The very late What I got for Christmas post!

So I have been meaning to do this post since boxing day but for some reason I have been none stop busy! I haven't really done much but still haven't found the time to sit down and blog.

I am just going to show what things I was kindly given as gifts for Christmas. I was very spoilt this festive time so I am thanking everyone who gave me a gift.

2 pairs of thermal tights, one grey and one black.

Christmas robin socks.

Cream scarf and glove set.

Mustard hat.

Reindeer grey and silver scarf from Next.

2 umbrellas, one hello kitty and one tote.

Christmassy jumper from Primark.

Radley leather bag.

Tova Summer perfume from QVC.

Monu Rescue Balm from feel unique.

Leighton Denny duo crystal nail file set from QVC.

Loverdose perfume.

Tangle Teezer aqua splash from QVC.

OPI Skyfall mini collection which came with a full size colour from the collection.

Super sized Elemis Melting Cleaner from QVC.

Galy Hayman  Eye lift gel from QVC.

Gatineau floracil eye makeup remover from QVC.

Florelli makeup bag.

2013 Diary.

101 Dalmatians bluray.

Ministry of Sound 90's Anthems CD.

Mirror trinket box.

Luggage strap.

Luggage scales.

Eye mask and ear plugs.

Google Nexus and screen protector.

Yankee candle, holder, plate and shade.

Clare stickers and keyring!

So that's it! All of what I got I will use so I was super happy on Christmas day! You can see where my mother buys all my presents from can't you!

I was so surprised with my nexus which my boyfriend bought me. I would have been happy with just a card but he super spoilt me!

I have a few Christmas blog swaps to post about which hopefully will be posted soon!

Hope you are all having a good start to 2013, I can't wait for next Christmas already!

Empties

It is that time again. I am on a mission for finish some products ready for a new year! Here is what I have finished so far.

Sure Women Crystal - Clear Aqua (£2.09 150ml) - So I have already repurchased this because it simply does what it says on the tin. Keeps away white marks, protects from odour and doesn't irritate. I have bought the bigger size as this didn't last a super long time. Buying them on 3 for 2 always makes them a great deal!

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (£16.50 250ml) - I have resisted buying another one of these as I loved it so much! The only reason I haven't is that I have a box full of shower gels I need to get through before I can justify £16.50 on another bottle of this! Just a gorgeous subtle smelling shower oil which doesn't foam a lot but cleanses so gently and leaves the skin feeling so soft and smooth. After a long shift, having a shower with this was put luxurious bliss! A great present I think too.

Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner (£19.40 - 200ml) - This is part of my staple skin care routine. I just love it. The smell and the soothing, moisturising effects. I already have 2 more in stock and I will probably look out for it in gift sets in the January sales!

Bourjois Volume Clubbing Ultra Black Mascara (£7.99 11ml) - 

I bought this on a whim as I find my staple Estee Lauder Double wear mascara to be a bit lacking on the volume front when heading off on a night out. This certainly does give you volume but can be a little clumpy. I would probably buy this again but I have 6 mascaras unopened in my make up draw that I should probably try first!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Volume + Lift Mascara (£20.00 6ml) - 

So if you have read my blog you know I love my Double Wear mascara! This one I wont buy again because I don't think it is quite as good as the original which I am using at the moment. These mascaras last about 6 months using them every day so I don't think it is bad value for the quality you get.

Ultrasun 30SPF Face (£19.95 50ml) - Great moisturising SPF I wear every day under my make up. Creates a great base and I never get caught out when the sun is shining! It is really protecting for this time of year too. I finished off a sample size too, I wish they did these sizes all the time as they are great for travel.

Garnier Simple Essentials Soothing 2 in 1 make-up remover (£2.99 200ml) -

 At first I loved this and this is my second bottle of it. I use it on the Kleenex facial tissues and use them the same way you use a face wipe. Now I have noticed that even though it is a dry oil remover it leaves my skin rather dry and flaky. I am on the look out for a similar liquid make up remover that doesn't cost a bomb. I wont be repurchasing this.

DR. Bronners Magic All-One Soaps (£5.48 236ml) - I got these samples in a JolieBox a while ago and was less than impressed but they make amazing make up brush cleaners. The make up just runs out of them and the brushes are soft and clean afterwards. I am thinking of buying a bottle just for this purpose.

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water for Face and Eyes (£15.00 200ml) -

 I got this sample form Latest in Beauty as I have said before I am looking foe a liquid to remove my make up. I did like this one however, it has a really floral scent. I didn't mind it but the product its self irritated my skin. It did remove make up well but I wont be splashing out on a full size. 

Dead Sea Spa Magik Delicate Boosting Mask (£7.70 75ml) - I can't remember where I got this sample from but I decided to use it when my skin was drying out and flaking as it says it is for dry sensitive skin. I loved it's effect as it left my skin feeling hydrated and soft unlike most masks which leave my skin tight. I really want to buy a full size of these as they are so cheap for the results it gives but I think I will hold off for now.

Monu Soothing Touch Recovery Balm (£16.25 50ml) - 

This is a great product for stressed, dry or irritated skin. It is on my wish list for Christmas. My skin seems to just drink it up and looks great the day after I have put this on at night. It is a little on the expensive side but I think it is worth it.

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel (£28.60 50ml) - Now don't get me wrong, I like this. In fact I have a full one open and a spare in my skincare supplies. However, I don't think it is worth the price tag. Yes it is nice, yes it is a little luxury but I don't think it does a lot. I think if you want it to do what it says you are better off buying Alpha H Liquid Gold. I wouldn't put anyone off trying it as I love Elemis and think because skin is so personal it could work wonders on someone else. I wont be buying this again when my others run out unless it is part of a set (which the full ones I have were!).

L'Oreal Youth Code Day Cream (£15.31 50ml) - Now this was a sample that I just didn't like. I found it did nothing. It did sink into my skin well but apart from that I noticed no other benefits. It wasn't moisturising at all for my skin.

TIGI Bead Head Hard Head Hairspray (£7.80 385ml) - If you are looking for an extreme hold hairspray I recommend this! It gives a gorgeous shine and a really strong hold. It does go crunchy but will brush out easily. It is a little pricey for hairspray but it is currently on Cheap Smells! I don't know if that means they are discontinuing it but it still appears to be on TIGI's website.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (£12.75 100ml pump) - So this has taken me a while to use. My first tube took me a a few months to use but this has taken me about 8 months! Simply because it stopped working for me and I moved on to other things. But as the weather has started to dry my skin out I turned to this for a moisturising cleanse. It did certainly help. I haven't rushed out to buy a replacement as I had a different brands cream cleanser I wanted to try. If I find I don't get on with it I will certainly be buying some more!

Hopefully I can use a few more products up soon and resist temptation to buy hundreds more!