Boots No.7 Advent Calendar + Contents

No.7 is a brand I feel I should know more about, it is quite the institution and I remember growing, my best friends mum would never use any other brand, it was her go too.  I know Christmas has been and gone and whilst I am not quite ready to take down my decorations and my tree, I have come to accept that presents need to be found a home.  One of those presents is my No.7 Advent Calendar and if you read my blog regularly, you will know how much I love beauty calendars.

Described as being 'An ultimate collection of 25 luxurious skincare and gorgeous beauty treats, waiting to be revealed behind each door' and it was priced at £40, which putting it amongst it peers made it an absolute steal.  

Inside the calendar there has been a really incredible mixture of both skincare and makeup items, beauty tools and even some of the newly launched brushes and a beauty blender.

So the contents in their entirety for the calendar are:

• No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream SPF 15 25 ml . 
• No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Night Cream 25ml   
• No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Eye Cream 5ml 
• No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum 5ml 
• No7 Protect & Perfect Lip Care 10ml 
• No7 Airbrush Away Primer 30ml 
• No7 Beautiful Skin Micellar Cleansing Water Normal / Dry 30ml 
• No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion 25 ml
• No7 Stay Perfect TM Amazing Eyes Pencil Bronze 1.2 g  
• No7 Stay Perfect TM Liquid Liner Black 1.7ml 0
• No7 Exceptional Definition Mascara Black 7ml 
• No7 Lash And Brow Perfector 7ml.
• No7 Stay Perfect TM Eyeshadow  Wheatsheaf & Mink 2 x 1.9 g 
• No7 Stay Perfect TM Eyeshadow Matte Mocha 1.9 g
• No7 High Shine Lip Gloss Naturally Nude 4.5 ml .
• No7 Matte Lip Crayon Raspberry Red 1.3 g
• No7 Limited Edition Nail Colour Oyster 4 ml.
• No7 Limited Edition Nail Colour Bronze Gold, & Teal 2 x 4 ml 
• No7 Match Made Bronzer Gift Invitation* (worth £12.50)  *Discover the No7 bronzer shade perfectly suited to you. 
• No7 Slanted Tweezers 
• No7 Beauty Blender
• No7 Mini Blusher Brush
• No7 Mini Eye Shadow Brush

So, if like me, you are haven't used many No.7 products, this is an incredible introduction to the brand, right across their range of products.  Have you got any No.7 favourites?





*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Jurlique Hand Rescue Mini Treats

If like me you did a big festive clean and de-junk, put up all the decorations, cleaned some more.... cooked for what feels like an entire week which means endless washing up, more cleaning and more tidying, you might notice that your hands have been working extra hard and are now tired, dry and in need some TLC and I have just the box of treats.

Jurlique was founded by Jurgen and Ulrike Klein, a German couple who migrated to Australia armed with their natural expertise – his as a biochemist, hers as a botanist – and a vision to create the purest skin care on earth. What I love is that all of the ingredients used within the Jurlique products are grown on a farm and hand picked for each item, they are also free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. The story behind the brand is totally fascinating and if you would like to read it, you can do so here.

The Hand Rescue Mini Treats from Jurlique are designed to moisturise and condition over-worked hands and it combines four of the brands nourishing hand creams. The set contains Rose, Lavender, Citrus and Jasmine hand creams.

Rose Hand Cream (15ml) - This is a really luxurious hand cream which deeply moisturises skin leaving tired hands feeling incredible. Enriched with Safflower Seed Oil and Macadamia Oil which work to rebalance dryness and protect skin from moisture loss. Then we have the inclusion of Vitamin E which provides antioxidant protection for hands whereas Carrot Root Extract and Aloe Vera work to sooth dryness whilst calming and softening the skin. I love how fast this cream absorbs into the skin and it leaves no trace behind, other than the most incredible scent.

Lavender Hand Cream (15ml) - This is again a rich and very hydrating hand cream which not only restores moisture it also restores smoothness too. Formulated and enriched with Safflower Seed Oil and Macadamia Oil which work to rebalance dryness and protect skin from moisture loss asCarrot Root Extract and Aloe Vera work to sooth dryness whilst calming and softening the skin. The obvious ingredient is Lavender which is calming and the scent is just incredible.

Citrus Hand Cream (15ml) - If you like uplifting, zesty scents then this is the hand cream for you. As with the other hand creams within this collection, you will again find Safflower Seed Oil and Macadamia Oil which work to rebalance dryness and protect skin from moisture loss as Carrot Root Extract and Aloe Vera work to sooth dryness whilst calming and softening the skin. The citrus notes coming from Mandarin, Lemon and Tangerine which soothes, moisturises and leaves hands feeling soft and supple as well as leaving an incredible scent behind.

Jasmine Hand Cream (15ml) - Jasmine is one of my absolute favourite scents and it works so well with my skin. Within a hand cream it again uses Safflower Seed Oil, Macadamia Oil, Carrot Root Extract and Aloe Vera all of which come together to rebalance dryness, protect the skin from moisture loss and soothe tired hands. The scent of Jasmine has natural antioxidant properties and also helps to restore smoothness, as a scent, it is incredibly relaxing and soothing.

I love that there are four nourishing hand creams to choose from and each one of them is luxurious, absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and smells just absolutely incredible.  Whether or not you are already a fan of Jurlique, this is an amazing treat and you can find them for just £22.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page her

HAX - The Shimmer Cut Crease Kit

Every so often there is a brand that peeks my interest and HAX is one of them. Described as being a brand which is looking to shake up the beauty industry, by taking Instagram tutorials offline into one box, they give you the chance to help you recreate your favourite online looks with its range of make-up kits.

Launching exclusively on ASOS back in November, Hax has five different kits on offer.  The choice is between Glitter Cut Crease Kit, Glitter Lip Kit, 2-tone Rose Gold Lip Kit, Exclusive Cut Crease Kit or the Holographic Lip Kit.  I was kindly sent the Glitter Cut Crease Kit which retails for £19.99.

Arriving in a deliverable box which would fit through most letterboxes, the kit, which has the brand name clearly noticeable in the middle is described as having everything you need to recreate the look.  Opening the box up, inside there is a  blending brush, flat brush, liquid eyeliner and two glitter shades to play with, but most importantly there is also a cut crease guide which is a really handy tool to have. As well as the tools needed to recreate the look, there is an easy to follow guide which details where the cut crease guide should be placed, which product you need to use where as well as which tool you need to be using with said product. 

What I love about this kit is just how easy and straightforward everything is, from the products and the tools to the explanation guide. One thing I am not so great at doing is eyeliner wings, it just never ever works for me, but again, the Cut Crease Guide can be used to help with that and as they say practice makes perfect, it is definitely something I am practising over and over with this tool.

I think HAX is a really box of tricks and I am really glad I was introduced to the brand and cannot wait to see which beauty hacks they come up with next, I already have my eye on a few of the other kits just to see whether or not some looks that I have seen created by MUA's on Instagram are as difficult as they look, plus they make an excellent gift for those who have just discovered makeup and want a helping hand.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Pink Parcel & Betty Box

A few years ago I first reviewed both Pink Parcel and Teen Parcel here on my blog and they recently had a bit of a revamp, so I am delighted to be sharing them with you today. Described as being the UK's number one period box, Pink Parcel is designed for those of us who are are no longer considered 'Teens' and that is where the Betty Box comes into play.

The Pink Parcel describes itself as uniting periods and pampering to make your time of the month fuss-free and fabulous and let's be honest, anything that offers to do just that immediately gets the thumbs up and quite probably a hug. The box is discreetly packaged and slim enough to fit through most letter boxes and inside it will be whichever sanitary brand and type of  product you prefer to use.  Brands such as Tampax, Lilets and Bodyform to name just a few allow you the choice of selecting Tampons or Towels to meet your needs. If like me you have quite a hectic life with work and everything else, sometimes forgetting Auntie Flo is on her way can be a nightmare, it is something I do frequently and I love that there is something out there for a peace of mind.

With Pink Parcel the monthly subscription price is £12.99 which includes delivery and depending on whether you choose a one off box or a longer subscription can alter the price, but there is no pressure to sign up at any time.  Once signed up you firstly pick the products you want, either tampons, sanitary towels or you can opt for a mixture of the two and then which brand and absorbency you need and there is quite a selection to choose from.  Once you have made your decision you decide which date you want your box to arrive and my advice is to obviously ensure it is before your next period so that you have everything you need.  Alongside your chosen sanitary products you will also be given some panty liners and some night pads to ensure you literally have everything you need and then it doesn't stop there because also included within your box will be some pampering products worth up to £40.

Once your box arrives, inside you will find three boxes and a drawstring bag and each one is clearly labelled.  In the 'For Night' box you will find some night time sanitary towels and my box has 5 of them.  The 'For Later' box has your product of choice for when your period arrives inside it and the drawstring bag, which I now keep in my handbag contains some panty liners.  The final box which is titled 'For you' has your pampering products inside it and this month my box was packed full of thoughtful products:

• Cuppanut Teabag - Turmeric and Ginger infusion
• Nail HQ - All in One nail treatment
• Cocoba - Cocoa Dusted Salted Toffee Truffles
• Beautaniq Beauty - Radiant Glow Sheet Mask
• Lipcote - Lipstick Sealer
• The Beauty Group - The Glamazon Stick which is described as being a creamy highlight Crayon
• Swiss Clinic - Sanitizing Spray

I love the contents of the For You box and love that it is put together is such a thoughtful manner.

The Betty Box, which used to be Teen Parcel is similar to the Pink Parcel with a few exceptions.  Firstly the entire box is brightly coloured and really stands out which I liked a lot and the subscription is £12.99 per month and contains all the period essentials you’ve chosen, from pads to tampons in all shapes and sizes.   The difference comes with the 'For You' part of the box because as this one is aimed at those aged 11-16 the treats have been chosen with that in mind, so the box might include jewellery, skincare, stationery and sweets.

In the box I was kindly sent, each section is again really well laid out and labelled so that you know which box you need and when.  Then within the 'For You' Box six products which includes:

• Bakedin - Chocolate brownie mug mix which is cooked in a mug in the microwave in 60 seconds.  Described as being gooey, warm and oh so good.
• You Tea - Sleep Tea which uses ingredients such as lavender, rose and chinese dates to ensure you feel calm in both body and mind
• Magnitone - Wipe Out Microfibre Cleansing Cloth which is designed to tackle the most stubborn makeup using just warm water
• Bandzee - Hair ties are like bobby pins for me, you have loads one minute and non the next.  Whenever I tie my hair up, I use a few different branded hair ties because I like that they don't cause my hair to kink.
• Freeman - Foot Scrub with Lemon and Sage.  This scrub is infused with pumice from volcanic rock and is designed to exfoliate rough and dry skin and the inclusion of Tea Tree helps to soothe tired and aching feet
• Bryt Socks - Now these socks describe themselves as being loud and proud and that they most definitely are.  It is said that colourful socks seem to increase happiness and confidence.

Again, I love the level of thought which has gone into these boxes with everything from packing them to including the pampering treats.

I would love to know your thoughts on these two boxes and whether or not you think it is something you would subscribe too.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here