Beauty
M&S Beauty Calendar 2018 | The Products Worth Purchasing
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The beauty advent industry has become so competitive that it’s becoming more and more difficult to decide which calendar to choose for yourself. The notorious Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar typically sells out quicker than you can say ‘Santa! I know him!’, so on its release, I was first in line. Advent is almost over but I may have opened my doors a little early this year so that I could try out the products throughout December. The following are the best of the bunch, and the ones I’ll be repurchasing.
The Hero Project | Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost
This can be used alone or before moisturiser and claims to quench dehydrated and fatigued skin. At this time of year, my skin is both, and this product has done me the world of good. It’s similar to a Clinique favourite of mine: the Moisture Surge Hydrating Water Gel Concentrate, but honestly- this one is not only better, it’s also cheaper! I’ve been using this twice or so per week (before rather than instead of moisturiser), and I’ll definitely be repurchasing.
Filorga | Time-Filler Eye Cream
When I researched this and realised the price point I almost didn’t include it. £47 per pot makes this the most expensive eye cream I’ve ever tried, but its also, without a doubt, one of the best. I’ve already used it all. It’s rich without feeling at all heavy, and it visibly moisturised and wakened up my under-eye area. This is designed as an anti-ageing product and whilst fortunately, I can’t yet speak about its effect on wrinkles- I do love the product.
Pixi | Rose Tonic
I’ve already raved about how much I love Pixi’s Glow Tonic. I had high expectations for their Rose Tonic, and it didn’t disappoint. If I had to choose between the two, I prefer Glow, but I’ve been using Rose in the mornings and it’s a little fresher and will be perfect over Summer.
Shay & Blue | Black Tulip
I’ll admit that I judged the book by its cover here and ‘Black Tulip’ as a scent didn’t appeal to me at all. I wrongly assumed that this would be quite heavy and floral but I’ve actually fallen a little in love with it. Its light, fresh, subtly sweet and I haven’t stopped wearing it.
Leighton Denny | Be My Berry Nail Varnish
I was disappointed to hear that the Be My Berry shade is exclusive to the M&S calendar, so recommending it feels a little redundant. Leighton Denny polishes are definitely one of my favourite formulas though, they’re pretty long lasting and apply effortlessly. This one is the perfect Christmas red.
Living Proof | Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment
My favourite of them all, so much so, that I’ve put a full-size version on my Christmas list despite not having finished the last. This stands by its promise of smoothness, volume, conditioning, strength and polish, plus it smells absolutely incredible. I’ve only been using this for less than a month and bad hair days are a thing of the past (and I’m not exaggerating).
Percy & Reed Wonder Overnight Recovery
I’ve been using this a little less regularly, but alongside the Living Proof and have enjoyed it (although not quite as much). I was worried that applying it overnight would cause discomfort and sticky pillows but it actually absorbs very quickly and leaves little to no residue. This promises nourishment and even damage repair and has really helped with the condition of my hair.
7 out of 25 ain’t bad. I must admit that (bar one product: a blusher brush) there was nothing included that I actively disliked. I try quite a few products and work on a strict ‘don’t love, don’t buy’ policy, so the products I’ve mentioned aren’t just okay, they’re ones I love and wholeheartedly recommend.
Which advent calendar did you go for this year? If you answer chocolate I’m be pretty jealous, I didn’t have the chance to grab one this year and have really missed it!
