General “Waifs and Strays” Beauty Advent Calendar opening thread 2024

[AprilLady]

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).

Carrying on the traditional from previous years, it will also be fun to hear about other calendar openings - Degusta, jam, escape room anyone?

I know there are mixed feelings on this, but many of us would really appreciate it if spoilers are not posted before 7am on the relevant day. Please also avoid dropping hints or spoilers about future contents if you have opened the calendar in advance.

Posting pictures of contents is also always much appreciated.

I’ll be opening the Space NK and Harrods calendars this year. Really looking forward to Day 1 tomorrow.

Just thought I’d chip in as I got my DS the My Protein AC and was pleasantly surprised with it. The box is really nice and well made, in day 1 he got a protein shaker/bottle, day 2 a full size chocolate snack bar. He’s happy with it so far.
DDog got the Pooch & Mutt AC (which was well received!), thanks to a kind MNetter who gave me a code to get it for £1.
I’m on other threads for my own ACs - Space NK & JL

Yes, exactly this! I like it too, but it’s something I’d buy for the lifestyle I want, not the lifestyle I have!

@HollyGolightly4 agree it’s out the way, I’m not really sure who I’d give it to, imagine the likes of vinted and eBay will have loads so I’ll probably hang on to it in the hope that one day I’ll have a birkin to wrap it around 🙃🙃🙃

I am hoping Vogue picks up soon, I liked yday’s Laura mericier but I painted my nails with the red manicurist nail polish I got on Sunday, it’s chipped already! I get better wear time from essie 🤷‍♀️

Loving seeing what everyone has got! They all look so good and everyone seems happy overall!

My day three:

Cult Beauty: Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops by Glow Recipe. I've had things by Glow Recipe before in the CB calendar and really liked them. Little bit unsure of this.... It says it gives you a bronzed look and the gel looks very highly pigmented. Having tried it though, I think it looks ok - no David Dickinson effect! Haven't tried with foundation on yet so I'll see if it gives me a glow!

Bird & Blend Tea: Buttermint tea. I suppose it's meant to taste like Murray mints. I love a cup of peppermint tea so I'm sure I'll love this!

Fir & Artemisia cologne in Jo Malone Day 3. Just tried it and I love it, I might have to get a full bottle.

Asos was bum bum cream and oil today, very cute travel sizes. DD got Ron Weasley, DP left early today so hasn't opened the bonne maman yet.

I really like today's JM artemisia and for fragrance. I got a Comoros pearl candle in Penhaligons this morning which smells lovely, and a very nice smelling body cream in L'occitane. ☺️

Hi, today’s offering from my old Rituals a/c is a rather bizarre laundry softener. Shiseido have done a bit better today with a shower cream that smells lovely, (it’s very small, though!)

I have taken a picture of all 3 things from the two, (with the remote control used to show scale for Shiseido!)

I have almost finished burning the Rituals candle. Unlit and close up it smells nice, but doesn’t really smell when burning, which is disappointing.

The door for my refilled 12 day calendar had a sparkly red Ciate nail polish, (which came in a beauty box I bought ages ago to help DH fill the boxes). I am going to try it out later - it looks very festive!

As above the silk paisley scarf in Vogue. I'm not really a scarf type unless it's a thick woolly chunky one in winter!

LookFantastic was a Wella shampoo and conditioner which I've never tried before so I'm pleased with that.

Next was a Murad eye cream which I'm VERY pleased with, I love the brand but it's soooo spendy!

@Ems235 im with you. I follow Emma Louise connelly on IG and she sometimes wears a red scarf like a bandana and it looks cool on her. Not sure I could pull it off though!

@MyStylish40s I'm really impressed with ASOS too and dd is thrilled. I was going to buy her the look fantastic one but she asked for ASOS. Plus a got it when it was discounted so I'm very happy

A bandana?!? (Just imagining myself, 52, glasses, plump 🙀) Others may look gorgeous, I realise!

Wait… maybe I don’t mean bandana?? Neckerchief??? like this:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCli_uMOMYy/?igsh=MWh1bHhsN2JhcWZnMw==

(I had a golden retriever growing up, he often wore a red scarf around his neck which we always called a bandana, that has maybe made me think it’s something it’s not 🤣)

Sorry, I was definitely thinking pirate. I can see a jaunty neckerchief could be lovely.

I’ve looked up the meaning: apparently ‘bandana’ is the name of a type of scarf, and you can wear it on your neck or your head. Obviously the former would be preferable in this case.

Tbh if I tried to style in that way I probably look like I was attempting to dress up, maybe I could borrow my son’s plastic eye patch and complete the look ha!

good to know re: bandana!

Apparently it's a dupe for a drunk elephant liquid highlighter!?!

Thank you cheesychips! I will have a look at that now x

@Ems235 some people tie scarfs around handbag handle, I like it. Google image scarf and handbag and you will get many ideas

I like the bum bum stuff in the ASOS a/c.

But I didn't use the last one I got so I'll put it in the stocking fillers box.

@MyStylish40s I'm enjoying the ASOS updates. I bought it at the reduced price and am probably going to open it next month.

I got the Penhaligon's candle (smells heavenly), a lovely set of gold bookmarks from Papier and DD's Glossybox has a Bare Minerals primer.

A friend has received a very swish hamper today and there's a huge Winter candle in it. We're all overcome with envy at the actual hamper, think it's Fenwick, never mind the contents.

Rituals today was the matching hand balm to yesterdays hand soap. The hand balms are very nice.

Thanks for the suggestions on the scarf. Just wish it was longer and not square.
Will see what it looks like around my bag. It's a lovely print though!