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.

Harrods Day 6 - happy with the Decree cleanser. Like the fact that it specifies morning use. Not tried this brand and looking forward to it. Good size.

From Cult Beauty: "The perfect morning cleanser, this lightweight foaming formula gently removes overnight build up and excess oil, leaving the skin soft, plump and radiant".

Fake Vogue was a current body skin hydrogel face mask. I quite enjoy a sheet mask, so I'll be using that tonight after a lovely, relaxing bath.

Day 6 Boots unlimited: Patchology Serve Chilled Rose Eye Gels. Not a bumper day but I can use them 😄

I’m very impressed by the Boots calendars and will be keeping a closer eye next year on them

@Georgieporgie29 your DD might find it too heavy but maybe she could use it on cold days if she feels her skin got too dry or if she ever has temporary issues with dryness or irritation. Or use it as a lip balm on cold days?
The product looks inoffensive enough to me and should be OK for a 13 years old.
She should be careful and actually avoid anything with glycolic acid at her age. Skip hyaluronic acid products as well because they would be pointless for her.
I know is as far from cool as possible, but Clarins do a lovely range of skincare aimed at very young skin. I would trust those products.

Thank you so much for your response. I will tell her and definitely avoid the things you’ve mentioned. Using it on dry skin and dry lips sounds perfect for her, thank you.

Jo Malone - Pear and Fressia Cologne

Bare Minerals - Maximist Mascara - just in time for my works do tonight.

Dermalogica - daily microfoliant. Looking forward to trying this.

Day 6:

SpaceNK: Chantecaille Cheek Gelee in shade Vibrant - full size. And a small Rodial glass highlighter. Not sure I’ll use the highlighter but pleased with the Chantrcaille, although the shade is quite er, vibrant.

Harrods: As others have said, full size Decree cleanser. Much better from Harrods today.

F&M tea: Ceylon Orange Pekoe. Looking forward to trying this.

Next 25 days of Advent

Day 6

I am not sure if I am supposed to get 2 items in 1 box but I have
Patchology Rejuvenating Eye Gels
And a Yankee candle - Coconut Beach

😀

Degustabox - box of Ryvita thins (so Christmassy 😊)
Selfridges beauty box - Champo leave in hair cream

Today’s Vogue:
https://www.loopcashmere.co.uk/products/cashmere-sock-in-ballet-pink?variant=43104250757335&country=GB&currency=GBP&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAABxwSBkkCMukJa2rroF7gAGKaGVaK

very pleased with that, I’ve slipped them on and they’re so soft! Just realised I’ve linked pink, but they’re in a sort of warm white!

@Isitfridayyetsophie those socks look lovely. The cashmere socks were one of my favourite things from last year’s Vogue calendar.

Day 6:

Cult Beauty:

Hurray! 3 things in today's box! They all look good to me, even if small sized. Think I've had the Dennis Gross wipes in an advent calendar previously and enjoyed them. Looking forward to trying the other two products too:

LANEIGE Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser 15ml

Kate Somerville 'ExfoliKate' intensive exfoliating treatment 15ml

Bird & Blend Tea:

Rooibos Breakfast Cuppa 'Caffeine-free breakfast brew'. Ugh. Rooibos AGAIN. 😫

Candle from Harvey's and full size chantecaille blush, half size highlighter from SpaceNK. Very happy with both but SpaceNK is taking firm lead

I love those Ryvita thins! Big fan of anything rosemary flavour and those are one of my faves.
Looks like it's been an eye patch day as we got one (well, a pair!) in the JL calendar. I'm more chuffed with the crackers tbh.

Day 6 and it's a Sol de janeiro product. I have the cheirosa 59 perfume mist. I've had a spray and definitely notes of vanilla, it's stronger than I expected. I'm happy with today's offering as I've not tried any of this brand. I have some Sol de janeiro products in the other advent calendars I have purchased too.

My dd1 has the accesorize advent calendar and has a very cute pair of clip on earrings today. It's a great advent calendar for the price, dd1 is 8 and has so far had a hair clip, two bracelets, necklace, ring and the earrings. It's been sweet to see her excited every morning and also a great way to get her out of bed for school.

I must have missed your boots post. Have they lost an order?

That's so frustrating. I hope they sort it soon.

Hi @OchonAgusOchonOh - yes, my Boots order seems to have disappeared into the ether. It was 2 x electric toothbrushes, (a cross-purchase with younger adult DS who was proudly waving the identical one at me the other day🙀)

SpaceNK is apparently coming at some point and Deans tomorrow.

I think that’s all I am waiting for, (oh and Amazon have promised to resend DSM’s Xmas gift that was delivered to the bin, so we’ll see if that happens!)

Asos this morning is a plumping lip loss from Iconic in Nearly Nude, but it's quite orange. It makes me look a bit washed out I think. I'll try it again with a full face but I'm not loving it atm.

DD got Crookshanks

And yet again DP left early and forgot to open the bonne maman!

@GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut I thought the same about the lip gloss but dd has already claimed it so not a complete loss

Day 6 vogue. As above the cashmere socks. Think they retail for £70. I haven't tried them yet but they feel so soft and lovely!

I may drop them a line as it does take some of the purpose out of it. It came with a 'spoiler' QR code which I assume has a list on it but we don't want to see everything. The second tranche is being delivered today so hopefully we'll be back on track with those.

Penhaligons was the Elizabethan Rose perfume, which I like, but a bit weird to be the day after a different rose scent. Papier is a little double photo frame.

I'm happy with my Jo Malone pear and fresia cologne, and a little bottle of English Rose fragrance in Penhaligon's. I got a bath fizz in L'occitane when I opened it at bedtime. Everything from L'occitane has been nice so far but the sizes are tiny. I bought it for half price ages ago but even at that price, I don't think it's good value for money so far.

I have H&B and was surprised with Neal’s Yard by my H.

Some lovely products so far but I am surprised by the small sizes in the NY AC. Things like a hand cream or toner, I’d hope for the price to get a large/full size. It is early days though and I am enjoying both.

@Pickled21 - that SdJ smell is my comfort blanket. I spray it on after an evening bath/shower when I'm feeling sorry for myself.

@ConradKnightSocks - if you've not used it before, that Exfolikate stuff is brilliant but strong. Don't be tempted to leave on longer. You will glow the next day!

Loving the updates from everyone.