Monthly Favourites/ November

Hello lovelies,

Eeeeekkkk 22 days till Christmas! 20 days till I get to go home! I just had to get my little excitement outburst out of the way first. I really don't want to say I can't believe it's already December but honestly I can't, time just seems to be flying by. I've only got a few items that I've really been loving this month as I haven't really switched up my routine that much. I picked up the L'Oreal Skin Perfection Serum at the airport and so far so good but I don't think I've been using it long enough to definitely say it's a fave but it deserved a mention.

Mavala Nail Polish in 195 Shimmer Violet - £4.50

I spotted this whilst having a little nosy around the French pharmacies and couldn't not pick it up. Shimmer Violet is one of four polishes from the Arabesque Collection, which feature four metallic shades inspired by Autumn/Winter 2013. Shimmer Violet is a gorgeous light glossy purple with a hint of shimmer running through it, perfect for all those Christmas parties!

L'Occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream - £8.00

I may have featured this previously in one of my favourites but at the moment it's the only product working on my hands. They never normally get dried or chapped but this year, they're cracking. I don't know whether that's a mixture of now doing the washing up or spending days outdoors but they're definitely in need of some tender loving care. I've never been much of a fan of hand creams as I find them too greasy or they don't absorb quick enough but this is my saviour, it's so nourishing and I find myself slapping it on throughout the day. 

Bioderma Micellar Water - £4.50

I picked up a mini to try out because I went to Rome for the weekend. There's so much talk of Bioderma in the bloggersphere so I'm pretty sure you've heard of it. I wouldn't say it benefits my skin but it's such an effective makeup remover and just dissolves any makeup. I do like it but wouldn't say it's any different to the L'Oreal Micellar Solution if you can't get your hands on this.

Have you tried any of these? What products did you love throughout November?

NOTD: Mavala the ELLE Orange

Hello lovelies,

I'm actually disappointed with myself saying this is my one and only Mavala nail polish. What's worse is that I've had it since 2011 and always thought an orange nail polish is not going to suit me, it'll just wash me out.

The ELLE Orange was created to celebrate the magazine's birthday and was given away free alongside the magazine. I think I had heard good things about Mavala and thought I may as well try them out, still not sure why I picked the orange though!

The Elle Orange is an intense and vibrant orange with a red undertone. I feel like it's more of a vermillion-red. It's a perfect summer manicure shade that just screams look at me! 

This applies so easily, you could easily get away with one coat and away. I would say it's a gel formula with a glossy finish. The photos are of second day wear without a top coat and so far I'm impressed. There appears to be a slight wearing away on the edges but that doesn't surprise me but no chips.

It wasn't the quickest at drying, I would say it needs 10-15 minutes but I usually apply nail varnish in the evening watching tv so I'm not sitting there waiting for it to dry. I think I'll try this with a top coat just to see how long it lasts.

Mavala nail polishes come in a mini 5ml bottle which is about half the size of what you normally find but honestly I'd rather pay less and get a smaller bottle. I can't say that I've ever finished a nail polish, they tend to go gloopy before I get anywhere near that stage.

Unfortunately as this was a limited edition nail polish, this colour is no longer available. I've had a little search and found Mavala Jaipur from the Chilli & Spice collection which appears to be very close shade wise and is available for £4.50 with free worldwide delivery. Everyone loves a bit of free delivery.

Have you tried any Mavala nail polishes?