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.

@Stowickthevast that is pretty. And you get biscuits. The one I have is all 25g pots of loose leaf tea - more of a faff to make, but at least you get quite a lot of cups out of each one.

LiB day 2. UK Lash Serum. I like this and will certainly use it.

I only use loose tea. I usually make a pot but I also have a spring loaded double sided perforated spoon that is much simpler than the little perforated pods as you just scoop it in like you would with a spoon and it's no bother to empty, unlike the pods where a few lanes always get stuck. .

I probably haven't described that very well but it's great 😀

ASOS today was a melon scented primer, a tad underwhelming but I dabbed a bit on and it did have a lovely scent which was nice. I hope it works with my foundation (I use dcypher drops and I'm finding it a bit of a pain to find compatible stuff)

Bonne maman was hazelnut and chocolate spread

DD has a Harry Potter one and got Harry today. (yesterday was invisible Harry) she's delighted, she loves playing with little people / creatures.

I also have the ASOS melon primer, I was underwhelmed, but if you say it smells nice @GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut I'll give a whirl!

I'd never heard of it so had a quick Google, it's on Amazon for £3.99! Loving the MAC lipstick from yesterday though!

I got a peony and blush suede mini candle in Jo Malone this morning and a Quercus soap in Penhaligons. I'm happy with both. I never used to appreciate candles but I started using some of my hoard that I'd built up recently and have decided that I like them 😆. I got an almond shower gel in my L'occitane calendar thst I opened at bedtime.

Ah, great to know! I'm so pleased - my poor lips have been in need of something decent. I like the tint too, it's subtle and 'grown up' (although I still find myself licking my lips to see what it tastes of! 😂)

I haven't opened Rituals today. Waiting for DS to get home later so we can do them together.

Quercus soap has gone into my jumper drawer to fragrance it!

Papier is a little gadget to hold a pen to a notebook. Glossybox is a tinted lip gloss.

Agree grown up! I’ve asked Father Christmas for the red colour in the range. Totally with you about licking them, that habit started with Lipsmackers lip balms when I was younger, never outgrown it 🤣

This was my day 1 item in my Boots calendar so feeling good about that now! Makes up for today's bronzer disappointment 😀

@JustWhatIAlwaysWanted oh I’ve just scrolled back, it was! I am a fan of these products so I know I’ll use it. I’d be chuffed with the nars bronzer. I used laguna for ages before I switched the Chanel cream one (and now I’m using no7’s “dupe”) I genuinely have used it on my legs 🤣 and my collar bone etc. might be okay for summer if you’re not usually a big bronzer person? Must admit the boots advent calendar wasn’t really on my radar but I’ve just had a quick google and it looks really good!

My fake Vogue was The White Company Winter candle which is my all time favourite candle- delighted with that!

I have got the Next 25 days of Beauty Advent this year!

I have had the M&S one for the last 5 yrs or so and having read the reviews this year, I decided I could do without another black eyeliner or red nail varnish! I am feeling left out though as I miss the M&S opening thread each day.

AND I have just noticed my Next calendar has been reduced from £90 to £80 so I am already feeling seen off 😡

Day 1 - Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Moisture Essence (used yesterday & it's lovely)

Day 2 - Pure Wonder Fine Fragrance Mist Perfume & it is really nice!

So far, so pleased!

Any other Next calendar openers out there?

Number 2 from TreatBox is a lovely box of 3 sheet masks. Cranberry and Apple, probiotic repair, with vitamin C. Very pleased with this one - my skin is going to get a treat later tonight!

Got a nice perfume in my Nuxe one today, DD got the shower gel to match yesterday's perfume in hers.
DS2 has hotel chocolat and got a champagne truffle which he did not appreciate!

I really like it. I have quite sensitive skin and it works well for me.

Ooh that’s a really nice packaging box

How much was Treatbox @paranoiaofpufflings ?

@Tangomango1
I have the other Next AC and have had an Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel and Iconic roll-on hilighter.
Super pleased with the Elemis 🙂

The elemis rose was one of my fave things in last year's calendar!

I'd like to know how much treat box was too, I'm enjoying that one!

I also love this candle. I had one from my brother 2 years ago and one as part of the gift from my class last year. My brother bought me fir tree which I don't like as much but it's his wife's favourite.

I've got a question

I find it hard to find the price of all the different advent calendars. I've come across magazine articles that list a few but not many. How do you compare and contrast?

I've got M&S (again) this so not the most luxurious or expensive but I'd like to branch out one year. Is it just a case of having to go to all the shop websites at the right moment?

PS although the M&S box/velvet vanity case is appealing, like last year it's going to collapse in on itself with nothing to strengthen the sides isn't it? Presumably it's cost effective but it looks a bit rubbish after.

I use the advent calendar thread to compare and contrast 🤣 some bright sparks have spreadsheets and everything. It's been such a joy for the last two years - it feels like it's something totally for me!

I use the advent calendar thread to compare and contrast 🤣 some bright sparks have spreadsheets and everything. It's been such a joy for the last two years - it feels like it's something totally for me!