Title edited by MNHQ at request of OP - No spoilers before 7AM pls: Space NK advent calendar - opening thread 2022!

[Zoetrope1]

Thread for anyone who has the Space NK 2022 advent calendar and would like to discuss contents.

In line with the other opening threads, suggest no earlier than 7am for discussing that day’s item(s).

Looking forward to tomorrow!

I’m about to fly back to Australia so the descriptions will be a little delayed but here is a photo of day 20!

Agreed! I'm not too clear on what it was supposed to do, but I need something more persuasive to get my hair to hold a curl! At the moment I'm having success with the Aveda curl gelee.

@Zoetrope1 Hope you had a safe flight!

Today is a drawer box of disappointment for me. I can always use another lip balm, particularly at this time of year but this brand is a bit of a meh one for me and I was hoping for a bit more of a wow factor as we move into the last 5 days.

Thanks @bigdecisionstomake One more flight to go!

Day 21

My first words were this one for my sister

I don't really know anything about this brand and lip balms can be hit and miss with me (hate ones that just coat your lips and leave them feeling drier). The texture of this seems to be a bit oily and it feels nice on, so could be a good one.

I love the brand (candles!!!) but I’m hit and miss on their lip balm. I already have one on the go. I would use it but it’s not something I’d look to purchase.

I haven’t used this one yet - I opened it before I flew home for Christmas but I’m always happy to receive lip balms - I burn through them like there is no tomorrow.

Malin & Goetz are a good brand, they do skincare as well as perfumes and candles (which smell amazing).

normally they only give teeeny tiny 10ml moisturiser samples in ACs / goody bags so I’m really happy to receive a full size lip balm from them!

I was quite happy to open this. I had one a couple of years ago when my husband got it in a business class airline amenities bag. It's simple but effective.

Catching up with the summaries, Day 20 Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Peel, 3 pack sample, £11.40

Rejuvenate tired, dull skin instantly and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with Dr Gross AB Universal Daily Peel home treatment suitable for all types of skin.

This easy 2-part formula is the home version of the skin peels Dr. Gross gives his clients at his New York City practice. Simple to apply the first part of the peel for effective acid exfoliation then proceed to step 2 for alpha hydroxy acid activity and anti-ageing action. This simple-to-use formula leaves skin smooth, evenly-toned, radiant and youthful.

Its blend of 5 exfoliating acids speed the dead cell shedding process, unclog pores and improves skin texture making this peel an ideal formula for first-time users.

Apply both components on a daily basis ensuring that skin is dry and avoiding contact with eyes. Do not rinse skin after application and use sunscreen if going out after treatment to prevent sun ageing.

KEY BENEFITS

Revives skin and reduces appearance of fine lines
Easy 2-step home peel based on Dr. Gross clinic technique
Simple to use
Powerful yet effective for daily use
Suitable for all skin types

For optimal results, use daily AM or PM. First time peel users may apply every other day until skin becomes acclimated. Massage Step 1 onto clean, dry skin until pad is dry. Wait two minutes. Repeat with Step 2. To further enhance results, follow with a serum and moisturizer of your choice from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™.

I love these. My face always feel softer, brighter, clearer when I use them. They’re also perfect for travel - I brought one with one on my flight back to Melbourne and used it on my layover rather than cart a liquid exfoliant.

Day 20, second product is the Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream, travel size (15ml from memory), £18

Infuse your skin with the intense hydration and anti-ageing qualities of Sunday Riley’s Vitamin C rich C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream.

The scientifically advanced formula combines specially formulated oil-soluble Vitamin C, known as THD ascorbate, with gentle exfoliating and refining lime pearl extract to penetrate the skin creating instant results. The inclusion of exopolysaccharide within this potent cream shields and protects the skin against dryness and also from the environment and harmful pollutants.

Luxurious and nourishing, the cream is quickly absorbed into the skin to brighten and even out skin tone while avoiding leaving a layer of excess oil or stickiness.

KEY BENEFITS

Fights signs of ageing, wrinkles and sun damage
Vitamin C product, THD ascorbate, provides highly absorbable hydration
Gentle exfoliating lime pearl extract refines the skin
Brightens skin and fights uneven skin tone and texture
Exopolysaccharides provides a protective shield
Perfect for all skin types

Day 21, Malin + Goetz Lip Moisturiser, 10ml full size, £12

Our hydrating lip gel helps replenish dry lips with a blend of fatty acids that offer a layer of nourishing protection from day to night. absorbs quickly and does not transfer or require constant reapplication. no added fragrance or flavor.

I am still on day 3. Day 1 was hit for me as both me and my son use it. Day 2 - LOVE the cream, it absorbs quick but the moisturization lasts long. Day 3 the lippie I will try today - what did you all think of it? Looks very brown

@MiaN its not as brown on as it looks but still too brown / beige for me. I don’t think it’s as universal as they state it to be.

Day 22, Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3, 30ml full size, £49

Defy premature ageing with Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3, a stable retinal night serum that helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the skin sleeps. Contributing towards a firmer, softer and plumper complexion, it works to promote clearer skin while boosting moisture retention.

This serum helps to soothe, smooth and resurface the skin’s texture for a rejuvenated appearance. Absorbing effortlessly, it works to nourish the skin with the comforting scent of tonka bean and vanilla. Formulated with 0.03% encapsulated retinaldehyde, a next-generation form of vitamin A, this powerful anti-ageing ingredient releases gradually throughout the night, while hyaluronic acid and glycerine draw moisture into the skin’s deepest layers.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 is vegan friendly and cruelty-free, free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates and alcohol.

KEY BENEFITS

Helps to minimise the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Works to soften, firm and plump the complexion
Enriched with 0.03% encapsulated retinaldehyde
Hyaluronic acid and glycerine promote hydration
Suitable for all skin types
Vegan friendly and cruelty-free
Free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates and alcohol

How to apply:

After cleansing in the evening, apply an amount of Crystal Retinal across the face, neck and décolletage. Allow to absorb into skin before applying your moisturiser.

Crystal Retinal application should be phased in gradually, and only use in the evening. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks, every other night for the next 2 weeks, then every night. Always wear sunscreen the following morning while using this product, and for a week afterwards.

I’m currently using Paula’s Choice 1% retinol, will give this a go once I finish my current bottle. It has excellent reviews and I’m curious to try a retinal product. Has anyone used it before?

I really rate todays product, however I am now on CR6 (the next strength) and wondering how to use this one. I definitely saw results with CR3, though it's been more noticeable with CR6. I think todays is a good one to try, and if it suits you then move up to a stronger one. I'm thinking of using todays on my neck.

I admire your restraint!! I seem to be an unusual one as I really like the lipstick - however I think it is v similar to a shade I wore in high school in the 90s, so there might be some nostalgia there! But I really struggle with pink so tend to go more brown anyway - Lisa Eldridge's Muse is my go-to.

@andrinaballerina Glad you recommend! are you using CR6 every evening? If not, you could try the 3 on your “off” nights? I have a tube of a lower strength Paula’s Choice retinol and have been doing this to help build tolerance without irritation. A good mid way step between only using a high strength a few times a week and using it every day.

Excited for today. This was the product that swayed me to choose the Space NK calendar this year. I use a Beauty Pie Retinol serum and moisturiser currently and have been thinking of moving on to the Medik8 Retinal range as I see good things written about the products consistently.

I think the 3 is a good start point for me with a view to moving on to the 6 and then possibly to a private Tret prescription.

Very happy today 😃

Going to keep this one for when I stop breastfeeding as it’s not recommended whilst doing so. A shame as I would like to try it

Ooooh happy with today’s. They’re redeeming themselves a little. If they keep it up with the good things until Xmas now I may forgive them for all the tiny sample sizes in the earlier drawers.

Not used this one but happy to have it.

I just opened 24 and 25 as I’m away so thought I’d open them instead of carry with me the boxes. Really pleased with them. Tomorrow my last day so hopefully it’s a good one as well :)

merry Christmas everyone!

@EasterIssland Merry Christmas to you too!

I definitely prefer skincare to make up but am interested to try this product as I've never really dabbled with dual use lip/cheek colours before. This looks a nice natural shade too so should work with my skin tone.

Well last drawer for me and it’s going to my sister. She’s gonna love everything I’m gonna give her thanks to Liberty and space nk :)

This is a great one for me! Very happy.