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.

@IlovePond Big box, small item feels like they're trying to pull a fast one on you. Hopefully the rest with be boxes so full you struggle to get the items out 😁

Lipstick today

We can dream @OchonAgusOchonOh

Ooooh Christmas party esque @fivebyfivebuffy

Thanks @ilovepond I also have a free mascara. I hadn't realised Boots were doing an online advent.

Day 7 on TreatBox - a hanging reindeer decoration. I love it!

That is so cute @paranoiaofpufflings

That’s adorable @paranoiaofpufflings

Glad you got one @Cyclingmummy1!

Love the reindeer 😊

Oh I really think I need treat box next year. I’m loving yours up to now @paranoiaofpufflings

@paranoiaofpufflings I've already popped treatbox on a list for next year. I think it would be great as our family calendar. I'm enjoying your posts.

I have just used my 111 skin face mask from my Harrods calendar and my skin now has a lovely glow 🙂

Thank you. I'm not sure how we are supposed to charge it if we don't have a charger.

And you can give her all your treats from your ACs

@Ems235 I’ve just googled and a hit from cult beauty website:

”Wet LUNA play smart 2 and move around your face in gentle circular motions. Press and hold the universal button to turn off the device. Rinse and pat your face dry. Note: This product is non-rechargeable, and will last around 600 uses.

https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk › for...
FOREO Luna Play Smart 2 (Various Shades) - Cult Beauty”

@Pickled21 I’ll keep you posted!

Loving seeing in everyone’s calendars. Is anyone feeling underwhelmed at all? The consensus on the M&S AC thread is that this year the M&S one been a bit samey and duplicates of last year/their summer kit. I think everyone’s here looks pretty good!!!

I’m not really impressed by Shiseido tbh @Isitfridayyetsophie but because of its size, not the contents. It’s my own fault though, because I bought it in person and saw the size of the items beforehand.

Old Rituals is fine for what I paid for it - about £40 at Bicester, but not very exciting as I have had Rituals a few times before.

I think the main issue is I am missing having a multi brand calendar.

One of the reasons I didn’t buy Sephora or SpaceNK is that I know myself well enough that I was expecting to buy one, maybe even two reduced calendars around BF or after 1/12. Except there weren’t any 🙀Or at least, none of the few I did see appealed!

The one I am liking best is DH’s refilled 12 day, which I am opening every other day. He quite surprised me with the baubles today. I just cannot imagine him buying them, (but he must have 😹)

I think the main issue is I am missing having a multi brand calendar.

I agree @IlovePond my Rituals is okay, I bought it because I like Rituals but at the moment it's lacking excitement. I wish I'd got SpaceNK or Cult Beauty.

In it's defence it does look very pretty when lit up.

@IlovePond - I had the same thoughts last year when I had the By Terry calendar, hence going for Harrods this year.

@IlovePond @OvaHere I agree that the single brand are quite boring. I think they are fine as an extra but not as a main calendar.

I agree with you all - it’s exactly that - just a bit samey.

The Shiseido box is lovely and my old Rituals a/c tree is pretty. @OvaHere, I love this year’s village scene. I had s village version a while ago and reused it as a decoration the following year, before having a clear out. I wish I’d kept it.

I think the threads where a lot of people have the same add to the excitement too. You seem to be the only other person unboxing Rituals and it's not the same calendar. 😁A lot of the fun is discussing the products with others trying them out.

That’s something I hadn’t thought of @OvaHere - I think you’re right - my Rituals isn’t even this year’s!

I think a few people from the other thread bought Shiseido but no one is mentioning it on here!

On a semi-related note:

DDog is loving his a/c. He gets so excited when he sees the box come out. I’m actually quite impressed by his restraint, as we’ve been leaving it ‘in reach’ on the kitchen table but he hasn’t been helping himself when we’re not looking!

Very restrained of ddog @IlovePond Neither of mine would manage that.

Maybe our DDog is becoming more responsible now he’s had his 3rd birthday@OchonAgusOchonOh 😹

But I doubt it😹

Mine are 13 and 14 and still no sign of becoming more responsible @IlovePond . The only thing that would stop them is not being as sprightly as they once were