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.

Indeed @OvaHere - I had thought it was black or brown! Unfortunately I can’t even get the top off to look at irl and, reading the reviews, this is a common problem with this product - too much force and it breaks.

I think I may just put it straight onto eBay - a shame as it’s the first full size product, (and I would have given virtually any other colour a whirl!)

Next 25 Days of Advent

I had a hectic day yesterday & didn't manage to post, so here are the boxes for Days 12 & 13 together

Day 12
NEOM Super Shower Power Body Cleanser

Day 13
NUXE Honey Lip Balm

I will use them both so I am very happy 😀

They are nice products @Tangomango1 - feeling a bit jealous over here 😹

I see what you mean about the jewellery sizes @psuedocream3 . Delicate jewellery is nice but for £700 you expect something a big weighty altogether. Especially with the size of the box.

Papier is another pen - three lovely heavyweight biros so far. One of the things I was hoping from was a good pen collection so it’s been great.

That is bright!

I was a young teen in the late 70's so do recall having an eye pencil similar to that. It's not a look I would be keen to go back to.

Do you have access to any small children who could use it for colouring? That's about all I think it would be suitable for.

😹@OchonAgusOchonOh - sadly no little ones here- mine are both adults, (though still living here for the foreseeable future!)

You have confirmed my worst fears - eBay it is😿

@BakeOffRewatch Yes, I agree, it's not alot of bang for your buck at full price. Funnily enough, I think when they put it on for 40% off that might have been an error, as it's back in stock not included in the sale enymore, but back up to £595.

@IlovePond I had to look up the colour to see how offensive the shade may be, but I was intrigued by the stock photos that you may indeed be in luck and not have to flog it after all...

Day 13 from TreatBox: two lovely notebooks. The banner at the top was holding them together but I took it off to look inside. Both with lined pages. Love the design of these!

@psuedocream3 I think @IlovePond will rock a blue eyebrow. 😂

I like the necklace in today's Liberty jewellery. I did think a lot of it looked like stuff I would like.

Thanks @psuedocream3 - that’s very kind of you. I hadn’t been able to find any pictures of it in use myself.

Not sure I could rock the blue brow look myself, but I guess I could give it a go along the eyeline.

I shall give it some thought- thanks again!

😹😹😹@OvaHere - tempted to give it a go and post a pic 😹

Also: Trying to imagine how it would go down at work😹😹😹😹

I’m suffering serious calendar envy here.

I never intended to end up with two same brand calendars but I picked up old Rituals at Bicester for £40 or so in February, (would have been rude to leave it 😹), and grabbed Shiseido in October, also from Bicester, with 30% off.

I fully expected to either crack and get M&S, (but I don’t rate it at all this year), and/or pick up a reduced one coming up to BF but there was nothing doing.

Thank goodness for DH’s refilled calendar that I am opening every other day, (although after a strong start, that has declined a bit 😹), and for living vicariously by seeing all your lovely hauls!

On a related note: I cannot believe they haven’t reduced Vogue!

@Tangomango1 another great day for you! I'm really impressed with the Next advent calendar. Going to put it on my list to watch out for next year

@IlovePond sorry about your kajal stick from Shiseido, at least it’s full size. Kajal sticks are wore versatile I think it could do a very interesting smudge ombré with brown or black on the lid

Thanks @BakeOffRewatch - the blue looks lovely in that pic.

The one on the left is gorgeous. Although I would look like I had a black eye if I attempted that.

😹😹😹me too!@OchonAgusOchonOh

I got an Emma Hardie facial oil in my Next luxury AC today.
Can't wait to try it. It smells divine!

Ooooh I love Emma Hardie!

The treatbox continues to be intriguing. Are they all good quality @paranoiaofpufflings ?

Completely agree that your degustaboxes have been disappointing- what a shame- although maybe the second half will be superb!

Ooo...my current facial oil is Emma Hardie. It smells divine.

Little disappointed with Harrods face spritz toner thing. Will give it a whirl when I've finished my current toner.

Has anyone tried the Apricot blush drops from yesterday? (I think it was yesterday). They looked a little orange to me...

Today's Rituals is the tiniest piece of soap. Not big enough to be considered a bar IMO.

Not very impressed as I do like and use the full size of this soap bar but honestly this isn't even travel sized. Free hotel soaps are larger than this. It's a bit miserly.

For size comparison I've included my loop ear bud case.

Rituals: Taking a leaf out of Shiseido’s book @OvaHere 🙀

Quite. I thought of you when I opened it!

😹@OvaHere

I still can’t believe that I got the only full size in Shiseido so far and I can’t use it 😿