Beauty Advent Calendars Thread 12 - reeling in the aftermath of SFAC, we soldier on... 💄💋

[LightandBreezy]

Welcome to the 12th thread, we still have 50 days till the daily unboxing officially starts, although I very much doubt any of our calendars will remain untouched until then 😂
Still time for lots more friendly chat, tips and discount codes - to cut down on links as a poster requested, here's link to some very comprehensive run-downs of the calendars https://beauty-detective.com/category/beauty-advent-calendars/
When enjoying those breakdowns please remember that some are OOS already - Harrod's Fragrance, Harrod's Beauty and Selfridges Beauty to name a few.

I tried everything suggested and got nowhere. I am 9k in queue I was on edge in laptop and safari. On phone and the app but not to be xx

Another who wasn’t lucky again , although I was only able to try between patients as in clinic.
I don’t really know why I bothered as really wanted the HFAC - still watching eBay but again don’t want to give my money to a scalper.

I need to step away from this thread now. At least for today. I feel like crying. Guess that makes me sound like a spoilt child. Maybe I am.

No, I think it’s okay to be disappointed. For me it’s not even that I didn’t get one (obviously it’s annoying, but I’m diplomatic), it’s the fact that they are meant to be high-end, this isn’t cheap, and instead of what should feel like a luxury treat experience, it’s like Black Friday carnage. I genuinely can’t be bothered with retailers like this. The fragrance calendar was a strong match for me, so in terms of purchases this is really disappointing, but the way the whole thing has been handled leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

I am going to stop now this is silly . I was in the queue at 88k and it was moving along then just stop and now after patiently waiting got thrown out and it’s out of stock . @HolidayHattie and @Benny12 I am so so sorry . Especially as I genuinely thought someone was going to help you out 😔

im not going to try again , I dint have the heart for it . I did have other items in my basket they have gone . I’m not going to bother fact I am deleting my Selfridges app because despite buying many if there edits that counts for nothing . It’s the way of the world . But brand loyalty is everything to me which is why I won’t buy from cult beauty after the Sali Hugh’s mess.

there’s plenty more perfumes and makeup providers to choose from .

that was exhausting 😂 you have to laugh or else you would go in and take it out on the family 🤣🤣🤣🤣

onwards and upwards !

@HolidayHattie I don't blame you. It's horrible to have your hopes raised and dashed repeatedly. It's the injustice of it all that gets me. I felt just like you did last week, I honestly wanted to cry.

With my sensible head on, we likely either have seen, or will see some of those fragrances in other kits and edits. This has been a hugely disappointing experience for everyone who didn't secure one, but there will be far less stressful ways to get the fragrances than this, even if it's not as much of a bargain.

We thought getting Harrods was bad but this is a whole new level of bull*hit.

I thought I was lucky enough to get SFAC this morning but my order has just been cancelled!

I am so sorry @HolidayHattie🥺 I know how you feel, I wanted to cry last time too.

As bad as it sounds it might be worth picking individual fragrances or the whole set on ebay.

At some point we though it will cost £400 and I was mentally prepared to pay that for the love of FACs..

That's horrendous. Selfridges have really screwed up this time.

Although (as you all know because I keep whinging on about it) I'm extremely disappointed for myself, I'm more upset for those of you who managed to place orders but had them cancelled. That's so much worse than not getting one in the first place.

Un-mumsnetty hugs for you.😪

This is going to sound like a silly question. I'm not that experienced with perfumes and it's a new hobby! In people's experience, How long does the fragrance usually last, opened but still in the bottles? Does it get to a point where it just doesn't smell anymore?

@AdaRed - opinions vary - I have had some perfumes for years that still smell good, but I do keep mine in the dark in a cupboard, which helps.

I know how you feel @HolidayHattieI am so disappointed and just totally fed up with how its been handled. There is no way I will be buying from the scalpers though, it just encourages them to keep doing it.

I did help out @Benny12 . She got her SFAC this morning from me. She was trying to get her sister one today
@HolidayHattie i am so sorry Traybro didn’t come through I think they left the thread over the shared information/open forum debacle

@Strawberryfield12 - I am glad you found something you love. I think it will be the January sales for me.

Wow, more SFAC chaos I see.

This reminds me of the B&M bog roll fights during Covid. Definitely not a luxury shopping experience! I honestly think it would be better if Selfridges just raised the price to put the resellers off.

Ideally you should keep it in a cool and dark place (I know; you want the lovely bottles out on display, but that's not good for it.) Once you've used it and air gets in, it "macerates", but sometimes that can improve it. Mostly they will last for years if kept cool and dark.

I think how long they last depends on the perfume, but they tend to go off rather than lose their scent. They just don’t smell quite right.

It’s advised to keep perfume in the original box to protect from light, which is why it seems mad that Selfridges are selling them without boxes.

I feel sorry for them to be honest, I would say the perfume talk boys have attacked them with bots and their systems are under shock. They clearly tried to address some issues

I know there is a big mix on here that some people have been soo good and have purchased one beauty advent calendar, others are along for the ride and others have multiple. But with my multiple BAC I was thinking about which one I’m most looking forward to opening.

I’m struggling to decide. Oh My Cream is up there because there are lots of products I haven’t tried and maybe Harrods for the same reason. So which one are you all looking forward to opening the most?

Oh well still advent less. I hope there a Liberty fragrance kit before Christmas.
Sorry people feel sad. I don’t blame Tracy for not coming back, some of the posts were really unfair.

I am sorry the SFAC was such a disappointment again today. I’m sure if people hold their nerve and wait till December there will be lots available at more sensible prices on eBay and Vinted. Buying now just rewards the scalpers.

I have just looked through my stash of perfumes from Beauty Drop boxes and advent calendars and with the CB scent edit I definitely have enough for a calendar and I have the empty box from last year’s Boots Skin care calendar so will be making myself a perfume one.

@Beautyfox - I’m looking forward to my F&M one the most I think. But my DIY perfume one is coming a close second!

Thanks everyone for the advice. Makes sense to keep them stored away without light.