's why The Konjac Sponge Company have utilised it's numerous benefits to create their eponymously named Facial Sponges. This lightweight little puff packs a serious punch when it comes to cleansing your skin and removing impurities. The unique net like structure of the vegetable fibres gently exfoliate skin, helping to get the blood flow going and thereby promoting skin cell renewal. No need for any additional cleansing products, just add water and puff away.

Anne Semonin Bath and Shower Gel Exotic Verbena. With a delicate aroma of litsea cubeba oil, this body wash leaves your skin smelling delicious and feeling squeaky clean.

 What’s more, it’s paraben-free, so perfect for those with sensitive skin.

Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in Napa Vineyard. This is a beautiful cranberry red shade in a matte texture.

The crayon delivers long-lasting moisture and hydration to your lips keeping them soft, smooth and oh so kissable, and the shape of crayon means application is easy and hassle-free, too.

What I like about this service is that if you don't think you need 9 products a month, remember they are not all full sizes, then there is the option of 3 or 6 which might be more manageable and you can also order a one off box which would make a great treat for you or a great present for someone else and you can find everything you need to know here.

*this post contains PR samples/Aff links unless indicated otherwise

Silidyn - For strong bones, hair, skin and nails

When the opportunity to do this trail with Silidyn and 30+ bloggers came up, I did hesitate because I am not great with taking any supplements of any kind, I managed for about 5 days and then forget only to remember a few months later. So I decided that as we enter a new year, I would give it a try, I have reminders set in my phone (yes really) and I am almost a week into the trial and it is still going strong.

Adding silicon into our diets can help to restore skin and nails as well as improve hair growth and strength and this is where Silidyn comes into play. If you have noticed that your skin or hair is losing strength and elasticity, or your nails have become brittle and fragile, it could be that you are deficient in silicon and are in need a daily boost. Until recently the absorption of silicon was unstable and not readily available in a format which was easy to take, which worked and was easy to absorb, it is now. 

Silidyn has a whole host of ingredients such as

• MSM: Known as Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane ithelps to keep connective tissue between joints supple
• Zinc: supports the immune system as well as the skin’s regenerative strength
• Boron: an important building block of bone tissue
• OPC: Or Oligomeric Proantho -cyanidins as you might be more familiar with, is from maritime pine extract, helps to protect cells and tissues against ageing
• Manganese: helps in the maintenance of connective tissue
• Selenium: plays an important role in the protection of free radical

With over 10 million people in the UK living with arthritis, 3 million who are estimated to have osteoporosis, low levels of silicon have been found to be a contributing factor to many bone conditions. Silidyn has been developed to support the effective maintenance of bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage as well as playing a vital role in the stimulation of keratin and collagen, essential for healthy looking hair, skin and nails as we age. 

Now I had fully expected this product to taste absolutely vile, they usually do and it is a contributing factor as to why I put off continuing to use something. So I was quite pleasantly surprised to find that this is actually a tasteless liquid supplement. To use it is advised that you add 10 drops daily, preferably before breakfast in half a glass (125ml) of water or juice and drink immediately.  So once the drops are in your juice, I stir it and then down it in one and you cannot taste a single thing and it doesn't alter the taste at all. So far so good as far as this goes and given I keep the bottle next to my kettle, it is pretty hard to ignore in a morning anyway when one of the first things I do is brew up for the mister!

As I type this my nails had been really quite brittle to the point where nail polish didn't even hide where the peeling starts and ends, they break constantly and split down the sides, so once this trial is up, I am looking forward to seeing the end result!

Have you ever successfully taken a supplement and noticed any difference?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise