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Original poster

H&B advent calendar - opening!

201 replies

Plump82 · 01/12/2022 15:30

I know last year's was a bit disappointing but I still decided to get one as theres been a few products over the last couple of years I've loved.

I don't think theres a thread for this so far, if there is please point me in the right direction.

If not then I'll kick off by saying I'm pleased with Door 1. I always like to try new cleansers and i love the eyecream from this brand.

OP posts:
Tilllly · 04/12/2022 22:17

As in Holland & Barrett..?
No idea they did cosmetics!

Original poster
Plump82 · 05/12/2022 08:50

Tilllly · 04/12/2022 22:17

As in Holland & Barrett..?
No idea they did cosmetics!

Most of the items are toiletries rather than makeup. So face scrubs, cleaners, soaps etc.

Todays item is just ok. I'll use them but nothing exciting!

OP posts:
purplewolfie · 05/12/2022 09:14

I like today's. Something I will definitely use but wouldn't think to buy for myself.

17caterpillars1mouse · 05/12/2022 09:58

Not an exciting one today.

I'm not finding this year's calender as exciting as other years so far. Here's hoping it will pick up

Grimchmas · 05/12/2022 11:27

I wasn't going to open until tonight but I opened this thread so of course curiosity got the better of me!

I like today's. My main concern is his do I not immediately lose them when I put them in the wash. Might have to buy a string bag that is tiny just to keep these in!

Bumblesaurus · 05/12/2022 18:20

Hmm, I like the idea of these, but the reality is that I will lose them after a week.

17caterpillars1mouse · 05/12/2022 22:02

I've just used the make up remover pads and they are so lovely and soft. I hope they stay that way after washing

applecatchers36 · 05/12/2022 22:16

It's kind of a practical item and not something I would buy but agree so far perhaps less special than previous years calenders so far...

Original poster
Plump82 · 06/12/2022 10:34

Happy with today's as I love the smell of frankincense and use essential oils a lot. I used the face scrub this morning and will definitely be buying it once this wee pot is done.

OP posts:
Pinenu · 06/12/2022 11:27

Just as an FYI, my bottle of frankincense says the expiry date is July 2024 but the contents list on the outer sleeve of the calendar says to use by February 2023.

Not sure who’s right so will just use it up by the early date.

17caterpillars1mouse · 06/12/2022 17:37

How do you use essential oils. I never know.

I'm just glad to have one other than lavender for a change

17caterpillars1mouse · 06/12/2022 19:36

I've just tried the cleansing balm. It was much thicker than I was expecting and hard to get out the tube at first. It felt ok on.

Also tried the dragon fruit exfoliating cream. Loved the smell, loved the feel but when I washed to take it off it's left my skin feeling like I have a greasy film over it :( such a shame

Original poster
Plump82 · 06/12/2022 20:05

I checked my essential oil and the use by my dates match.
@17caterpillars1mouse I use mine in an electric oil diffuser. That's a shame about the face scrub. I didn't feel it left any residue at all.

OP posts:
Original poster
Plump82 · 07/12/2022 07:44

Pretty sure we've had today's item before as I have it already?
Either way it's something i already use and enjoy so nice to have another one.

OP posts:
Bumblesaurus · 07/12/2022 08:02

Yes, I recognise the scent of today's too. Nice though.

17caterpillars1mouse · 07/12/2022 11:04

A bit poor planning to have essential oil two days in a row

Original poster
Plump82 · 07/12/2022 11:18

17caterpillars1mouse · 07/12/2022 11:04

A bit poor planning to have essential oil two days in a row

Very true.
I really hoped this year's would be an improvement but despite a good start I'm not all that impressed. Nothing particularly wrong with them, just a bit boring.

OP posts:
Zampa · 07/12/2022 18:13

The cleanser is as good as the Eve Lom one IMO. Love it.

Original poster
Plump82 · 07/12/2022 18:17

Zampa · 07/12/2022 18:13

The cleanser is as good as the Eve Lom one IMO. Love it.

Oh wow, that's a compliment!! Can't wait to try it now.

OP posts:
Couperi · 07/12/2022 18:24

Recognise today's, definitely need it as of late so will make use of it.

Pinenu · 07/12/2022 19:17

Zampa · 07/12/2022 18:13

The cleanser is as good as the Eve Lom one IMO. Love it.

Is this the vitamin C or dragonfruit?

I have a huge bottle of face wash to get through before I can try the new stuff. I found myself using 5 x as much a usual this morning just hoping it would disappear quicker 😂

Zampa · 07/12/2022 19:22

The Vit C one. Worried I've over sold it but I would certainly get this over my normal Eve Lom.

The tube is a PITA but it regulates how much I use at a time and maybe it will be easier in warmer weather?!

DuchessOfSausage · 07/12/2022 20:37

Maybe it's not very exciting, but for me it was the value of the items that made me decide to get it. I'll probably use most of them, and it's nice to try new things.

Grimchmas · 07/12/2022 21:52

Yes it's partly the fact that I'd never treat myself to half this stuff full price that makes it worth it to me.

The new face wash has made me get a bit more precious over my face routine as in actually have one and it's prompted me to use up some stuff from 2 years age's H&B advent calendar . I've found some of it had gone rancid 😳 but I've still had plenty of enjoyment out of what I have used that has made it worthwhile.

I've definitely had today's in rollerball form. Had a squirt, don't find it particularly relaxing 😳

Is the size of each box not corresponding to the size of the contents not annoying everybody else? Same size product yesterday and today but yesterday's box was ginormous!

Worse is the structure of the overall thing. The spine is already going, and on opening it up like a book I've managed to lose the entire contents of one side of the other a few times already 🤣

Original poster
Plump82 · 07/12/2022 22:10

Grimchmas · 07/12/2022 21:52

Yes it's partly the fact that I'd never treat myself to half this stuff full price that makes it worth it to me.

The new face wash has made me get a bit more precious over my face routine as in actually have one and it's prompted me to use up some stuff from 2 years age's H&B advent calendar . I've found some of it had gone rancid 😳 but I've still had plenty of enjoyment out of what I have used that has made it worthwhile.

I've definitely had today's in rollerball form. Had a squirt, don't find it particularly relaxing 😳

Is the size of each box not corresponding to the size of the contents not annoying everybody else? Same size product yesterday and today but yesterday's box was ginormous!

Worse is the structure of the overall thing. The spine is already going, and on opening it up like a book I've managed to lose the entire contents of one side of the other a few times already 🤣

Yes the layout of the boxes is so annoying. I think the packaging is always made from recycled card so that's what makes it flimsy. Can't see it lasting much longer!
I have another advent calendar and the box was big, say 6 inches by 4 and it was an eye mask sachet! No need to be so big!!

OP posts: