General “Waifs and Strays” Beauty Advent Calendar opening thread 2024 - Part 2.

[AprilLady]

New thread as we enter the final week before Christmas.

Previous thread is here:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5220847-general-waifs-and-strays-beauty-advent-calendar-opening-thread-2024?page=1

This is a continuation of the 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).

As usual, 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.

H&B: Ethique trio of bars (body wash, polish and deodorant).
NY: a tiny face wash.

Asos today is a 30ml aveeno oat serum.

On the subject of hand cream - yes, that's a bit of a calendar staple that is missing. I've been using the first aid beauty moisturiser as hand cream and it's quite nice. I don't really do body moisturisers though, they usually make me itch.

Day 22 from TreatBox is Bloom & Blossom wonder worker balm. I'm not sure I will use this if I'm honest. They gave another bloom & blossom body cream a week ago, which, although smelled nice, the smell lingered on me and I don't like that in a product. I'm quite sensitive to perfumed cosmetics.

Grüum is a serum. Looking forward to trying it.

It apparently has the highest concentration of vit c in the world.

Day 22 Boots unlimited: Ltd Allnighter long lasting setting spray. Handbag sized bottle! I will give it a try. Need to review what I cart around with me for use on the go.

Day 22 Jo Malone - Peony & Blush Suede Body Creme 50ml.

Not a scent I like so this will be getting passed on.

M and s was a hair product that I’ll give to DD.

Fortnums is aromatherapy bath oil. A lovely product- I might start having long weekend baths.

@goingslightlyinsane sorry, yes I meant the Liberty jewellery advent. I was typing with a little one on my lap. Hope yours was good too.

Liberty is a Liberty fabric bracelet. Not my style so will regift or sell. Tomorrow is the last day on this one.

CT is glow toner. I'm still using the Paula's Choice from SpaceNK calendar and really liking it.

SpaceNK Augustinus Bader I sold already, mostly because I couldn't justify loving a product with such a high price tag. I'm sure it's great though.

Hi, Old Rituals today was a hand cream to add to my already huge stock.

Shiseido came good today with a 15ml serum that is actually a size that can be purchased in a shop. RRP is £37, (widely available for about £30) so a good door!

Such a pretty bottle, too.

That's not bad from Shiseido. My Rituals today was the last candle (one every Sunday).

Have vogue openers not found the new thread?

Today I got two serums!

One from Gruum and one from Space NK which is £145?!! I had no idea people paid that amount for skincare, I hope it gives me eternal youth 🤣

@psuedocream3 how much did you sell the AB serum for if you don't mind me asking? Not sure whether to keep it or not if it sells well!

I was quite pleased @OvaHere ! Will be collating everything on Xmas Eve and seeing what I think of the calendar as a whole. I will try to remember to put it as sensitive as I think you are opening one in Jan.

The Ginza perfume stayed as a pleasant hint of fragrance until I showered after enduring the horrors of Asda this pm. I take everything I said about it back 😹

Off to light my Rituals candle. I keep forgetting, as mine are out of sequence due to it being an old calendar!

Don't worry about me. I'm not bothered about spoilers. I may open it later in the year or even next xmas by which time I'll definitely have forgotten!

Thanks @OvaHere !

@Ilikeyoursleeves I sold it for £40 on Vinted as I wanted a quick sale. The buyer was happy for their bargain, and I was happy to have the price knocked off my advent. The SpaceNK has so many products in I don't feel like I've missed out, but I did put a Nars full size bronzer and mini blush in that day (Notino super bargain for less than £7).

@IlovePond Well done for braving Asda, would have been a perfect opportunity for your blue brows... did you ever try out the eye looks in the end? It reminds me of the Boots beauty box last year that had a very very deep shade of purple, close to black, that is hidden somewhere in my bathroom still. I feel I missed the boat this year wearing it as i expect it will be a halloween lipstick for me!

I'm interested to see what people think of the AB serum. I've only tried the Rich Cream which I wasn't keen on at first but it grew on me after a few applications. I bought another on Vinted.

Just as a PSA in case anyone is interested the one I bought on Vinted was in a set with the Body Cream. I tried to use the body cream after a shower the other week and it's basically Sudocrem. It just won't spread as you would expect a body cream to. It's gone in the medicine cabinet as I'm fairly sure it will be great for minor burns, stings and skin irritation. As a luxe after shower experience not so much!

I'm late today, and I missed yesterday's! It's started getting a bit hectic here with Christmas visitors arriving already!

Anyway, day 21 Cult Beauty:

Jo By Jo Loves Hand Cream 50ml AND Vyrao candle in 'Witchy Woo' 70g. The hand cream smells divine!

Bird and Blend Tea:

'Deckchair Dreaming' - chamomile and apple Sleepytime tea. Sounds lovely!

And today's Cult Beauty, Day 22:

Medik8 H.E.O. Mask 2 x 50ml

It's a two-step night mask, sounds a bit faffy but I'm all for hydrated skin so looking forward to giving this a go later! Always worried with night masks that they'll be a bit too greasy and leave an oil slick on my pillow!

Bird and Blend Tea: 'Golden Egg's - comforting caramel and turmeric. Can't be doing with thinking about Easter in my advent calendar 😅.

A missed opportunity @psuedocream3 😹I haven’t tried it as yet. Tbh, I couldn’t even get the top off to see how bright it is irl. I then read the reviews of this pencil and lots of people said the top was so stiff that the product broke whilst getting it off, so I’ve been scared to try!

Thanks for the info on AB @OvaHere - I have never tried this range, so am glad to hear some feedback.

I have had the usual Liberty Calendar for years and years! How did I not know they did a jewellery one!!!! Thank you for clarifying. I think next year I might need one. Do you think it's worth it?
(Sorry I'm new to the this thread but on the Liberty one)

Day 23, excellent day:

SpaceNK: Colour Wow dreamcoat extra strength, full size. Very pleased with this, have used the normal one before and find if used properly it really does help prevent hair frizzing up in wet weather.

Harrods: Harrods turn for an AB serum, the Retinol serum though, so not the same as the SpaceNK one from yesterday. Really looking forward to trying this.

M and S is the sleep cream. I really rate this, handy holiday size too.

A Boobab candle from Fortnums. Smells lovely.

Penhaligons is a nutcracker key ring. My child, who has been in charge of opening it, is thrilled. I’m less excited!