Beauty Advent Calendars *spoiler alert - contents discussed within thread*

[ithoughtisawapuddycat]

Is it too soon for a thread on these? I remember last year they were all coming out or going on sale in September so not too far off.

I got the spacenk one last year and it was first ever beauty advent calendar and I loved it. Still using some of the products and have gone to purchase at least five items in full size, two of them multiple times.

This year I'll get the spacenk one again but might also go for the cult beauty as well.

Title amended by MNHQ to alert folk to the presence of spoilers within the thread.

Does anybody know when Selfridges is out? I had it last year so might plump for it again

I fear the same @SoloCat ! I'm trying to reduce my collection of miracle creams but there is always something else shiny and promising to tempt me.

I'm very much betwixt and between. CB appeals but it has a lot of hair stuff which I can't use for the moment and 2 highlighters and a CT quad I won't use. On the plus side, it has a reasonable number of serums, moisturisers and treatment thingies (e.g. retinol) that I do like, also a primer.

But it also has vitamins. Who thought that was a good idea?

Liberty also appeals but also has a lot of hair stuff. Also a bath oil and a brow gel which I won't use. And a blue mascara (wore it in the 80's, that was enough for me). Not so much in the way of moisturisers or treatments. Also sizes for a lot of stuff are smaller than CB.

On the plus side, not much in the way of make-up (I have way too much and have only been going in to the office about once a month so not really wearing it). It has a face oil which I am keen to try. Perfumes are attractive but they will be substituted as not UK.

I am also looking at LF but would obviously need a back-up calendar in case of similar disasters to last time. Main negative is obviously the black eyeliner and the brow gel. I really don't understand brow gels. The PMD mini clean is also a no as I have a similar one I rarely use but dd could have that. And of course the Gua Sha. I don't think even dd could be persuaded. Not too keen on the eye shadow either. I have all I need.

Positives are lots of moisturisers, not so much serums and treatments but I like the look of what there is. The candle and reed diffuser are also appealing. Obviously the price is much better than the other two but that does mean smaller sizes. Although with the stash I still have and the slow rate of usage (53 items + 10 samples since january), that might not be a bad thing.

Am also tempted by the white company - two full size candles and lots of hand and body wash.

But maybe too many hand lotions and a Gua Sha!

Me too @SoloCat! Always in search of that holy grain serum or cream!

Although to be fair, I have discovered some great products through advent calendars, that I wouldn't otherwise have bought.

@greywinds yes indeed…magpies, ooh look another shiny thing to collect. I’m doomed….I picked up some jam in Waitrose and said “ooh wild strawberry and strawberry jam, sounds lovely” my friend said I’m a marketers dream “it’s strawberry jam” 😂

Agreed on the finding some great products in calendars @MidnightMeltdown , but then I’m an easy sell 😁
Its a slippery slope…Marie Antoinette style.

I hope everyone finds their perfect calendar this year…to be honest I’m tempted with the F&M and Liberty at the moment.

After a few years off from ACs I finally gave in and bought the FM calendar. It's such a gorgeous box. And enormous and heavy. It would make a spectacular gift.

I will start opening from my birthday in mid September.

I have my eye on the cult calendar too, but will check out the harrods and JL and NAP too.

Just took a look at the Boots Macmillan advent... very similar to last year (lots of Liz Earle & No7) - think I will pass.

If you haven't had the F&M before it's really Christmassy - had it in the kitchen for cheer last year. Dithered over it again today!

@SoloCat their May be some wild strawberry and strawberry jam in my cupboard!

That's a fab birthday idea!

No, not had it before. Part of my justification for it for my birthday is that I can pass some of it on for Christmas presents. Cheeky, I know, but the bits I have in mind are still nice presents that will be liked, and are priced at more than I'd normally spend.

Good idea

I keep looking at F&M too. Mainly because I love the box and think it that would be fab to refill next year, but I think it's also partly because I'm impatient and it's available now 😂

I love and buy aromatherapy associates. So that was half the cost. I do definitely like that it is ready for my birthday though!

Any news on the Space nk ceo cream? It seems unlikely that it is really a triple size 5oz. Maybe 50g?

I love AA too but i regifted the ones from F&M last year as had enough and really hope it made someone's day (was an anonymous collection).

That was so nice of you!

I can only hope! There will bye huge call for the present collections this year

@Zeeza if you haven’t had F&M before, you’re in for a treat 😀. I also really love the AA bath oils.

In need of distraction this evening, I’ve updated my spreadsheet to include Flannels, SpaceNK and LF. It has confirmed my gut feel that none of these had much I was excited about, and that LF and Flannels had quite a few items that would be useless to me (and I’m not classing as useless something I can easily sell on EBay).

Latest summary attached - Liberty still leading the pack for me.

Space NK is interesting; few exciting products but also not many useless ones, and slightly cheaper than CB, F&M and Liberty. I think if you are only newly into skincare and make-up, it would be an excellent choice.

I saw a picture of space nk and the ceo cream looked miniature

I'm very impressed with your ratios!

@greywinds so glad I’m not the only one re the jam 😁 and I’m dithering over the F&M too…trying to stay strong as it’s a slippery slope! Once I give in to one I’ll end up with three! 😃

Flannels, Space NK, Look Fantastic and Elle are definitely out for me (unless there are massive reductions)

Impressive spreadsheet @AprilLady!

Look Fantastic has 11 useless items 😮😂

Nice! You are the queen of advent spreadsheets