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Original poster

M&S Advent Calendar - anyone want to open along with me?

184 replies

CointreauVersial · 01/12/2015 08:29

Or did you all tear into it a week ago, as soon as you got it home?

Soooo....Philip Kingsley Elasticizer was in Box 1 - anyone tried it before? Sounds like a task for the weekend.

OP posts:
TennesseeMountainPointOfView · 20/12/2015 12:55

I like today's, it's definitely a keeper.

Plateofcrumbs · 20/12/2015 13:59

l'occitane verbena is a favourite of mine so this will certainly be used although I still have a set from last Christmas I haven't started yet!

GoneAndDone · 21/12/2015 13:24

Tried the M&S lip colour from a few days ago and it's very sheer on lips. Meh.

I'm excited about today's one, I don't have a toner at the moment so it will be useful. I tried the Swell hair stuff yesterday and I think I prefer my usual volumising product (John Frieda).

Original poster
CointreauVersial · 21/12/2015 18:10

Hmm, not a Toner person; will probably give this to DD1.

OP posts:
TennesseeMountainPointOfView · 21/12/2015 19:24

I've been waiting for this! I usually use Liquid Gold, but this would be a cheaper alternative if it's any good. I tried the pads but I didn't get on with them at all, didn't like the feel of them and they didn't do anything for my skin, so I am hoping this is better.

Plateofcrumbs · 21/12/2015 19:32

Many years ago I used to have an exfoliating toner like this (from the body shop of all places) that was brilliant for preventing spots, so I have high hopes for this.

LexLoofah · 21/12/2015 21:37

I already use and get on well with the PIXI toner so happy to have a travel size or extra supply for the money.

Like the lip crayon on whatever it is, nice nude-ish with a bit of shimmer.

Tried that Swell stuff this morning, my fine hair definitely had more volume but the instructions are a bit odd with the 5mls and so many minutes etc, can't they just say teaspoon size? Also tried the hair oil at the same time so probably not very scientific as not sure which one was having any effect, I do wonder how beauty bloggers know with all the stuff they test and the marginal difference most products make?

RudyMentary · 22/12/2015 09:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
CointreauVersial · 22/12/2015 13:12

But what does it do, Rudy?

It says "use after cleanser", but I don't use a cleanser, just water, so there's nowt to remove.

Today's looks interesting, though. I might have to make an exception for this one.

Used the Leighton Denny on my nails last night. Marvellous stuff!

OP posts:
TennesseeMountainPointOfView · 22/12/2015 14:00

It's like an exfoliator, but without the scrubby bits, CV. It gets rid of the dead skin cells but without damaging the new skin.

If you have minor blemishes or marks on your face, using it (or one of the other ones) might help them to become less noticeable. I think my skin looks less dull since I've been using one (but I accept I might be seeing what I want to see!)

LexLoofah · 22/12/2015 20:23

CV you just use water??? Oh my dear you need a cleanser even if you don't wear make up there will be oil, grime etc to remove. I cannot believe how much better my skin looks since starting hot cloth cleansing and acid toning - although it should not be too surprising really considering I should have been washing my face all along but just sort of rinsed it in the shower Blush I use the emma hardie moringa balm one from M&S but any non foaming one is a good start

the PIXI is an acid toner so it exfoliates and balances PH to prep your skin for serum and moisturizer, get thee to the Caroline Hirons blog to read up on it, I owe my much improved skin to following her routine and my make up goes on much better too, it is not my imagination, have been complimented on facial skin glow

OK lecture over with, sorry

LexLoofah · 22/12/2015 20:28

REN Vit c facial stuff is v nice and quite pricey normally, used this morning and will def get used up pretty quickly

Plateofcrumbs · 22/12/2015 22:48

I have just used the REN facial followed by the dragon's blood. My skin now feels amazing but has gone bright red (should have headed the warning about sensitivity on the REN mask). Hopefully by morning the redness will have gone down but it will still feel super-smooth!

Original poster
CointreauVersial · 23/12/2015 00:37

Hmm...Lex, you are probably right, but I've reached the ripe old age of 48 only using water to cleanse (a good scrub with a flannel, mind, which deals with any grime - a hot cloth of sorts Wink), and I have pretty happy skin, no spots and very few wrinkles. I have a big fear of stripping the oils out of my skin and irritating it.

Maybe I'll give the toner a go, and see if I glow. Smile

OP posts:
trixymalixy · 23/12/2015 10:03

Bit disappointed with another nude lip colour. If have preferred a red or other makeup such as a blusher or eyeliner.

SymphonyofShadows · 23/12/2015 11:43

I'm disappointed too, surely red would be a popular choice with a lot of people?

GoneAndDone · 23/12/2015 11:48

I thought exactly that when I opened it.

Maybe it's harder to have a red or other bright shade that suits everyone?

I would have liked a taupe or grey eye shadow.

SymphonyofShadows · 23/12/2015 12:49

The same could be said of the pinks/nudes, none of them are approaching my colour. I cracked and opened tomorrow's, not going to spoil it though!

Original poster
CointreauVersial · 23/12/2015 18:13

The colour is fine, but I'm not a lipgloss fan - I have long-ish hair which sticks to it.

Another one for the DDs!

Last day tomorrow. Sad

OP posts:
TennesseeMountainPointOfView · 23/12/2015 18:25

I quite like the colour, even though I don't do pink. It's so pale it's almost clear. DD wants it though, and I do have about 20 other lipglosses, and yes, my hair gets stuck in all of them, so I'll probably let her have it.

Am intrigued about what tomorrow's will be. I thought for sure it would be the Pixiglow. I have to send DD a picture of it when I open it because she's at her dad's until Christmas Day afternoon!

Plateofcrumbs · 23/12/2015 19:06

I don't really do lipstick, so I would definitely have preferred more of a range of make-up. All three are wearable but something like an eyeliner would have been nice, or a highlighter or something.

MelanieCheeks · 23/12/2015 19:11

This is where my "divide and share" approach came into its own! The coral pink lippy looked best on my 80 year-old Mum, my 22 yr old DD pounced on the nude lip crayon, and I took the lip gloss. I've used this one before - quite like the shade, but it's a bit sticky and doesnt really last long. Good for a quick pre-photo touch up!

Plateofcrumbs · 24/12/2015 09:30

Something a bit festive to finish with - I was hoping we might get a nail colour. Xmas Smile

I only did mine yesterday but with pre-Xmas house cleaning they are right mess, and this is a lovely Christmasy red.

Need to starting thinking about my top 5!

ChippyMinton · 24/12/2015 09:37

At last I can return to the thread. DD has been plundering the goodies, and I thought I'd sneak downstairs and open the last one...she's beaten me to it. And already wrapped the nail polish for SIL! What brand and shade is it please? I want to know what I've missed.

DD is getting the Stila lip glaze in her cracker, she's delighted!

GoneAndDone · 24/12/2015 09:53

Morgan Taylor in Pretty Woman, a Christmassy red.

Overall I'm very happy with this calendar! Will miss opening a daily treat!