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.

Boots was the first aid exfoliator. Meh. Into the regift pile.

Harrods fragrance was 2 Amouage minis. Gave DH the Reflection. Smells very 'male' and so strong. I have the Guidance but I can't pick out the top notes, but drying down to a delicate rose.

Fragrantica say:'Top notes are Pear, Hazelnut and Olibanum; middle notes are Osmanthus, Rose, Saffron and Jasmine Sambac; base notes are Sandalwood, Vanilla, Akigalawood, Ambergris and Labdanum.'

@Fedupandstressed oh but that exfoliator is great if you get ingrown hairs! Not very glam, I know, but quite good!

Day 3 on TreatBox is this little glass jar with trees etched on it. I think it's a tealight holder but I haven't got any. I do have a very small cactus in a pot though so I think I will use it as a mini plant holder.

I’m on the H&B thread for my beauty calendar, but just popped on here to say that so far the Paxton & Whitfield one is excellent- it’s our household one, and the samples are generous enough at 75g for each of us to try a substantial taste, but not feel overwhelmed by how much cheese we have to get through. So far we’ve had a goat’s cheese with coffee (surprisingly delicious), a hard Swiss cheese called Horloger and a Pecorino. They come with little cards about the cheese and recommending wine pairings.

My DS is also loving the My Protein AC.

Degustabox today was Rose harissa paste!

My DH curated calendar was a mini caite nail polish yesterday and a bauble today.

Today's Lumene was an anti-ageing moisturiser. Not as exciting as the blush from day 1, or oat milk oil cleanse from day 2, but will give it a go!

For some reason since I had chemo, over 12 years ago, my body hair is virtually non-existant. I used to be like a monkey before as well. Every cloud and all that...

Harrods Day 4 - Mini Laura Mercier Loose Transluscent Setting Powder -6g. Mini is normally 9.3g and on sale at LF for £17.

LM is a good brand but I've used before and I don't really wear powder. A dud day for me.

Ah sorry you've had a dud @Stoic123

Day 4 of new vogue. This was the free gift with no7 that I bought a top up of foundation for!

Cath Kidston - Pistachio Ice soap.

All the CK products are small but it is what I was expecting cos the calendar was £35 or something. I’m happy.

@stoic123 I love that powder! Would you be up for a swap in January? I have the JL and H&B calendars and so far have the hair stuff from Day 2 of JL in my swap pile but I'm sure there will be more.

This works relaxation spray in ASOS, smells lovely. Will use on my yoga bolster!

Day 4 of the Lookfantastic advent calendar was an eye serum from The Ordinary company. I've not used anything from this brand and am rather excited to try it.

@stoic123 what is it that you don't like about the Laura mercier powder? I've heard mainly good things about it. My sister has a pot she's giving me to try before I buy it.

Laura Mercier setting powder in day 4 of the Harrods calendar. Not excited by this either as I have a little tub of this in my make up bag from last year and barely use it.

Me too for ASOS! I've had these before and they really nice.

Has anybody got the Charlotte Tilbury advent?

@Pickled21 - it's a good powder. I just don't wear powder much (only for setting a bit of eyeshadow). This would sit in my stash for about 3 years.

@Roundaboot - I've promised a friend first pick of calendar no goes for me (owe her). If she doesn't want, happy to swap. Made note of your user name.

Day 4:

Harrods: As @Stoic123 says, bit disappointing. A small Laura Mercier setting powder, although this is the “ultra blur” version rather than the one that was pretty ubiquitous in calendars previously. DH’s comment “Is that what you use to get a perfect background for Teams calls?”. I usually use a CT Airbrush powder, so will be interesting to compare.

SpaceNK: Continues to impress with two lip products, a Rare beauty tinted lip oil and a Summer Fridays lip balm, both full sized and welcome for dry winter lips.

FM tea: Something different: Green tea with lemon. Looking forward to trying it later.

Morning - agree with the comments on Asos. Dd2 is delighted so far and even better for her, Dd1 is jealous!

I got Charlotte Tilbury magic water cream in my homemade one and Christmas tea and leaf-shaped biscuits in Fortnums.

Day 3 Boots unlimited: Sol de Janeiro perfume mist. Don't know it but will always use more perfume.

Jo Malone - Poppy and Barley Body and Hand Cream

Dermalogica - hydration serum (also what I currently use so really happy to be making up my own travel pack)

Bare Minerals - setting powder. Not really sure what to do with this, does this go on after all your makeup if you use a wet foundation?

Grüum day 4 is a roll on fragrance says it has notes of amber and cardamom- I usually like amber based fragrance but not sure as yet on this one.

Day 4 vogue
Votary night star serum. RRP of £140. Quite excited to try this one.