General “Waifs and Strays” Beauty Advent Calendar opening thread.

[AprilLady]

As in previous years, this a thread for those opening Beauty Advent Calendars not covered by specific calendar opening threads - though happy for those to be shared here too. Also looking forward to hearing about the “Frankenstein” curations.

Carrying on the tradition from previous years, it will also be fun to hear about other calendar openings - Degusta, jam, cheese 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, though if the consensus is this is too late we could
make it from midnight on the 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 Selfrdiges and Jo Loves calendars this year. Really looking forward to tomorrow.

I literally heard of this brand for the first time yesterday - It looked amazing so I'm excited to see what you get!

I'll definitely check it out then. My 85 year old mother is also getting in to K-beauty so I'm sure she'd like it too as she has sensitive skin.

Finally got to open my Vogue Advent. It contained an Ilia Multi Stick in Lady Bird (mauve). Not so sure about this as it feels quite greasy, as so many of these seem to do

DD’s first Bird & Blend drawer contained Gingerbread Chai so she’s suitably excited.

DH forgot to open his Schmidts biscuit Advent before leaving for work and I’m trying not to open and eat😀

Good morning everyone!
I have got the Look Fantastic Fragrance advent calendar. I bought it that long ago, I have completely forgotten the contents so it will be a nice surprise every day.

Today I have Black Opium and it smells lovely on this wet, dark morning

I have Liberty so following that thread but hope you don’t mind me following this too. Especially interested in the Yepoda as I’ve recently had and still on antibiotics for perioral dermatitis. Sounds like you’ve all had a great start!

I haven't opened mine yet as I am not anywhere near it till later but I see it's a shower oil (Rituals) from up thread so I,m happy with that .

I have the F&M one - bit disappointed with the hair/headband but I will put it in my DD’s stocking and hope for something better tomorrow

The Diptique AC is truly a thing of beauty @Seahorses12! Another one pleased with rose Elemis from Look Fantastic, not tried this before.

My DC (in their 20s) have surprised me with a Frankenstein they have collaborated on, not just beauty but all my favourite things apparently. This morning was butterscotch Angel Delight (I love this as it reminds me of my childhood so it’s an occasional comfort food treat) so we are off to a great start! I do a homemade AC for them every year and they have a personalised glasses cleaning cloth this morning, with a special photo from 2024 specific to each DC. I made a Frankenstein for DH and he had a mini salted caramel Lindt bar and is also very happy.

I love advent. And the Playmo thread has started so I feel happy.

A special photo from 2025 even! I’ll start remembering it’s actually 2025 just in time for 2026…

I'm opening my Rituals wreath (gift from DD) and my M & S calendar - very happy with both this morning.

We bought the Look Fantastic for DD and their Grooming calendar for her partner - but they aren't opening them until each evening!!! I just have to be patient, although I can have a sneak peak on here!

Tea & jam goodies are B&B gingerbread chai, perfect for a cold wet day, and BM apricot conserve. I'll save the spread for a cake or scone recipe.

I don't have the cheese calendar yet as it was a late purchase (couldn't resist it at £8.99)

I started a 'non-beauty' thread last night as couldn't see this one (I never normally post as don't have a fancy calendar but have followed this thread for a few years as I adore seeing others treats!) so if you fancy it, come see what we've got.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/5452622-non-beauty-advent-calendar-opening-thread?reply=148884523

I have the Twinings calendar and this morning was Glow, a blend of Strawberry & Cucumber.. I will reserve judgement until a bit later but definitely an unusual one to start!

Hi! Can I join? I have this years Arran Sebsecof Scotland and last years Molton Brown as a bargain from the outlet. Also m n s from DH which has a thread.

Arran was a votive candle and MB one of the Xmas body wash baubles so I’m pretty happy

You should defo keep the boujee hand cream for yourself 😉🩷

Dd & I are sharing the Sainsbury's Beauty one. Last year it was really good. They put the price up by £20 this year to £80 (£40 with Nectar) which I think is a bit of a cheeky but bought ut anyway with my Nectar points. Will report back later as dd is at college!

In my DH curated calendar - he had a fold up shopping bag and a pandora necklace.

Both Degustas have coffee - I was not expecting them to have the same products as they are advertised as different.

And the OK box has a Eve Lom cleanser

John Lewis for me. At first sniff, I thought the perfume was way too sweet but it’s growing on me.
Was going to suggest a swap with DD (the milky toner from Boots skincare) but might keep it after all 😊

I've not seen Elle mentioned yet - a lovely body balm this morning. I'm forcing myself to finish two open pots before I start it though, good encouragement to empty them 😁

Also the lumene lip oil for me too, which looks lovely.

Problem is I haven't yet bought any presents for anyone else!!!😂

@Seahorses12are you please able to share a link for the Space NK opening thread? I can’t seem to find it!

if anyone is interested -
day 1 was Tatcha ‘The brightening serum’

Boots premium was Caudalie, a moisturising mask. My skin has been feeling rather dry, so I'm looking forward to trying this tonight!

First time BAC owner here! At 56 years old I've never had an advent calender that wasn't just pictures or cheap chocolate shapes so I'm very excited!

Gruum calendar here, day 1 is Eucalyptus and Pine wax melt which smells lovely (if a bit overpowering!). So far so good!

A successful day 1 for me. Eve Lom 100ml balm cleanser (RRP £65) in OK, and Sweed cloud mascara (RRP £24) in Glamour. I prefer Clinique to Eve Lom cleanser, but it'll definitely get used. I don't mind the Eve Lom, it's better than Elemis IMO, and 100ml is a generous size.

Their gift can be your soft skin and smelling great! 🤣

😍Space Nk opening thread