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General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread

863 replies

AprilLady · 30/11/2023 17:57

As in previous years, this a thread for those opening Beauty Advent Calendars not covered by specific calendar opening threads (though also happy for contents of those to be shared here too).

As previously, it will also be fun to hear about other calendar openings - food, jam, socks anyone?

Please do not include spoilers before 7am on the relevant day. Please also avoid dropping hints or spoilers about future contents if you have opened the calendar in advance.

I’ll be opening the Vogue and Selfridges calendars this year. Really looking forward to Day 1.

OP posts:
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Growlybear83 · 09/12/2023 11:15

I got another fragrance in Jo Malone this morning, which is lovely. I think it's a cypress one. And I got a little serum in Lumene. I'm so pleasantly surprised with Lumene. I nearly didn't buy it but I'm glad I did and it makes up for the dreadful stuff that is in M&S this year.

Babysharkdoodoodood · 09/12/2023 11:23

Boots today is a mini Urban Decay all nighter spray. Very handy as I used up my last one on holiday.

AprilLady · 09/12/2023 11:24

@SwordBilledHummingbird would much, much rather have got Eau Rose than the perfume I got this morning. I love rose scents, and Diptyque Eau Rose is a favourite.

OP posts:
SwordBilledHummingbird · 09/12/2023 11:31

@AprilLady I also hate those "not a perfume" perfumes. They don't smell like anything to me and I don't like my perfume to be too subtle at the best of times!

Pinenu · 09/12/2023 11:36

My refill was a Byoma face cream and a packet of sherbet lemons.

Degusta was a keralan fish curry mix.

Quite the variety.

viques · 09/12/2023 11:37

SwordBilledHummingbird · 09/12/2023 10:42

Day 9 Diptyque is a 10ml of Eau Rose. I'm happy that there's been a good mix so far, I wasn't sure if it would end up candle heavy. I love scented candles but I was hoping for perfumes too.

I wouldn’t mind candle heavy , especially if they are new scents to me, but I feel that four perfumes is a lot! Though I do like the solid one from the other day, needs to warm up on the skin I find, but really handy to carry around as no danger of a leak or accidental smash. A couple of my candles will probably be slipped into special peoples presents as extras, or then again they might just stay with me……….

andrinaballerina · 09/12/2023 12:07

TragicMuse · 09/12/2023 10:33

Today from LF I have a tube of Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanser and a little bottle of C-Tetra Radiance Advance Serum. They sound a bit...harsh? I have sensitive skin, my face doesn't like brightening things. So I might sell them or pop them in stockings, unopened.

Ciate is a clear top coat.

The c-tetra is lovely, I use the stronger version and haven't had any problems, but it's made a noticeable difference. Not tried the cleanser before.

andrinaballerina · 09/12/2023 12:12

So I have been lurking and finally caught up on the past few days, loving seeing the variety of calendars! I am enjoying my SpaceNK one, but finding my daughter's Smiggle calendar far my exciting, highly recommend for a 6yo, or any other glitter-lover.

General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
CordeliaNaismithVorkosigan · 09/12/2023 12:12

H&B today was a Q+A eye cream. Looks quite promising so I'll give it a go.

No tights yet today?

@AprilLady , I love your name too - one of the many reasons I love Lois McMaster Bujold is the way she plays with Heyer.

NChance · 09/12/2023 12:17

@AprilLady I've always wanted to try that perfume! That's helpful actually as I love glossier you Smile

NChance · 09/12/2023 12:18

Posted too soon, should have said and JHAG and all the similar ones

jay55 · 09/12/2023 12:24

Door of doom for degusta, some sort of fish curry kit. I don't think I can even pop in the food bank box.

Housewife2010 · 09/12/2023 12:47

jay55 · 09/12/2023 12:24

Door of doom for degusta, some sort of fish curry kit. I don't think I can even pop in the food bank box.

Edited

The Simply Cook meal kits are actually really good. I'm going to use ours with chicken or you can substitute extra vegetables. They're very adaptable and nice.

Mirrormeback · 09/12/2023 14:01

Day 9 Boots No 7 Restore and renew

Gold shimmer eyeshadow

It's very sheer

toprump · 09/12/2023 14:20

jay55 · 09/12/2023 12:24

Door of doom for degusta, some sort of fish curry kit. I don't think I can even pop in the food bank box.

Edited

Same here. Does anyone know if they're very spicy (and if so, how you would tone it down)? Anything with more punch than a korma sets my nose running!

Dee1224 · 09/12/2023 15:26

My Clarins 12 day calendar has finally arrived! It’s a Xmas and birthday present for me, anyway, so will open it for ‘Jadvent’!

It took nearly two weeks to arrive- can’t say I am terribly impressed by Clarins, but at least it’s here!

Dogsitterwoes · 09/12/2023 16:40

Snag Day 9. Xmas day sorted

General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
OchonAgusOchonOh · 09/12/2023 17:09

Dogsitterwoes · 09/12/2023 16:40

Snag Day 9. Xmas day sorted

That is cute. I love penguins.

Where is the penguin on your leg? I can't make it out.

OchonAgusOchonOh · 09/12/2023 17:10

Day 9 Boots premium is a make up setting spray. It's something I keep saying I should use but never remember.

CinnamonCoffee · 09/12/2023 17:49

Day 9 LIB and a DIY drawer

General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
clary · 09/12/2023 18:08

jay55 · 09/12/2023 12:24

Door of doom for degusta, some sort of fish curry kit. I don't think I can even pop in the food bank box.

Edited

Interesting - I am excited to try it tonight!

Tbf if you are veggie I see the issue, but I think it will work for a veg version tbh. I think this is one of the best drawers so far - tho I do think Degusta have upped their game from last year's vegan cereal bar fest.

clary · 09/12/2023 18:20

Strong day from my home-made F&M boxed calendar - never tried this Alpha H Liquid Gold but looks good.

Also pictured - last couple of days with masks and a mascara. Makes up for a disappointing-ish tiny tube of Aveda hair repair

General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
Mirrormeback · 10/12/2023 07:15

Day 10 Boots No 7 R&R

Foot scrub - I'm sure it's very nice. I use a pumice stone so have fairly decent soft feet but I'll happily give this a go

General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
TragicMuse · 10/12/2023 08:18

Look Fantastic today is a large bottle of Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief and Resilience soothing treatment lotion. I have no idea if it's for face or body, there's nothing to tell me! It'll be interesting!

Ciate is a sparkly light gold called Dancing Queen. Perfect for festive nails or maybe as a top coat.

General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
General “waifs and strays” beauty advent calendar opening thread
Nowtbettertodo · 10/12/2023 08:59

Mirrormeback · 10/12/2023 07:15

Day 10 Boots No 7 R&R

Foot scrub - I'm sure it's very nice. I use a pumice stone so have fairly decent soft feet but I'll happily give this a go

Same in the Lift and Luminate. Don't think I will use this so will probably pass it on.

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