Holland & Barrett advent calendar opening thread

[OchonAgusOchonOh]

This is the thread for daily opening of the H&B advent calendar. As with all the threads, the only firm rule is not discussing a drawer's contents before the day. The usual timeline is no spoilers before 7am but we can agree a different time if people want to.

Let the games begin!!!!

I’ve never tried these supplements before, but I’m willing to give them a go - after I’ve had blood tests in the new year!

We were visiting my family for the weekend so I’m just catching up. I’m a fan of the bath salts, less of the Ethique bars, and I’ll give today’s supplements a go!

I have had a bit of a stressful morning...and forgot my AC threads !

So today is the tablets...

I have got a big Me me me next them in my list 🤣🤣

Meh.

I have ultra thick hair so this is not for me, but I think I will pass on to my my DS to try

Same! I'm going to take in the hope it does something for my skin though

Same! But I can’t believe it would have that much effect, would it?!

I’m more worried that it will make my body hair worse 😂

Oh god, I hadn't thought of that! I've already got a bristly chin thanks to perimenopause!

🤣 definitely don’t want that!

I wpild like to make my nails stronger, but it does say hair on the pills, so I think I’ll pass them on!

Me too! 😩

@bigTillyMint I did a search and google says it helps hair and nails. One site says that it only helps hair if you have low biotin, but people with brittle nails will benefit from extra biotin. My hair and nails are ok but I will try it anyway.

🤔🤔🤔...my hair and nails are not to bad considering my age ....but I really don't want to start developing armpit hair again 🤣🤣...

I am embracing the lack of body hair !!

I’m also now worried it will encourage my body hair, and I have Yeti tendencies already! I’m having laser for the chin bristles at the moment. I will try with caution.

I’m very impressed by today’s drawer. This facial oil costs £26 as it’s currently on offer (usually £35). Although it says it’s a retinyl, there are no instructions about having to wear a sun screen the next day, so it can’t be as strong as the retinol products. My skin might be able to tolerate this one. I’ve tried a couple of retinol products which even at the twice a week level have made my skin sore.
This calendar has been so well put together. There have been no duplicate product types. I’m really looking forward to using all these once my current product and the stash in the cupboard are used up. One more day to open!

In case you are all too busy with Christmas activities tomorrow to read this thread I would like to say how much I’ve enjoyed chatting with you all and discussing what we’ve had. 😘

Yes, it’s been a good calendar, with some new/unusual products for me at least!

Do we pay this on after night cream?

@narniabusiness it does say on the back of the bottle to use SPF so maybe proceed with caution?
@bigTillyMint yeah, I'd say on top of/instead of night cream depending on how dry your skin is.

I'm impressed with this too! I do seem to have a few retinol type products at the moment as there were some in the JL calendar too so will have to be careful not to use everything all at once! But this really does look great.

It's been a fantastic calendar. I bought it almost on a whim for a couple of the products as it's such good value but I've been surprised how much I've liked everything. I've finished the Q&A body lotion already and found a gift pack on Vinted that had it in, so bought that for myself! There's lots that I'd consider repurchasing which I guess is the point of these calendars so well done H&B!
I've really enjoyed this thread too - it's been lovely chatting to everyone throughout December.
Merry Christmas!

This is a great one, really looking forward to trying it. Thanks everyone for this thread. Its been a good calendar this year.

Thanks for the warning @Roundaboot about the SPF

Todays is lovely and as I have no self control I've opened tomorrows which is also lovely.

I've been so pleased with this calendar, such amazing value for money. I've already got next years sorted in BF sale (Lumene) but intend to come back to H & B the year after.

I've also enjoyed chatting ... happy Christmas everyone

I'm a bit doubtful about today's as I'm a human oil slick in spite of being well into middle age. But willing to give it a go!

It's been a really good calendar this year and I've enjoyed this thread. Happy Christmas, everyone!

I got the face vinegar that everyone else got earlier and sounds like you all got the serum I got that day.

I agree with everyone - it's been a fantastic calendar and I've really enjoyed sharing it with you all. Thank you all 😁

Happy Christmas everyone

I've also been MIA sorry but thank you all for a fab thread!
Regarding the pills lol I too had laser everywhere few years back so probably won't take them!
Might gift the oil we got today too!

I had a different product from this brand last year and liked it, and I'm actually at the end of my current bottle of facial oil so I'm really looking forward to trying this.
How quickly the last 24 days have gone by!!
It's been lovely opening along with you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ☺️

I’m happy with today’s! I might use it underneath the night cream and hope for the best!

I’ve really enjoyed being a part of this lovely thread - merry Christmas everyone!

I’ve been really impressed with H&B and will buy it again next year if it looks as good. And I still have tomorrow’s item to look forward to, which is a bonus!

Festive greetings to everyone and have a great 2025!

I'm really happy with the rosehip oil today.

Happy Christmas everyone and thanks for sharing.