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'm a few days behind with updating on my Nivea calendar. A few repeats from previous days, but very happy about them!

Day 15 - Lip balm 👄 (I lost the one I got previously when it must have fallen out of my pocket and was about to go to Boots to buy another as I was so upset, so delighted to get another one 🤩 );

Day 16 - Face mask (will try these over the holidays);

Day 17 - repeat of the Pearl roll on deo - delighted either this as it's been one of my favourite items from the calendar! I've not tried it before but it turns out it's the only roll on deo that doesn't irritate my skin at all and is super soft. Using it every day now.

As we’re nearly full on this thread, I’ve created part 2:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5461309-general-waifs-and-strays-beauty-advent-calendar-opening-thread-2025-part-2

Degusta was a tin of Cider today, will go in the cupboard and get used

I think I swapped out my Vigue and gifted what was originally in that drawer so today’s offering was Charlotte Tilbury in Spotlight.

My DIY was a tinted spf from Elta MD that I picked up in a trip to the US.

Think I forgot to do yesterday
Vogue was a Sam McNight Nourishing Balm - this brand seems to be in every calendar this year!
and my DIY was the La Mer lip balm

ASOS today is Wella Ultimate Repair. DOD for me as I don’t use anything other than shampoo and conditioner so will give this away.

Have you tried the La mer lip balm before if not can’t wait to hear what you think of it. Normally I’d think how different can a lip balm be but honestly that La mer lip balm has been the best thing for my painful lips after getting a dose I need to search vinted for back ups x

Sylvan Glow is a Laka Forever6 Eye Palette. Pleased with this as the colours are ones I use. Although I tend not use powder shadows these days I’m happy to give these a go.

According to my daughter this is liquid gold and very hyped on TikTok. It's meant to be very good.

@MrsBnow12 - I'm loving the Degusta calendar! I bought it as it was on a great BF offer, but I wasn't really expecting much. I haven't liked everything (pickled onions and chocolate spread) but I've been able to pass things on or add to foodbank donations.

My favourite so far is the Birchalls Great Rift decaffeinated tea - I need to avoid caffeine now as I'm on medication that can be affected by it. I was struggling to find a strong'ish decaff tea, but the Birchall's one is great.

www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/birchall-great-rift-everyday-tea/945244-844076-844077

@Twinsandsome I have not tried it before and excited to try it, it is one of the advents and was truly influenced by an unboxing and a kind friend sold me hers and added something else to her calendar. I may look on Vinted on the advent day to see if any others become available in case I love it too 😁

@keepincoolI also bought it on the Black Friday offer and have been impressed with it so far, the pickled onions will be going out on the Boxing Day buffet.
I have the tea earmarked for a food bank, happy to pop it in the post to you if you would like them as we don’t drink decaff.

Maybe I’ll give it a go. I have a pixie, albeit highlighted, so my hair doesn’t have much of an opportunity to get into a condition whereby it needs rescuing.

I also bought it on the Black Friday offer and have been impressed with it so far, the pickled onions will be going out on the Boxing Day buffet.
I have the tea earmarked for a food bank, happy to pop it in the post to you if you would like them as we don’t drink decaff.

@MrsBnow12 I would love that! I'm happy to return the favour if there's anything you particularly liked? (Except the pickled onions and chocolate spread - they've gone 🙂)

No need to send me anything, I have been gifted some lovely things from fellow mumsnet’ers so happy to pay it forward.
Drop me a DM with your address and I will
pop it into the post for you

Late opening today
Brown Thomas
Augustinus Bader
The Rich Cream 15ml
I have seen this mentioned a lot but have never tried it before.

JL door 20 is Charlotte Tilbury lipstick in Vixen, very festive! And I’m also wearing the Le Labo The Noir fragrance from earlier in the week (yesterday?) and absolutely loving it, may be a future purchase (even if it’s on the pricy side). The first fragrance Killian was great too from the one time I tried it ( dropped and smashed in bathroom so room smelt lovely even if I didn’t), less sure about the other ones.

@Defiantly41 we're all over on the new thread

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5461309-general-waifs-and-strays-beauty-advent-calendar-opening-thread-2025-part-2?page=4&reply=149306079