These favorites post are one of my favorite to write, because I get to reflect on the month that has just gone. Not just the beauty bits or fashion items I used and loved, but everything else that happened during those four weeks. For me, it is the time to look at my achievements and the memories that were made. But likewise, I love to reflect on the products that worked really well for me. So let’s have a look at what made it into my December favorites!
December favorites: Beauty
Semilac Extend Care 5in1
The first item in my December favorites is this UV nail varnish by Semilac. What I love about this is that you don’t actually need a base coat and a top coat. It’s got it all built into it. Which makes the application process so much faster! I got the shade Delicate Mocca, which is a very very natural, pinky color. So much so, that you might not even notice it upon first glance. Sounds silly for some, but just right for others!
The nail varnish itself is a little thicker than your typical UV varnish, more like a crossover of a varnish and a gel. So takes a little playing around with to get it right. But now I find applying it almost easier than regular varnish! And it last really, really well. Plus, taking it off is just as easy, just pop some acetone on there and it comes right off. And, to top it all off, there is a nourishing complex in there, to keep your nails strong and healthy. Would attest to that as well!
There are a lot of different colors as well, even some with glitter.
Isana 120 h Liquid Moisturizer
Next in my December favorites is the Isana 120 h Liquid Moisturizer. Last month I spoke about a very similar product by Nø Cosmetics: the 120 h Liquid Hydrator. So very similar name, similar active ingredients, and as far as I can tell, very similar results. Both products help my skin to stay nice and hydrated during these colder months.
The only difference is the price tag: the Isana one is about a third cheaper than the Nø Cosmetics one. But both are pretty affordable as is. However, if you are on a tight budget, or just can’t get your hands on the other one, this is a great alternative!
Rituals Body Cream
The Ritual of Ayurveda line by Rituals is probably my favorite one of theirs ever. I just think it smells absolutely divine! But to be fair, they all do.
So the next beauty bit in my December favorites is the body cream from the Ayurveda series. It does exactly what a moisturizer is supposed to do: make your skin super soft and healthy. The big bonus point with this product is the scent though, as it really does linger on your skin.
And I also think, the packaging is really nice! Not only to look at, but to get all of the product out. I hate having to shake a bottle of moisturizer over and over again to get all of the product out. And then you always feel like you left half of it in there anyway… The downside to a tub of cream is that it could get contaminated with germs a lot easier. But that problem is easily solved: just wash your hands before digging in.
Another really nice thing about a lot of the Rituals products is that you can get refills. So once you’ve used up this tub, just remove the inside and get a refill. It’s cheaper in price and a lot less waste is produced!
December Favorites: Hair Tools
Remington Curling Wand
If you’re like me and you’re lusting over the Dyson AirWrap, this Remington curling wand could be a very nice (and much more affordable!) alternative. Yes, you would still have to blow dry your hair before using this one. But other than that, you can still achieve the blow out look by using a curling wand like this. With its 38 mm barrel it’s giving you really nice, loose curls – basically like the AirWrap does. And since you’re actually curling the hair, it’s likely going to hold its shape a lot better than if you just blow dry.
There are a lot of tutorials on how to achieve to blow out look with a curling iron, so go give it a try!
PS: This isn’t to throw shade on the AirWrap! If you own one, that I envy you.
December Favorites: Books
Pieces of her by Karin Slaughter
I am a huge bookworm. Luckily, my boyfriends knows and appreciates that. So I actually got a couple of books in my advent calendar this year. One of which was Pieces of her by Karin Slaughter. I’m actually not familiar with the Netflix series, but judging by the book, it has the be a good one!
To sum it up: a mother and her adult daughter get caught in a shooting at a mall. Afterwards, the mother gets a visitor at home that threatens her life, but her daughter manages to save her. For reasons unknown to her, her mother then sends her far away – for reasons unknown to her. While on the run, the daughter discovers more and more things about her mother. Things that look like she is a criminal. And while trying to piece it all together, she finds her life in danger as well.
I found the book really well writing and quite the page turner! So perfect to snuggle up on the sofa on a cold and blusterous Januarys day.
City Farmhouse Style by Kim Leggett
On a completely different note, City Farmhouse Style by Kim Leggett is another book I received in my advent calendar. This is practically me in a book – mixing lovely vintage furniture with a city vibe. It goes to show very well how you can incorporate vintage pieces into your home, regardless of how big or small the space is and where you live.
It’s your typical coffee table book, with lots of beautiful photos in it, but also a lot of practical tips and tricks. It’s very much based on the American way of farmhouses, which I have come to realize actually is a little different to say the English way. But, beautiful regardless! And of course books like these are purely for inspiration, so I just adopt whatever I like and leave the rest. How it should be done, in my opinion!
That concludes my December favorites. Let me know your favorites in the comments down below!
Lots of Love,
Lena
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored.