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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:
Neversaygoodbye · 08/12/2021 16:29

I'm really enjoying the eye cream and would definitely consider repurchasing. I'm getting very jealous of everyone saying how nice things smell....I could actually smell the candle but all the creams and potions seem to be falling foul of my recovering covid nose. The face cream will be added to my stash, I'm enjoying getting brands I've never tried before.

AnneShirleysNewDress · 08/12/2021 19:33

I've liked everything so far and will repurchase the eye cream. I love rose so I'm going to check out the toner from last year.

OverByYer · 09/12/2021 06:59

Nice big box today. Not the most exciting but very usable. I like Dr Organic brand.

DrRamsesEmerson · 09/12/2021 08:22

I'm not mad keen on the scent of today's but will probably use it.

Original poster
IToldYouIWasFreaky · 09/12/2021 09:05

Day 9: Dr Organic Guava Body Wash full size 250ml

Nice to get a full size and this does smell lovely and perhaps I'm being overly fussy...but I do get slightly annoyed when non-seasonal products are included. All the reviews for this talk about what a summery scent it has and how it's refreshing etc so it seems much more suited to a summer beauty box than an advent calendar. I would have prefered a bath oil (like that Weleda one from last year) or at least a richer, more wintery body wash.
However, I notice that this scent won an award apparently so maybe that's why this one was included? Anyway, I really don't want to be all bah humbug, and I do think this looks like a great product that I'll enjoy using...just perhaps not now!

OP posts:
RhubarbCrumbled · 09/12/2021 10:42

I really like the scent of today's wash. I've already got a seasonal one on the go so this will be nice for later in the year.

XiCi · 09/12/2021 11:08

I've used the Dr organic shower gels before and they're lovely so happy with todays even if it's not very exciting.
I also used the little wet brush from last week on dds fine/tangly hair last night and it was brilliant. Much better than the one I usually use for her so happy with that as well.

PalacePaper · 09/12/2021 15:19

I love the smell of the shower gel today... unfortunately DD13 stole it straight out of the box! I've got the wet brush put away for her stocking - looks like she'll need her own calendar next year Grin

Roo2012 · 09/12/2021 16:38

I've been lurking on this thread. This is my second year of having a beauty advent calendar. Last year I had Boots No7. So far I prefer the H&B one. I love the way it's packaged. The little nasturtium went to DD2 so I was waiting to see what I could give to DD1, she was very pleased with today's shower gel. I really like the eye gel.

moimichme · 09/12/2021 22:27

I agree the shower gel smells lovely. Really enjoying this calendar. Smile

tistheseeson · 10/12/2021 04:06

I didn't feel that impressed about the body wash but reading these comments maybe I was a bit hasty. Will be handy for the gym bag.

mumonthehill · 10/12/2021 07:21

Not that impressed with today’s, certainly feeling that this years is not as good as last years but we shall see what else comes.

Snoopsnoggysnog · 10/12/2021 07:46

Urgh. Today’s smells horrible. DD likes it though.

XiCi · 10/12/2021 07:52

Yes today's is not good. The scent is just so overpowering and I only put a tiny bit on. Off to wash it off now!

DrRamsesEmerson · 10/12/2021 08:25

Yep, no use for today’s at all! Fortunately I tried it before I showered.

Plump82 · 10/12/2021 08:27

I might be in the minority but I really like the scent. I like strong perfumes. However not impressed with a sample perfume. Is this last year's war bud dud?

OverByYer · 10/12/2021 08:44

Disappointed today, I thought the box was empty when I picked it out. Haven’t tried it as already have my perfume on for the day. I’ll add it to the other 50 unused perfume samples I already have

Nuffaluff · 10/12/2021 09:18

This is rubbish! Tiny.

Original poster
IToldYouIWasFreaky · 10/12/2021 09:48

Day 10: Eden Perfumes Portobello eau de parfum teeny tiny size

So, I actually quite like the scent of this. Probably not enough to repurchase but I'll use up the sample. And that's what it is really...a free sample size which I do feel takes the piss a bit!
Hope tomorrow's is a bit better.

OP posts:
PalacePaper · 10/12/2021 10:56

Yep, not at all impressed - especially as it was in quite a big box! Sad

I'm running out of a couple of things that I hope will be in the advent calendar - fingers crossed they appear soon!

guineapigs · 10/12/2021 11:03

I am a bit disappointed too. A sample size!? I am not sure if I like the fragrance either.

UnoriginalPenguin · 10/12/2021 12:19

I've been singing the praises of this calendar and then we get a free sample in a massive box - humph. Oh well, it can go in the holiday miniatures drawer. It's rather pungent isn't it?!

RhubarbCrumbled · 10/12/2021 12:27

I really like the perfume today! I've got it on now and have had a couple of positive comments. I might even buy it again.

Snoopsnoggysnog · 10/12/2021 12:36

Happy to send you mine @RhubarbCrumbled… will check with DD if she wants it

17caterpillars1mouse · 10/12/2021 15:00

I really like the scent, but disappointed by the size of it. It's just like free samples you get through the post