General Waifs and Strays Beauty Advent Calendar opening thread 2025 Part 2

[AprilLady]

This is part two of the 2025 thread for those opening Beauty Advent Calendars not covered by specific calendar opening threads - though happy for those to be shared here too. I’m really enjoying hearing about all the different calendars being opened, including the Frankenstein and DIY ones.

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.

I’ll be continuing to opening the Selfridges and Jo Loves calendars, and look forward to all your updates.

Link to previous thread here:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5452443-general-waifs-and-strays-beauty-advent-calendar-opening-thread?

That's a shame. The SK advent seems to have been pretty good so far.

I’m happy with today’s drawers - a Jo Malone English Pear and Fresia hand cream in F&M, a 10ml Mure er Musc in L’AP, and a generous size probiotic serum in Korres.

I think I’ll be very tempted to buy the Diptique calendar next year having seen how nice it is, but I must try not to get so carried away next time 😆😆

Already on day 20:

Selfridges is a triple product day, but three great skincare brands. The Tatcha is a dinky pot of their silk cream, the Elemis is a travel size of their resurfacing pads, and Murad is a full size barrier repair mask. Researching this a little it’s not actually a mask so much as an overnight moisturiser. Not something I’ve used before and very happy to give it a go.

Jo Loves is perfume - Cobalt, Patchouli and Cedar. This is unfortunately really not for me.

Jo Loves day 20 is a Cobaly Patchouli & Cedar mini perfume. It's ok but I think I'll pass it on. I love cedar but I'm less keen on patchouli.

trying to edit....see below

I'm very glad I've got the SpaceNK one too to provide for the year ahead's beauty needs, but I'm aware the overall spend was OTT. I have had to be strict about not buying anything else as a result.This has been a one off experience for me and I loved the unique design of the box too. Now I've been able to try so many Diptyque products and had the pleasure of the calendar, next year I'll probably choose one or two full sizes along side a multi brand BAC.

I got a lip trio in OK (lipstick, lip liner and lip gloss) by a brand I've never heard of. Luna by Luna. Apparently it's cruelty free. I don't really do my lips, but I'm happy to give it a go.

Glamour - a 19/99 blush stick, so now I have a blush and a highlighter from them which is quite nice.

Hi,

A good door in my DIY today - the MZ eye cream and oil in Rituals. More tiny crackers in CC and another exciting tea bag.

I am beginning to think that Twining tea calendar was the best £5.99 impulse buy I have ever made!

ASOS today is a Nuxe multi purpose dry oil. It’s glittery so I’ll probably pass this on. I’m a bit beyond the age of face or body glitter! 😂

I have the twining calendar on an impulse buy. Saving for over xmas. From whst ive seen it looks fab! 😍

Forgot pic.

Sylvan Glow is an I’m From Rice Cream which hydrates and brightens the skin. This will certainly be used.

Vogue was a 50ml Discotheque EDP, Heathens, Cowbiys and the Santa Ana winds. This is in the CB fragrance stocking so will test it there before deciding if I am keeping it or not.
My DIY is Then I Met You cleansing balm, this is one of my favourite cleansing balms.

I just tried the 'Then I met You' balm yesterday from the SpaceNK BAC, it's really lovely.

Lumene Day 20: we’ve had the setting spray, now it’s the primer.

JL was Hollywood Vixen Charlotte Tilbury lipstick today. Wore it happily 😊

I love this stuff. It goes on a lot less sparkly than you would think.

ASOS today is a huge Beauty Works Miracle Spray for hair. I will probably use this.

Sylvan Glow is a Pyungkan Yul facial oil. I’m always happy to use an oil as I have a tendency to dry skin.

JL today. Needed a night cream!

Picture

LF Fragrance Calendar

Day 21 - Crystal Noir by VERSACE

Another perfume I have never tried & it smells quite strong. One of the reviews I have just read, say it is a lovely winter perfume. I have worn each new perfume every day & it has been a real treat 😄

Boots premium Day 21

Laura Mercier translucent setting powder.

Meh. Bit of a DOD for me!

OK is a little 10ml Nuxe oil. I've somehow never used this, so I'm keen to try it.

Glamour is a full size Rodial blush drops in Frosted Pink. I absolutely love these but don't have this shade, so this was one of the products that tempted me.

Day 21: A double perfume day

Selfridges is Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique. I was really looking forward to trying this - sadly, it appears to use the modern aromachemicals I can’t smell (see Molecules 01, JHAG Not a perfume, Le Labo Another 13 etc etc). I get a faint whiff of something pleasant, but that is all.

Jo Loves is another paintbrush - green orange and coriander. This I really do like, although another one better suited to summer than winter.