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.

Helps to add a photo 🙄

Hi, today’s old Rituals was a tiny shampoo - handy for an overnight stay, I suppose. Shiseido was a 15ml sleeping mask. I am never sure what you are supposed to do with ‘sleep masks’. Do you just slap a really thick layer on and leave without rubbing in? That wouldn’t work for me🙀

Oooh lovely @psuedocream3

I just use sleep masks like normal night cream @IlovePond - put on at night and rub in. I don't know is that's correct mind 🤣

Thanks @HollyGolightly4 - that’s what I will do too.

Day 15 Boots unlimited: Iconic London Sheer Blush. One I'll try! Opening late today after a family get together.

Another identical looking white bottle from Grüum. Today's one is a tan extending moisturiser. I suspect dd will be looking for this one too.

Today's Lookfantastic was a double drawer of Peter Thomas Roth gel face masks. I quite like a face mask so am happy to try.

Cotswold blue Brie in Paxton & Whitfield today. Bit underripe which is a theme of the soft cheeses in this calendar.

@OchonAgusOchonOh how are you finding the Gruum AC? I think it's pretty dull, think it's the repetitive packaging and the only thing I've used yet is the hand cream!

@Ilikeyoursleeves I think there is a really good selection of items in it but the fact they all look identical makes it seem very boring. Maybe if I was using things as I got them I might feel differently but all I've used is a wax melt. That does smell nice.

Day 15 from TreatBox is this, two little pin badges with a cute message. They are very sweet, but a bit young for me. I think I will gift them to the same person getting my mug from a few days ago.

Day 16 from Harrods is a full sized Murad retinol night cream. Very happy with that. 😃

Morning all.

Harrods Day 16 - Murad Youth Renewal Night Cream - 50ml (RRP £85).

According to Murad: This advanced formula has been built on the signature Retinol Tri-Active Technology ...that helps smooth lines and deep wrinkles, even the skin tone and boost radiance. For maximum and fast efficacy while being gentle on skin. ...enriched with Niacinamide and Dipeptide to strengthen skin’s protective barrier and firm the skin.

Good brand and good size. I've only had the Murad eye cream before and I can't remember if it made a difference. I am happy to try this but not sure yet where I will fit in alongside rest of routine.

Good day with the Murad! I've liked everything of theirs I've tried.

Day 16 Boots unlimited: Huda Beauty Lip Blush in Rosy Kiss. Very happy as I like Huda lip colours a lot.

PS does anyone use 'lip and cheek' products on both? I never have. Doesn't bother me this time as I really like this one as a lip product.

Literally never! If it works on my cheeks it's not going to look good as a lip colour and vice versa!

Degustabox was better yesterday - big bottle of Leon ketchup. This is the kind of stuff I like in Degustabox, fancier versios of everyday products
Today's was Hilltop Blossom Honey. Not bad!

Penhaligons small bottle of Juniper. New to me, I like it.

We’re keeping all the softs out of the fridge once opened. Some will make it through to Christmas.

Morning! ASOS today is an eye shadow palette. It's by Revolution, which I don't know as a brand. 12 colours, some sparkly some matte.

It's a good size but I'm an Urban Decay die-hard so might not use this. Into the stocking box it goes!!

Forgot the picture!

I dithered for ages about whether to get the Liberty or Harrods calendar and chose Liberty in the end, but I really do wish I'd chosen Harrods from what I've seen on this thread!

Today's look fantastic offering was 2 powder puffs. Not particularly exciting however they will get used.
@TragicMuse I think the palette has quite wearable shades but I I'm going to put this one into a hamper I'm making for my mum as I have quite a few eyeshadow palettes now.

Cuticle oil today from Grüum. Not something I use that often but looking at the state of my cuticles, I really should 😁

Day 16 Jo Malone - Lime, Basil & Mandarin cologne.

I was disappointed at first as I remember disliking this (I found the basil over-powering and I don't want to smell like salad) but I tested it and either my tastes or my nose have changed as I now find it very limey and very pleasant.

That's my favourite Jo Malone perfume @SwordBilledHummingbird