Coming into the third month of lockdown, Spa Sundays have now taken on a near-mythic significance. So each month when my beauty box turns up, I am LIVING for them.

This month’s theme is Blooming Lovely, and I thinkkkkkkk that everything in the box has some connection with flowers. The most interesting thing about this month’s box however, is that rather than the usual cardboard box, it arrived in a small flower-themed metal tin. I stan reusable objects!

I am more than ready to get inside this box and see what’s inside:

Manna Kadar, Bloom Mascara in Cool Aqua

The ‘special’ thing about this mascara is that the wand is spiral shaped, which is meant to add super intense colour to your lashes because of the density of the bristles.

That sounds all well and good, but if theres one thing that I don’t need in my makeup cabinet, is more mascara I have at least 6 different mascaras for absolutely no real reason.

So I’m not even opening this one up to try it out. I’m keeping it for a rainy day in approximately 6 months when I’ve finally run out of other mascara options.

I will say that this mascara is pretty compact and slim, so if you’re looking for a mascara option that doesn’t take up a lot of space, this one could be a good option!

See more: Product link

Grace & Stella, Rose Water Facial Mist

This is a refreshing mist that you can spritz straight onto your face, that has been formulated with other ingredients to help tone and moisturise your complexion at the same time.

Rose Water is meant to be anti-inflammatory, and it also includes glycerin to hydrate the skin and aloe to help balance the skins pH.

According to the product blurb, you can also use the mist on your hair to take care of any flyaway strands. I take this with a pinch of salt as a curly haired girl as I highly doubt this rose water spritz will calm my frizz

It smells lovely, with wafts of rose that keep on coming as they have settled on your face. The other thing I really like about this product is that you can put it on before or after makeup, so you can continually reapply throughout the day if needed.

As I’m now working from home, I’ve started keeping this spray on my desk so I get to mist my face every so often throughout the day, which does lift my spirits and make me feel like I’m taking care of my skin in a very low effort way. The chic packaging does help as well!

See more: Product link

Marcelle, BB Cream Golden Glow Illuminator

This is a brand I’ve not come across before, and on investigation, its not actually available in the UK and is exclusive to Birchbox.

The purpose of this face cream is to help you achieve an effortless-looking dewy complexion. By blending it into your skin it is meant to boost radiance, even your skin tone as well as hydrate.

I tried this cream just on my clean skin without applying any make-up on top, but obviously you can still use it as a base for your make-up as well.

The cream, a light-brown ish colour, blends in beautifully to your skin and after just a very light application of me trying to conserve as much of the cream as possible, I could instantly see and feel that my skin felt like it had a subtle glow.

For me, this isn’t a cream I would want to use when I’m just at home not seeing anybody. Instead, I would use it as a base for the days when I want to try achieve a “no-makeup” makeup look with minimal effort.

See more: Product link

Balance Me, Wonder Eye Cream

I have been using the same tube of Olay Eye firming cream for weeks and weeks now and it is almost coming to an end. So this eye cream is coming to me at almost the perfect time!

I’ve used Balance Me products before (I think I may have received a face cream in a beauty advent calendar at Christmas) and I remembered how good it smelled and how lightweight it felt on my skin. So I was definitely excited about this product.

First, a little on what it does. You can use it both day and night on the delicate skin under your eyes to de-puff, firm the skin, and life up the dark shadows. As someone who has some dark bags under my eyes, which I know will only get worse as I age, I am obsessed with trying to make sure this delicate area on my face is as well taken care of as possible. While I haven’t been using it day to day yet (waiting for that Olay tube to die its final death..), I tried out some as a little tester.

My first impression was that it smelled great, as I expected. Looking at the product notes, it is a blend of chamomile, coconut, rosehip, cucumber, and unusually, carrot oils! It doesn’t really smell of any of that but I liked it!

To apply, it felt a lot lighter than the Olay eye firming cream I’m used to using, which I always quite like because it feels like its not clogging and sitting on top of my skin. Even after application, my under-eye area felt different (which again, I’m not used to). It just felt a bit more zingy and refreshed!

I’m really excited to use this more often!

See more: Product link

Human + Kind, Body Souffle

Last but not least, the final product in this month’s box is a Body Souffle from Human+Kind.

Taking the baking analogy perhaps a bit too far, the product blurb states that this cream has been “lightly whipped” and that it will hydrate and nourish your skin all over.

The main hydrating ingredients include aloe vera and various botanical oils, and best of all, the company has committed to all their products being cruelty-free, ethically sourced and organic.

For a product that touts itself having a bunch of oils in it, the cream does not feel oily or leave that kind of oily sheen after being massaged in. It is actually very light, and it smells diii-vine.

I’m giving it a little go on my upper arms which can really do with some hydration, and they have been feeling a lot softer than usual

See more: Product link

Thanks Birchbox for the May box! Looking forward to the next one!

I was dying to get my April Birchbox! After being at home for my second month, and having a Spa Sunday for 8 weeks in a row, I was in real need of a top up

So, getting April’s box was kind of a big deal for me. And I’m excited that it did not disappoint! The theme for this month’s box is ‘One of A Kind’ and according to the box’s leaflet, is meant to be represent a celebration of individuality!

To celebrate our individual quirks, Birchbox have partnered with Anthropologie who are apparently the home of unique treasures.. So I guess not every month will have a super strong theme (but I appreciate the effort!)

Let’s dive into the products!

KNDR Beauty, Mood Balm

This product is a lip balm with a twist. Aside from all the hydrating properties you’d expect from a lip balm, it is also meant to adjust to your unique pH to shift its colour to be the perfect hue for you. Here’s the colour of the lip balm, and what it looked like applied to my lips:

The balm definitely applied a light purplish colour to my lips, which I was pleased with because the bold colour of the lip balm was going to be way too strong for me if it applied as is.

But, to be honest, with this product I would definitely be happy to continue using it as a balm, but the ‘unique colour shifting properties’ are doing nothing for me. Its far too faint to really matter!

See more: Product link

Huygens, Infusion Blanche Purifying Face Wash

This purifying cleanser is appropriate for all skin types and is meant to be used at the end of the day to get rid of any last traces of dirt or makeup.

This is a welcome addition to my end of day cleansing routine (alongside the next product below!). Usually, I just use wipes to get the job done, but I’m looking forward to trying out adding this before bed to see if my skin feels any different.

See more: Product link

Brushworks, Silicone Cleansing Pad

I like when Birchbox pair complimentary products in a box that you can use together, and this silicone facial cleansing pad will go very nicely with the Huygens face wash above as a trial for a bedtime skin routine.

This pad has tiny bristles that both exfoliate your skin gently, and lift up makeup, dirt and other impurities to clean the day away. Using it feels a little tickly, and not abrasive at all – its kinda addictive actually!

It also features a little suction cup at the back so you can stick it to a bathroom wall if you’re looking for easy access.

See more: Product link

LAPCOS, Collagen Firming Sleeping Mask

LAPCOS is a Korean brand that creates high-performing masks that are packed with collagen and shea butter. Sounds dreamy.

I’m also personally obsessed with the aesthetics of this brand. All of their packaging is totally on point. I dream of having a walk-in spa with clear perspex shelving where I can display rows of these masks

But back to the here and now – I really cannot wait to use this mask. It’s meant to be applied just before bed and rinsed off in the morning – the only thing I’m nervous of is being so wowed by it that I’ll need to spend £££ buying more

See more: Product link

Percy & Reed, Eau My Goodness No-Fuss Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is not a phrase that usually fills me with joy. To be honest, over the years, I’ve heard mixed things about how they perform with curly hair. Also, when my hair needs a wash, it needs a wash, so I’ve never been particularly clear how dry shampoo could fit into that.

Reading the blurb on this travel-sized dry shampoo, turns out, its really just a way to spritz your hair in between real shampoos to give it a bit of a lift. The fact that it is travel-sized is also intriguing because those are the times that I often need a little spritz.

I’m adding this product to my travel bag and I look forward to trying it!

See more: Product link

Thanks Birchbox for this April box, and continuing to save my Spa Sunday routine! Can’t wait to see what May’s box has in store!

Did you know March is my favourite month! Why? It’s my birthday month baby!

Unfortunately, Birchbox didn’t quite get this memo, and has decided to dedicate this month’s box to the equally important International Women’s Day.

And by the way, how gorgeous is the box!?

Let’s dive into the products!

The Beauty Crop, Wing Woman Liquid Eyeliner

Product link

I’m not super into eyeliner anymore. You’re much more likely to find me going for an all eyeshadow look. However, eyeliner is still definitely one of the staples of my makeup collection as you never know when you really want to turn up!

This is an eyeliner that markets itself as no flaking or smudging, and for the most part I’ve found this to be true. However, I didn’t find it super long-lasting either. So, prepare to reapply if you’re needing this to last a full day.

Daily Concepts, Exfoliating Dual Texture Scrubber

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This is already getting daily use as part of my shower routine, as I was already in the market for one of these and then like an angel from heaven, it just appeared in my Birchbox. How did they know!?

The clever thing about this little scrubber is that it has two sides – one that is much more textured than the other – so depending on your body part, you can just flip it over.

This particular scrubber isn’t meant to go particularly deep but I’ve found that its perfect for adding a quick scrub into your daily shower routine

Number 4, Jour D’Automne Blow Dry Lotion

Product link

I am yet to use this. As someone with thick, curly hair, I already have a pretty set hair routine using curl-specific products, and I’m just not sure that this product is for me.

However, having read up a bunch of comments online, I’m saving this product for those rare days that I might be inclined to straighten my hair as apparently its great for this scenario!

Forgive Me Suzie, Liquid Eyeshadow in Fairy Dust

Product link

I’m a sucker for a gold eye, so this product was like catnip to me! It’s a metallic eyeshadow that touts itself as being a creamy lightweight formula for easy application.

I can confirm that this eyeshadow is really easy to apply, and just glides on with your fingers. The bit that didn’t quite work for me here was how blendable with other eyeshadows this is – I probably would in the future look to use this only when not creating looks that I’m adding lots of other colours to.

However, for a quick slick of gold, this product definitely has you covered!

Balance Me, Vitamin C Repair Serum

Product link

OMG this product smells DELICIOUS – super fresh and lemony. I have been unable to resist putting it on daily purely for the lovely aroma on my face afterwards!

This serum is all about combating ageing (duh) but also is meant to work on reducing pigmentation and uneven skin tone. I don’t think I particularly suffer from either of those, but after daily use for a week now, I do feel like my skin looks more even in colour.

Considering a purchase of the full size bottle of this as it feels like a welcome addition to my daily skincare routine that I’m sad is coming to an end

Thanks Birchbox for my March box! And Happy International Women’s Day!

Ah February, the month of love and romance! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Birchbox has also caught the love bug, by offering an entirely pink-inspired box this month! Each product had a pink / red vibe, and the actual box itself was an homage to the heart and to love.

Let’s dive into the products!

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay – Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment

Product link

I’m obsessed with clay masks, and would genuinely love to do one every day if I could. The feeling on your skin afterwards is heaven – you really can feel your pores unclog!

This mask is marketed as triple-action mask – and is meant to work in only five minutes – to not only exfoliate, clear pores but also leave you with a glowing complexion.

Can’t wait to use this one!

amika RESET exfoliating jelly shampoo

Product link

Similar to the thermal heat mask in last month’s box, this shampoo uses pink clay, charcoal and salt to clean and soothe your scalp, no matter the kind of hair issues you have.

As someone who suffers from an itchy scalp, I’m really excited to give this a go. My itchy scalp flares up in times of intense stress so I’m going to hang onto this one until I really feel I need it .

Vitamasques Lip Mask

Product link

For those who may remember from my top pick from my beauty advent calendar, I fucking love a lip mask. But the lip mask from Rodial did such an amazing job, I’m not sure how this one is gonna stack up!

Its packed with all the right stuff though – hyaluronic acid, collagen boosters and mulberry extract – all thereto improve elasticity, add moisture, and repair and soothe dry skin. Excited!

Lord & Berry Ultimate Lip Liner – Vintage Rose

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I’ve never been super into lip liners, but at least this one has a blendable texture which means I can actually use it as a lip stick too!

The colour also is nice, so its got that going for it. But not one of my faves I have to say.

Spacemasks Rose Mask

Product link

Apparently this mask heats up when you take it out of the packet thanks to sciencey stuff. I’m always doing face masks (I wonder if there is a recommended mask limit for a person in a week ) so this one has gone straight into my big facemask drawer compartment (yes I do have one!)

Beautaniq Beauty Bloom Blush

Product link

I was pleased to get an email from Birchbox before the box was sent out asking me to pick from 3 different shades for this blush – as not one colour will fit all. It was a little hard to decide digitally which was going to be the best shade, but I’m looking forward to trying this one out!

Thanks Birchbox for my February box! Here’s to love and self-love!

The thing I was drawn to here was the personalisation aspect. On sign-up, you get to give Birchbox some idea of your beauty areas of concern (e.g. your typical skin or hair problems) as well as some info about you (what kind of hair, skintone you are for example), so that they can ensure your box is as appropriate for you as possible.

So, off I went and signed up! I’ll be updating here with what’s inside each box!

So the first thing to note about this box is that it was curated by Rochelle Humes. This doesn’t really mean much to me as I don’t follow her, but I did enjoy reading the little product blurbs from her because it felt like they were really picked by someone, versus just some faceless Birchbox editorial team.

So, in no particular order, here’s what Rochelle picked out!

Jade Roller, Melusine

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Jade rollers have apparently been used for centuries before Instagram picked them up and made them explode. They are meant to be a quick-fix to help boost radiance and tighten pores, as well as improving elasticity and fine lines over the longer term.

All you gotta do is roll it across your forehead and under your cheekbones and jaw to ease stress at the end of a long day or reduce puffiness in the morning. The natural coolness of the jade feels amazing!

Thermal treatment wrap, Ikoo infusions

Product link

This product is essentially a sheet mask for your hair. It’s meant to help to heal damaged hair, soothe irritated scalps and seal those split ends.

It’s got a ton of natural ingredients packed into it like blueberry, blackberry and sea kelp extracts, which are meant to leave hair soft, silky and shiny.

Natural body lotion, Greenford Botanic

Product link

This is the perfect product for a January box, as the lotion is meant to nourish and hydrate dry, winter skin. The argan oil and other 85% natural ingredients are meant to intensively soften and hydrate for you for 48 hours.

Birchbox says that this product never leaves a sticky residue, which can be my pet peeve with body lotions in general, so I guess we’ll see how this one goes!

Hyaluronic Plumping Mist, Balance Me

Product link

The hydration theme continues! This mist from Balance Me has a fancy name, but essentially works by blending the slightly scary sounding hyaluronic acid (proven to help with hydrating and plumping) with soothing camomile water.

All you gotta do is spritz – either to revive your make-up or calm your complexion after too much sun – and this speedy shot of hydration will apparently leave you looking brighter and healthier.

I’m leaving this product for my holiday travel bag as I think its calming properties will help after those long days baking in the sun.

Glow milk, The Beauty Crop

Product link

Initially the word ‘milk’ here kinda put me off, I was like “what is this!”. But don’t worry, this is just fancy branding for liquid highlighter! It does what it says on the tin – creating that dewy glow in just a couple of simple steps.

I’m really looking forward to using these products over the month, as well as to receive my next box of goodies!

Thanks Birchbox!

I was also never particularly interested in that world.. and for years my make-up style was best described as minimal.

But in the last couple of years, my outlook has really changed. As I’ve got older, I’ve got really interested in looking after my skin, and I’ve also got much more into experimenting with different makeup and hair looks to really find out what I like.

The only problem, for someone like me, is that as I navigate the world of beauty I’m faced either with wunderkind beauty gurus who can contour and transform the fuck out of their faces by age 19 thanks to Kylie and Kim, or I have to watch as these impossibly beautiful glamorous and elegant ladies have their makeup perfectly applied by their live-in makeup artists and who have weekly botox treatments as standard.

Okay, that may all be a little exaggeration, but I do feel like there’s not really a place for me – someone who is just an average face who would just love to look a little bit prettier and a little bit younger.

Here’s where Beauty for Normals comes in. In this ongoing series, I’ll be sharing my journey as I explore the world of makeup, skincare, and hair products, and being open and transparent about what I find along the way.

I’ll be tagging everything Beauty related with the Beauty for Normals tag so they’ll all be accessible here.

You can also follow me on IG at ya_ell where I’ll be sharing Beauty for Normals vids on IGTV as well!

If you have particular topics you’d like me to cover, let me know – would love to hear what others struggle with!

Anyway, this year I received a lookfantastic advent calendar, and first up, I want to spotlight the beautiful box design. The thing is a work of art and I was so happy with it, it had pride of place in my living room

So, through the month of December, I studiously opened my advent calendar every evening to see what was inside The advertising for this product says that the contents are worth around £420 and after opening everything, I can believe it! There were some genuinely expensive, luxe products inside and I’m really happy with the overall quality of the products inside.

But this post is not about price! It’s about my personal ranking of how much I like the products inside. So, I won’t be referencing price again, but I will talk about the efficacy of the product, its size, and whether I personally vibe with it.

Let’s go.

From ‘least good’ to best

#25 – Emma Hardie, Moisture Boost Cream

Well this is awkward. I have to start with Emma Hardie’s moisture boost cream because… I didn’t actually receive it in my advent calendar It was meant to be Day 17, but instead on Day 17, I got a duplicate of another day’s product, due to a packing error I guess.

So let’s start this ranking from 24…

#24 – Bubble T limited edition Bath Bomb

These mini bath bombs are salted caramel flavour and even with a sealed packet, I can smell that caramel flavour. So, if luxuriating in baths smelling of candy is your vibe, you’re absolutely gonna love these.

Unfortunately, I like my baths smelling a little less… food-like, which is why these are at the back of the pack. I also would have loved to have seen something a bit more premium than this plastic packaging from this box that overall had a very luxe vibe.

#23 – Eyeko Lash Alert Mascara

This travel-sized mascara will do the trick but is nothing particularly revolutionary. It has gone straight into my box of travel-size cosmetics that I fish out when I’m going on short trips, and is definitely a welcome addition to round out my holiday cosmetics collection.

#22 – First Aid Beauty, Facial Radiance pads

These pads are going straight into my aeroplane backpack, the bag that I always take with me on flights, and that is filled with all those important flying essentials. At 28 pads, this counts as travel-sized for me, and I can imagine using these to brighten up my face at the end of a flight.

#21 – Illamasqua, Nude Collection lip liner

Confession time, I never really use lip liners because I’m not entirely sure how they work This one has gone into my make-up drawer with the vague ambition that I really need to watch some youtube videos and figure out lip liners lol.

#20 – Molton Brown, Fiery Pink Pepper Bath and Shower Gel

I like Molton Brown a lot, and this bath + shower gel with notes of fiery pink pepper, tangerine and ginger is only this low down for me because the fragrance doesn’t quite do it for me. But next time, I have a guest to stay (or when I finally get a place big enough for that guest bathroom), you best believe I’ll be getting this out to look fancy

#19 – Lord & Berry Eye Liner

This eye-liner promises to be ultra-long wearing and easy to smudge to create that smoky finish. Again, its pretty mini so I’m adding it to the holiday cosmetics bag again.

#18 – Omorovicza, Queen of Hungary Mist Limited Edition

Fun fact, this was actually inside the compartment for the last day of the advent calendar. I was expecting something INCREDIBLE which may have contributed to the feeling of slight disappointment in this product. I’ve personally never heard of this brand and whilst I’m excited to try out something new, a complexion rejuvenating mist is not something I imagine I’m gonna use. I’m more a ‘splash some cold water on my face’ kinda girl.

On the converse, a product like this is exactly why I love the idea of beauty advent calendars. Its not something I would traditionally buy myself, but I might actually love it when I start using it! Also, it makes me feel like maybe I could be a women who spritzes herself on the daily with a fine orange blossom mist

#17 – Morphe Eyeshadow palette

Another fun fact! This was actually day 1 of the advent calendar, and when I opened it and saw it, it made me even more excited for the advent calendar. This is a full-size product, and you can really never have too many eyeshadow palettes

#16 – Neal’s Yard Remedies, Wild Rose Hand Cream

I looove hand cream and have a hand cream on my desk at work at all times. This exact fragrance isn’t one that I necessarily would have picked out for myself, but I can tell you it feels divine. Neal’s Yard always has a high bar of quality to the products and this hand cream really doesn’t disappoint on that front. Your hands will feel instantly moisturised

#15 – Oskia, Renaissance Cleansing Gel

This promises to purify the skin with a non-foaming cleanser, restoring radiance and leaving skin feeling soft. It’s also suitable for all skin types which is handy when you’ve not picked it out yourself. I used it the day after a particularly hectic New Years celebration and I was impressed at how it made my hungover skin glow

#14 – Sleek Makeup, Highlighting palette

This was one of those serendipitous moments when my advent calendar delivered what I was looking for. It contains two baked powders, one silky shimmer powder and one cream highlighter, and I found they blended well. Another full-sized make-up offering was also definitely appreciated!

#13 – Living Proof, Perfect hair day 5-in-1 styling treatment

I haven’t used this yet, but I’m excited to try it, as I’m always on the hunt for products that will make my hair pop. I always struggle finding the exact right hair products for my hair (curly girls, you know what I’m saying) so my expectations are pretty low, especially because this isn’t a product that is explicitly targeting curly hair. But hey, imagine if this turns out to be the one! That excitement is why this has ranked highly.

#12 – Luxie makeup brushes

These brushes got used straight away, applying me some eyeshadow. I really enjoyed the fact that I received two different brushes on one day as each brush does something different. These are some solid brushes to receive if you don’t necessarily have a brush collection yet as they are hella useful. However, if you already have a comprehensive brush collection, you’ll likely be doubling up (and this is why a holiday cosmetics bag is the thing!)

#11 – Caudalie, Vinopure Clear Skin Purifying Toner

This bottle was exciting to receive as it hits the brief of something that I would probably never buy myself but that I can’t wait to use! It’s a clarifying toner, and its for combination skin (when your skin has some oily patches and some dry patches). This is smart because a product in an advent calendar needs to cater to a wide variety of people.

This product works through its organic essential oils drawing out impurities from within your pores. And most importantly, it smells realllllly good!

#10 – Delilah Cosmetics, Eyebrow pencil

This has two ends. One brush to groom those brows to perfection, and the other is a fine pencil tip that creates natural hair-like strokes to fill sparse gaps and enhance depth. Definitely a cool, low maintenance product if your eyebrows need some love and attention.

#9 – Rituals, Ayurveda Dry Oil

This is a natural dry oil, infused with Indian Rose and Sweet Almond, which can be applied to hair and body to hydrate you. I haven’t used this one yet but I can tell you it smells delicious, which makes me excited to try it! This is the kinda product that for me is perfect for a pamper night, and I like that this calendar has a mix of those daily use products and those that are a bit more special.

#8 – Mellow Cosmetics, Liquid Lip Paint

This liquid lip paint is meant to be long-wearing – it promises to last all day while at the same time avoiding drying out your lips. This was an intriguing promise because I struggle with lip paints making my lips feel mad dry . This paint delivers a velvet matte finish and feels nice on your lips when you apply it. Not gonna lie, they still felt a bit dry a few hours later but at least they looked good doing it

#7 – Philip Kingsley, Deep Conditioning Treatment

I’ve not used this yet as I’m saving it to use before a big night out. This product provides a deep conditioning treatment that promises to add elasticity and bounce to your hair. Elasticity and bounce are two words that are very important to me so I can’t wait to try this!

#6 – Avant Skincare, Moisture Surge Overnight Treatment

Damn, I really love this product. It smells insane and it made my skin feel super smooth and hydrated. It’s meant to be used 2-3 times a week before bed for a brighter face, and promises to give you a more youthful look. However, it does such madness to my skin that I’m struggling not to use it more than 2-3 times a week, to be honest.

And another fun fact – this is the first product out of the calendar that I put on order.

#5 – Filorga, Meso-mask

Fun fact, I accidentally received two of these in my advent calendar. Not that I’m complaining. This product is a face mask that enhances your skin’s radiance, and can be applied to the face, neck and decolletaaaaaaaage. Even with two bottles, I just wish I had more.

#4 – Elemis, Pro-collagen Marine Cream

When I unboxed this, I couldn’t believe it! Not only do I know that this product is expensive, but I love anything that promises that its ‘clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles’. I’ve been using this religiously daily and I’m probably going to have to buy more

#3 – Prai, Throat & Decolletage Creme

Sensing a theme? This cream moisturises and firms your throat + decolletage, which I’m ALL about after noticing a number of older women whose faces seem smooth and wrinkle-free till your eyes slide down to their throat and cleavage and then you realise thats where all their wrinkles have emigrated to

On the downside, this cream comes in a tiny little pot and I wish they would’ve been more generous!

#2 – Bioeffect, EGF Serum

This tiny little bottle was described as ‘groundbreaking’ and is again another product to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. I thought the bottle was really small until I read the instructions where I saw you’re only meant to be using 2-4 drops of it a day! I’m excited to see this one’s effect over time.

#1 – Rodial, Dragon’s Blood Lip Mask

I was so hype for this product, that when I opened it I didn’t even take a picture of it, I just ripped it open and used it right there and then I had just been recovering from a cold and my lips were hella dry, so a mask specifically for rehydrating lips was everything I could have dreamt of lol.

But anyway, here’s the packaging and a pic of me with my lip mask on

This product comes top of the list because it is the product, hands-down, that I will be buying again and again. My lips felt amazing afterwards, like they had their own spa day out and I’ve been recommending this mask to all my friends ever since.

So is a beauty advent calendar worth it?

Yes, yes and YES! Not only do you really get the bang for your buck with this calendar, but it was genuinely so much fun to unbox something everyday, knowing that it will last for days/weeks afterwards. as well as potentially introducing me to my new favourite obsession.

The only dilemma now is to figure out which calendars are the best ones. Sounds like in Christmas 2020 I may have to buy multiple ones so I can “test them out” Watch this space!