I thought I'd do something different today. I mean sometimes it's a bit too much pressure doing blogmas/vlogmas and sometimes I feel like my content isn't exactly what I want it to be. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't want to post just for the sake of it. So today, I really wanted to talk about something that I have a little bit of trouble with. Treating yourself.

I bought some make up the other day from Chanel. Now I've never owned anything from Chanel if I'm completely honest and I felt like I hadn't bought myself anything in ages. So I took the plunge, and after trying some out a few days before at the counter, I decided to buy some products for myself.

I got the bronze universal and also a blush. This blog post isn't really about what I bought though, it's more of an expression of how I feel when I buy myself things. I guess I feel kind of guilty.. Having said that though, I'm trying to learn that we all work hard and if you don't treat yourself, then what's the point? So it's okay to gift yourself, especially at this time of year. Working overtime to get other people amazing gifts so it's not really that bad to treat yourself once in a while.

I'm not sure if it's just me that feels that way but I just thought I'd get my views out there anyway. So if you plan on treating yourself then do it! Try not to feel guilty, even though I know it's easier said than done and get whatever it is that you want. Of course, it has to be within reason, I don't think you'll be able to get yourself an actor husband or something anytime soon.

Emma :) 

It's time for a giveaway!

I've never done one of these before so I'm a little bit nervous to say the least. But I'd been thinking about it for quite some time now so figured I'd just do it now!

I posted a video on YouTube explaining what it is that you can win and how to enter so if you'd like to watch that then click here.

It's pretty simple, you just need to enter your details into the rafflecopter below and the more things you complete, the more entries you get! Simple! a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm not really sure what to say about this product. I mean it's pretty self explanatory. In my advent today, I received a nail file.

It's quite thick so I imagine it to be pretty durable, I know that sounds like a random thing to mention but I'm used to really thin nail files that feel like they will snap in half at any minute.

It's quite clear too so it looks quite fancy, with just the brand name in gold at the bottom (or is it the top?) It also comes in this clear wallet to protect it whilst it's in your bag.

A practical advent today, I think!

Emma :) 

Hand cream, something you always need to throw in your bag! So this came in handy (get it?)

This is from The Organic Pharmacy, and it is Marigold and Comfrey Hand Cream. I have tried a little bit of it, you only need a small amount and it doesn't leave your hands feeling oily. It smells good and it's the perfect size at 50ml. I feel like this will last for quite a while.

It claims to leave your hands soft and silky, however, after one use I'm not sure I can make a proper conclusion. Having said that, my first impression is good and I'll continue to use it!

Emma :)

The name sounds a bit like a football show but ESPA is actually a skincare brand. In my advent today I have their hydrating skin mask. I love the white packaging, although it is simple, it is clean and to the point.

I say this about everything, but I could smell it through the packaging, and it smells so nice and fresh. I'll be honest, I've never used an overnight mask before but I'm really looking forward to trying it. Especially during this time of year where my skin is really dry.

It's only a sample size so is really small but that's enough to try it out! I'll let you know how I get on with this, along with everything else I open this month.

Emma :) 

I am a sucker for gold/rose gold and copper recently. So the packaging of this product won me over straight away. It's Nuxe Prodigieux huile de douche (and no, I can't say pronounce this whatsoever).

It's a 30ml shower gel that apparently cleanses your skin and leaves a satin finish. The version I have also leaves a shimmer. I'm yet to try it since I'd already had a shower before opening my calendar. However, I think as long as it is bubbly that it should be okay, right?

Emma :)  

I hate to one of those people that say 'I can't believe it's this day or this month' etc.. however, I really can't believe it's the 3rd December already. I bet I'll say that everyday now- whoops. Another day means another advent, and today I have Moroccanoil Treatment. This literally smells amazing. As soon as I took it out the box I could smell it, I mean I hadn't even opened the bottle yet, which is good because like most people, I like my hair to smell nice.

I'm always wary with oils, will it make me greasy or glowing? I can never tell and to be honest.. I'm not really much of a risk taker.

BUT having said that, I'm really wanting to try this since I've heard it's amazing for your hair. It's 25ml so I imagine I'll be able to get quite a lot of uses out of it!

Have you ever used it and what did you think?

Emma :) 

So todays advent is a Burt's Bees product! I'll be honest, I've never been much of a fan of Burt's bees but that's mainly because of the smell. However, my first impression of this product is that I can't actually smell anything- which is a good sign, as it's a tinted lip balm, and if a lip product doesn't smell nice, I can't bring myself to use it.

I guess so far so good then? The colour looks really nice, not too obvious, and of course a red lip is always something I'm extremely fond of. I think I'll like this product a lot! If you'd like to check it out, click here.  I'm also vlogging this month so if you'd like to watch me open my calendar everyday then click here and be sure to subscribe!

Emma :) 

It's the 1st December, do you know what that means? Advent time!

As I've said before, I'll be posting what I find behind the little door every day. I'll also be doing vlogmas this year if you'd like to watch me open them!

Today, I have the Aurelia Miracle Cleanser with Chamomile, eucalyptus, rosemary and bergamot. It came adorably presented in a black velvet bag with a discount code and cloth. I love hot cloth cleansers, as I'm sure you know since I always go on about the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser. This one is 30ml so a good size to try and it is filled with bioorganic ingredients. So I imagine it won't be too harsh on your skin! I'll definitely report back once I've tried it properly.

I hope your first of December has been a good one! I'm really looking forward to the rest of the month.

Emma :) 

Yes, it's that time of year again.. Christmas! I apologise if you're not a fan (actually, I don't, because I love it) because I have quite a few Christmas themed posts planned. However, if you are a bit of a Humbug, but like beauty then surely you can still find yourself feeling slightly festive with a beauty advent calendar?

Two years ago, I had the YouBeauty Advent Calendar, and found my one true skincare love.. Liz Earlie Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish. So this year, I have the same advent calendar on the hopes of finding something else that will become a staple in my routine.

I posted each product everyday with a first impression and I'm thinking about doing the same this time, if you're interested. There are so many amazing beauty calendars out this year, did you manage to pick yourself one up? And if so, which one/ones- I'm not one to judge.

Roll on 1st December!

Emma :) 

I was feeling festive so I had to bake something! And of course, gingerbread is always around this time of yea- though I admit, they are normally little houses or something that requires a bit more skill. Mine on the other hand are little men and stars. 

If you'd like to make them yourself then just follow the recipe! I used BBC goodfood, and I enjoyed them so thought I'd share it with you.

To make them, you will need:

- 350g plain flour

- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 

- 2 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

- 125g butter

- 175g soft brown sugar 

- 1 free range egg

- 4 tablespoons golden syrup

Click here if you would like read the instructions. 

If you do make them then please let me know how you got on, and if you liked them!

Merry Christmas!

Emma :) 

You may recognise this from Christmas, if you don't then it doesn't matter much because I'm going to tell you anyway! 

I've ran out of another product yet again, so let's call this an empty/ favourite product blog post. 

It's the Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, I've been using it once every two weeks ( okay, I admit that sometimes I skipped it) 

You simply run it through wet hair, and leave it in for about 10 minutes and then wash your hair afterwards. It smells really nice and leaves the hair feeling soft with more volume when blow drying. 

I wasn't sure I was going to like this at first but after finishing the bottle, it's safe to say that I do! It's a good job that the packaging is practical because you can squeeze pretty much all of it out- plug it looks nice. 

Emma :) 

17 days.. Where is this month going? 

I opened my little window to find a hair product today. I'll be honest, my hair is something that I don't tend to bother with a lot of products for. However, I may change my ways! This is the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. 

 

It's a pre-shampoo treatment that you leave in wet hair for 10-20 minutes. It's 75ml so quite big so hopefully I enjoy it. 

I squeezed a little bit on my hand to try and get an idea of the smell and consistency. I couldn't really smell anything but it feels quite thick. 

I haven't tried anything like this before so I'm hoping it has good results and will perhaps convince me to try more hair products! 

Emma :) 

I'm going to get really annoying with the whole countdown thing but that's what an advent calendar is all about.. 19 days! 

So this little brand is not something I'm familiar with. It's the Sisley Paris Radiant Glow Express Mask. 

I love the peachy colour on the outside, it's also the smallest gift so far at just 10ml. It smells quite strong and reminds me a little bit of a medicine so not sure I'd enjoy that on my face.

It is the season for parties though so  maybe a bit of a glow would do me good! 

Emma :)

Only twenty days to go!

I have to admit I'm not a fan of body lotions- mainly because I end up having stacks of them that I never remember to use. So when I found one in my calendar, I can't say I was particularly excited. It's the  Caudalíe Paris Nourishing Body Lotion. 

I like the outer packaging, it's simple but I think in a classy way, that's if a lotion can be classed as classy of course.. I'm not sure on the smell as it's a bit too soap like for me. However, I tried a bit on my hand and it left it feeling smooth, so it's definitely nourishing. The 50ml is the biggest sized product so far, and I think this is a good size for really trying a product. Especially since it's a body lotion and you'd need quite a bit. 

It won't be one that I'll be dying to grab anytime soon but hopefully if I give it the chance, it will change my outlook on body lotions. 

Emma :) 

3 weeks today until Christmas!  What better than to find a glitzy nail vanish to get you in the mood? 

I'll admit, I'm not the greatest when it comes to managing my nails, so polish is always the kind of product that I never seem to go out and buy myself. I was glad to find one in my advent calendar as now I don't have an excuse this Christmas. 

Which colour you receive in the advent calendar can vary, I found a nice deep sparkly blue. It is called Essie Encrusted Treasures Nail Vanish- Lots of Lux. 

I think this is a nice colour, especially for this time of year, and I'm hoping that it dries nicely when I put it on my nails. I apologise because I don't think the photos- the first one especially, do it much justice!

I will hopefully use it soon and come back with a review.

Emma :)

So today I opened number 3! And found a sweet smelling Molten Brown- Orange and Bergamol body wash.  Like the other two Christmas treats, I don't believe I've ever tried this brand before. 

It came with no outer packaging, but in a little bottle with a silver screw cap with the brands name on. I like this small detail as it looks somewhat 'classy' (I think so anyway!) It is 30ml and fairly transparent. I haven't yet tried it but from quickly smelling it, it smells very sweet and it's a kind of Christmassy scent. 

I can imagine my showers to smell amazing when I use this product so hopefully I like it! 

Emma :)

The countdown continues!  Today, I opened my calendar to find a Laura Mercier Foundation Primer. 

I've heard so many good things about the brand and it just so happens that I'm in need of a good foundation primer.  Like yesterday's product, it is a good size at 30ml as the full size ones are 50ml. 

It comes in a peach/bronze kind of coloured tube and no outer packaging. I've used a small amount on my hand to test it and it has left the area smooth and refreshed. At first, I was unsure of if the smell was something I would want to wear on my face but once applied, it is a lot more subtle and a fresher scent than I imagined. 

I'm hoping that it does a good job of keeping all my make up in tact, but I'll let you know how I get on!

Emma :) 

As it's coming up to Christmas, then of course it will soon be December.  That means only one thing, an advent calendar!

Now as I'm currently not eating chocolate until Christmas day and always curious to trying brands, I'm having a beauty one this year. Thanks to my boyfriend, I will be opening the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar every day up until Christmas, so decided that I will do a daily blog post on the products inside. I've already had a sneak peak online to see what I have in store for December, and after looking at multiple calendars, this one seemed like the most appealing one to me; but of course, everyone is different and has different tastes.

The box itself has apparently over £240 worth of products in and is selling for £49.95 which seems a bargain really. The images below are just of the box but when it comes to opening it (tomorrow!) I will be sure to take some photos of the little windows and whatever product I will be delighted to find.

Speaking of products, any that I enjoy after I get to try them, I will soon be doing a blog post about so keep your eyes peeled!

Emma :)