I have been the worst at posting for the past few months, but it looks like I am ending the year off well, and will hopefully start it well too! Today I am sharing my November First Impressions with you, which is likely to be my last post of the year. I start work again in the first week of January, so will probably pick up the posts soon after that.

First up we have the most photogenic skincare product, the *Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules available in 30 or 60 capsules. I adore retinol, it is one of my favourite skincare ingredients and one where you can see the improvement in your skin. The encapsulation ensures the ingredients stay fresh, and it contains enough for the entire face and neck area. I think this is a great product for someone starting out with retinol, as it is mild enough to not cause a reaction, and the ceramide offers barrier protection as well as moisture, but it isn’t that mild that you won’t see results. The packaging is also stunning, so it would make a wonderful Christmas gift for any beauty enthusiast.

Another fantastic skincare product that I have been trying is the new *Rapid Reveal Peel from Dermalogica. I love a peel, and I love quick results. This kit of ten removes dull skin, refines the skin, and definitely reveals the glow. I did have a slight tingling warm feeling, which I love, but there was no flaking or redness. There is enough product in each tube for two applications in my opinion, so grab a friend or family member and get glowing! There is also a stunning gift set from Dermalogica that contains a few bestsellers, including this peel, and it is on sale!

I bought a few SVR products from Clicks recently, and I am loving the SVR 50 SPF and Clairial Peel. The SPF is thick, but not greasy, and has a slight brightening tint. The Peel definitely gives me a tingle, and I am keen to see the results on my pigmentation. The Physiopure Lait Cleanser is mild, and cleanses well, but it is not amazing.

I have wanted to try NIOD for a while, and I picked up three products. The Low-Viscosity Cleansing Ester is great as a first cleanse applied to dry skin, it turns from a light watery oil into an emulsion, and doesn’t leave a residue. The Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex is meant to hydrate the skin, but I didn’t feel or see much difference. I do love the Photography Fluid, it works so well to perfect the skin, and can be used as a primer or on it own. I have been loving it on a no-makeup day to even out and perfect the skin, with concealer under my eyes, and a light dusting of powder foundation.

Onto these gorgeous face palettes! The Hourglass Strobe Lighting Blush Palette contains three beautiful blushes. I was a bit worried that it would be too shimmery, but it adds a subtle sheen to the cheeks, and can also be used as a blush topper. The Lancome Glow For It Palette has two gorgeous highlighters, but the third one is unfortunately extremely glittery and chunky. Lastly, the all you need face palette, Becca Be A Light, this is just amazing! This has absolutely everything you need, a brightening powder for under the eyes, bronzer, blush and a blurring powder that is great to finish off your makeup.

Onto some new Stila. I love the dewy Aqua Glow Serum Foundation in medium and Serum Concealer in light medium. The Heavens Hue Highlighter in Kitten is probably one of the most beautiful highlighters I have ever used. The Stay All Day Lipstick in Firenze is such a beautiful colour, and the formula is perfect! The Sunrise Splendor Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Palette is really pretty, but I only really use two shades. The Sculpt & Shape Custom Contour Duo in medium is nice, although I am not too much of a fan of a cream contour, so I am not too sure why I bought this. The Stay All Day Brow Gel & Brush is quite intense, and I much prefer the Precision Glide Brow Pencil, it is actually one of my favourites along with the NYX Micro Brow.

I have been trying out the L’Oreal Pro-Keratin Refill range, and although I do love how it makes my hair feel, I feel it irritates my scalp a bit.

Can you believe this is my first time trying *Mavala! I love the shades, they are absolutely perfect for summer. They dry relatively quickly, and you only need two coats. I have had Bali on my nails for five days now, and I think I still have a day left. One of my nails has been peeling recently for some reason, so I really love that this base coat protects and strengthens my nails.

I have two new Jessica Cosmetics Phenom shades that I bought, above is Vintage Glam and below is Barbie Pink. I adore Vintage Glam. Barbie Pink has a slight shimmer, which is pretty, but I am not too much of a fan. But I love that I can get more than a weeks wear out of this range!

Moving onto body products I have the new *Spalicious Limited Edition flavour, which I have already reviewed here.

I bought a few Lush goodies recently too, and I love everything Sleepy! The Shower Gel is creamy and luxurious, and the Naked Shower Gel is just as luxurious with no packaging. The Body Lotion is just glorious, and one of my favourites last month. I love the soft comforting scent of the Butter Bear Shower Jelly, and it is just too cute!

Thanks for reading! I hope you all have a wonderful festive season! I will have full reviews and swatches of most of these products out in the new year.

*Press Sample