Beauty advent calendars 2024 #7

[virgocatlover]

Only a few days to go until the doors open.

Please share thoughts, discussions and any last minute discounts!

@LivinInYourBigGlassHouseWithAView I got the wine one last year. Definitely came in handy not having to open a big bottle when one person wanted a glass of red/white/rose. Have gone for the Fizz one this time for a change.

You're welcome @IlovePond. Couldn't have you going thirsty after all the beauty calendar opening.

😹@MidnightMeltdown !

I have both and I love the airstrait - I definitely get a better finish when blow drying my hair straight than I do with the hairdryer. I have fine, slightly wavy hair (and lots of it!) and have never been able to get the hang of drying it with a round brush and dryer. Tried the airwrap round brush attachment but it made my hair frizzier because the hot air blows out in all directions if that makes sense. With the airstrait I can dry my hair straight really easily, no frizz, and it looks softer than using normal straighteners (and less faff) I almost didn’t want to like it as it was soooo expensive, but I’m very pleased I bought it (I got it direct from Dyson with a 30 day trial - and TopCashback!)

I feel like you are enabling me ! My hair is fine, less of if now peri sadly. Do you manage to get volume ??
thanks 😊

@BlueLimeRun It's not really a volumising styler. You can't get very near to the root because the straightners are very chunky. To dry the top part of my head I have to use them closed and point the air stream at my roots.

You could try using a standard dryer or other tool on the roots then finishing the rest with the airstrait but I generally accept if I want some top of head volume I need to dry and style using a different method.

Maybe a BaByliss Big Hair?

Something else probably worth pointing out about the Airstrait especially if like me you have a lot of long, thick hair that needs several layers of sectioning to dry - it's quite heavy. Towards the end of using it my arm really aches (and I lift weights a couple of times a week).

For someone with limited strength and arm/shoulder mobility it wouldn't be an easy tool to use yourself unless your hair is very fine and dries in a couple of minutes. For my hair I'd say it takes me about 20 - 30 minutes to fully dry it.

@OvaHere @Doubleraspberry Thanks so much - I have a Babylon’s - Ithink it was causing breakage. I’ve also the shark - I think I’ve a problem 😂 and want a hair tool that doesn’t exist.

That’s interesting, my hair takes about 20 mins to dry. It sounds like hard work - I don’t lift weights..!

I really like it because I get a closer finish to a salon blow dry than I can get myself any other way. Like the poster above I don't have the skills with a rounded brush and hairdryer.

I wouldn't say it's really hard work but on my type of hair I do have to go over each section a few times to get it fully dry so it's not magically quick and heavier than something like GHDs. Although if I spent the same amount of time with a hairdryer and brush my arms would ache by the end too - even my hairdresser complains about how much hair I have to dry!

@OvaHere i think I need to try it. Thanks for all the info.

I bought mine from QVC and paid in 5 (I saw it was reduced the other week) so if it doesn't work out for you then you can return. I think Dyson has a return policy if you buy direct from them and don't like it.

@BlueLimeRun I agree with PPs, it doesn’t really add volume. I don’t think you could do other styling you can do with normal straighteners either - eg curls. It’s basically a hairdryer that straightens. If you decide to try it I’d definitely recommend buying from somewhere that lets you try it for a few weeks and then send it back if it’s not for you.

I’m rubbish at links but I’ve just ordered this. Seemed like a no brainier for £46 delivered free.

I'm now curious about the airstrait!

I have fine wavy hair, which is prone to frizz, but a lot of it. I use the air wrap with the straightening brush attachment. Let hair dry about 70% naturally and then it's quick and easy. Is not completely straight, but it significantly reduces frizz compared to a hairdryer. I can't use a hairdryer anymore as I'm shocked at the mess it creates 😂

Right, DD has just now (helpfully) handed me her christmas list, including various cosmetics. Just after the deals are over. Do you think we'll be seeing any more now before Christmas?

@Doubleraspberry What is on the list? One of us might spot a deal on some of it

A huge amount of stuff! But the things I thought I might go for are Clinique Black Honey, Summer Friday lip balm, hair Paw Paw cream, and an E.L.F. 'click pen'.

She's got five months' worth of Glossybox piled up, has had their calendar, and also a big bottle of SdJ perfume so she's not doing too badly and not sure I'd get her all of the above unless they were in really good offers!

@Doubleraspberry - did you jump on the recent ELF bandwagon? If not, it would be worth signing up on the app as they have some good offers and it’s quite easy to get enough points for a freebie!

Allbeauty.com or Clinique itself are good places to look for reduced Clinique.

I did get the ELF app but it then offered me NONE of the rewards so I deleted it in a fit of pique!

@Doubleraspberry Just had a quick look on eBay, plenty of Clinique black honey for £13 and upwards. Also plenty of Summer Fridays lip balms, not sure what flavour you were wanting but a good selection.
Agree with Pond to go on ELF app for their discounts and freebies

I went on Vinted and saw quite a few Black Honey travel sizes, although the asking prices were quite high when you don’t have 100% security it’s brand new (eBay similar). I recently bought an Hourglass primer sample that I suspect was half used so I’m feeling a bit burnt there.

And I have no idea what flavour Summer Friday either. I didn’t even know they came in flavours till today. I suspect any would be welcome.

If you buy a Summer Friday lip balm on Vinted, see if there's a pic of the applicator or ask for one. If there's any colour in there, it means it's been used. An unused tube would be clear as it's not been squeezed. I bought a bargain new one from there.

The current CB Hall of Fame edit has a full size SF lip balm in it. If it was an edit you were interested in anyway. It's the clear mint version.