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.

@HollyGolightly4
"The treatbox continues to be intriguing. Are they all good quality @paranoiaofpufflings ?"

Yes, all really good so far! I've been impressed. Of 13 gifts so far, I have given one away (keyring) because I didn't need it, and I'm regifting the mug, but the other 11 I am thrilled with and have used/will use.
Off to open 14 now 😊

Day 14 from TreatBox is a body cream - smells nice but will try it later.

15ml firming cream from Shiseido today and a body oil from old Rituals.

I’ve actually rebought the oil before, so pleased with that and looking forward to trying the firming cream.

DH went to a huge effort with today’s refilled door. I shall use it as a decoration.

Harrods Day 14 - Le Mer Lip Volumizer (RRP £72) as mentioned.

Interested to try but can't imagine, at over x2 the price, will amazing enough to knock Dior Maximizer off the HG slot.

So many nice things to try! Love seeing what people are getting.

Today's Rituals was a jar of shampoo/scalp scrub. Only really enough for one use. Wasn't that fussed about it so DS took it to try.

Happy Birthday @psuedocream3 🥳

Next (not the luxury one 😜)

Day 14

PIXI H2O Skin veil Loose Powder

It seems lovely but is too dark a shade for my pale skin which is such a shame!

I will try to re-gift

Harrods Day 15 - Byredo Mumbai Noise - 8ml. Nice size to test.

Set of 5 minatures this size on Byredo site is £150 so est RP value £30.

I have to be in the right mood for Oud and this is not an instant love but might grow on me. I always welcome perfume in a calendar whether I end up liking it or not, so a good day for me.

Day 15:

SpaceNK: Paula’s Choice Exfoliate 2% BHA Salicylic acid. An okay day.

Harrods: As @Stoic123 notes, a cute 8ml bottle of Byredo Mumbai Noise. Very happy to try this.

F&M tea: A green Christmas tea this time.

Day 15 for me:

Not entirely sure if this is blusher or lip tint! I've been a bit disappointed with any Charlotte Tilbury stuff I've had, despite wanting to like it.

Day 15 Jo Malone - Cypress & Grapevine Body & Hand Wash 50ml.

I didn't like this scent so won't even open this, it'll be passed on!

Full size First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream in ASOS, looks great, ASOS has been really good this year, I got it on offer for about £78, was well worth it.

I might try to save up for a Space NK next year!

M and S matching cowshed shower gel.

Fortnums - Gallivant perfume. Not tried this yet.

@HollyGolightly4 pretty sure it’s a blush. I do actually like some CT products - especially her eyeshadow quads and airbrush flawless finish powder.

I actually originally tried the setting powder by accident; had ordered something else from Cult Beauty and received the wrong order, containing the CT powder. I contacted them to return it - they were happy for me to keep it as well as sending what I had originally ordered. I gave it a try and was really impressed, and have since repurchased.

Vogue yesterday. Charlotte Tilbury lip blur in pillow talk. RRP £28
Today: beauty pro anti ageing device RRP £32

Brown Thomas - MAC Stack mascara yesterday and Elemis Pro Collagen Serum today, both great products.

Out of the products I have used, I think the overnight vit c cream and the Barbara Sturm sun drops are definitely in the lead. The sun drops leave no sticky residue and they don't make my skin feel tacky or clogged. Pleased I got it in the calendar!

I think it must be my skin! I just never get the wow factor from it that others do. It's just an ok face cream, not even particularly rich (but my skin is pretty dry to be fair!). I so want to love it because of the price tag!

My day 15:

Cult Beauty (non-scent version):

Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser 30ml

Cult Beauty Anti-Drip Wrist Bands x 2

Really happy with the cleanser, love the Elemis Marine range (think there was a full size cream in the Harrods ac one year?). Have never tried this but excited to see what it's like.

Bit bemused by the arm cuffs though?! Wondering if it's a trendy new thing that's passed me by, or just something everyone has always used that I didn't know about? Either is perfectly plausible!

Bird and Blend Tea:

Mulled Cider - Winter warning sweet spiced apple.

Like the sound of this and it smells nice. Might save it for this afternoon. I went back and finished off the Strawberry Lemonade tea from Day 12 this morning which was really lovely.

Next 25 Days of Advent

Day 15

NAILS INC High Definition Nail Glitter

Which is lovely for Xmas but I have biab nails already done so won't be using it. Will give to my DD when she arrives

@ConradKnightSocks the wrist cuffs are to wear while washing your face at the sink , to stop water going down and soaking your cuffs !

@BlueLimeRun I tried the Gallivant (so you don’t have to😁). If you’re not a fan of “unisex” scents (can you tell I’m not?) don’t bother!

Oh I wish I’d read this earlier - agree. Not keen at all!

Ah, of course, makes sense! Obvious really! 🤦‍♀️

@Tangomango1 that nail varnish is 🤩

Oh Stoic that looks like a good reveal today! You'll have to let us know what you think. I've seen this one come up alot for recommendations.

Today's liberty is Martha Calvo chain, we have a chunky item! We'll not as chunky as they get but a god contrast to the dwlicate chains.

CT is a mini lipstick in the brightest red shade I've ever seen Hollywood Vixen.