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.

Day 4 here:

Cult Beauty:

Paula's Choice 1% retinol treatment.

Happy with this as I've not yet tried retinols. I've wanted to dip my toe in bit didn't know where to start...

Bird & Blend Tea:

Butter toffee popcorn.

Not too sure about this, but won't know until I try. Also I've noticed on the ingredients that it's another rooibos based tea. I know it's a caffeine-free tea calendar which restricts the options, but getting a bit over it. Sometimes it's the most dominant flavour in the tea which is not always great. Feel a bit deflated, but it was only a cheapy calendar.

Lots of lovely things for everyone. Thinking Harrods looks good this year. Also v. Jealous of the FM tea one - absolutely gorgeous!

Next 25 Days of Advent

Day 4 - Margaret Dabbs Fabulous Feet Foot Lotion

I have never heard of the brand but if it can help my dried up old hooves, I will be very pleased.

I didn't look at any of the contents before buying so every day is a surprise & it is a little treat to myself every morning that I am enjoying very much!

And it is lovely to have a nose at everyone else's 😀

2 full sizes lip balm type of products in Space Nk.

2 mini bodycare from Harvey Nicks. I will probably use them as travel hand soap & cream. Pardon the unglamorous comment but as dog owner I appreciate good hand exfoliating products

So far both advent calendars are great and nothing will go to waste

Asos - this works pillow spray. DD wanted to smell it so we sprayed DPs cushion he uses on the sofa, it seems quite nice. Not something I've used before but might be nice to use on holidays and work trips.

Bonne maman - strawberry and wild strawberry jam (yesterday was pear and cocoa nib, but it's been eaten so no photo!)

And Hermione

HM x OK
Clear brow gel today

Day 4 Jo Malone is a 50ml tube of Poppy & Barley Body & Hand Lotion. I'm not sure I'm going to like this one as I'm not that keen on florals. I might try to get into town to test it in our local store so I can sell it unopened if I don't like it.

I got a wild bluebell perfume in my Jo Malone today and a Halfeti perfume in Penhaligons, which is one of the very few fragrances I really don't like. My bedtime L'occitane was a tiny youth cream. V

Oh dear - reading back I think I may have opened the wrong Jo Malone drawer! 😆😆

I got this too and am really pleased with it! Last year in Vogue we got the Votary brightening serum and it was great. Will use it tonight! Is the rrp you found for 50ml or 30ml?

@Tangomango1 margaret dabbs foot lotion is the best foot lotion I’ve ever used! I’d be thrilled with that!

@MiaN oh you’ve had a good day! I wish I got the space nk one now, today looks amazing! I got the Oliverum scrub in a F&M calendar a few years back and found it very oily, to the extent it made the shower slippy, unsure if mine had just separated but a word of warning!

Halfeti as above (in all respects although I do find it mellows into something I like more) and some to-do notelets from Papier.

Day 4 of F&M for me:

An Aromatherapy Associates full size body oil, which I look forward to slathering on later tonight (crazy busy at work this week and I need to de-stress!)

Oh the body oil!!!! When I win the lottery I’m buying 10 different advent calendars as I am coveting everyone’s goodies!

I am impressed by Space NK, everything so far have been full size and today we got two full sizes. I have enjoyed the variety of the products too.

Happy with Havey Nics so far too, I particularly like the Trinny products and I was not expecting to like them. The face cream is very quick absorbing, perfect for morning and the eye shadow is lovely too.

@Isitfridayyetsophie
Thank you for that info 😀 I will be using it later tonight

I shall also be using it tonight. I do like the votary brand it normally smells so nice too.
The RRP is for the 30ml.

Day 4 from TreatBox is this Mint & Black Tea body balm. I've never used body balm before but I just tried it on my feet - it smells delicious and feels lovely.

I have the full size of that, it smells great, very lemony.

I genuinely love the 'this works' pillow spray. It's probably a placebo, but I find it helps so much. Really calming and soothing, especially after a hot bath with all your other AC goodies!

I rather love the fact that there’s still someone out there who hasn’t had a This Works pillow spray!

@Doubleraspberry ive never had a ThisWorks pillow spray nor Augustinus Bader ever!

Amazing!! Do you have 183 unused black eyeliners though?

@BakeOffRewatch amazed you’ve never had the pillow spray. I’ve lost track of how many I’ve got rid of (DH hates it!)

Degustabox was a bit disappointing today with a small box of rock sweets.

My homemade AC (from Selfridges beauty box) was much better with a Manicurist nail varnish.

Montgomery’s Cheddar in Paxton & Whitfield today - very satisfactory!

I like the pillow spray too, I’m always pleased if I get one.