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Original poster

Holland & Barrett 2021 advent calendar thread

382 replies

IToldYouIWasFreaky · 23/11/2021 11:30

This year's thread for chat (and potentially) swaps for the 2021 Holland & Barrett beauty calendar.

No spoilers please! As per last year, can we please use 7am as a cut of point? So, if you are an early bird and open your door before 7am, please don't post until then. At some point during the day, I'll pop a link to that day's product in the thread.

Can't wait to open this one! Last year's was great...reusable earbud notwithstanding...

OP posts:
Snoopsnoggysnog · 21/12/2021 12:01

You can apply cream blush with a brush. Someone once showed me that in a department store. It actually works really well.

BringMeTea · 21/12/2021 12:20

Yeah. It is a miss on the whole. Shame really. Still, at least it was reasonably priced.

OverByYer · 21/12/2021 12:27

Yes I prefer a stiffer brush though. Never mind

Jooox · 21/12/2021 13:58

Ah I loved this calendar.

I use the brush as a final buffer after finishing make up but before setting spray. I’ve also used it to thin out blusher (cream).

moimichme · 21/12/2021 14:04

This is one of my favourites so far. I've been looking at brush sets but hardly use them...so for me this is great, to see what this kind is like. It is very soft but it'll work well for my powder so I don't mix it with my blush as I have been doing.

I think I'll take a peek at the contents next year before making a decision. M&S sounds nice too.

UnoriginalPenguin · 21/12/2021 14:36

I've actually really liked the practicality of the items in this calendar. I've found several products that I'll keep using and very little (ok, the toothpaste) will go to waste.

PalacePaper · 21/12/2021 19:45

@IToldYouIWasFreaky

I'm really not sure about next year. On the one hand, it's one of the cheaper calendars and it has been amazing value for money. And the eco friendly credentials are a massive plus. On the other hand, lots of the contents have been very practical in nature and made me realise that I really value luxury, treat products in a calendar. I'll have to look very carefully at the contents I think to see if it's worth it for me.
This sums it up for me - overall this year I've found it a bit too practical. Last year felt more pampering and there were more unusual brands to try. But I really like the eco credentials and I don't want a more expensive advent calendar full of products that cost more than I'm willing to spend to repurchase.

Having said that I quite like the brush. I've quite liked most of it - with a couple of real hits and a couple of duds - but overall a bit meh.

Neversaygoodbye · 21/12/2021 20:22

I would still consider buying next year. I've had more luxury calendars and to be honest I rarely repurchase items as full price they're so expensive. I prefer the affordability of the products and the ethos behind the companies featured.

Original poster
IToldYouIWasFreaky · 21/12/2021 20:32

The repurchasability is actually a really good point. The face spray and eye cream, which are two of my favourite products, are only £14.99 each so well within reach.

OP posts:
mumonthehill · 22/12/2021 07:43

Really like today’s!!

Original poster
IToldYouIWasFreaky · 22/12/2021 07:51

Day 22: Dr PawPaw Lip Scrub and Balm duo
I love this dinky little pot, with the scrub one side and balm the other! I love lip balms and have them dotted all over the house. This one feels thick and rich so would be great overnight.

OP posts:
awkwardperson · 22/12/2021 07:55

Absolute winner for me today. Perfect for this time of year when lips more dry and flaky. Will be a definite repurchase.

Needed this little pick me up this morning took

UnoriginalPenguin · 22/12/2021 08:10

Absolutely perfect timing for today's!

Plump82 · 22/12/2021 08:16

Really pleased with today's as well and have been holding off buying a lip balm in the hope there was going to be one. I really like this brand as well.

PalacePaper · 22/12/2021 08:18

Just tried todays and it's lovely - perfect for this time of year

OverByYer · 22/12/2021 08:56

Love todays. I love lip balm ( and hand creams).
Currently laid up with COVID and my lips are horribly dry so this is perfect. Love the little pot, so cute.

moimichme · 22/12/2021 09:04

I love it, too! Really moisturising and a very nice smell. Smile

XiCi · 22/12/2021 10:23

Happy with todays. My lips were in a bit of a state this morning and are nice and soft now. Lovely product.

Snoopsnoggysnog · 22/12/2021 19:10

Today’s is really nice but in my Boots No 7 one I got a pack of makeup remover wipes Sad

moimichme · 22/12/2021 20:54

That doesn't seem very luxurious @Snoopsnoggysnog - were they special in some way? Reusable ones?

GreatSoprendo · 22/12/2021 21:53

Love today's lip balm - I keep seeing this brand around so glad to give them a try and it feels lovely on.

Also managed to get a long soak and used the turmeric face mask - I'm so impressed! My face hasn't felt this smooth in ages, will definitely be buying a full sized bottle especially having seen what a great price it is.

Snoopsnoggysnog · 22/12/2021 22:54

Nope @moimichme just a small pack of disposable wipes (biodegradable apparently)

Think that’s more disappointing than the toothpaste!

Original poster
IToldYouIWasFreaky · 23/12/2021 09:43

Day 23: H&B Aloe Vera face wash 150ml.

I can't find this on their site to link to, which is a little odd!

Not overwhelmed with this. It's another practical product which will get used eventually.

Hope the last two days are a little bit more exciting!

OP posts:
Fmesanta · 23/12/2021 09:50

@IToldYouIWasFreaky

Day 23: H&B Aloe Vera face wash 150ml.

I can't find this on their site to link to, which is a little odd!

Not overwhelmed with this. It's another practical product which will get used eventually.

Hope the last two days are a little bit more exciting!

This
OverByYer · 23/12/2021 10:03

Rather underwhelmed today, nice to get a full size product but very basic. Ive consigned it to my son's bathroom.