December Beauty Favourites

THE BODY SHOP SHEA SUGAR BODY SCRUB (£13.00/200ml)

This was a gem that I picked up at 50% off in good old TK Maxx in early December. My skin was taking a good battering as the winter cold began to creep in, and I needed to update my skincare routine – pronto. Funnily enough, this was the perfect product for me to accidentally stumble upon. The sugar scrub formula is my preferred type, as I find sea salt scrubs way too abrasive – especially in the winter months. Building on this, the Shea formula is so nourishing and even my other half verbalised his appreciation with a cheeky “oooh” after a stroke of my leg.

GOOD THINGS MANUKA REFINING SCRUB (£5.99/150ml)

This was another lucky pick-up in TK Maxx, as I was having the same problem with dryness on my face and body. Even though I was developing tiny and slightly annoying dry patches on my face, I did not want to sacrifice a really scrubby exfoliator. It took me a while to find a product that looked promising, but when I saw this one – I knew! The creamy, Manuka honey-filled formula provides a soothing cleanse, whilst the exfoliating oatmeal pieces buff away any unwanted dry patches. It does say to use only 1/2 times a week, but I do use this everyday and I don’t feel like it has any negative impacts on the condition of my skin.

KIKO MILANO LONG LASTING EYESHADOW STICK IN 38 (£6.90/each)

So Kiko Milano announced that they were having a little sale before Christmas, and of course I had to get something. I didn’t even know what I wanted, I just popped into the store in Cardiff – and swatched pretty much everything (my boyfriend was not pleased…)

Sadly the staff had no idea what was going on as apparently the sale wasn’t being advertised in store. I suggested that they do a price check and hey presto, all of the products on offer online were also on offer in store. So I made sure that I got the appropriate discount none-the-less!

One of the items that I have been using almost everyday since purchasing is the eyeshadow stick in 38 – Golden Taupe which is slightly pinkier than my usual taupe. This was my justification for buying basically the same shade that I always buy, sigh. I genuinely can’t stop using this product though – its a pearly subtle taupe with champagne and rose shimmer that transfers beautifully onto the skin without dragging. It also makes a great base for shimmery eyeshadow looks, and is also perfect if you want a little bit of neutral dazzle under your everyday liner.

MAYBELLINE MASTER SCULPT IN 02 MEDIUM/DARK (£6.99/each)

I really did have reservations about this product when it arrived in a giveaway that I won a few months ago. I had already fallen in love with the budget Sleek Contour Kit, and the bits of shimmer in the contour powder had me guessing. I actually really like this contour powder as it is more ashy than any other contour product that I’ve used, however it does take quite a bit of building up to get the same effect as my Sleek powder.

The colour Medium/Dark isn’t very dark at all and worked really well on my light/mid skin tone – and to be honest that’s bit concerning, Maybelline. Unfortunately I can’t say much for the highlighter colour, which wasn’t light enough at all and is slightly more chalky than buttery. It also has very warm undertones to it which doesn’t appeal to me at all. Contour – good, highlight – not so good.

SO SUSAN STATEMENT SKIN HIGHLIGHTER PENCIL (£3.500/each)

This little beauty arrived in my December Glossybox, and even though I was slightly bemused by a highlighter in a sort of pencil-crayon thing (?) – I really really like this highlighter. The tip allows precision application which is perfect for highlighting the bridge of the nose, the cupids bow, and under the brows. The yellow undertone complements my skin so well, and the illumination is noticeable, yet natural. The only gripe I have is that you need to work the product in a bit more than you’d think. After a few hours of wearing this in public – it was only when I took a selfie that I realised that the line was still a line, and wasn’t blended enough at all. Beauty faux pas alert!

STILA STAY ALL DAY LIPSTICK in AMORE (£16.00/3ml)

I had to give this one a mention, even though I will be doing a full review post on it. The colour is so unique, and I can clearly see why so many people were raving about it online. Keep an eye out for my full review & swatches in the next week or so. I was also wearing it in my latest beauty edit (Winter Wedding) so have a peek!

BATISTE BLUSH (£2.99/200ml)

Just another generic dry shampoo that everyone uses, but I really do like this scent more than the usual Tropical one that I use. It’s delicate and floral, but doesn’t smell too perfume-like so this will probably be my new go-to dry shampoo!

LEIGHTON DENNY in IT’S AN HONOUR (£11.00/12ml)

I have had this nail colour for ages, but I’m not a massive fan of painting my nails because I really can’t stand that chipped look. For some reason all nail varnish usually chips on me within 24 hours, however this baby doesn’t! The formula lasted 3 days without chipping, and the colour is a gorgeous taupey nude with slight shimmer, perfect for a neutral look with a bit of oomph.

TALIKA PHOTO HYDRA DAY CREAM (£25.00/30ml)

I received this in my latest Glossybox and completely fell in love with it. It makes the softest and smoothest base for my make up and I’m seriously considering buying the full sized version – yes, it really is that good.

So there it is, my round up of the best products from the last month of 2015!

What were your December go-to products?

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