Received this on christmas day.

Discovered the proper form is to open it during Christmas before the twelf night.

Love the Grocery basket as it reminds me of shopping.

benefitcosmetics.com/en-gb/product/the-gorgeous-grocer-ADVENTTT1262.html

Want to try all the products to see whether I like them and discover new favourites.

Really happy on Christmas day as I got a few gifts from boots.

Purchased this for the grocery basket as it reminds me of being little playing shopping.

Suppose I could compare it to No7.

They are obviously very different though.

Will load up all the products as it is a good way to chart them and how to use them. Some are mini products so might want to purchase the full products.

https://www.boots.com/benefit-the-gorgeous-grocer-beauty-advent-calendar-10348313

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra-Fine Brow Defining Pencil

https://www.boots.com/benefit-precisely-my-brow-pencil-10215951

TELL ME MORE

Obsessed with brows? Same. Detail-oriented perfectionists unite, because this brow pencil is exactly what you’ve been looking for. With a teeny-tiny 0.8 mm tip, Precisely, My Brow Detailer draws on itty-bitty, clean-crisp lines for a polished look. The firm, precise tip with a creamy smooth texture glides onto brows for comfortable, controlled application. Plus, it’s natural-looking, buildable and blendable

I won’t be doing a thick brow as I tried it and it looked too bold as I have almost black hair now.

I had thin brows naturally, some have grown back but lost the ends because of a facial treatment for a childhood illness.

Will try this as I’m managing to draw my thin eyebrows back on thanks to the 60’s tutorial.

The POREfessional Good Cleanup pore-purifying foaming cleanser

Product details

VISIBLY MINIMIZE pores!
This gel face cleanser bubbles up into a refreshing, feelgood foam for a pore-purifying cleanse.
Pores look smaller and refined, and skin looks clearer over time. And with a cleanse this good,
your skin will feel fresh and smooth, not tight or stripped. Use after The POREfessional Get
Unblocked cleansing oil for a thorough double cleanse.

• Clinically proven
• Dermatologist-tested
• Gentle, non-stripping & non-drying
• Non-comedogenic
• Respects the skin’s pH
• Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

AFTER 1 USE
• 97% said it visibly removes dirt, oil & impurities*
• 91% said it visibly purifies pores*
• 98% said skin is refreshed*

AFTER 1 MONTH
• 99% said skin looks clearer and feels smoother**
• 88% said pores look refined**
• 100% said skin looks radiant**

POWER INGREDIENTS
• Lemon extract helps pores look smaller
• Yuzu extract helps skin feel smoother
• Bisabolol helps skin feel comfortable
• Sphingolipids, ceramide-like molecules, help preserve initial skin hydration

PACKAGING & RECYCLING
Outer packaging is FSC® Recycled-certified and made from 100% recycled materials.

Beauty Tip:
Smooth on The POREfessional primer (sold separately) before makeup for smoother-thansmooth
skin!

Pore Care Money Back Guarantee Terms & Conditions: Proof of purchase required in order to receive refund, only valid 3 months from the date of purchase. Items can only be returned in-store, to the same retailer they were purchased from, as stated on the proof of purchase. Valid on the following POREfessional products only: Get Unblocked, Deep Retreat, Tight ‘N Toned, Good Cleanup, Speedy Smooth and Smooth Sip. Excludes POREfessional Promotional Kits.

How to use

TIPS & TRICKS That good good clean… Apply to face & massage in gentle, circular motions. Rinse. Use daily AM & PM.

https://www.boots.com/benefit-the-porefessional-good-cleanup-foam-cleanser-147ml-10325645

If it is non drying and non comedomic, this might suit me better than No7.

The POREfessional smoothing face primer to minimize the look of pores | full-size

The POREfessional Face Primer is so good at smoothing things over, it could resolve the drama of a middle school clique (and that’s saying a LOT). It can definitely deal with your skin’s drama queens: pores and fine lines. Just dab on this bestselling primer, smooth it on, and watch as the drama fades away—that is, as the appearance of pores and fine lines are instantly minimized. Whether you use it as a base for makeup or a quick cover-up, it’s the bestie you wish you had in 7th grade.

https://www.boots.com/benefit-porefessional-face-primer-balm-10116541

Product details

The POREfessional Smoothing Pore Primer
Smoothing face primer to minimize the look of pores

Minimize the look of pores & fine lines
Help makeup apply evenly & stay put
Get silky-soft, smoother-than-smooth skin

WHY WE LOVE IT

Smoooth moves!

It’s Benefit’s iconic, #1 face primer…The POREfessional! This Benefit bestseller is known & loved
for its smoothing superpowers. Instantly minimize the look of pores & fine lines and blur
imperfections for silky-soft, smoother-than-smooth skin. Plus, help makeup apply evenly & stay
put.

Silky-smooth
Lightweight
Translucent
Non-comedogenic
Contains Vitamin E derivative
91% said it minimizes pore appearance*
97% said skin looks smooth*
93% said it helps makeup stay put*

*self-evaluation by 100 participants over 1 week

HOW TO APPLY

Smooth days ahead!
Smooth all over face with fingertips. Use alone, under makeup as a primer or over makeup to
touch up.

Beauty Tip
Prime with The POREfessional, then set makeup with The POREfessional: Super Setter.

How to use

1. For a usage underneath your makeup, make sure to clean and moisturize your skin beforehand. Using a small amount of Benefit Porefessional, start with your nose and work yourself up to the forehand, blending out any oil-prone areas.
2. When applying Benefit Porefessional over makeup, just pat over the areas that you identify as problem zones and blend the texture in gently. It can be used throughout the day for a natural flawless face.
3. Prime in the AM: Apply a thin layer of this PRO balm to clean, lightly moisturized skin. Pat lightly from the center of the face outward with fingertips. Wait seconds, then apply makeup as usual. Skin appears smooth & even.
4. Apply whenever pores come out of hiding: If pores reappear, pat delicately on T-zone over makeup & blend.

Got this free from a magazine once.

Couldn’t afford to buy Benefit in those days, but I realised I can afford now.

Have to say the first think I’m enjoying is the graphic design, it is very similar to Soap and Glory.

Sounds like it will work on my sensitive skin.

I don’t really want to compare this to No7 as the retinol and so forth might be a dream for someone with less senitive skin than me, personally it is sounding like Benefit might suit me better.

Have ordered the No7 retinol soother though as haven’t given up on retinol yet.

Willa MiniSoft neutral-rose blush

Soft neutral-rose blush

Some days, it feels like you need rose-colored glasses to make it through (sending an email is an accomplishment and yes, you do deserve a little treat). But personally, we think rose-tinted cheeks are even more effective in adding some optimism to your day. Willa blush gives you a natural-looking flush, instantly. Sweep it onto your cheeks for a lil silky-soft, neutral-rose color and an instant mood boost (no matter what that email reply says).

HOW TO APPLY

Swirl brush in blush and sweep onto cheeks.
Blend into your bare skin or on top of foundation.
Build as desired!

https://www.boots.com/benefit-willa-nude-blush-powder-mini-10349020

Can’t believe I’ve got this.

This is more me, swirling a blush brush in.

Love the packaging.

Getting hooked and I haven’t tried it yet.

Think it is like second childhood for me.

Plushtint moisturizing matte lip tint in Red Velvet | fun-size

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/plushtint-PLUSHTINT.html

Welcome to the VIP (Very Important Plush!) life. It’s rich, it’s luxurious, and it feels oh so good. That’s right, it’s time to treat your lips to the 5-star tint experience they deserve. The plush-matte finish and soft-focus blurring effect make lips look smooth and velvety, while all-day moisture and a longwearing, lightweight formula help lips stay comfortable. Plus, the custom curved applicator easily outlines lips. Glide it on for major good luxe.

Not struck on the colour, but it seems to be this colour everywhere.

At least they have one in stock I might like

Select a Shade: 6 – Pillow Play (Pink Blossom)

I had a Barbara Daily at tesco lipstick in a similar colour to this once. It was the best lipstick colour I have ever had.

Always trying to find something similar.

I guess you try the formula and if you like it order it in the shade of your choice.

Really struggling with lipstick at the moment.

Gimme Brow+ brow-volumizing fiber gel in shade 3| fun-size

No, they’re not “the one” just because they send “good morning” texts and pick up the check sometimes. “The one” shows up, sticks around, and would never ditch you on your birthday. Okay, so this fan-fave eyebrow gel might just be the one. With fullness-boosting fibers and a totally-you tint that lasts (minus any mess), Gimme Brow+ shapes, smooths, and sees you through thick and thin—literally.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/gimme-brow-volumizing-eyebrow-gel-BM154.html

Hope Dennis Healey bushy eyebrows go away soon?

Suppose they are allright for a bloke, but women should have groomed eyebrows.

I don’t follow on trend fashion anyway, unless I like it.

The POREfessional Deep Retreat pore-clearing clay mask | fun-size

Time to deep clean! And no, not the kind where you declutter your entire apartment at 2 AM. It’s time to clear out your pores. The POREfessional Deep Retreat gives your skin a super satisfying deep clean by drawing out the excess oil and dirt trapped in your pores—just spot the dots that appear as the mask dries to see it for yourself. Plus, it feels comfortable while you’re wearing it and washes off to reveal visibly refined pores and mattified, refreshed skin. Can cleaning your apartment do that? Didn’t think so.

https://www.boots.com/benefit-the-porefessional-deep-retreat-clay-mask-75ml-10325646

Hope this works as my go to was loreal blemish rescue mask, which I can’t seem to purchase anymore.

Desperate for an alternative.

Product details

CLEAR pores!
Retreat yourself (and your pores) to this pore-clearing, oh-so-comfortable clay mask. Spot the
dots that appear as the mask dries to see oil being drawn out of pores, then rinse to reveal
visibly refined, unclogged pores and mattified, healthy-looking skin. The best part? Skin feels
comfortable during application and afterwards too, so you’ll feel just as good as your pores look.

• Clinically proven
• Dermatologist-tested
• Gentle, non-stripping & non-drying
• Non-comedogenic
• Suitable for all skin types
• Respects the skin’s pH

AFTER 1 USE
• 92% said pores feel deeply purified*
• 96% said skin does not look oily or shiny*
• 96% said skin looks healthy*

AFTER 1 MONTH
• 96% said skin looks clearer**
• 93% said skin looks less congested**
• 99% said skin is smoother**

POWER INGREDIENTS
• Mineral-rich kaolin clay helps deep clear pores
• Sea fennel extract helps minimize excess surface skin oil
• Bisabolol helps skin feel comfortable
• Jojoba seed oil & plum kernel oil, rich in essential fatty acids like Omega-9, help skin feel
soft
• Prickly pear flower extract helps skin look smoother
• Sphingolipids, ceramide-like molecules, help preserve initial skin hydration

PACKAGING & RECYCLING
Outer packaging is FSC® Recycled-certified and made from 100% recycled materials.

Beauty Tip:
Smooth on The POREfessional primer (sold separately) before makeup for smoother-thansmooth
skin!

How to use

TIPS & TRICKS Spot the dots! Apply evenly to clean, dry face & neck weekly. Leave on for 30 minutes or until dry. Dots appear as oil is drawn out of pores. Rinse. Avoid eye and mouth areas. In the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with water.

https://www.boots.com/benefit-the-porefessional-deep-retreat-clay-mask-75ml-10325646

Fan Fest fanning & volumzing mascara in hyper black | fun-size

Your lashes’ new favorite f-word? Fanning. It’s ours too. And for good reason (actually, a lot of reasons). For starters, fanning out your lashes gives an instant eye-opening effect. How to get the look? Fan Fest mascara. It fans out lashes side-to-side, amplifies volume and multiplies the look of lashes. The custom-engineered Full-Flex Fiber Brush features a 40° curve ideal for the lash line, and naturally derived fibers that grab, define and separate lashes evenly. To top it all off, it’s buildable and won’t smudge, clump or flake.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/fan-fest-fanning-volumizing-mascara-EM72.html

TerraGolden brick-red blush

Golden brick-red blush

Hellooo, earth to cheeks! Listen up, because you’re gonna want to pay attention to Terra. This glowy brick-red blush blends, builds, and warms your complexion in seconds. With ingredients like freshwater pearl and synthetic sapphire, you’ll naturally reflect light and an enviable golden shimmer. Silky-soft on the skin, with an ultra-fine, creamy-feeling powder, the weightless formula doesn’t block your pores but does hold strong against sweat, humidity, and beyond.

HOW TO APPLY

Swirl brush in blush and sweep onto cheeks.
Blend into your bare skin or foundation.
Build as desired.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/terra-golden-brick-red-blush-FM328.html

Think this is too dark for me by some standards in beauty, but as I’m doing my own thing till fashion I like comes back, this might recreate the 70’s air hostess look.

I used to do that then someone told everyone not to do it.

As I don’t suit big black eyebrows that match black hair, decided to do my own thing.

Already doing 70’s air hostess eyeshadow so will create a look with benefit blusher.

Love this packaging and the tiki coconut fragrance.

If I work this look out will wear it to the 70’s party at the end of January.

Benetint rose-tinted lip & cheek stain | fun-size

This tint is IT—full stop. Seriously, Benetint is our bestselling*, all-in-one stain that can’t help but go viral again…and again…and again. Just a few dots on lips and cheeks gives you a natural-looking flush of rosy color (think about how your lips look after eating a cherry popsicle…like that). Originally developed for an exotic dancer, this was the first-ever product sold in our original San Francisco boutique when we opened in 1976…and the sheer, non-drying formula is versatile, buildable, and made to last.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/benetint-cheek-lip-stain-FM173.html

Tried one similar to this from The Body Shop.

Red is one colour I just don’t seem to suit.

Will try this out.

It is their bestseller so see how I do.

Love the idea.

Might prefer Cherry red?

Life can be exciting when everything is go-go-go. But what if you could capture that oh-so-natural flush without overloading on work or overfilling your social calendar? Enter GoGotint, a beautifully bright lip and cheek tint that brings a vibrant cherry-colored flush to your face in seconds. The built-in precision applicator glides easily across your lips and cheeks, and the smudge-proof color lasts for hours—whether you’re on the go to a night out or back to your couch for a TV marathon (we’ve been there).

Fluff Up Brow Wax flexible brow-texturizing wax | fun-size

For those dreamy days when your head is up in the clouds, try lifting your eyebrows with it. We made Fluff Up Brow Wax to keep your brows cloud-fluffy all day, come sweat, water, or humidity. It’s a clear, creamy, flexible formula designed for versatile soft-shaping, and natural-looking fullness. Brows will feather without crunching or flaking and keep an easily reworkable hold (everyone’s daydream). It’s that fluffin’ good.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/fluff-up-brow-wax-BM253.html

Shame this is full sized as I prefer groomed brows ~ this seems to ungroom them?

Really unsure how the unruly brow look has taken off?

wonder if it works as a mascara?

Starlaa rosy bronze blush | mini

Have you ever wished upon a shooting star? We did, and we got Starlaa, the most effortlessly rosy bronze blush we could dream up. A silky-soft powder that feels creamy and weightless on the skin, it’s easy to apply, blend, and build. What results is a soft-focus, airbrushed effect with a satin finish that doesn’t smudge. Made with freshwater pearl and synthetic sapphire, it reflects light for a luminous complexion. What should we wish for next?

HOW TO APPLY

Swirl brush in blush and sweep onto cheeks.
Blend into your bare skin or foundation.
Build as desired!

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/starlaa-rosy-bronze-blush-FM313.html

Love this packaging and the amount of bronzer you get.

Suppose I’m a bronzer girl, but not a waxy blush girl?

Splashtint moisturizing dewy lip tint in Honeymooner | fun-size

Vacation mode: ON. Take a lip trip to the tropics, where this luscious, longwearing tint awaits you. Glide it on for a splash of moisturizing, kiss-proof color, and a juicy, dewy finish (don’t worry, we’ll hold your umbrella drink while you get your pool party pout on). It visibly smooths fine lip lines, and the lightweight formula feels balmy and conditioning for all-day comfort. Plus, the custom spoon-shaped applicator easily outlines lips. Another round, anyone?

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/splashtint-FM360.html

Will order this one if I like it

Gimme Brow+ brow-volumizing fiber gel in shade 3| fun-size

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/gimme-brow-volumizing-eyebrow-gel-BM154.html

Hope Dennis Healey bushy eyebrows go away soon?

Suppose they are allright for a bloke, but women should have groomed eyebrows.

I don’t follow on trend fashion anyway, unless I like it.

The POREfessional Good Cleanup Mini

Oh heyyy, you clean up nice…especially with The POREfessional Good Cleanup. Suitable for all skin types (even sensitive skin), the gel cleanser bubbles up into a refreshing, feelgood foam to visibly remove dirt, oil, and impurities while also keeping your pores in check. Pores look smaller and refined, and skin looks clearer over time. And with a cleanse this good, your skin will feel fresh and smooth, and never tight or stripped.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/the-porefessional-good-clean-up-foaming-pore-cleanser-FM345.html

They’re Real!Beyond mascara

Beyond mascara

Bigfoot. Unicorns. A mascara so magical it makes your lashes look fake. We used to consider these the stuff of legend—until now (on the mascara front, that is… sorry, Bigfoot hunters!). If you want to spark speculation yourself, swipe on They’re Real! lengthening mascara for lashes they’ll need to see to believe. Good thing they have 36 hours* to spot this lash-separating, curling, and volumizing formula in the wild.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/theyre-real-lengthening-mascara-IB202.html

Plushtint

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/plushtint-PLUSHTINT.html

The POREfessional: Super Setter Travel Size Mini

When you pack an extra outfit for happy hour tonight, don’t worry about grabbing your makeup bag for touch-ups—we’ve created a way to preserve your look from sun up to sun down. The POREfessional: Super Setter setting spray has 16-hour* staying power and protects you from sweat, shine, and smudges. Not to mention, this weightless formula instantly blurs pores and leaves skin feeling as refreshed as your fave cocktail. Cheers to that!

HOW TO APPLY

First, apply primer and any makeup.
Shake bottle well and hold 8” from face.
Close your eyes and mist evenly all over.
Reapply as needed for a refreshing boost!

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/the-porefessional-super-setter-FM250.html

Roller Liner Eyeliner true matte liquid eyeliner in black | full-size

We get it, liquid eyeliner can feel like a slippery slope. It’s a fine line (literally) between a light, natural look, a classic cat eye, and dramatic wings. Roller Liner liquid eyeliner helps you walk that line oh-so-easily. The precision felt tip makes for a super-smooth application and sharp, controlled lines, so you can build to your ideal thickness and shape before you reach the point of no return (phew!).

HOW TO APPLY

Use the side of the pen first.
Stamp along your lash line to map your look.
Start your wing from the outer corner.
Then, bring it toward the inner corner.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/roller-liner-matte-liquid-eyeliner-EM47.html

Quite glad there is a full size product I can use even though it only has 3 stars.

Hoola Travel Size Mini

This isn’t your average bronzer. No, this bronzer makes you look sunkissed even in sweater weather. This bronzer? It’ll make you feel like you’ve just come back from a luxurious tropical vacay, ready to talk about it to anyone who will listen. This bronzer…is the legendary Hoola. A silky-soft, buildable powder, it comes in a compact and can be used to bronze and contour. But the real secret is in the award-winning, natural-looking matte formula that amps up your glow—no matter where you are or how many clouds set in.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/hoola-matte-bronzer-FM314.html

Splashtint in heat wave

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/splashtint-FM360.html

Couldn’t find the shade heatwave, but this is splashtint

Roller Lash

For anyone who’s ever craved curled lashes so hard that they almost reached for a curling iron, we made you something: Roller Lash curling mascara—a roller that’s custom-made for your lashes! Its uniquely designed Hook ‘n’ Roll™ brush catches, separates, and curls every lash. And these curls last 12 hours*…no hairspray required.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/roller-lash-curling-mascara-EM01.html

Cloudia misty pale-pink blush | mini

Couldn’t find this one, really like it.

BADgal BANG!BIGGER, BADDER volumizing mascara

BIGGER, BADDER volumizing mascara

You don’t have to be in your villain era to embrace BADgal beauty. (But if you were, we’d totally support you…). Besides, who doesn’t love a little drama? An intense pitch black lash that’s all volume, no weight? Oh, yeah. With BADgal BANG! volumizing mascara, every swipe lays on 360° fullness that lasts 36 hours* without smudging. So if you wanna be a little bad, we’re good with that.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/en-us/product/badgal-bang-volumizing-mascara-EM43.html

Review

Really like the grocer basket as I miss shopping.

Love the blushes and their packaging.

Hoping the mascara is good.

Tried the mud mask and it made my skin smooth, so looking forward to the pore products.

Will use the eyeliner.

Not sure about the lip and cheek stains, think they are maybe for fresh faced 14 year olds, my mum used to wipe our faces when we had an ice lolly as we looked a mess lol!!!

Won’t use the brow products as I don’t suit bushy eyebrows, (don’t think many people do to be honest ~ not a very flattering trend)

I think this is probably a good purchase.

Will repurchase anything I like ~ quite an exciting experience as I haven’t tried this make before.

I don’t want to compare this to No7 as they are really different markets.

Wondering if No7 is more my market actually as I’m not a bad girl?

The only problem is No7 doesn’t suit my skin type anymore and the colours and product has gone horrible?

What needs to happen is to bring back No7 like it used to be.

Neither of these Advent calendars have provided eyeshadows that I like or models I can relate to.

If you are a British woman like me you are left to your own imagination what to do with the product and how to apply it.

Hopefully normality will resume soon and I might find myself again.

Enjoyed opening both of the Calendars very much.

The next step is to reorganise my storage with my new Vanity bags and Empty Calendar boxes.