Tanya Burr's Advent Calendar

 If you also picked up the Tanya Burr advent calendar this year and haven't opened all the doors yet then you may want to look away, as I'm about to show all that's inside!

The advent calendar is 12 days long which gives you the choice to either do the first 12 days of December, the second lot of 12 days or one every 2 days. Personally, I did the first 12 days of December as I was 1. too excited and 2. thought that the items inside would probably be aimed at the festive season and all the Christmas parties. And that is exactly what the products are for with a heck of a lot of glitter and sparkle!

I love everything that's inside and think there's great variety. I'm so excited to try out the shimmer pots as they're a new product which I haven't tried from her range. The only products which I've really tried are the lip products and I have fallen truly and deeply in love with the matte lip in Christmas Stocking. The other glosses are also great and smell amazing!

Matte Lip in Christmas Stocking

If I wasn't already feeling festive then I certainly would be after opening all these doors! If you also got this calendar let me know what your favourite item was!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

Favourite Christmas Candle

I love a scented candle but rarely love one so much that I buy it. However, on a recently Christmas girls weekend we stumbled across the scented candles on offer from Next and couldn't put them down. They not only smelt incredible but I loved the simple yet festive designs. 

Each candle is a different metallic colour which matches it's scent and would fit in with and festive fireplace. The scent I eventually settled on was the Gingerbread one and it is hands down one of my favourite scented candles I've ever smelt! They are only £7 and I think I'll need to buy some back up to last me through until next year!

The other scents available are Figgy Pudding, Under the Mistletoe, Roasted Chestnuts and Cream Liqueur. If you find yourself passing a Next store anytime soon I would definitely recommend popping in for a quite sniff but be prepared to leave with a new candle as it's impossible to leave these behind!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

My Favourite Berry Lips

One of my favourite things about Autumn/Winter is the fact I can bring out my deep berry lips again! Berry lips are my go to and if I had a statement look they would have to be part of it. So, please find below a few of my favourites.

• MAC Lustre Lipstick £15.50 - Plumful
• Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream £4.99 - 18 Prague
• Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm £7.99 - 225 Sultry
• Maybelline ColorDrama Color Show £5.50 - 310
• Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor £8.99 - 635 Passion

Can you tell I love a good matte lip?! A post on my lip saviours to keep my lips from drying out will be coming soon.

What's your favourite lip shade for Autumn/Winter? If you have any posts then leave links below as I always enjoy reading new ones!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

Empties #14

For this bonus post during the week I was going to do a post on this month's empties. However, having just looked in my box of empties products I realised there was just too much and this post would be the longest post ever! 

So instead, I decided to add another video to my YouTube channel talking you through the items as  for me it's easier to listen to a long video than read an overly long video.

Click here if you would like to see what I've used up recently (and there's a lot!) and find out what I thought of them.

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

November's Glossybox & Birchbox

A new month means new boxes from my favourite beauty subscriptions- Glossybox and Birchbox and I thought I would do a quick round up of both in the one post. Starting with Glossybox...

I have to say I was rather chuffed with this month's Glossybox which hosts 4 full size items and even came with a chocolate -which isn't in the photo's as it was consumed before a blog post could even cross my mind. The box included;

• Ruby Professional Large Tapered Blending Brush - this brush seems like a perfect brush for blending out eyeshadow to create a beautiful smokey eye look. I also think this will be great for precise highlighting, such as on the brow bones or nose. RRP €8
• 111Skin Bio Cellulose Facial Treatment Mask - I love sheet masks so can't wait to use this. This is obviiously  full size and RRP is £20! I think I'll be saving this for when my skin needs a major pick me up, likely around Christmas/New Year time
• Wilkinson Sword Quattro for Woman Raspberry Rain Disposable Razors - These razors have scented handles...I'm not sure why you would want that but I'm always happy to receive razors in beauty boxes as they're usually so expensive! Not a very exciting item but definitely one that'll be needed and used. This is also full sized and RRP is £5.96
• This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray - I often have sleep issues and use this spray most nights to help me fall asleep. This genuinely helps me get a more restful night and will use this travel size whenever I go away. RRP £16 for full sized
• De Bruyere Beauté Jumbo Eye Pencil in Bubble 07 - This looks like such a beautiful shade and one for both day and night. Eye pencils/crayons are my favourites as they appeal effortlessly and usually have great staying power. Really looking forward to trying this out having heard nothing about this brand before. This is full size and RRP €15

Now for Birchbox's offerings...

• Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar Primer - So the idea of this is to help make your lipstick last longer by applying a small amount of this primer before your lipstick. I really like the idea of this and think it'll come very handy over the festive period. Whether it works or not I'm yet to find out but I'll report back what I think. RRP £15 for the full size
• Wet Brush Midi Wet Brush - I've heard a lot about these brushes but have never tried one as I love my tangle teezer. After using this for the past few days I still prefer my tangle teezer for getting out knots seemlessly but do like the fact this has a handle to hold on to. The wet brush is still much more gentle than a normal brush, I definitely wish I had one of these when I was young with hair past my bum! RRP £11.99
• Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse - This is an anti-fatigue moisturising cream which is exactly the pick-me-up that my skin needs after a long week at work. Nuxe is such a well known and loved brand that I can't wait to try this out. RRP £21 for the full size
• Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle - Another new brand to try out and arrived just in time as my current leave in conditioner is very close to running out. I love the fact that this one not only protects but conditions as well. RRP £18.50 for the full size
• Marcelle BB Cream Golden Glow Illuminator - Another skin brightening product to help us through the winter months. I tried this today and not too sure I saw a massive difference, however that could be down to my application rather than the product. I'll play about a bit more with this and let you know if it blows my mind or not. RRP £25.50 for the full size

I'm so excited to try all these products out a bit more and let you know how I get on with them. Let me know in the comments what product you'd most like to hear about or if you've tried any of these yourselves!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

Current Favourites #4

It has been over a year since my last favourites post and as you can imagine I've since had a few new favourites to add. Since I've started receiving Glossybox's and Birchbox's I have been able to try out so many new products which I wouldn't of tried otherwise and a couple of these are samples which I've received from these boxes.

Starting with the bases...

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue

This is my go to at the weekend. It feels so light on the skin and offers a light coverage which is build-able to a medium coverage which I love as depending on how my skin is acting I can choose how much to apply. Gives a dewy finish and lasts all day.

No7 Beautifully Matte Light Foundation

This is my go to during the week. Again, it feels very light on the skin and gives a light coverage which is build-able to medium. The reason I wear this during the week is that it sticks around for my entire day at work without going patchy. It is a matte foundation but there is still a light dewiness which means the skin doesn't appear flat. It's also the best colour match I've ever found.

Universal Beauty Secret Flush Blush in '04 Nectar'

This is one which I received in either a Glossybox or Birchbox (really can't remember!) and is from a brand which I've never heard of before. This is a cream blush which I love. It's such a natural peachy/pink blush which has a subtle shimmer to it which brightens the face beautifully. This will definitely stay my go to during winter.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in 'Prague'

The shade of this just screams Autumn/Winter and I can't wait to wear it more often. I love the formula of this so much as it stays around for hours without drying the lips out. For a full review check out this post here.

Benefit Ka-Brow in '2'

I picked this up at the airport recently having heard nothing but great things about the new benefit range and my word, this did not disappoint. This really does hang around on day and hold the brows in shape. I got the shade 2 as the shade 3 was out of stock but it turns out that shade 2 is the perfect shade for me. I love that you can use this either very lightly for a more natural look or build it up for a fully, bolder brow.

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Concentrate

This was another from Glossybox/Birchbox which I was very excited to try. Again, The Body Shop recently brought out this whole new range and I really wanted to try it out. The first time I tried this my skin literally soaked it up and sudden looked fuller and younger. I can't describe how amazing my skin looked just after one use, a must have during the colder months I reckon. 

Let me know what your favourites have been this month!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

Liz Earle Skincare

Liz Earle is a brand which you all will of heard of for their amazing hot cloth cleanser which is such a cult product among bloggers and I have to admit I also LOVE it. Therefore, when I saw a deal on Instagram to get a set of Liz Earle products for only £45 I just had to check it out.

My parcel arrived the other day and I am beyond excited to start trying them out. The package includes;

• Cleanse & Polish - Hot Cloth Cleaner
• Instant Boost Skin Tonis
• Skin Repair Moisturiser
• Superskin Body Skin
• 2 Muslin Cloths
• Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion (which was free!!!)

What I plan to do is to test of all these products at once and try work out if using all of them together really benefits my skin and if they are worth their price. I plan to check in every week or so and report back on the changes I notice, whether positive or negative. I will do a final post on here- which may be in a few months time- but I am also going to be posting a video on my Youtube channel (subscribe here so you don't miss it) which will show how I use the products and give better insight into how my skin takes to them.

Let me know if you have tried any of Liz Earle products and what you thought of them. Or if you have any tips which I need to know to get the best out of these new additions.

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

October's Glossybox

A new month means a new Glossybox appeared through my door which also means a new post on here. This month's box includes a mystery item and something which I've been wanting to try since it came out. The box was created in partnership with Estee Lalonde who is a Youtube and blogger who I already follow so I knew this would be a good one. 

The products were;

Trifle Cosmetics - Lip Parfait Buttery Lip Cream - RRP £12.95

The Body Shop - Drops of Youth Concentrate - RRP £25 for full size (this is the item I have been wanting to try since it came out)

Universal Beauty Cosmetics - Secret Flush, Soothing Cream Blusher & Lip Stain Duo - RRP £15

Bee Good - Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator - RRP £10.50

PS...Pro - Graphic Eyeliner - £3

Mystery Shampoo - Estee has since announced what this product is but, since she had kept it secret so that we could try it without pre-judgement, I want to do that so I've stopped myself from clinking the link and still don't know what it is!

Anyone else got their Glossybox this month? What's your favourite item?

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

4 Nights in Barcelona

Last weekend I got back from 4 nights in Barcelona. I had been before for one day so was very excited to get away and explore even more and my word, there's a lot to explore! We spent most of the time getting lost as it's impossible to keep up with all the little lanes and alleys but it is the best city to get lost in. I've never seen such beautiful buildings and around every turn we ended up gasping at another beautiful sight.

With numerous trips to the beach, ice-cream shops, churros shop and cathedrals I have to say the best thing to do, and what I would recommend to anyone who is planning a trip, is to go on a bus tour. We did 2 in one day, straight after each other, as we literally just couldn't get enough. The buses go around all the major attractions as well as through more 'authentic' Barcelona streets. 

There are not enough words for me to express just how much I enjoyed the brief trip so hopefully these pictures will help show why.

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

October Birchbox

The time has come again when I've received this months Birchbox and thought I would share what I got. If you would like to see what I got last month to compare them then I did a video on my YouTube channel which you can find here.

But enough of last month...let's see what I got this month!

• LOC Shadow Stick in 'Haute Cocoa'
• Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel
• Doux Me Pure Spring Mist
• Which Renewing Mud Mask
• Number 4 Fluoro5 Elixir Restore & Repair Oil
• Birch box Eyebrow Brush

On first impressions I am most excited about the LOC shadow stick and least excited about the eyebrow brush which doesn't seem amazing quality but is something which I often need and never have so happy to add that to my dresser. I also think this is the most beautiful birchbox box which I've received and I'm currently trying to think of a use for it so I can have it on my desk as I love it that much...just look at it!!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

Zoella's Reed Diffuser - Lazy Days

I was just as excited as everyone else when Zoe Sugg brought out her lifestyle range and gave a sigh of "finally!!" as it was a direction I was certainly hoping she would go in. Literally everything in the range is just beautiful and you can really see how much work she has put into every single item.

I was recently in Boot's looking for some present ideas for my sister when I came across a small selection of Zoella Lifestyle products. Now when I say small, there was a good few shelfs dedicated to the range but they were so empty! All that was left was a backpack, one candle and a choice of 2 reed diffusers. The one candle that was there was the 'seaside' one and although it did smell good it wasn't what I was looking for in my bedroom. So my attention then went to the reed diffusers. In all honestly, I never found out what the second one was as as soon as I read the description of 'Lazy Days' I knew it had to be mine.

'Fill your room with essence of calm. With notes of fresh linen and cotton, it's the perfect scent for a lazy day'

Considering my favourite Yankee Candle is Fresh Cotton (which I have in my car) this diffuser seemed right up my street and my word it is. This is spot on. It's such a subtle but fresh and comforting scent that I'm so glad I got the diffuser rather than candle so my room will always smell like this. On the box it says to give it a couple of days for the reeds to diffuse but trust me, you smell this after about 10 minutes.

Everything from the box, to the bottle, to the name and description, to the scent...perfection. This definitely makes me want to see what the other items in the range are like and everyone in my life can expect something from in for Christmas!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

Brand Spotlight - NYX

Nyx has been sold in my local Boots for a few months now and I've managed to gain quite a collection so I thought I would put my thoughts and feelings on them all in the same place in case anyone else is curious about trying to now easy to get your hands on brand.

Nyx Above & Beyond Full Coverage Concealer

I find this works great as an under eye concealer. It's a very lightweight concealer with a medium coverage. It wasn't enough to cover spots on it's own, so for that I still reach for my Collection concealer, but under the eyes it's perfect. Doesn't crease and sits effortlessly on top. I have the shade '04 Beige' which is ever so slightly lighter than my skin tone making is ideal to brighten under my eyes.

Nyx Sculpt & Highlight Brow Contour

I love using a concealer under my brows to help shape and lighten so was very excited to see a product which included both a brow pencil and the highlighter on the other end. In store it was hard to tell what shade would suit as all the testers were ruined and the boxes were sealed so I took a bit of a guess with the shade '05 Brunette/Cream' and it paid off as this seems perfect. I was quite impressed with the range selection and they seemed to cater for fair/auburn shades as well which is rare to find in a drugstore brand. I've tried this today for the first time and so far I'm very impressed!

From L-R: Tiramisu, Angel Food Cake, Prague, Morocco, Brunette/Cream, Beige

Nyx Butter Gloss

The shade 'Tiramisu' was the first Nyx product which I got and I just fell in love, hence why I recently just had to pick up another in the shade 'Angel Food Cake'. These are beautiful glossy without being at all sticky and smell so tasty that it's an effort not the eat them. They are very pigmented and both these shades are perfect for daytime.

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream

Again, I have these in two shades and I'm actually torn between them. The first shade I got was 'Morocco' which is a very bright orange-toned red. When I first tried this I didn't get on with the formula. I found it dried uneven and sat awkwardly on top of my lips. However, when I tried the shade 'Prague' I was in love. It dried to a perfect matte which didn't feel drying at all. The shade again was a lot brighter than I expected but this time this was for the better. I love it so much I've already done a whole blog on it, which you can read here, and even got a couple of compliments the first time I wore it.

If you were to try the brand and didn't know where to start I would definitely recommend the Butter Gloss's and can't imagine anyone not getting on with them!

If you've tried any other Nyx products which I haven't and need to know about then let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet

Better Than Sex Mascara Vs Waterproof

You may have seen that in my previous post, which you can find here, I received the waterproof version of the ever popular Too Faced mascara 'Better Than Sex' in a recent Birchbox. After mentioning my dislike for the original version, which seems a rare occasion as everyone else rants about how great it is, I thought I'd let you know how I got on with the waterproof version and if it impressed me more or less than the original. 

From the first moment I used the waterproof version I was in love. This coated my lashes evenly and built up beautifully. It held a curl all day, which other waterproof mascara's really struggle with, and really opened up my eyes. I literally loved it and haven't used another mascara since. 

Initially I thought it was just down to the formula but when I look closer there is also a difference in the brush. I think this is also a big factor in the waterproof separating the lashes and coating each one separately rather than the original which just seemed to clump them together and weigh them down. 

I am so pleased that the waterproof version lived up to the reputation of the original and I can't imagine my make-up bag being without it again!

Thanks for reading

Iona x

Bloglovin'- TheLittleLassie

Twitter- ionaTLL

Instagram- thelittlelassie

Youtube - TheLittleLassies

Tweet