The best discoveries I made in my Advent Calendars

I was lucky enough to have four beauty advent calendars in December (and the all important chocolate one!) and although I had tried some of the products they contained previously (so was happy to find backups or minis for holidays), I also made some new discoveries. These are products that I will repurchase when I finish them. I think that's the best thing about advent calendars and beauty boxes - it gives opportunity to try products that you might not otherwise or that have been on your radar for a while.

Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment: This was in the Feel Unique Little Beauty Parcel Advent Calendar. I brought this away with me at Christmas because we stayed with my husbands family for a week and I needed mini products. I'm still using it now as a little goes a long way. This mask makes my hair feel soft and bouncy but it doesn't weigh it down or make it greasy. The Living Proof Restore range strengthens damaged hair and I've noticed that my hair is less frizzy and easier to comb through when I use this mask. 

Illamasqua Beyond Powder Highlighter Deity: This was the product in the Look Fantastic Advent Calendar on Day 25 - I loved that there was a product for every day of advent in this calendar and they saved the best for last! This baked powder can be used both wet and dry and this particular light golden shade adds some luminosity to the skin when applied dry but the intensity is increased when it's applied wet. The formula is beautiful and is flattering on the skin as it doesn't settle into fine lines.

Molton Brown Jasmine & Rose Shower Gel: Again, this was in the Look Fantastic Advent Calendar. I already knew that I loved Molton Brown shower gels as I've had some previously but this particular scent is really beautiful. It combines fruity (peach and raspberry) and floral (jasmine and rose) notes with a hint of musk. It's a unique, warm and alluring scent. Luckily, I have a second bottle to start from the Lookfantastic x Molton Brown Beauty Box.

Erno Laszlo Multi Task Eye Serum Mask: Another Look Fantastic find! Over Christmas, I used an eye mask every day before applying makeup to plump, refresh and brighten the under eye area. These particular masks feel really cooling and thereby reduce puffiness in addition to the other benefits I've mentioned. I need more of these in my life!

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel: This was in the Beauty Expert 12 Days Of Christmas calendar, which was amazing value because of the products were full size. This gel smells amazing as it contains rosemary, lavender, ginger and black pepper essential oils - really de-stressing and relaxing. The gel can be massaged into the limbs and feet to relax the muscles and relieve pain. Obviously, it's better if someone else massages it in and you can just lie there and enjoy! I've been asking my husband to massage my back using this at night and I find it's the perfect way to unwind and I sleep so well afterwards.

Illamasqua Hydra Veil : Again, this was in the Beauty Expert Calendar and again, it's full size. This isn't a primer I'll use on a daily basis but when I want my makeup to last all day then this is the one I have been reaching for. Foundation sticks to it but not in a cakey way, just in a will.not.budge.for.hours way. It feels fresh and cooling on the skin so I think I'll wear it very regularly in the warmer months to ensure my base stays in place.

Did you have any beauty advent calendars in December? I'd love to hear about your favourite discoveries you made via a beauty box or beauty calendar?

Thanks for reading! 

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. The advent calendars were kindly sent to me. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.