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.

F&M Tea & Biscuits is on my list for next year.

I'm with rest of the Harrods gang on the disappointment with today's sheet mask. I have used this one before and not sure I noticed any difference afterwards. Onwards and upwards!

J L candles day 3 - fairy dust. Smells like baby powder.

The Next one sounds really good.

Lumene was eye lash serum, am looking forward to trying this and the pork scratching a were maple flavoured today.
Think someone else has posted Bonne Maman was pineapple and passion fruit jam.

So, a question for Harrods openers (or any beauty folks familiar with the products)...

I have my Christmas do on Saturday. Do I use the Valmont Renewing Pack mask or today's sheet mask to have the best skin?!

On reading up on the sheet mask, it seems people rate using it before a special event as it gives you a good glow. The single sheet mask retails for £20!

Here is the info on the sheet mask: 111skin.com/products/rose-gold-mask-single-fragrance-free-2022-version

A quite disappointing day on the calendar front here: Pleased with old Rituals - it’s a mini Sleep shower gel. I got excited when I saw Shiseido’s door was a big box - opened it to find a tiny eyelash serum inside!

I have read that eyelash serums cause ingrown eyelash hairs - not something I would wish on myself. Has anyone got experience of using them?

Today’s door of the calendar DH has refilled with stuff I pre-bought in beauty boxes but didn’t look at, was a tiny body sculpting cream.

I am really disappointed with the Shiseido sizes. However, on the plus side, at least it will all be a couple of uses, then gone, so I won’t be adding to my horde/hoard😹

Sorry, the link takes you to the 111 skin site rather than directly to the product. It has very good reviews

Boots : Ren Overnight Recovery Balm. Good as I need a new night cream
Harrods fragrance: Haven't unsealed yet. Aqua de Palma Oud & Zagara

Fragrantica says: 'Top notes are Lemon and Nutmeg; middle notes are Orange Blossom, Agarwood (Oud), Saffron and Ylang-Ylang; base notes are Suede, Labdanum, Musk, Ambergris and Vetiver'

Reviews say it's not too oud'ie which is good as I find it a bit overwhelming sometimes. Love a nice Lemony scent as well.

Oh amazing! Thank you. You're right, it does get rave reviews. Will defo use it on Saturday then

I love a sheet mask! I had this one in an edit and it was gorgeous 😍

That’s good to know, Cyclingmummy1. I will give it a try before I go out on Saturday evening. 🙂

@Fedupandstressed ooh I would be very happy with that fragrance, lucky you.

My DD has the boots calendar, she’s only 13, do you think that Ren cream will be too much for her skin?

Paxton & Whitfield today was a soft Swiss cheese called Fette Berta. Very nice but very rich, it’s the first one we haven’t finished on the day.

@Doubleraspberry , what a pain you’re missing the cards for some - the list doesn’t seem to be online so it would be annoying not to know.

I’m very pleased with the 111 sheet mask. I love them and the effect that they have on my skin.

Your cheese descriptions have inspired me to look at the Paxton & Whitfield website @CordeliaNaismithVorkosigan They have some very attractive hampers, I must say. I may send one to SIL and BIL: they run a pub, so I don’t want to send them one with alcohol in it (coals to Newcastle).

My teen DD uses eyelash serums on her hairline baby hairs instead and is happy with the results.

Thanks @LivinInYourBigGlassHouseWithAView - I don’t think I would be happy putting it on my eyelashes. Having said that, it’s such a tiny item that there’s probably only enough to do both eyes once!

Interesting to read all the different views on the sheet mask. Gives me some sympathy for how challenging curating these calendars must be.

@OchonAgusOchonOh glad you finally got an appropriate response from Gruum.

Yes I think it was in Liberty AC a couple of years ago? Anyway I’ve used it and it honestly made my skin feel amazing!

Cath Kidston was strawberry lip balm today

Full sized Decree cleanser in the Harrods advent today. It seems this retails for £47 so an expensive cleanser

Ciate blusher today, very pretty colour

On my delivery front - still radio silence from Boots - I am annoyed, especially as I will have to return the gift anyway as DS bought himself the exact same thing from Amazon with a 24 hour delivery turnaround 😾