So this year I splashed out on a Selfridge's Beauty advent calendar. 85 squids it was - I still can't quite believe I bought it.....but was it worth it?

Those if you following my Instagram or Facebook will have seen that I ended up opening the last 5 windows in advance - best idea ever!  (because Xmas luggage is bad enough without having to lug a giant 'story book' across London)

So, all windows opened, what did I get? Was it worth the money?

Can you believe it's mid December already?! CHRISTMAS IS NEXT WEEK. I am so behind on my present buying and decorating but there is one thing which I'm bang up to date on.... My Selfridges Beauty Advent Calendar!!

A few months ago I excitedly bought the Selfridges Advent Calendar in a fit of "oh my god if I don't buy it now it will sell out" panic. (See this post for more panic and purchasing satisfaction)

12 days and 12 windows later, I knew I had made the right decision. Of the 12 beauty treats so far, I loved 11 of them. Here's the lowdown on what was behind those windows - you can judge whether you'll buy one next year!

On the first day of Christmas my Selfridges Calendar gave to me... (don't worry, I won't do this for every day)




Day 2 - a big improvement, it was the Kiehl's Ultra Facial cleanser - a gentle liquid gel cleanser made from a sugar derived foaming agent. It reminds me of the Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser - lovely texture, I would buy this full size but I'm not itching to get it just yet.


Lancome Renergie Multi-Lift, oooooh. I'm not one for anti ageing creams yet - this ones going to my mum (and she loved it!) If you want to keep it, you can use it on your neck to start.



Another cute perfume sample - La Vie Est Belle - aka the Julia Roberts one. It smells really nice, I wouldn't mind getting this full size! The bottle is adorable too - I love these sample sizes, they're perfect for putting in your handbag for a daytime freshen up!





There is SO much Lancome in this calendar. And I ain't complaining! A mini sample of the Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara - I'm a huge mascara fan and I will try any and every brand out there!


 Finally - ending my 12 days with a GREAT sample - the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate aka the best facial oil ever. Super light and easily absorbed - I would DEFINITELY (all capitals) buy a full size version of this!



So there we go, a quick round up of my first 12 days of christmas beauty! 

I cannot wait until for the next 12!!

Tried any of these bad boys? Which ones do you like the look of?



By Zoe Dubs
xXXXx

 Aren't holidays the best?!?! Great weather, great company and a great chance to debut your summer wardrobe. Finally, the chance to wear ALLL those items which wouldn't last in English weather and ALLLL the makeup which only looks good with a tan.

Saying that, having just come back from a short Spanish break, I've realised that there are so many things which we're "supposed" to do on holiday which, IN REAL LIFE we don't end up doing because - let's face it - it's too hot or we can't be bothered.

Know what I mean? Read on.

Monday's Valentine's Look post led to a big number of requests asking how I did my face. (I say big number, 3 friends asked and 1 person commented - RADICAL TIMES) 

Never to shy away from pleasing my readers, I've written up a quick tutorial with the products I used. I'd be lying if If i said it was "just a few products" - natural beauty makeup is at least a 5 product job for me! And because it's Valentines, I've used a couple of extras...

For me Valentines should be natural, but an enhanced version of yourself. So a good, clear base for your skin, neat brows plus defined yet natural eyes and lips. 

Not that hard then eh?? Here's how I've done it.