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Marks and Spencer advent calendar - day by day discussion thread 2

490 replies

Milly848 · 16/12/2018 21:13

Continued Xmas Grin

OP posts:
SlowNorris · 23/12/2018 10:42

Because she’s a different person with different tastes and that includes not liking 80% of the products?

Not everyone felt the need to research or read the back to find out what was in it. Some of us wanted it to be a surprise each day.

There were some really good finds this year that I wouldn’t have come across without the calendar but I won’t be repurchasing next year, will try something new.

LostInShoebiz · 23/12/2018 10:53

Some people on this thread are VERY defensive of the calendar. How dare you complain about any aspect of it, why don’t you research it before buying, and so on and so on. M&S undercover PRs, contents selected by their PFBs, weirdly over-invested in the views of strangers? Who knows.

Trills · 23/12/2018 10:58

Reading the back before you buy it sounds very boring.

I am at least partly paying for the surprise.

40p a day for the surprise, £1 a day for a lucky dip, maybe?

I've never used bronzer that I can remember. Will try it out. Might use it as an eyeshadow if I don't like it on my cheeks. Highlighter might have been better than bronzer perhaps?

CrazySheepLady · 23/12/2018 11:09

I really like my daily surprise! I might buy a different calendar in the sales as a wee birthday pressie to myself, and have something to look forward to each day next month, too.

Richlyfruited · 23/12/2018 11:23

Now that's an excellent idea Crazysheeplady will help to get us through January Grin

Anyone seen any calendars on sale yet?

AutoFilled · 23/12/2018 11:38

This is my first beauty calendar and I’m happy with it. I’m not that into beauty stuff and don’t buy expensive products. I like what I get for £1.40 a day.

So far I like the filogar time filler eye cream but at £47 a jar I will have to think if I will buy a full sized one. I finally tried the stila eye liner and I love it so much. I wear black eye liner, but this goes on without any drag. Such lovely texture. I will buy a black one definitely. Don’t like the black one in the calendar. It is as bad as my cheapo one so no way I’m going to spend more for that.

Bluelady · 23/12/2018 11:54

There would be zero point in buying it if I watched a YouTube reveal, I like surprises. I bought the wrong calendar, simple as that. I'm really into beauty and that in itself should have told me this one wouldn't hit the spot.

Santababy, that's a very kind and generous offer, thank you very much. I've passed the things I don't want on to my stepdaughter who will love them so all is not lost!

Kez0777 · 23/12/2018 12:00

This is my third M&S calendar and I love it. There's always a few bits that aren't for me but they can't do it to suit everyone.
I get a beauty box every month and love trying new things. I'm going to try the brown eyeliner today, something I would never normally go for as I always wear black or a dark grey but it sounds like everyone is liking it Xmas Smile

Bluelady · 23/12/2018 12:13

By the way, the Stila eyeliner is lovely and the Living Proof hair cream makes my hair look as if it's been professionally blow dried, I'll be buying both.

PrincessWatermelon · 23/12/2018 13:52

I was initially disappointed with the Stila eye liner as I always wear black as I have v dark hair. However thought I'd give it a go as you were all raving about it and pleasantly surprised. It's a less dramatic or obvious look, so nice to have for a more casual day.

I also wear bronzer/blusher and agree with the pp that they last ages. Mine is at least 2.5 years old! Can't find my blusher brush though, sadly.

I've really enjoyed all the creams and skincare bits. Personally I prefer them to loads of make up - layering seems to work for me, so happy to slap loads of different creams on!! I doubt I'll rebuy anything particular as there are so many bits it takes me ages to run out. And I have my own things already. But love feeling expensive in December.

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 23/12/2018 13:53

Has anyone else tried to wind up the Stila eyeliner yet? Mine won't budge and reading reviews, it appears others have had the problem too. I hope I can get it working otherwise it's going to be a very short lived eyeliner!

FlipFlapBat · 23/12/2018 14:54

Did anyone get the alternative PÜR Summer Collection Afterglow Illuminating Powder? Are you sure @MrsBuckettt as have seen no mention of that. I love my bronzer but have been after an illuminating powder for ages so if anyone did get that and wants to swap it for something let me know!

Skinfulnappies46 · 23/12/2018 16:00

mrsbucket did anyone receive anything different than a bronzer?

Skinfulnappies46 · 23/12/2018 16:02

Hope it wasn’t a spoiler on the last few days? Confused

MrsBuckettt · 23/12/2018 16:17

Don't worry, it's not a spoiler (I know what the last two days are and I primise, it's not).

There are 26 products on the back of the box, so I emailed M&S to ask which products may not be in the calendar. They said it's the Pur highlighter, and they have also confirmed this to several shoppers on Twitter:

twitter.com/aoifetrueman/status/1063768891392897030

However, it sounds like the highlighter was rare, as I haven't seen anyone receive this.

SlowNorris · 23/12/2018 16:35

My Stila pencil won’t budge either Xmas Sad

MrsBuckettt · 23/12/2018 16:40

FUCK. I just tried with my Stila, the trick is to pull the top pit of plastic and twist. However, I couldn't get it back in again and it's broken. For fucks sake.

Haworthia · 23/12/2018 18:35

I’m intrigued by the bronzer. I’m ghostly pale and stick to cool/pink toned blushers. This bronzer doesn’t look too brown so might work for me. Do you stick to the cheeks when you apply it?

Atalune · 23/12/2018 19:05

Bronzer is super, love the glow.

Haven’t tried to twist the Stila pencil up as yet but will be gutted if it doesn’t move as this is the perfect coppery tone that makes my usually pond/ditch coloured eyes look a bit green.

It’s funny, I do feel a bit defensive about this calendar! Although that is clearly irrational. Grin

BollockingBaubles · 23/12/2018 20:57

Ive always been afraid of Bronzer (and blush to be truthful) until about two years ago when I saw it applied correctly and how the correct shade can make so so much difference. I think my Mum and her friends used way too much and didn't blend so it looked like something I didn't want to ever try. Then I found the make up folk on YouTube, saw that subtle bronze and blush can make a world of difference. Total game changer.

I use Benefit's Hula and Hula lite and wouldn't be without them now. The shimmer in this one kind of scares me but I can't wait to try it.

Marks and Spencer advent calendar - day by day discussion thread 2
Gotthetshirt23 · 23/12/2018 22:00

Anyone able to twist up the eyeliner ?

MrsBuckettt · 23/12/2018 22:02

to twist you need to push the top bit, down, , twist and pull, if that makes sense VERY hard.

But BEWARE - once it's up you can't get it back down again!

panicovernow · 24/12/2018 07:18

Happy Christmas Eve! I'm excited to try today's having no idea what it was till I looked up online, the reviews are pretty good and a full size jar is £78 so I'm expecting good results

Janecon · 24/12/2018 07:26

Love today's - I've bought this before but it's very pricey. My friend uses it and she has beautiful skin. A nice luxurious gift.

Janecon · 24/12/2018 07:36

By the way, I love this thread. I enjoy seeing what everyone else thinks as much as the gifts themselves! Thanks everyone xx