1/2 and oz for $300 is literally insane. It makes me feel like “is this a social experiment to push and see how much people will spend on goo for beauty”. I know I know that it may work.. but $300 for 1/2 an oz?! Idc if I have unlimited funds, that is insane to me
it already costs 100€ less than it did in this video 2 weeks ago so I guess all their prices are made up and rely on people buying it cause its expensive... which they clearly dont
Dr. Sturm is an orthopedic surgeon, not a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. But she definitely is cashing in on her name w her skincare line and the insane prices. I'm a licensed master esthetician and none of her stuff is worth it. In fact, most drugstore skincare is better and more effective. She's got quite the side hustle going on. Remember, very rarely does expensive equal quality in skincare. There's your esthy bestie tip of the day. ❤
You forget that it's UK calendars. No one here seen "deluxe" sized gifts with purchase. You'd be lucky to get a 1ml perfume sample or 5ml (one use) face cream😂
@ oh I’d believe you . I see how people purchase without giving it much of a thought and then returning it . I can only imagine what it would be like working in that field. 😊
One other thing to remember is most of these calendars stayed the same price as last year in base currency. It’s just that the dollar weakened against the pound, so the exchange rate made it more expensive for those buying outside of the UK
Just finishing the Selfridges unboxing and wanted to talk about the value/no value remark. Something i think is good to remember, specially because you are unboxing European calendars, is that our gifts with purchases here, are not the same as in the US. We don't have bags full of samples/deluxes or even full size products, for small values of purchase. Point perk items at Sephora means nothing to me, i would be surprised if it exists outside the US (maybe Canada?!). I buy on Cult Beauty and they don't even give you free samples, no matter the amount of purchase. And when they have goodie bags as gwp, you have to spend a lot to qusalify for it. Sephora Portugal gives a 5 piece offer with more than 100€ purchase and when they say there's a full size in it, you can bet it's a Patchology eye mask 🙄 What i want to say is that for a lot of people, those not large sizes will add value and should not be desconsidered just because you are used to received them for free and expect that it's the normal. Because it's not and again, you're talking about European based companies with a US point of view. Hope i explained myself in a good way, i just want to give a different perspective. Back to the video ❤
This is a great point. I also wanted to add that, even as someone from the US, I don't shop regularly enough (nor spend enough) at large beauty retailers that I even have the chance to get all of those deluxe samples for free. But I guess this is where the perceived value depends on the person.
When you get a perfume sample in Germany, it's mostly 1 - 1,5 ml and a cream or serum sample is a maximum of 5 ml. And you most of the time get 1 - 2 samples, if you're lucky. I just ordered a 10€ blush and didn't get any samples. The point program is also different here and you gotta have to spend at least 100€ within 12 months to get a deluxe sample before you lose points.
I so agree with you! Sometimes Sephora weirdly logs me onto the US website (I'm Canadian) and the GWPs are insane!!! They have a ton to choose from and Canada has maybe 3 GWP to choose from on average I'd say. When she dismissed the Supergoop SPF I was like whaaat? That's good value to me! 🥲
Aussie here, agree re stingy samples outside of the US. I could spend $500 in one visit at ‘Mecca’ (an Ulta/Sephora hybrid store) and there are no samples, ever. You get a few bonuses throughout the year but you’re spending $1000+ for anything decent.
Krave beauty is a great brand!! They're asian owned and really are intentional with being as eco friendly as possible. They're pretty big in the skincare game. Def worth looking into
Some of those items you say are “gifts with purchase” are available for purchase - that mini 10ml Tatcha cream in the purple container is legit for sale on Sephora as a size.
Came here to say this AND that specific cream, you need soooo little of it to cover your entire face. I have purchased the mini before and it lasts a while
Sephora can make whatever deals they want for their birthday gifts, but it is still an item that is for sale so it should have counted like all the other items that counted towards the box’s total.
Hey Lauren, long-time watcher here. I self-tan weekly-ish and I've tried so very many different brands over the years. The best in my opinion is Bondi Sands, SPECIFICALLY the aerated 1-hour espress. It's fast, spreads wonderfully, streak free every single time, natural color. Never once had an issue. And I find the scent to be one of the most in offensive out there. That being said, you have a naturally beautiful skin tone that already has a nice golden tint, you always look incredible.
Barbara is so overrated, I don't get how it's still a thing. I got a whole PR kit when it first came out and nothing felt better than drugstore products. Everything is like, that's fine and unremarkable, it's not hurting me but it's also not really doing anything.
I love watching your reviews of the advent calendars, but I think you undervalue 'mini' sizes. I've been watching you long enough to know that that is just how you feel, but I get so much value out of 'samples'. It always takes me so long to go through full sizes that even something that is a quarter of full-size will usually last me a while and I get a lot of value out of it.
but would you pay hundreds of dollars for them? because that’s the complaint here, not that minis aren’t usable. also, if you’re getting a 5 ml moisturizer when the full size is 1 oz (30 ml), or a 20 ml cleanser when the full size is 125, you’re not getting a quarter of the full size, but about a 6th.
I’m convinced the Dr. Barbara Sturm skin care solely exists for companies to be able to put into boxes to boost the value. It just doesn’t make any sense why people would pay hundreds of dollars for a hyaluronic acid serum or cleanser or toner. They’re basic products. Like I don’t think they cost anywhere near that much to either produce or for the department store to put into the calendar
Nice to see multiple advent calendars in the same video, because you get to compare them a bit more, since its fresh in your mind :) One note: The main issue with your numbers is that you seem to have used prices from US shops for UK Advent Calendars. Prices are not the same for UK shops and US shops. Even if you search for the same product on the same seller, for example the Sol de Janeiro 40 with 3oz/90ml on Sephora US costs 25USD, but the same product with the same quantity of product on the UK shop retails for 24£ (with currency exchange of the day 30USD). So your numbers will always be off if use prices from the US shops to tally prices for a UK calendar. No hate, just a little heads up.
So, one thing that might make totals a bit different is that some products are wildly different prices in the UK vs. the US. E.g. that Caudalie (BTW, pronounced more like cor than co) is only £30 on Sephora here, but $55 for you guys, though if we went with current conversion rates it should be less than $40 for you guys. There will be stuff the other way round too, where it's way more expensive for us than you, and it could be that the 4th calendar was filled with items that are pricier in the UK than the US.
At the end of Advent season maybe group up everything but group them up as brands . Like one group of Elemis and so on of the other brands. Just kinda of interesting to see at the end to see how many different brands and how many times you got that brand. Idk if this makes sense at all lol
I don’t buy the calendars, but if I did, I would want a mix of cult classics and one off high luxury items. It’s fun to try things I would never pay for myself. I found your channel last year when you did the advent calendars. Love that I discovered you and both your channels. You’re one of my favorites to watch. ❤️❤️
In my teddy bear pjs with a pumpkin cold brew candle burning, wearing Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere, and sipping a pumpkin butter eggnog... the timing of this video could not have been better!!
I think advent calendars should be mostly sample sizes! That way, you get to sample many different things that you might never have tried. And then you can go and buy a large size of the things you enjoyed.
In the UK you do not get samples especially deluxe sample for free or even that often as gift with purchase so they would have more value and be more acceptable for consumers. Compared to the US advents even with these costing more they are so much better than all the US ones. Also not knowing the brands seems like a skill issue.
Pretty sure that small aromatherapy associates oil is sold - because I’ve bought them, at very least in a bundle but possibly separately. I think you should look up things before deciding they’re not sold in that size/don’t have value, unless you did.
Yes you’re right. The 3ml and 9ml sizes are available individually on their website. I feel like a lot of the mini products written off as freebies or GWP are sold as travel sizes. So there is actually some monetary value to them. By the brands standards anyway.
Lauren these videos may just be your everyday but thank you so much for doing relaxing content and just being real about values and rankings. Recently going through some hard times and it is so nice to have 2 HOURS of content to just get my mind off things and watch a topic I just superficially enjoy so much. Hope you are having a great holiday!
@@TheFaro2011 I know the name is not very inviting, (at least it isn't Karen's choice ) ,..but I've tried a few of the products and I have liked them all.
The fenty gloss bombs are peach vanilla scented & absolutely yes! I love gloss bombs and use them faithfully I’m obsessed and legit i own every gloss bomb shade they’ve ever dropped. From permanent to limited edition i got them
For the maison crivelli - $340/50ml= $6.80 per ml. $6.80x5ml=$34 dollars per fragrance vial which is in the similar price range to many high end travel size fragrances.
As someone with allergies, I love mini sample size things. I have to pretty much try out everything I touch prior to use. I wish places gave free gift with purchase, but I have never had that experience in years. Even if I bought something fancy, they never include samples anymore. I would use ALL those samples you put no value on. also I love that you made such a long video. I love long videos, I know not everyone does, but I like watching long form stuff like this.
I don't know why I i watched a full 2 hour video on beauty calendars when my dailies are just cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen. Zero makeup most days. I actually had a ton of fun watching you, learned some new brands I should keep an eye out for, and was anticipating right there beside you what the next SpaceK full-size product you'd get. Plus, that one had all the little sayings/riddles, right!? It reminds me of gifts from my amazing MIL! She writes riddles on all of our Christmas gifts.
Great review. But I think you were a bit tough on Space NK when you didn’t include the value of the minies. A 25 ml Laneige lip sleeping mask would last for months, and can’t really be seen as a sample. Same with the Byredo perfume.
I loooooove Krave beauty! The Great Barrier Relief serum is a holy Grail product to me. It's super gentle on my sensitive/rosacea skin, and it helps so much to repair your moisture barrier (which sounds like a goal of yours). I hope you give it a shot ✨
this must’ve been a beast to edit, but I’m so grateful that you took your time giving us info and your thoughts on each product! it’s just more useful and valuable to us as consumers this way, so even if the video is longer, it feels like time well spent. plus, if a creator is rushing through the video, it puts me on edge and makes me feel like I’m late somewhere instead of relaxing lol.
I love the tatcha serum stick. I use it under my eyes before concealer. It's hydrating without being overly greasy. It's also great over make up if you have any dry patches peaking through, you can rub it on and then pat with fingers without ruining your base makeup. It's also great for mature skin you can put over fine lines before foundation so it doesn't sink in to the lines as much. I've also used it on my scalp above my forehead for my dry patches from dermatitis and it helped alot too.
Since you're a fragrance girlie, I just was introduced to one of my favorites right now! My daughters fiance is Egyptian, like from Egypt. And he has 3 sisters that are introducing my daughter to all kinds of cool stuff lol she started wearing this and then she bought it for me for my birthday and I looked on Amazon and there are more scents I have to try! It's called the Egyptian Goddess from Auric Blends! It is so long lasting and I just do a swipe on one wrist and mix with other, then dot on either side of neck. That's it and it lasts for hours!!!!!!
Lauren, I don't know if you read these comments, but I'll assume you do. You want a volumizing product? Use your favorite leave-in that doesn't dry crunchy, and roll your hair wet on Velcro tollers, taking care to watch a UA-cam video on setting and removing the rollers before use. You will have beautiful volume! 😊
Oh my gosh I just noticed its two hours long mid way through the video, what a treat honestly. I will definitely be rewarching over and over to soak up all the information.
The calendars themselves are so pretty. I’d be boxing up the products I didn’t need/want and gifting a bespoke calendar to five lucky friends…they’re too pretty to throw out!
The Krave Beauty Barrier Relief has a huge following and is amazing for any issues with skin barrier. I keep that serum and the body serum version on hand at all times!
The Paula’s Choice Azelaic Booster is a staple for me. Rub a little on a blemish and the next day it’s gone! It’s a holy grail product in my stash and I won’t be without it
The davines products are really luxe however you seem to have fine hair like me. Their products are very heavy on the hair. I think they smell divine. Especially the Love line. I can only use them when my hair feels dry or needs some extra care.
IDK, I get not being down with the deluxe sample sizes, but compared to pretty much every advent calendar sold here, you're still getting value for your money. I mean, you might only spend a third of that on a Sephora calendar, but they give you nothing but literal garbage and maybe free one-time use samples. Also, full-size products are great if you end up liking it but if not, that's a lot of "value" wasted. So I'm on the fence about full-size vs. more deluxe size samples.
I think in the US, you guys can get a lot of freebie samples that having them in these calendars can’t be appreciated anymore. Also, if you need to purchase something to get it free at counters, it’s not really free though. It’s different if you can just ask for the sample size for free without purchase. I think these calendars would be an issue if the value is meh. Advent calendars for me is like purchasing to sample products I won’t naturally purchase or have wanted to try but won’t commit to the full size and risk not liking it. Maybe other brands have gone above and beyond in their calendars that everyone expects that level. I mean, best to get Sephora Favourites sets or brand bundles or ipsy bags to get full size, premium minis and more to avoid disappointment. I mean to be disappointed to purchase $1k+ value for $200+ is kinda wild.
I am a new subscriber that (thankfully!) found your channel and am so glad I did! I’ve always been a gal who never cared much about makeup but as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized I need to wear it (unfortunately! ) Anyway, thanks for giving us followers what is worth our cash and please keep giving great videos!!!!
Spoiling us with this content!!! Lauren you’re such a queen, I’ve watched you forever and these days you’re the only beauty channel I still watch. I’m originally from Phoenix too and felt like my tastes have grown with you ❤ enjoy Thanksgiving!!!
Lauren, I’m in Australia and you kept me up to 4:52 am❣️The Ultra Violette is my favourite sunscreen. Non greasy, feels like skincare, and great under makeup.
Lauren Mae- You may shake up the way companies treat their Advent Calendar ! A shake up for me was when you opened the Christian Louboutin box. My thoughts are that it should be sold in limited quantities and really treat the customer who should be wowed or wooed by them if they want customer to buy into their brand. And YES the date of expected opening matters , 24 and 25 should be the day that has the most thought put into it. I am convinced that the industry will see your posts and change will follow. They have the opportunity to boost the brand every holiday season by making these advent calendars really special and what you've shown if it's generally a lot of bullshit crap that I would just just go into my drawer of gwp, hotel soap and those lipstick charms and empty lipstick case was a limp dick with zero satisfaction ?!
Love Paula’s choice azeleic acid. Have been using it for years. Dr. Dray says it’s the best one on the market and is also the main recommendation from other UA-cam derms. I have definitely seen good benefits from it.
Most of the items in the Cult Beauty box were available in BoxyCharm years ago. The retail values on beauty items, makeup, hair and skincare are mostly based on the name and popularity. The actual cost of the items, regardless of who it’s made by is minimal. The markup is astronomical. The pigments in a Natasha DENONA or Patrick Ta pallet are cents on the dollar. Same with the skincare. If you like the products enjoy them, just know the value isn’t there.
Lauren, you can't dismiss that small tatcha cream in that first calendar. I know it seems it should be a free gift with purchase but Sephora actually sales it for $23
Omg yess!!! I was just binging your other advent calendar videos from last year so I’m so happy you posted this!! And 2hrs!! Love a longer video. It’s like Christmas watching you open all the calendars lol it’s so fun
Love the video! I have been using the Great Barrier Reef serum for years, and I have to say it is one of my favorite skincare products! I notice an immediate difference the morning after I use it. It makes my skin look glowy and evens out my complexion. If you struggle with a compromised skin barrier, I think you will love it! Also, to me, it smells like maple syrup! 😂
Hi Lauren, i love the refy red lip from the first part, it looks nice for the winter 💖I agree that the advent calendars don't seem as exciting as last years; they all seem to be very haircare heavy, though i have discovered a new favourite hair mask in the phillip kingsley elasticiser in lemon I love the bioeffect egf serum you only use 2-3 drops for the whole face, i got a 5ml sample in a beauty gwp and noticed it made a real difference to my fine lines just within a couple of weeks so i have been purchasing the full size off ebay as people sell them for quite cheap especially after christmas. I've not tried the power serum yet but it is supposed to be more more mature skin so might pass it on as a present to my mum.
I agree with the other Europeans in the comments, I have on,y ever got a GWP when it’s spend over X amount it’s not something we have in the UK where Selfridges, Cult Beauty and Harrods are based. Your lucky to get a sachet sometimes so we tend to appreciate the small samples as it may be the only way we can test it without buying a full size ESPECIALLY since we can’t return any of our beauty products
I think that Fable and Mane oil is a similar size to their trial pack. It was enough to try it out for maybe 3 or 4 washes. The Amika is the exact same - the trial pack sizes.
Davines hair care has been my "treat" to myself foe about 2 years and I can never live without it. I rotate other less expensive but similar formula with it but I really love the almond line the most for a light scent.
You may really enjoy those little calm and sleep patches. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a whole series of those as a gift from a co-worker. One of mine was for waking up and one was for sleep and they both were gentle but effective and something I ended up actually purchasing again
I love the olaplex oil for my fine hair! A couple dabs onto my palms through the ends it never looks greasy and smells quite nice but not over powering!
I got 4 Tan Luxe products from the Ipsy shop for like $45 total. While I'm biracial, I'm light skinned, and it did nothing for me whereas other tanning products actually even out my skin tone (especially if I have weird tan lines) and darker me some.
I'm with you girl, I don't remember all these sample sizes. You had some really nice calendar's last year, I remember salivating over more than one. Lord, I hope this is not a sign of things to come.
I am loving these advent calendar videos. Your commentary both excited and critical is just golden. At the end of Advent calendar season are you going to do a video doing an overall review? Which ones were the best in their category, if you were only buying one which would it be, which ones are full of filler, etc. Would just love to have a combined final thoughts video about this wealth of advent calendar knowledge you've acquired.
Lauren, you are spot on!!! I LOVE mystery boxes, but I have never thought about choosing something that I want and know I will use for the amount of money that I would spend on a mystery box or adventure calendar. (Duh! Why not?!?) So from now on, no more mystery boxes! My goodness, my bathroom is overrun with beauty products and make-up that I will never use. It’s time to purge it all, and just keep what I absolutely know I will use.❤
That tan luxe serum is so lovely!! It’s perfect for if you have a tan your body to match up your face and it’s totally foolproof! So if you was going to try a tan, that is a solid one 🥰
omg i am totally obsessed with the La Mer lig gloss! Have it in the same shade but also just ordered a coral one with BF discount. Curious if you will like it!
I definitely self-tan, because I get the farmer tan, lower legs lighter and my chest only burns. I have used the TanTowel brand for 20 years. No funky scent, no staining! They have a version for lighter skin tones and one for medium to deep. As for the REFY mascara, just cut off the end.
LAUREN!! I was just searching for an advent calendar video and you served up a 2 hour movie?!?
She's THAT bish! ♥️
This is my favorite movie
Seriously snuggled up for it
For $520 an ounce, that skincare needs to make me look TRANSFORMED.
Possibly into another person.
It should do my taxes and make my bed too
😂😂
I remember someone in a movie said something like “this face cream is supposed to make me look like Grace Kelly”.
It needs to cook me dinner too!
If it doesn’t take you to a character maker screen and let you be a goddamn elf, it’s overpriced.
1/2 and oz for $300 is literally insane. It makes me feel like “is this a social experiment to push and see how much people will spend on goo for beauty”. I know I know that it may work.. but $300 for 1/2 an oz?! Idc if I have unlimited funds, that is insane to me
No kidding, for that price, someone could just get Botox! These prices are ridiculous
Yeah definitely outrageous. But, if i had UNLIMITED funds, i might still try 🤣🤣
Yes put that money to Botox!! No topical product will give you what Botox can!! These companies are delusional! 😅
stupid ahh
it already costs 100€ less than it did in this video 2 weeks ago so I guess all their prices are made up and rely on people buying it cause its expensive... which they clearly dont
Dr. Sturm is an orthopedic surgeon, not a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. But she definitely is cashing in on her name w her skincare line and the insane prices. I'm a licensed master esthetician and none of her stuff is worth it. In fact, most drugstore skincare is better and more effective. She's got quite the side hustle going on. Remember, very rarely does expensive equal quality in skincare. There's your esthy bestie tip of the day. ❤
Thank you for saying this!!🎉😊
I personally dont like her skin care line. It literally dried me out and broke me out.
Scam of the century, right after La Mer
She doesn’t list a residency program. She trained as is probably a was of saying she was an intern.
You forget that it's UK calendars. No one here seen "deluxe" sized gifts with purchase. You'd be lucky to get a 1ml perfume sample or 5ml (one use) face cream😂
Yes absolutely! We don't get nice gift with purchases haha.
I'm so used to trying to make those little sachets of cream last as long as possible
The 1.5ml sisley eye cream from my space nk purchase is probably the most value I've ever had from a free sample😂
😂😂😂👍🏻💯... The free gifts are hilarious from Space NK
Yeah I came in to make this comment. She's clearly used to the US culture.
Is it weird I'm falling asleep to this video? Like in a good way. It's like lulling me slowly to sleep. I'll rewatch what I miss tomorrow 😅
Same! lol but it's late but soothing sleeping lol
reminder to rewatch
It's not crazy! Although I mostly put her videos on the background while I clean, I sometimes put her or SmokeyGlow when I can't sleep!!
@ERID4N Rewatching now...while I get my oil changed and a front-end alignment. Dealership wait time qted...2 hours...so this is a perfect video!
lol same and I do my rewatch while getting ready/making breakfast
You guys from over the pond are spoiled with .. gift with purchases.
You’re lucky to get a foil packet as a free sample from over here in Ireland. 😂
Yeah, we get SFA in Scotland as well. GWP- what even is that.
Our customer base is kind of spoiled in general. I work in customer service here, and you wouldn't believe how entitled some people are.
@ oh I’d believe you . I see how people purchase without giving it much of a thought and then returning it . I can only imagine what it would be like working in that field. 😊
@@lspbeautea4791Europe generally only has 14 day return policy compared to 90 days America has. America has also higher purchasing power.
One other thing to remember is most of these calendars stayed the same price as last year in base currency. It’s just that the dollar weakened against the pound, so the exchange rate made it more expensive for those buying outside of the UK
Just finishing the Selfridges unboxing and wanted to talk about the value/no value remark. Something i think is good to remember, specially because you are unboxing European calendars, is that our gifts with purchases here, are not the same as in the US. We don't have bags full of samples/deluxes or even full size products, for small values of purchase. Point perk items at Sephora means nothing to me, i would be surprised if it exists outside the US (maybe Canada?!).
I buy on Cult Beauty and they don't even give you free samples, no matter the amount of purchase. And when they have goodie bags as gwp, you have to spend a lot to qusalify for it. Sephora Portugal gives a 5 piece offer with more than 100€ purchase and when they say there's a full size in it, you can bet it's a Patchology eye mask 🙄
What i want to say is that for a lot of people, those not large sizes will add value and should not be desconsidered just because you are used to received them for free and expect that it's the normal. Because it's not and again, you're talking about European based companies with a US point of view.
Hope i explained myself in a good way, i just want to give a different perspective.
Back to the video ❤
This is a great point. I also wanted to add that, even as someone from the US, I don't shop regularly enough (nor spend enough) at large beauty retailers that I even have the chance to get all of those deluxe samples for free. But I guess this is where the perceived value depends on the person.
I can attest Canadians get the point perks at Sephora (they are never worth it though). 😢 🇨🇦
When you get a perfume sample in Germany, it's mostly 1 - 1,5 ml and a cream or serum sample is a maximum of 5 ml. And you most of the time get 1 - 2 samples, if you're lucky. I just ordered a 10€ blush and didn't get any samples. The point program is also different here and you gotta have to spend at least 100€ within 12 months to get a deluxe sample before you lose points.
I so agree with you! Sometimes Sephora weirdly logs me onto the US website (I'm Canadian) and the GWPs are insane!!! They have a ton to choose from and Canada has maybe 3 GWP to choose from on average I'd say. When she dismissed the Supergoop SPF I was like whaaat? That's good value to me! 🥲
Aussie here, agree re stingy samples outside of the US. I could spend $500 in one visit at ‘Mecca’ (an Ulta/Sephora hybrid store) and there are no samples, ever. You get a few bonuses throughout the year but you’re spending $1000+ for anything decent.
Krave beauty is a great brand!! They're asian owned and really are intentional with being as eco friendly as possible. They're pretty big in the skincare game. Def worth looking into
I second this!! The Great Barrier Relief serum is a life saver when I have irritated skin (not just on my face). And the cleanser... *chefs kiss*
One of my fave brands! And started by UA-camr Liah Yoo!
No they’re not.
Some of those items you say are “gifts with purchase” are available for purchase - that mini 10ml Tatcha cream in the purple container is legit for sale on Sephora as a size.
Came here to say this AND that specific cream, you need soooo little of it to cover your entire face. I have purchased the mini before and it lasts a while
But it was a free birthday gift last year at Sephora
@@rashelkeeley6712 correct but some minis you can buy that size thats all were saying
Sephora can make whatever deals they want for their birthday gifts, but it is still an item that is for sale so it should have counted like all the other items that counted towards the box’s total.
Candles lit ☑
Skincare applied ☑
Warm fuzzy socks ☑
Long Lauren video 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Oooof that sounds nice! Just add
-kids asleep
-fuzzy blanket
-face mask on
;D
Hey Lauren, long-time watcher here. I self-tan weekly-ish and I've tried so very many different brands over the years. The best in my opinion is Bondi Sands, SPECIFICALLY the aerated 1-hour espress. It's fast, spreads wonderfully, streak free every single time, natural color. Never once had an issue. And I find the scent to be one of the most in offensive out there. That being said, you have a naturally beautiful skin tone that already has a nice golden tint, you always look incredible.
i’ve never seen someone complain about there being *too many* items lol
Let’s play “Count the Augustinus Bader & Dr Babs Sturm”
And don’t forget the Philip Kingsley elasticizer 😂
Not impressed with Dr B Sturm at all😕
Lol it just says so much about their markups if they are willing to sell so much for advent calendars, undoubtedly at a huge discount
Barbara is so overrated, I don't get how it's still a thing. I got a whole PR kit when it first came out and nothing felt better than drugstore products. Everything is like, that's fine and unremarkable, it's not hurting me but it's also not really doing anything.
Lmao babs sturm
I love watching your reviews of the advent calendars, but I think you undervalue 'mini' sizes. I've been watching you long enough to know that that is just how you feel, but I get so much value out of 'samples'.
It always takes me so long to go through full sizes that even something that is a quarter of full-size will usually last me a while and I get a lot of value out of it.
but would you pay hundreds of dollars for them? because that’s the complaint here, not that minis aren’t usable.
also, if you’re getting a 5 ml moisturizer when the full size is 1 oz (30 ml), or a 20 ml cleanser when the full size is 125, you’re not getting a quarter of the full size, but about a 6th.
@@addangelI mean these advent calendars sort of exist for these samples so yes?
I’m convinced the Dr. Barbara Sturm skin care solely exists for companies to be able to put into boxes to boost the value. It just doesn’t make any sense why people would pay hundreds of dollars for a hyaluronic acid serum or cleanser or toner. They’re basic products. Like I don’t think they cost anywhere near that much to either produce or for the department store to put into the calendar
That's 111skin for me 😂 no way people actually pay for these overpriced dried up gummy masks!
28:04 28:05 😊😊
Krave products are AMAZING!! they make some of my favorite skincare and the great barrier relief serum is their star product
Nice to see multiple advent calendars in the same video, because you get to compare them a bit more, since its fresh in your mind :)
One note: The main issue with your numbers is that you seem to have used prices from US shops for UK Advent Calendars. Prices are not the same for UK shops and US shops. Even if you search for the same product on the same seller, for example the Sol de Janeiro 40 with 3oz/90ml on Sephora US costs 25USD, but the same product with the same quantity of product on the UK shop retails for 24£ (with currency exchange of the day 30USD). So your numbers will always be off if use prices from the US shops to tally prices for a UK calendar.
No hate, just a little heads up.
So, one thing that might make totals a bit different is that some products are wildly different prices in the UK vs. the US. E.g. that Caudalie (BTW, pronounced more like cor than co) is only £30 on Sephora here, but $55 for you guys, though if we went with current conversion rates it should be less than $40 for you guys. There will be stuff the other way round too, where it's way more expensive for us than you, and it could be that the 4th calendar was filled with items that are pricier in the UK than the US.
31:52 krave beauty is a wonderful brand and that serum is their hero product and i have used it for years!
The selfridge card can be used online. So might be fun. It’s fun to check all the lux advents
youre driving me crazy!!!! next year pleaaaase count the value of all products, even if they're tiny. value is value.
At the end of Advent season maybe group up everything but group them up as brands . Like one group of Elemis and so on of the other brands. Just kinda of interesting to see at the end to see how many different brands and how many times you got that brand. Idk if this makes sense at all lol
I love Paula’s Choice! The two products you’ve shown from the first two boxes are some of my holy grails.
Omg. I clicked so fast! A 2-hr video? We are so lucky! TY Lauren!! ❤
I don’t buy the calendars, but if I did, I would want a mix of cult classics and one off high luxury items. It’s fun to try things I would never pay for myself. I found your channel last year when you did the advent calendars. Love that I discovered you and both your channels. You’re one of my favorites to watch. ❤️❤️
So glad you’re not listening to the vocal minority complaining about you being too “high end”. This is so fun!
Yeah, I want her to do high end because it's not something I'm ever going to spend money on.
Yeah it’s fun to see what these fancy calendars are like
@@FathomlessStranger yes! And I appreciate the fact that she doesn’t act like $300 is chump change
In my teddy bear pjs with a pumpkin cold brew candle burning, wearing Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere, and sipping a pumpkin butter eggnog... the timing of this video could not have been better!!
Pumpkin butter egg nog? Do you have a recipe?😂❤
@@omomo202 just eggnog mixed with TJ's pumpkin butter lol, I used a milk frother to mix the two up
I’ve used and loved the Krave Great Barrier Relief! I hope you have the same experience.
Loving the advent calendars!
I think advent calendars should be mostly sample sizes! That way, you get to sample many different things that you might never have tried. And then you can go and buy a large size of the things you enjoyed.
In the UK you do not get samples especially deluxe sample for free or even that often as gift with purchase so they would have more value and be more acceptable for consumers. Compared to the US advents even with these costing more they are so much better than all the US ones. Also not knowing the brands seems like a skill issue.
You do at Harvey Nichols
Your red lipstick is FIRE! ❤
For the 8ml bottles, just calculate by the oz or ml using the full size for reference
Pretty sure that small aromatherapy associates oil is sold - because I’ve bought them, at very least in a bundle but possibly separately. I think you should look up things before deciding they’re not sold in that size/don’t have value, unless you did.
Yes you’re right. The 3ml and 9ml sizes are available individually on their website. I feel like a lot of the mini products written off as freebies or GWP are sold as travel sizes. So there is actually some monetary value to them. By the brands standards anyway.
WELL YES GIRL... you have to count them. and you cannot eliminate products just because you dont like 😭 we're trying to see the worth here
I think the argument she is making is you could go to the shop and they would give you the samples for free
The ultra violette sunscreen is borderline holy grail. Good addition of some skincare ingredients, not oily and wears well under makeup.
Lauren these videos may just be your everyday but thank you so much for doing relaxing content and just being real about values and rankings. Recently going through some hard times and it is so nice to have 2 HOURS of content to just get my mind off things and watch a topic I just superficially enjoy so much. Hope you are having a great holiday!
Everything Paula’s Choice is great. Her name sounds kinda Angie’s List but is the best skincare for things I just thought I had to live with forever.
Very off putting name though.
@@TheFaro2011 I know the name is not very inviting, (at least it isn't Karen's choice ) ,..but I've tried a few of the products and I have liked them all.
The fenty gloss bombs are peach vanilla scented & absolutely yes! I love gloss bombs and use them faithfully I’m obsessed and legit i own every gloss bomb shade they’ve ever dropped. From permanent to limited edition i got them
For the maison crivelli - $340/50ml= $6.80 per ml. $6.80x5ml=$34 dollars per fragrance vial which is in the similar price range to many high end travel size fragrances.
As someone with allergies, I love mini sample size things. I have to pretty much try out everything I touch prior to use. I wish places gave free gift with purchase, but I have never had that experience in years. Even if I bought something fancy, they never include samples anymore. I would use ALL those samples you put no value on.
also I love that you made such a long video. I love long videos, I know not everyone does, but I like watching long form stuff like this.
I don't know why I i watched a full 2 hour video on beauty calendars when my dailies are just cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunscreen. Zero makeup most days.
I actually had a ton of fun watching you, learned some new brands I should keep an eye out for, and was anticipating right there beside you what the next SpaceK full-size product you'd get. Plus, that one had all the little sayings/riddles, right!? It reminds me of gifts from my amazing MIL! She writes riddles on all of our Christmas gifts.
Great review. But I think you were a bit tough on Space NK when you didn’t include the value of the minies. A 25 ml Laneige lip sleeping mask would last for months, and can’t really be seen as a sample. Same with the Byredo perfume.
Could you do a video creating online shopping carts you would’ve rather spent the bad advent calendar money on…..?
Love this idea!!
I loooooove Krave beauty! The Great Barrier Relief serum is a holy Grail product to me. It's super gentle on my sensitive/rosacea skin, and it helps so much to repair your moisture barrier (which sounds like a goal of yours). I hope you give it a shot ✨
I’m OBSESSED with the Krave Beauty Great Barrier Relief serum. It has seriously saved my skin and I recommend the company to anyone!
this must’ve been a beast to edit, but I’m so grateful that you took your time giving us info and your thoughts on each product! it’s just more useful and valuable to us as consumers this way, so even if the video is longer, it feels like time well spent. plus, if a creator is rushing through the video, it puts me on edge and makes me feel like I’m late somewhere instead of relaxing lol.
I love the tatcha serum stick. I use it under my eyes before concealer. It's hydrating without being overly greasy. It's also great over make up if you have any dry patches peaking through, you can rub it on and then pat with fingers without ruining your base makeup. It's also great for mature skin you can put over fine lines before foundation so it doesn't sink in to the lines as much. I've also used it on my scalp above my forehead for my dry patches from dermatitis and it helped alot too.
Since you're a fragrance girlie, I just was introduced to one of my favorites right now! My daughters fiance is Egyptian, like from Egypt. And he has 3 sisters that are introducing my daughter to all kinds of cool stuff lol she started wearing this and then she bought it for me for my birthday and I looked on Amazon and there are more scents I have to try! It's called the Egyptian Goddess from Auric Blends! It is so long lasting and I just do a swipe on one wrist and mix with other, then dot on either side of neck. That's it and it lasts for hours!!!!!!
Oily doesn’t mean hydrated! You are 100% correct! I also have oily but dehydrated skin sometimes. And that was common with my clients too!
Lauren, I don't know if you read these comments, but I'll assume you do. You want a volumizing product? Use your favorite leave-in that doesn't dry crunchy, and roll your hair wet on Velcro tollers, taking care to watch a UA-cam video on setting and removing the rollers before use. You will have beautiful volume! 😊
Oh my gosh I just noticed its two hours long mid way through the video, what a treat honestly. I will definitely be rewarching over and over to soak up all the information.
The calendars themselves are so pretty. I’d be boxing up the products I didn’t need/want and gifting a bespoke calendar to five lucky friends…they’re too pretty to throw out!
The Krave Beauty Barrier Relief has a huge following and is amazing for any issues with skin barrier. I keep that serum and the body serum version on hand at all times!
My european a$s: what is this “free with purchase” thing she keeps talking about?
The Paula’s Choice Azelaic Booster is a staple for me. Rub a little on a blemish and the next day it’s gone! It’s a holy grail product in my stash and I won’t be without it
The davines products are really luxe however you seem to have fine hair like me. Their products are very heavy on the hair. I think they smell divine. Especially the Love line. I can only use them when my hair feels dry or needs some extra care.
IDK, I get not being down with the deluxe sample sizes, but compared to pretty much every advent calendar sold here, you're still getting value for your money. I mean, you might only spend a third of that on a Sephora calendar, but they give you nothing but literal garbage and maybe free one-time use samples. Also, full-size products are great if you end up liking it but if not, that's a lot of "value" wasted. So I'm on the fence about full-size vs. more deluxe size samples.
I really hope you take a look at the elf calendar this year! I’m always so curious if it’s worth it since they don’t have a spoiler on their app
I think in the US, you guys can get a lot of freebie samples that having them in these calendars can’t be appreciated anymore. Also, if you need to purchase something to get it free at counters, it’s not really free though. It’s different if you can just ask for the sample size for free without purchase. I think these calendars would be an issue if the value is meh. Advent calendars for me is like purchasing to sample products I won’t naturally purchase or have wanted to try but won’t commit to the full size and risk not liking it. Maybe other brands have gone above and beyond in their calendars that everyone expects that level.
I mean, best to get Sephora Favourites sets or brand bundles or ipsy bags to get full size, premium minis and more to avoid disappointment. I mean to be disappointed to purchase $1k+ value for $200+ is kinda wild.
I am a new subscriber that (thankfully!) found your channel and am so glad I did! I’ve always been a gal who never cared much about makeup but as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized I need to wear it (unfortunately! ) Anyway, thanks for giving us followers what is worth our cash and please keep giving great videos!!!!
Spoiling us with this content!!! Lauren you’re such a queen, I’ve watched you forever and these days you’re the only beauty channel I still watch. I’m originally from Phoenix too and felt like my tastes have grown with you ❤ enjoy Thanksgiving!!!
I really like Krave Beauty! They have a lot of good products and the great barrier relief is widely known as one of their best products
Lauren, I’m in Australia and you kept me up to 4:52 am❣️The Ultra Violette is my favourite sunscreen. Non greasy, feels like skincare, and great under makeup.
Thank you Lauren! Cleaning out my makeup drawers whilst watching you rip through the calendars - love it!!! 😁
Lauren Mae- You may shake up the way companies treat their Advent Calendar ! A shake up for me was when you opened the Christian Louboutin box. My thoughts are that it should be sold in limited quantities and really treat the customer who should be wowed or wooed by them if they want customer to buy into their brand. And YES the date of expected opening matters , 24 and 25 should be the day that has the most thought put into it. I am convinced that the industry will see your posts and change will follow. They have the
opportunity to boost the brand every holiday season by making these advent calendars really special and what you've shown if it's generally a lot of bullshit crap that I would just just go into my drawer of gwp, hotel soap and those lipstick charms and empty lipstick case was a limp dick with zero satisfaction ?!
Love Paula’s choice azeleic acid. Have been using it for years. Dr. Dray says it’s the best one on the market and is also the main recommendation from other UA-cam derms. I have definitely seen good benefits from it.
Omg a two hour video?? This is the real Christmas gift
Most of the items in the Cult Beauty box were available in BoxyCharm years ago. The retail values on beauty items, makeup, hair and skincare are mostly based on the name and popularity. The actual cost of the items, regardless of who it’s made by is minimal. The markup is astronomical. The pigments in a Natasha DENONA or Patrick Ta pallet are cents on the dollar. Same with the skincare. If you like the products enjoy them, just know the value isn’t there.
Lauren, you can't dismiss that small tatcha cream in that first calendar. I know it seems it should be a free gift with purchase but Sephora actually sales it for $23
OMG! I love this 😍 wonder if Augustinus and Barbara will be joining us again 🤣
Omg yess!!! I was just binging your other advent calendar videos from last year so I’m so happy you posted this!! And 2hrs!! Love a longer video. It’s like Christmas watching you open all the calendars lol it’s so fun
Thanks for doing these long videos! I’d been waiting for this one! ❤
The Davines NOUNOU shampoo & conditioner are my holy grails! So cool to see them in Sephora now, hope you love them
WHATTT yesssss baby i am strapped the heck in!!!!
Love the video! I have been using the Great Barrier Reef serum for years, and I have to say it is one of my favorite skincare products! I notice an immediate difference the morning after I use it. It makes my skin look glowy and evens out my complexion. If you struggle with a compromised skin barrier, I think you will love it! Also, to me, it smells like maple syrup! 😂
English Advent calendars are 🔥🔥🔥
Hi Lauren, i love the refy red lip from the first part, it looks nice for the winter 💖I agree that the advent calendars don't seem as exciting as last years; they all seem to be very haircare heavy, though i have discovered a new favourite hair mask in the phillip kingsley elasticiser in lemon I love the bioeffect egf serum you only use 2-3 drops for the whole face, i got a 5ml sample in a beauty gwp and noticed it made a real difference to my fine lines just within a couple of weeks so i have been purchasing the full size off ebay as people sell them for quite cheap especially after christmas. I've not tried the power serum yet but it is supposed to be more more mature skin so might pass it on as a present to my mum.
I agree with the other Europeans in the comments, I have on,y ever got a GWP when it’s spend over X amount it’s not something we have in the UK where Selfridges, Cult Beauty and Harrods are based. Your lucky to get a sachet sometimes so we tend to appreciate the small samples as it may be the only way we can test it without buying a full size ESPECIALLY since we can’t return any of our beauty products
32:06 krave beauty is a huge win! The great barrier relief is a winter staple! Smells crazy though lol
I think that Fable and Mane oil is a similar size to their trial pack. It was enough to try it out for maybe 3 or 4 washes.
The Amika is the exact same - the trial pack sizes.
The charlotte tilbury lip liner looks amazing on you.
Medik8 products are brilliant, especially the B5 intense serum.
Davines hair care has been my "treat" to myself foe about 2 years and I can never live without it. I rotate other less expensive but similar formula with it but I really love the almond line the most for a light scent.
i like the little phrases on the different days like there’s a theme
Whatever blush you're wearing in the second half day of the video really stands out so bright on you but in a great way. It looks so good.
I so appreciate your no-nonsense approach and I trust you so much! Thank you for all your work in these videos. xox Kathy A
You may really enjoy those little calm and sleep patches. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a whole series of those as a gift from a co-worker. One of mine was for waking up and one was for sleep and they both were gentle but effective and something I ended up actually purchasing again
I love the olaplex oil for my fine hair! A couple dabs onto my palms through the ends it never looks greasy and smells quite nice but not over powering!
I got 4 Tan Luxe products from the Ipsy shop for like $45 total. While I'm biracial, I'm light skinned, and it did nothing for me whereas other tanning products actually even out my skin tone (especially if I have weird tan lines) and darker me some.
I'm late watching, I got interrupted, , I'm so excited for you buying those boxes. They better be good to you.❤
I'm with you girl, I don't remember all these sample sizes. You had some really nice calendar's last year, I remember salivating over more than one. Lord, I hope this is not a sign of things to come.
Your voice + beauty advent calendar for 2 hours. Truly made my day. Thank you Lauren ❤
so you’re my fave on youtube. cannot stop binging your videos im so entertained and i learn so much
I am loving these advent calendar videos. Your commentary both excited and critical is just golden. At the end of Advent calendar season are you going to do a video doing an overall review? Which ones were the best in their category, if you were only buying one which would it be, which ones are full of filler, etc. Would just love to have a combined final thoughts video about this wealth of advent calendar knowledge you've acquired.
Lauren, you are spot on!!! I LOVE mystery boxes, but I have never thought about choosing something that I want and know I will use for the amount of money that I would spend on a mystery box or adventure calendar. (Duh! Why not?!?) So from now on, no more mystery boxes! My goodness, my bathroom is overrun with beauty products and make-up that I will never use. It’s time to purge it all, and just keep what I absolutely know I will use.❤
You do the best reviews of advent calendars so I thank you. ❤❤
That tan luxe serum is so lovely!! It’s perfect for if you have a tan your body to match up your face and it’s totally foolproof! So if you was going to try a tan, that is a solid one 🥰
omg i am totally obsessed with the La Mer lig gloss! Have it in the same shade but also just ordered a coral one with BF discount. Curious if you will like it!
I definitely self-tan, because I get the farmer tan, lower legs lighter and my chest only burns. I have used the TanTowel brand for 20 years. No funky scent, no staining! They have a version for lighter skin tones and one for medium to deep. As for the REFY mascara, just cut off the end.