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M&S beauty advent calendar unboxing!

509 replies

LivingDeadGirlUK · 01/12/2024 07:21

Excited for this year as I didn't get one last year. Shall we say no spoilers before 7am?

[Post edited by MNHQ at OP's request]

OP posts:
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7
ThePoshUns · 23/12/2024 09:34

@LivingDeadGirlUK I didn't notice there was a 25, it better be bloody good!

Movinghouseatlast · 23/12/2024 10:07

I also laughed when I saw this. It's a product I really like but it's very small after all the duds we've had.

I didn't need this calendar, it really was a treat and unfortunately it hasn't felt like a treat at all! I won't be buying it again. I've had iit n the past and it's always been much better. It feels like they handed over the curating of it to someone on a YTS scheme!

CagneyNYPD1 · 23/12/2024 10:29

Saturdayrabbit42 · 22/12/2024 14:36

So so poorly curated…FAR too many creams…I will just be slippy at the end of it 😂…too many repeats (body cream/hair cream…pointless things (leg spray, I’m looking at you)…no make up other than a black eyeliner…this is my last year of M&S I’m afraid! The team responsible for this years calendar in my opinion have done a really poor job!

I agree with this. M&S have one of the most loyal customer bases on the high street. The team behind this advent calendar (and last summer's beauty bag) need to take note. Small sample sizes of your own products is taking the customer for granted IMO.

CagneyNYPD1 · 23/12/2024 10:32

dibly · 21/12/2024 10:53

Hard to get excited by another cleanser. This is my last M&S advent calendar, I’ve been loyal for years but the offering this year just hasn’t quite hit. A bit more make up would have been great for me, as it is I’m jealous of my daughter’s £15 Amazon beauty advent calendar

My teenage dd got the PLT one this year and it's been really good. Good balance between hair, make up, accessories, make up tools etc.

TENSsion · 23/12/2024 11:21

How lovely. Today we got a sample.

Novaavon · 23/12/2024 13:01

I always read the M&S advent calendar threads but rarely comment as it always feels like there is a lot of moaning! However this year I feel the same. I normally enjoy the calendar but way too many hair products this year. And not enough make up. I know it's going to be from brands sold at M&S but it feels really samey this year.

cheesychipsontheoche · 23/12/2024 13:07

I like today's. It's a really good cream and this is the same size as when I last got it (which would either have been in an advent or beauty bag)

Price point wise, I think h&b has beat M&S this year. The eBay this is beauty charity calendar has also been very good at a similar price point to M&S.
We have also had Sephora which had been incredible but is also 4 times the price of M&S so expected it to be.

midnightowl · 23/12/2024 14:28

I have used Formula Face Creams before and liked them so I am happy with this night cream. Just hope it does what it claims:

"Our Ultimate Sleep Cream is like eight hours of sleep in a jar. It’s formulated to work in harmony with your body's natural circadian rhythm to tackle dryness, dullness and deep wrinkles overnight. Ingredients include Olea Vitae™, a plant-based oil to support your skin cells, plus Matrixyl 3000®, a powerful peptide blend that helps to smooth wrinkles and improve tone and elasticity. You'll also find marula oil for its skin-maintaining fatty acids, and antioxidant niacinamide which is known for its anti-ageing properties. From your first use, wake up to skin that feels nourished and rejuvenated, with visibly improved smoothness."

marmiteloversunite · 23/12/2024 17:57

Has anyone kept a running total? I can't see where the £300 worth of stuff is? Very disappointed.

BlueLimeRun · 23/12/2024 18:04

I think it’s not been as good as previous years, I keep telling myself it’s only £2 a box but there have been too many rubbish drawers.

LivingDeadGirlUK · 23/12/2024 18:48

marmiteloversunite · 23/12/2024 17:57

Has anyone kept a running total? I can't see where the £300 worth of stuff is? Very disappointed.

I was but got busy, will tot it up at the end!

OP posts:
TENSsion · 24/12/2024 07:52

Today’s has been the highlight for me (excusing the small size). I love this hand cream and will be buying the bigger version for my bedside table so this is a handy handbag size.
All the family go to the panto on Christmas Eve and currently giving myself a bit of a pamper session using the advent calendar products.
I’ve washed my hair with the Wow shampoo and conditioner, used the ren cleanser, the cow shed shower gel, the EH face mask, the cow shed body cream, the blow dry cream, painted my toes and finger nails with the polish.

I’m feeling a bit more positive about the calendar now.

ThePoshUns · 24/12/2024 08:02

That sounds lovely @TENSsion .
I am always glad of a l' occitaine haamdcream, always have a few on the go. Full size would have been nicer!
I had a look at the Harrods advent thread, I think I'll either splash out next year or go back to H&B. Will probably skip on the summer beauty bag too, all been too samey.

GingerPanda · 24/12/2024 08:16

Lovely hand cream, much needed at this time of year! It can live in my work bag

mrsnjw · 24/12/2024 08:18

Love this hand cream. A winner! I've also opened tomorrows as I don't think I'll remember. The 5 hair styling cream is really good. My hair defo feels thicker. Like the ren face wash. All in all it's been ok but it's my first one.

Disturbia81 · 24/12/2024 10:03

Novaavon · 23/12/2024 13:01

I always read the M&S advent calendar threads but rarely comment as it always feels like there is a lot of moaning! However this year I feel the same. I normally enjoy the calendar but way too many hair products this year. And not enough make up. I know it's going to be from brands sold at M&S but it feels really samey this year.

Definitely not enough makeup, and they definitely sell plenty of makeup.

Hawkerslife · 24/12/2024 10:11

Highlight for me has been the Ren face wash followed by the clinique balm, the nail varnishes and the sleep body cream.

GlomOfNit · 24/12/2024 10:32

I've just given up on this year's! It's very much Not Me, but I even opened both today's and tomorrow's just now, stupidly to avoid any Christmas Morning disappointment! I'm sure most people will love what tomorrow brings btw (it's not for me sadly as something I just never use). Today's is the obligatory L'Occitaine hand cream and yes, it IS good - but I hate the new packaging. The one from last year that I still have in my handbag has a screw-on cap, this is all of a piece with the tube with a flip-up cap, feels cheap and I know the hinge will quickly break. More than that, the flipping flip-up lid WILL flip-up in my bag all the time!

Bait and Switch. I know it's been said before about this year's and I won't be fooled again! Like others, I'm wondering where the lipstick is? I know nudes and neutrals aren't everyone's best favourite, but I have really loved the two from the last two years - in fact, I'm even still using last year's mini Clinique and intend to get that shade in the regular size. I loved it. Unless I've forgotten something, all we've had is the tinted Dr Pawpaw (does Dr Pawpaw always smell rancid greasy to you? it does to me!) which went straight to a teenage girl I know, along with the nail varnishes and both perfumes.

Maybe I'm just being Ms Scrooge this year. I've been pretty depressed recently and we've had lots of house stuff going on, as well as various issues with both our sons, and I've found it so hard to get into anything approaching Christmas spirit this year. Previous years, a little treat to open every morning cheered me up, but this year I've looked at every new thing and thought 'meh. I won't use it' (perhaps I've just tired of the novelty of beauty calendars?).

So - sorry to be a downer! I do hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and enjoys the clearly high quality item tomorrow! Smile

Hawkerslife · 24/12/2024 11:35

GlomOfNit · 24/12/2024 10:32

I've just given up on this year's! It's very much Not Me, but I even opened both today's and tomorrow's just now, stupidly to avoid any Christmas Morning disappointment! I'm sure most people will love what tomorrow brings btw (it's not for me sadly as something I just never use). Today's is the obligatory L'Occitaine hand cream and yes, it IS good - but I hate the new packaging. The one from last year that I still have in my handbag has a screw-on cap, this is all of a piece with the tube with a flip-up cap, feels cheap and I know the hinge will quickly break. More than that, the flipping flip-up lid WILL flip-up in my bag all the time!

Bait and Switch. I know it's been said before about this year's and I won't be fooled again! Like others, I'm wondering where the lipstick is? I know nudes and neutrals aren't everyone's best favourite, but I have really loved the two from the last two years - in fact, I'm even still using last year's mini Clinique and intend to get that shade in the regular size. I loved it. Unless I've forgotten something, all we've had is the tinted Dr Pawpaw (does Dr Pawpaw always smell rancid greasy to you? it does to me!) which went straight to a teenage girl I know, along with the nail varnishes and both perfumes.

Maybe I'm just being Ms Scrooge this year. I've been pretty depressed recently and we've had lots of house stuff going on, as well as various issues with both our sons, and I've found it so hard to get into anything approaching Christmas spirit this year. Previous years, a little treat to open every morning cheered me up, but this year I've looked at every new thing and thought 'meh. I won't use it' (perhaps I've just tired of the novelty of beauty calendars?).

So - sorry to be a downer! I do hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and enjoys the clearly high quality item tomorrow! Smile

The cap on my handcream snapped off as soon as I opened it this morning!

Bitchillywillytoday · 24/12/2024 11:40

I like todays handcream, but it feels a bit cheap in the plastic container rather than the foil (or has it been changed?).

I had forgotten how its supposed to be worth £300.......Mmmmm??????

Bitchillywillytoday · 24/12/2024 11:43

Also to add, wish all you ladies a Merry Christmas and hope everyone has the time they want too and enjoy.

Its been lovely to be part of this years M&S opening, but will be my last.....but will choose another brand for next year so hopefully will join in with others for that.

Take care all

bigTillyMint · 24/12/2024 12:05

Although I think my H&B calendar has probably been better, I am happy with most of the stuff from this one. I didn’t want makeup as I have enough and I’m not really a lipstick person. The black eyeliner was probably the worst thing in the calendar for me 🤣

Sunflower101 · 24/12/2024 12:39

This has been the first year I’ve had a beauty advent calendar and it’s been a lovely part of my early morning before work to open a little box and get a bit excited about what’s inside. It’s been a countdown for me as a I’ve finished my job at school last Friday as well.
There have been a few good boxes and a few duds, I’ve nearly used up the clearings face balm and used up the wow shampoo and conditioner, they were all good. The duds have definitely been the leg spray and the eye liner.
ive enjoyed reading your comments too.
I’ve just opened up tomorrow’s box as I’m going away, my teenage daughter immediately wanted it but I’m having it! No spollers!
Happy Christmas to all

bigTillyMint · 24/12/2024 12:54

BTW, the pale Nails Inc polish that I put on my fingernails on Friday is still in pretty good condition, which is a Christmas miracle for me!

teacoffeeorpassthegin · 24/12/2024 14:06

bigTillyMint · 24/12/2024 12:54

BTW, the pale Nails Inc polish that I put on my fingernails on Friday is still in pretty good condition, which is a Christmas miracle for me!

I've got awful nails at the moment as they were ruined by gels and it's a good colour on my stumps! Doesn't make them look too bad!!