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I have heard of Beauty Advent Calendars for the past few years but this year is the first one where I have purchased any myself. Due to me being Cruelty Free, I am conscious of the products I use and didn’t want to pay out a lot of money if I was not going to use many of the items included. That being said, I really wanted to treat myself so I researched a few options and settled on Look Fantastic (see separate review soon) and this one- Latest In Beauty in collaboration with Grazia, a well-known fashion magazine here in the UK.
The first thing that struck me about this was the bright yellow packaging, tied with a black ribbon. I opened it up just to check there was no damage and that none of the ‘doors’ had been broken in transit, but I didn’t peek at any of the items. There was an insert in the same yellow colour as the calendar itself, which contained information about the items included as well as some exclusive discount codes on the back, which is a nice extra touch!
The welcome greeting on the insert is from the beauty and health director of Grazia, Joely Walker and reads:
‘As we all know, the key component in any advent calendar is the treat factor. With that in mind, we present to you our ultimate Christmas edit of both cult classics and new-found heroes (worth over £326!), all sitting pretty behind those doors ready to luxe up your December like nothing else. Warning: the temptation to prize open more than one a day might become too much to bear.’
So a total value of £326, of which I paid a measly £85. The calendars both arrived well before December- it was so hard to control myself and not open either of them but I managed!
By the time the 1st December rolled around, I was chomping at the bit to get into both of the calendars. (If you want to know the contents of the Look Fantastic calendar, please see the separate review).
The first item was a brand I absolutely love- Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in the shade Ashton. I adore their liquid lipsticks, and this is a tawny nude shade of matte colour. It has an intense pigment and the formula has serious staying power- it genuinely doesn’t budge until you take it off! It is also cruelty free, which is a winner!
On the second of December, the item I received was a brand I have tried before- Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cell Repair Night Oil. This is a relaxing night time blend of neroli, lavender, rose and mandarin scents to encourage mindfulness while also promoting a luminous, dewy and radiant glow. Another cruelty free brand too!
The third of December rolled around and I opened the ‘door’ to find System Professional LuxeOil. This is a hair product designed to transform your hair from the inside out with a cocktail of almond, argan and jojoba oils. Unfortunately, my research tells me that this brand are not cruelty free so I won’t be using this, but any items that aren’t will be found a new home.
On the fourth of December, I opened up Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion. As we know, the dry and cold weather we have in the winter can wreak havoc with our skin so this is formulated to strengthen the skin against the elements with a fortifying serum. Bare minerals are cruelty free, but it is important to note that their parent company are not.
The fifth arrived and with it, St Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist. This is a fine mist that takes around 4-8 hours to boost your complexion with a sun kissed glow. I don’t really use fake tan very often as I am always worried about it streaking. This sounds like it would be easy enough to apply and, to my surprise, it is also cruelty free, which I wasn’t aware of! Always a bonus!
Day 6 rolled around and I was a very happy girl, as it was Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturiser. This is hands down my favourite skincare brand right now. I have used this product before, it was in a subscription box last year, so I knew I liked it. It is laced with Ruby crystals to help blur your complexion and nourish the skin. The packaging of this brand is so luxurious and beautiful too. They are, of course, cruelty free too!
Day 7 arrived and behind the ‘door’ was Nars Satin Lip Pencil. These are said to offer up silky colour and a long wearing formula due to it’s jumbo pencil design. It provides long lasting and intense colour with a satin finish. I know Nars are a very popular and well-known brand but they are no longer cruelty free, which means that I will be finding a new home for this. Pity, as it is a nice colour and I did like Nars products before they went back on their cruelty free ethics.
On Day 8, I was greeted with Darphin Vetiver Oil Mask. This is said to detoxify the skin, as it is infused with real golden flower and a blend of essential oils which transforms into a lightweight milk when rinsed to leave the skin glowing. I don’t have much experience with this brand and my research tells me it is not cruelty free, so I won’t be getting any experience with it anytime soon either, unfortunately. I will be finding a new home for this.
On Day 9, I was delighted to find Dr Paw Paw Original Balm behind the door. I have a few of these already and they are a multitasking marvel that can be used on cuticles, cracked heels, irritated skin and dry lips for instant relief. This has worked wonder on a patch of eczema on my neck and I use it on my cuticles too. Cruelty free of course!
On Day 10, the item was Aromatherapy Associates Forest Bathing Bath and Shower Oil. I have a few of these and I love them- they smell so good! Dark nights call for a pamper and all it takes is a capful of this massaged on to your torso (or into your bath) before stepping into the shower to breathe in the revitalising vapours. These are so nice, I have 3 of them now of different scents and all of them are beautiful and have a different effect on me.
Day 11’s item got me excited, as it is a brand that I have been wanting to try for a long time. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. This is said to be an amazing blemish buster, which is great, as I can get the odd breakout on my chin at certain times of the month. You simply sweep this over your face on a cotton pad 1-2 times a day after cleansing for smoother, clearer skin. They are also cruelty free!
On Day 12, I was greeted by Sukin Purely Ageless Rejuvenating Day Cream. This is packed with a super sugar called ribose which is a serious power player when it comes to firming the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles by up to 78%. I have tried Sukin a few times and find them to be pretty good, a natural and cruelty free brand that is decently priced too.
On Day 13 (Friday the 13th no less!), it was Code8 Precision Liquid Eyeliner. This helps you to achieve your slickest cat eye look yet with a super fine nib for a pro worthy flick. I never wear eye liner, mainly because I cannot apply it. I may make a resolution to try and get better at it, as this is cruelty free and looks really good too.
On Day 14, I was super excited to discover a Spectrum C03 Brush. This is designed for precise application of powder and cream formulas. It has a tapered tip, so is perfect for contouring and adding highlights to help you get selfie ready. Plus, as with all spectrum brushes, it is absolutely adorable, a beautiful colour and design with the softest bristles too.
Day 15 now, and another item I was excited to receive- Nip and Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Mask. I love face masks, and this helps to revitalise your skin to keep your radiance all year long. Nip and Fab are a great brand and cruelty free!
On Day 16, I was really happy to see Dermalogica Pre Cleanse Oil behind the ‘door’. I have used Dermalogica lots in the past and it sorted my skin out like nothing else. This is the perfect first step to a double cleanse to thoroughly melt away layers of excess oil, suncream, water proof makeup and environmental pollutants. Dermalogica are also cruelty free, however, I don’t think their parent company are.
On Day 17, I found a brand I don’t have much experience with- Lixir Skin Electrogel Cleanser. This is a rich cleanser with a twist and it dissolves make up and dirt whilst reaching inside the pores to deep cleanse. It’s negative charge attracts, captures and eliminates positively charged toxins. This sounds so interesting and it is cruelty free too! I can’t wait to give it a try.
On Day 18, I was pleasantly surprised to find Weleda Skin Food behind the door. This is a favourite of Victoria Beckham and delivers an intense hit of moisture to the skin, essentially TLC in a tube! It can be used on the face or body and is also cruelty free. If it is good enough for Mrs Beckham then it is good enough for me!
On Day 19, I was greeted with Malin and Goetz Advanced Renewal Cream, which helps you to get smooth and radiant skin as it is a deeply nourishing and luxurious cream. It has a fortifying lipid complex to improve hydration and the appearance of fine lines. This is not cruelty free though,
On Day 20, I discovered a brand I had never heard of before- Diego Dalla Palma Geisha Lift Concealer. This has a second skin effect that gives your eyes an instant pick me up. It has a smoothing effect on the skin and blends well. My research found that this is not cruelty free though, so I will have to find it a new home.
On Day 21, I discovered a brand I have never heard of either- Clean Reserve Sueded Oud Eau De Parfum. This has a combination of Cypress, Birch and Pimento to add freshness to the base notes of Suede and Amber, which give the fragrance depth. I love the packaging of this- very simple but cute and the scent is gorgeous too!
Day 22 is the item I would say was the least exciting- OPI Nail Lacquer. This is a bright pink shade from their Tokyo Collection to add a pop of colour to any winter outfit. OPI is not a cruelty free brand and I don’t use nail varnish anyway, as I get my nails done professionally, so I will be finding this a new home. It is a lovely colour though!
Day 23, the penultimate day, was an item I am a huge fan of: This Works Sleep Together Calming Spray. You basically mist this over your furniture, pyjamas or the air around you and transition from a busy day into a tranquil night, naturally. I love these sprays, they really help me to relax and calm down ready for sleep.
Finally, Day 24 and the final product is Philip Kingsley PK Prep Perfecting Spray. This is described as a primer for the hair. You simply spritz it over damp hair before styling to add volume and shine as well as protecting against heat. I cannot find any concrete information on the cruelty free status of this brand, so I won’t be using it until I know for sure!
In conclusion, I am super happy with the contents of this advent calendar and of all the 24 items, only 6 were not cruelty free, and one unknown. I have really enjoyed my first venture into beauty advent calendars and cannot wait to try everything. I am sure it won’t be my last venture either!
