Countdown to Christmas - Day 25: My Favourite Things make-up bag

Day 25 gift - My Favourite Things...make up bag
(M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2017)

Not to get all Noddy Holder on you guys or anything, BUT....

IT'S CHRRRIIIIISSSSTTTMASSSSS!!!!!

I confess that this cute little bag was one of the main reasons that I was swayed into buying a calendar of miniatures that in truth I had no earthly need for!

I'm not sure it's branded, but I'm entirely sure that I do not care. It's slightly padded for some protection, cotton feel outer with a leak resistant liner.

A very cute extra for the Christmas Day gift in the advent calendar and I may or may not have actually purchased a few little favourite things to immediately stuff it with for myself...check out the Insta later!

Hoping you all have a silly, festive, fun and loving Christmas day with your nearest and dearest.

Christmas wishes and kisses and hugs and canapés for all!!

xx Josephine xx

Good things come to those who wait! 

Countdown to Christmas - Day 24: Pur Correcting Primer

Pur Minerals - Correcting Primer (illuminate & glow)
(M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2017)

Christ! Mas! Eve! Sparkles

Surely the best day of the year - the anticipation, the pre-emptive drinking, the cooking, the bustle, the fairy lights. Argh!! Too much to bear.

Safe travels for any of you who are only setting off on your journeys to your Christmas destination today. Wishing you all a successful and safe journeying!

Another primer today. Again this one doesn't feel to be silicone based - I realise people aren't a fan of those, but I never really minded. I didn't end up getting huge amounts of congestion from silicone though.

The colour of the primer is about the same as the tube it's contained in, once blended in though there's not really any tint (good). Wetter than the Autograph primer, I think this has a longer dry down time but feels more like it's doing something once it's dried down.

Designed to be a base for powder mineral foundation, I'll have to give it a whirl with my bare minerals, which has languished somewhat this year given my rather aggressive moisturising regime. Maybe have to skip the Skin Food on the day I plan to buff in a mineral foundation...

Illumination and glow is apt as the penultimate present, given the radiance theme running throughout the beauty calendar this year - and why not glow over some mulled wine with friends and family this evening, readying ourselves for the commencement of board games tomorrow!

Christmas kisses and wishes

xx Josephine xx

Countdown to Christmas - Day 23: M&S Formula Ultimate Sleep Cream

M&S Formula - Ultimate Sleep Cream
(M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2017)

Happy Satur-YAY Sparkles!!!

Can't believe I've almost actually completed a project I set myself on the blog - it feels a long time since I've done that (have I *ever* done that?!) so I'm super pleased.

Today is a sample size (15ml) of M&S's relatively newly offered Ultimate Sleep Cream, promising to deliver the much sought after 8 hours of sleep in a jar. Or in this case a plastic tube.

So popular upon release in autumn last year, it actually sold out early this year, resulting in a waiting list!

At only £22 for a 50ml pot that's pretty impressive feedback if people are voting with their purses.

I think this was also included in a little black tube last year and I remember thinking it was lovely as I used it up on summer holiday this year.

If this proves to be the same little offering I will definitely keep an eye out when doing some Christmas sales shopping in M&S after the day itself.

Sleep-effect me up....!!!

Christmas kisses and wishes,

xx Josephine xx

Countdown to Christmas - Day 22: M&S Autograph Hydrating Confidence Boost Primer

M&S Autograph Confidence Boost Primer - Hydrating
(M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2017)

Hi Sparkles!

The day itself is drawing near and for all of you left in work, it's the final day before you skip out to a run of parties, celebrations and festivities!

I hope your lovely bosses let you sneak off before the final bell today :)

This primer feels lovely, doesn't seem to be silicone based by feel at least. From a first try on the back of my hand this does leave a satin feel on the skin.

For me, I don't think it would be enough on its own for my dry skin but over my normal oils and moisturisers could give a really nice base for make-up.

If it's good I would definitely consider buying as the full size is on sale for about £12.50 for 30ml.

The sample provided is generous at 15ml and will definitely be dropped in my travel bag for taking away with me.

What's your plan for today's escape to the Christmas season? Even those of us who have been off work will have been checking up on emails, so today is the start of a 4 day email free period!!!

Christmas kisses and wishes,

xx Josephine xx