Christmas is getting closer, and this year’s calendars are already on sale. From bargain buys and cult favourites to cruelty-free picks, here are the ones we rate the most
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Christmas may still be weeks away, but the festive season has already begun for fans of beauty Advent calendars. Most of this year’s calendars are now on sale, and many of the most popular could sell out long before Whamageddon claims its first victim.
So, much as it pains me to say it, now might be a good time to buy one. Below, you’ll find my favourites, from bargain beauty Advent calendars under £50 to three-figure luxuries. I’ve tested 20 to find calendars packed with cult-favourite products suitable for a whole spectrum of skin types and preferences. I also looked at the packaging and broad appeal of each calendar to help minimise waste.
I’ve covered a wide range of beauty Advent calendars and updated the list as new ones have been released, so there should be something below to tickle everyone’s fancy.
At a glance
Best beauty Advent calendar overallCult Beauty Advent calendar Signature Edition
Best value beauty Advent calendarLookfantastic Beauty Advent calendar
Best beauty Advent calendar under £100Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty Advent calendar
Best beauty Advent calendar for full-size productsSpace NK Beauty Advent calendar
Best luxury beauty Advent calendarLiberty Beauty Advent calendar
Best beauty Advent calendar for familiesLush Advent calendar
Best Advent calendar for skin and body careHolland & Barrett Beauty Advent calendar
Best perfume Advent calendarHarvey Nichols 12 Days of Fragrance Advent calendar
Best beauty Advent calendar for teens and tweensW7 Beauty Blast Advent calendar
Best for home fragranceThe White Company Advent calendar
Why you should trust me
I test beauty products for a living, which means I’ve worked my way through more skincare, makeup, hair care, perfume and nail care products than I dare to count. Working in this industry has shown me the very best and absolute worst of what’s out there. I know how to spot a good product when I see one, even if it’s tucked away in the corner of a beauty Advent calendar.
I also have a certification in cosmetic science, so I know how to identify products suited to different skin and hair types. I’ve struggled with sensitive skin for years, so I keep a close eye out for ingredients that might irritate. The calendars below are all full of products suitable for most people to minimise waste.
How I tested
Heaps of Advent calendars are released every year. To help find the best, I longlisted 30 before testing the 20 that offer the best range of products and value for money.
Testing them lets me assess the quality of each calendar and its contents, as well as the packaging it arrives in. If the calendar itself is recyclable but arrives shrouded in plastic bags and polystyrene, that lands it firmly on my ‘naughty’ list and I’ve made a note of it in my write-up. I also check that each calendar is made from packaging that is recyclable at home or genuinely reusable.
It’s impossible to test every product inside every calendar – I only have one face, after all – but I judge each calendar based on the range, quality and usefulness of the products inside. Broad appeal is key to avoiding wasted products, and luckily, this is how most Advent calendars are designed.
I look for a good mix of skincare, makeup, body care, hair care and nail care, unless a calendar is specifically dedicated to a certain product type. I also check how easy it is to incorporate each product into a typical routine. Too many harsh treatments or bold makeup shades would be less appealing than a calendar with a more approachable lineup.
This helps me assess how broadly usable the contents are and how much is likely to go to waste. While beauty Advent calendars can’t be considered eco-friendly, it’s important to minimise waste where possible.
Each year I end up with far more products than one woman can reasonably use. This year, I donated the contents of the calendars to the Redbridge Reach Out service, which supports anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
Our favourite beauty Advent calendars in 2026
Best beauty Advent calendar overall: Cult Beauty Advent calendar Signature Edition
Status: available
If you’re hunting for a beauty Advent calendar filled with high-end makeup and skincare, this year’s Cult Beauty Signature Edition is my top pick. I’ve tried and recommended many of the products inside over the past year, while others are established favourites. There’s very little to dislike, and with 33 products inside, 19 of which are full-size, that’s no mean feat.
Why we love it While I’m most excited about the contents of this calendar, it’s also my favourite design. It opens like a book and features detailed illustrations of lipsticks and makeup brushes hidden among festive flowers and foliage. The white, sage green and gold colour scheme should work well with most Christmas decorations. And when the countdown is complete, the box can go in your household recycling bin, while the gold ribbon can be reused.
The skincare inside also has broad appeal. I tested the Medik8 Advanced pro-collagen peptide cream for my recent roundup of face moisturisers, and its light texture and peptide formula made it my top choice for anti-ageing. You’ll also get a 15ml size of the eye-wateringly expensive Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream, which I found amazing for nourishing dry winter-stressed skin.
There are just two skincare products you’ll need to be a little careful with: the Paula’s Choice retinaldehyde treatment and the Allies of Skin azelaic serum. Both contain ingredients used to target anti-ageing, acne and hyperpigmentation, but add them to your routine gradually and separately to reduce the risk of irritation.
Makeup-wise, there’s a lot to like too, with a full-size Saie liquid blush and Westman Atelier mascara, both high-end products loved by many beauty enthusiasts. You’ll also find a travel-size Charlotte Tilbury setting spray and Milk Makeup Hydro Grip primer, both of which are top picks in my upcoming primer and setting spray tests.
Topping things off with hair care, you’ll find the Fable & Mane HoliRoots hair oil, which helps to promote stronger strands and increase hydration without using silicones. But the hair-care highlight for me is the travel-size Gisou Honey Gloss ceramide shampoo and conditioner, which smell divine and are from the same range as my favourite hair mask.
It’s a shame that … only four of the products are hair care, and there’s no perfume included. And the Patrick Ta blush duo is almost highlighter pink; you’ll need a light hand, but the shade itself may not be for everyone.
Claimed overall value: more than £1,100 Number of products: 19 full-size, 14 mini (33 in total) Calendar shell: recyclable card with reusable gold ribbons Standout products: Westman Atelier Eye Want You mascara, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish setting spray, Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take cream + powder blush duo, Saie Dew blush, Medik8 Advanced pro-collagen peptide cream, Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream
Best value beauty Advent calendar: Lookfantastic Beauty Advent calendar
This year’s Lookfantastic calendar packs 27 products, including 19 full-size, into its vault-style design. Each drawer has been curated by a different celebrity or influencer to include one of their favourite beauty picks, from face creams to home fragrance. It largely steers clear of pricey, specialist treatments, focusing instead on familiar beauty staples.
Why we love it Starting strong with skincare, there’s a full-size Medik8 Total Moisture daily cleansing gel, which I love as a quick morning cleanse that doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped. You’ll also find an Elemis Pro-Collagen night cream – the richer version of the day cream I tried in my face moisturiser tests. One of my favourite body moisturisers also features: the Ameliorate Transforming body lotion, which I found good for smoothing and hydrating rough, bumpy skin.
As for makeup, my top two picks are classics: there’s a full-size Benefit Roller Lash mascara in black, which is one of my long-term favourites for its curl and lift. Then there’s the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze styling wax in clear to shape up all brow shades.
For wellness, I was pleased to spot a full-size Amalfi Lemon room spray from the White Company, which has an uplifting, clean scent that’s perfect for winter. There’s also a great mix of hair care, including a full-size Aveda Cherry Almond shampoo and conditioner. Since many of us heat-style our hair more often at Christmas, I was also glad to see a leave-in strengthening treatment from Color Wow.
It’s a shame that … you don’t get any nail care, and the calendar has quite a large footprint, so you’ll need a lot of space to display it.
Claimed overall value: more than £665 Number of products: 19 full-size, 8 mini Calendar shell: recyclable Standout products: Color Wow Dream Cocktail, Aveda Cherry Almond Softening shampoo and conditioner, the White Company Amalfi Lemon luxury home spray, Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze wax, Benefit Roller lash mascara, Elemis Pro-Collagen night cream, Medik8 Total Moisture daily cleansing gel, Ameliorate Transforming body lotion
Best beauty Advent calendar under £100: Anthropologie 24 Days of Beauty Advent calendar
Some beauty Advent calendars cost the world and then leave you wondering what on earth to do with all the products inside. That is not true of the Anthropologie calendar for 2026. There are 25 little luxuries behind 24 doors, and all are staples that should fit easily into an existing beauty routine. Small upgrades for a sensible price.
Why we love it There isn’t too much skincare in this calendar, but you will find a full-size Grown Alchemist Regenerating serum worth £60. This has a light gel texture and contains rambutan, polysaccharides and plant peptides to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, hydrate and promote smooth skin. You’ll find the Espa Clean & Green Detox mask, which has a cream clay formula containing vitamin E.
There are three fragrances included: the Malin+Goetz strawberry perfume oil, Phlur Father Figure, and a 10ml bottle of Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid. The latter is a light, floral fragrance that’s wearable and uplifting but not sickly sweet, and it’s one of my favourite new perfumes.
The hair care highlights include the Superfoods prewash oil from Hair Syrup, which I’ve tested before and enjoyed using. You’ll also find a silk scrunchie from Slip, which I found snagged less than standard hair ties, creating less breakage. Be warned – I haven’t been able to go back to normal hair ties since trying these.
The calendar also includes a few wellness treats, such as the This Works Deep Sleep pillow spray, a L’Occitane hand cream and a mini candle from Plum & Ashby.
It’s a shame that … there’s only one makeup item inside, and Trip electrolytes sachets don’t feel like an exciting beauty treat. The Malin+Goetz strawberry perfume oil is also an acquired taste.
Claimed overall value: £400 Number of products: 17 full-size, 8 mini Calendar shell: recyclable Standout products: Grown Alchemist Regenerating serum, Espa Clean & Green Detox mask, Hair Syrup Superfoods prewash oil, Slip silk skinny scrunchie, Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid eau de parfum, This Works Deep Sleep pillow spray, Phlur Father Figure eau de parfum, L’Occitane Amande (almond) Sublime hand cream, Neal’s Yard Wild Rose beauty balm, Manucurist Active Shine polish
Best beauty Advent calendar for full-size products: Space NK Beauty Advent calendar
The Space NK calendar was my top pick last year, and this year’s curation is also strong. It was only pipped to the post because its skincare selection leans a little too heavily towards anti-ageing. Still, it’s a strong option if you’re a fan of high-end beauty and want to try a range of products.
Why we love it I love this calendar for its number and quality of full-size products. It’s a real treat, offering 26 full-size and nine minis. The full-size Skin Rocks cleansing balm effortlessly removed stubborn makeup. There’s also a full-size Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ serum, which is one of the best PDRN serums I’ve tried for rejuvenating and improving skin tone, while supporting the skin’s barrier. Most of the headline skincare products are tailored toward anti-ageing, such as the La Mer moisturising cream and Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening dark spot serum.
For hair care, Space NK has skipped the basics and gone straight for treatments. There’s a K18 heat protectant, a leave-in treatment from Color Wow, and an Olaplex treatment, all of which are full-size. It’s good to see a daily essential like heat protection in there, as well as treatments that should suit a range of hair types.
I’m also excited by the Kulfi lip stain oil, which is a moisturising, slightly glossy stain in a neutral rose designed to suit a range of skin tones. Likewise, the perfumes have broad appeal. I’ve tried Phlur Missing Person and the Gisou hair perfume before, but I was surprised by the velvety scent of the DS & Durga Debaser in Bloom perfume. All could be layered with the Saltair Salt Water Vanilla body oil, which has a deep, warm vanilla fragrance and feels light on the skin.
It’s a shame that … all of the makeup inside is cream- or liquid-based, so if you prefer powder formulations, this won’t be for you. There’s also no nail care included. And, as mentioned above, most of the skincare is focused on anti-ageing. They’re all high-end brands, but the calendar may not include enough basics for younger people or those who prefer a simpler routine.
Claimed overall value: more than £1,200 Number of products: 26 full-size, 9 mini Calendar shell: recyclable Standout products: La Mer Crème de la Mer moisturising cream, K18 HeatBounce conditioning heat protectant, Color Wow Carb Cocktail, Olaplex No3 Plus Complete Repair treatment, Augustinus Bader the Body Cream, Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot serum, Kosas Soulgazer mascara, Kulfi Lassi lip staining oil, Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ serum, Naturium the Booster hyaluronic acid body wash, Refy Lash Sculpt, Saltair Salt Water Vanilla body oil, Skin Rocks the Cleansing Balm
For more, read Sali Hughes’s guide to the best anti-ageing creams, serums and treatments
Best luxury beauty Advent calendar: Liberty Beauty Advent calendar
Browsing Liberty’s beauty hall is one of my favourite things to do in between meetings in London. It isn’t cheap, but this year’s Liberty calendar brought a little taste of that luxury to my living room. If you’re hoping to try new high-end beauty products, and particularly if you like experimenting with new fragrance, this will be right up your street.
Why we love it What immediately struck me is the wide range of perfumes inside. There are eight from fragrance houses such as DS & Durga, Bibbi, and Ex Nihilo. You’ll find classics such as Molecule 01 fragrance, which smells different on everyone, but my favourite inclusion is Tana Meadow, from Liberty’s own fragrance house. It’s been my go-to fragrance recently, with spiced woody top notes that settle into white floral mid notes and a hearty vanilla, wood and praline base.
My next favourite thing about this calendar is the selection of makeup. While it’s hard to tell online, I was pleased to see a versatile range of shades, with a gorgeous dusky pink Lisa Eldridge lipstick and a conditioning mascara from Ilia. There is one daring berry-red lip stain from Violette_FR that promises to hydrate lips as it stains, perfect for the festive season when we need our lipstick to last through far more feasting than usual.
The calendar is also rammed with skincare and hair care from luxury brands you won’t find at most high-street retailers. I tried the Maria Nila Gloss Coat anti-frizz treatment earlier this year and found it performed brilliantly in humid weather. The MZ Skin Bio-Placenta eye cream promises to improve tired eyes in four weeks; I found it had a cool, refreshing feel and sunk in quickly. There’s also a brightening vitamin C serum from Sunday Riley, which had a lovely hydrating feel and didn’t upset my skin, and an Augustinus Bader face oil that left my skin with a healthy glow without feeling greasy.
It’s a shame that … the Davines shampoo doesn’t come paired with its conditioner. There’s also no nail care, which is oddly common among this year’s calendars.
Claimed overall value: more than £1,300 Number of products: 21 full-size, 8 mini Calendar shell: recyclable, with reusable drawstring bag Standout products: DS & Durga Debaser eau de parfum, Bibbi Vanilla Factory eau de parfum, Ex Nihilo Blue Talisman extrait de parfum, Escentric Molecules Molecule 01, LBTY Tana Meadow eau de parfum, Lisa Eldridge Baume Embrace Melting lip colour in épanoui, Ilia Beauty Limitless lash mascara in after midnight, Violette_FR Lip Nectar in bêtise, Maria Nila gloss coat, MZ Skin Intensive Bio-Placenta eye cream, Sunday Riley CEO Vitamin C 15% brightening serum, Augustinus Bader the Face Oil
Best beauty Advent calendar for families: Lush Advent calendar
If you know your little ones won’t be able to keep their hands off your fancy beauty Advent calendar, why not buy something you can all enjoy? Lush offers two stocked-up Advent calendars every year: one filled with bath bombs and bubble bars and another with the brand’s wider beauty offerings. This reusable hamper is the latter, filled with vegan and cruelty-free festive bath bombs, creams, perfumes and a lip scrub to appeal to all ages.
Why we love it That distinctive Lush smell hits as soon as you open this hamper. This will either delight or repulse you, although presumably if you’re considering this you’re in the former camp. Inside, you’ll find 25 treats spread across two 12-day halves that save you a bit of rummaging around.
Starting with bath products, you’ll find festive-food-themed bombs and bubble bars, including an orange, a candied pear, a candy cane, a carrot for Rudolph and a Christmas tree. There are also picks from Lush’s standard range, such as the Sleepy bubble bar. And the sweet theme doesn’t stop at bath time, thanks to the sticky dates, s’mores, and chocolate orange shower gels. You can even eat the Hot Chocolate Orange lip scrub, which tastes just as delicious as it sounds.
Out of the bathroom, the calendar comes with two exclusive fragrances. The mini Santa’s Favourite body spray smells like soft florals and settles into a light grapefruit. Or, for something stronger, the Snowcake and Rose perfume smells like warm marzipan and feels more grownup. You’ll also find hand soaps, a dusting powder, a body butter, a candle and a cosy pair of Lush socks.
Lush scores highly on sustainability: the hamper is made by a B Corp-certified manufacturer, and there’s a detailed breakdown online on the other packaging and how to recycle it. The packing peanuts can be placed in your food or garden waste bin, and when you’re finished with the bottles and tubs, you can return them to Lush using the Bring it Back scheme for money off your next purchase.
It’s a shame that … unlike previous years, there are no inserts to refill last year’s Advent calendar chest. While the new hamper design is a little more reusable day to day, this change seems counterproductive from a sustainability perspective, since part of the appeal of last year’s calendar was that you’d be able to refill it. I’m hoping this version will be refillable for years to come. For a completely refillable option, Lush has launched a fabric calendar this year for you to fill yourself, which will allow you to add products you know you love.
Claimed overall value: not listed Number of products: 24 full-size, 1 mini Calendar shell: biodegradable and recyclable cardboard inserts, reusable wicker hamper Standout products: Hot Chocolate Orange lip scrub, Sleepy bubble bar, Sticky Dates shower gel, Honey Bear bath bomb, Once Upon a Time candle, Dream Cream body lotion, Honey I Washed the Kids body scrub, Christmas tree bath bomb, Snowcake and Rose perfume
Best Advent calendar for skin and body care: Holland & Barrett Beauty Advent calendar
Advent calendars full of high-end products are a double-edged sword: it’s great to find new favourites, but they might become a drain on your bank account if you want to repurchase them. Holland & Barrett’s Advent calendar packs in many affordable body and skincare products that I’ve tried and wouldn’t hesitate to use in my routine. Many of the products inside are from cruelty-free brands and, of all the options here, this calendar feels the most gender-neutral, which also makes it great to share.
Why we love it The skincare selection here is strong, with two inclusions from Dr Organic: a probiotic cream cleanser that I love, and a vitamin E moisturiser that will help with dry, winter-stressed skin. You’ll find a mini version of one of my go-to breakout-busting cleansers, the Cetaphil Exfoliating SA cleanser, with a matching mini moisturiser that’s perfect for travel. There’s also a brightening eye cream from the brilliant UpCircle, which uses repurposed ingredients.
For body care, there’s a full-size version of the Weleda Skin Food body lotion; I love the hand cream from this range, and the lotion has a lighter texture while still using plant-derived squalane to hydrate and protect the skin. I was also excited to see one of my favourite hair masks included; the moisturising hair mask from Faith in Nature can help increase shine, and rinses away quickly without leaving a heavy coating.
It’s a shame that … there’s no makeup included, and I’m also not sold on adding health supplements to a beauty Advent calendar, even if biotin and collagen are fairly common supplements. Also, unlike previous Holland & Barrett calendars, not all the products inside are vegan or vegetarian – some contain beeswax, lanolin and bovine collagen.
Claimed overall value: more than £266 Number of products: 18 full-size, 10 mini Calendar shell: recyclable Standout products: Dr Organic Probiotic cream cleanser, Dr Organic Vitamin E Super hydrating cream, Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA cleanser, Cetaphil SA Exfoliating lotion, UpCircle Brightening eye cream, Weleda Skin Food body lotion, Faith in Nature Shea & Argan hair mask, Hairburst Longer Stronger shampoo, Hairburst Longer Stronger conditioner
Best perfume Advent calendar: Harvey Nichols 12 Days of Fragrance Advent calendar
If your favourite airport tradition involves spritzing up a storm in the duty-free perfume section, a fragrance Advent calendar will be right up your street. Harvey Nichols has included 13 fragrances (plus one for your car) from niche fragrance houses you can feel a little smug about wearing, especially as one costs more on its own than the whole calendar.
Why we love it Fragrances are notoriously expensive, and the contents of this calendar have a claimed total worth of more than £700. Inside, there’s one 50ml perfume, one 30ml and another 25ml. The rest are all 10ml or less, offering a range of fragrances to suit any gender, and great Christmas treats to share among fragrance-loving friends.
Highlights for me include two options from Escentric Molecules, a brand known for fragrances that can smell different on different people. One option leans warm, earthy and leathery, while the second smells fresh, flirty and floral.
Two of the larger fragrances are Granado Amazônico, a rich, warm, fruity scent with a smooth creaminess, and Thameen the Cora, which initially smells leathery before the rose, wisteria and jasmine notes come through as the musk settles. Topping things off is Vyrao Free 00, which is a light citrus fragrance blended with a heady wood note that feels sensual and magnetic.
It’s a shame that … there’s a car air freshener inside one of the doors, which feels a bit random.
Claimed overall value: more than £700 Number of products: 2 full-size, 11 mini, 2 accessories Calendar shell: recyclable paper and card Standout products: Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 eau de toilette, Escentric Molecules Escentric 01 eau de toilette, DS & Durga I Don’t Know What eau de parfum, Granado Amazônico eau de parfum, Thameen London the Cora extrait de parfum, Vyrao Free 00 eau de parfum
Best beauty Advent calendar for teens and tweens: W7 Beauty Blast Advent calendar
Not all beauty Advent calendars require you to take out a loan; this W7 one costs less than the average takeaway and contains 24 makeup and beauty products. Last year’s W7 calendar was brilliant, and this year’s is even better suited to beauty newcomers.
Why we love it Starting with skincare, this calendar contains a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, moisturiser, lip mask and bronzing drops. Makeup-wise, there are two primers, plus a bronzer, blush, highlight and setting powder. For eyes and lips, there are two lip glosses, a lipstick and two lip liners, as well as shiny and matt eyeshadows and an eyeliner. It’s a good starter kit for tweens and teens dipping their toes into the beauty world, or anyone starting to build a beauty routine without spending a fortune.
And, while the packaging isn’t high-end, the lip liners, H2O hydrating powder and setting spray are particularly good. The bronzing drops are also a bit of fun – either used alone as a liquid bronzer or mixed with moisturiser for a healthy glow. The full-size lip mask can be used overnight to hydrate lips.
It’s a shame that … most of its contents are minis and all of the product packaging feels plasticky and flimsy. That’s what you’d expect for a calendar at this price, but don’t expect a luxury finish here.
Claimed overall value: not listed Number of products: 6 full-size, 3 accessories, 15 mini Calendar shell: recyclable Standout products: W7 Double Draw lip pencils, H2O hydrating powder, W7 Golden Glow Drops, Sugar Cookie overnight lip mask
Best for home fragrance: The White Company Advent calendar
The White Company is one of my favourite home fragrance brands. This calendar combines the best of its festive fragrance range with year-round bestselling candles, diffusers and room sprays. But I’m featuring it in this beauty roundup because it also includes a huge mix of practical personal care products, such as hand soaps, body lotions and creams. It skips facial skincare and makeup, which makes it a good option for those who prefer fragrance and body care.
Why we love it Home fragrance is a highlight here, as you’ll find four candles, three diffusers and four room sprays. Three are full-size, including the brand’s Winter candle, which blends cinnamon, clove and orange for an unmistakably festive aroma. In stark contrast, the Lime & Bay candle and Amalfi Lemon room spray are better for a new year or springtime refresh. Blending fresher scents with warm wintry ones is ideal because you’ll be able to enjoy this calendar long after Advent.
Most of the body care products inside are minis, making them great travel staples, but there’s also a full-size body wash and lotion. There’s a shower gel in the brand’s bestselling Seychelles scent, which is a clean, fresh, coastal fragrance that blends sea salt, vetiver and cedarwood. Follow up with a Sea Salt body lotion that has a lovely light consistency that sinks in quickly. To finish, there are two 30ml floral perfumes to choose from: Santa Rosa and Flowers.
It’s a shame that … the body care comes in plastic bottles that don’t feel very luxurious. Also, it’s a real shame that the calendar arrives wrapped in a plastic sheet – as do the room spray and perfumes. I would have preferred paper wraps.
Claimed overall value: more than £336 Number of products: 7 full-size, 18 mini Calendar shell: recyclable Standout products: the White Company Winter signature candle, Lime & Bay signature candle, Amalfi Lemon room spray, Seychelles bath & shower gel, Sea Salt body lotion, Santa Rosa eau de toilette, Flowers eau de toilette
The best of the rest
No7 25 Days of Beauty Advent calendar
Best for: breaking a beauty rut rather than the bank Status: available
If you want to switch things up in your beauty routine, this great-value calendar is a safe bet. It feels like the grownup equivalent of the W7 calendar above; it’s more luxurious, with a larger proportion of skincare, including products with retinoids and exfoliating ingredients.
All the full-size products are makeup, aside from one lip balm. These include a cool-toned light brown matt lipstick and liner, a lip oil with a punchy fruity taste, a pink liquid blush, an eyeliner pencil and a black tubing mascara. All of this is simple to use, wearable and will fit easily into most beauty routines.
The calendar includes skincare from several No7 ranges, including Radiance+ and Future Renew. There are serums, an eye cream, day and night creams, cleansers and a toner. These are all minis, but this does allow you to sample a range of products before deciding whether to buy full-size versions. There’s also a £5 voucher for selected No7 Future Renew products.
It didn’t make the final cut because … while the calendar has a diverse range of things to try, it’s limited to No7, so there isn’t as much choice as other calendars. Also, it’s mostly skincare, so it may be less appealing if you already have a routine you’re happy with. None of the skincare products is full-size, either, except the lip balm.
Claimed overall value: £248.93; number of products: 24, including 8 full-size, plus a £5 voucher; calendar shell: recyclable; standout products: No7 Pro Artist Luxe liquid blush, Pro Artist lip shine oil, Pro Artist That’s a Wrap tubing mascara, No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal body serum, No7 Future Renew SPF40 day cream, No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Glow toner
Liz Earle 12 Days of Beauty Advent calendar
Best for: cruelty-free skincare Status: available
Liz Earle is known for affordable luxury, and this 12-day calendar brings together a selection of its skincare and body care, from facial toners to rich creams. Its presentation box is recyclable; I found everything inside useful; and the selection isn’t overwhelming. It’s also Leaping Bunny certified.
It wouldn’t be a Liz Earle Advent calendar if it didn’t include the Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser. This is massaged on to dry skin, then gently “polished” off using a warm, damp washcloth (also included). The warmth makes the cleansing ritual feel spa-like. I’ve used this cleanser many times and always find the process enjoyable and oddly meditative. Add the large 75ml Superskin moisturiser, and you’ve already got the foundations of a good routine.
Unlike in larger calendars, the “mini” products don’t feel like an afterthought. The Smooth & Glow exfoliating tonic, Instant Boost Skin tonic and Eyebright soothing lotion all come in matching 50ml bottles, which are larger and more high-end-looking than typical minis. The full-size body wash, body cream and hand cream come in a limited-edition fragrance, Mandarin & Nutmeg, which smells clean and uplifting, with a touch of festive warmth.
It didn’t make the final cut because … much of the skincare here is fragranced, and there’s only 12 days’ worth, rather than 24. A 24-day calendar is available, but it’s more than twice the price, and its vast range of skincare could easily feel overwhelming.
Claimed overall value: £203.50; number of products: 3 full-size, 1 supersize, 8 mini; calendar shell: recyclable; standout products: Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser, Skin Repair hydrating night cream, Mandarin & Nutmeg body cream, Smooth & Glow exfoliating tonic, Eyebright soothing eye lotion
Next 25 Days of Beauty Advent calendar
Best for: tools and accessories Status: available
Next has partnered with the charity Future Dreams this year, with £10 from each calendar sold going to fund its specialist support centre for people with breast cancer and their families. The calendar is also one of the few I’ve encountered that includes an LED tool, and I’m a sucker for a bit of beauty tech.
I don’t usually recommend wand-like LED tools that concentrate the light on small areas; full LED face masks are much easier to use. That said, the BeautyPro anti-ageing LED wand could be worth it for those wanting to dip their toes into LED. You’ll also find other handy extras inside, like a Flat Lay Co storage pouch that clips on to your keys and a Neom candle with lavender, chamomile and patchouli to help you drift off to sleep.
For skincare, the calendar packs in a full-size Caudalie anti-ageing cream and a Clinique All About Eyes serum, which is infused with caffeine and has a soothing roller for cooling the undereyes. There’s also a mini Elemis cleansing balm, which is my go-to first cleanse in the evening; follow it up with the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser to get a dreamy spa-like cleanse.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s a little thin on the ground with makeup and nail care. Also, the makeup is quite bold; the Laura Mercier pink eyeshadow stick would be more useful in a neutral shade and, even though they’re great for Christmas, the glittery Natasha Denona eyeshadows won’t be right for everyone. Similarly, the perfumes are all minis apart from the Victoria’s Secret vanilla body mist, which leans a little young.
Claimed overall value: more than £576; number of products: 10 full-size, 19 mini; calendar shell: recyclable; standout products: BeautyPro LED 5-in-1 anti-ageing wand, Flat Lay Co keyring pouch, Neom Perfect Night’s Sleep travel candle, Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere cream, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth cleanser, Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose cleansing balm, Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
Liberty men’s Advent calendar
Best for: men Status: available
If there’s one way to bring a man around to the idea of a beauty Advent calendar, it’s buying him a great one. This is beautifully designed and filled with genuinely useful, high-end but not fussy skin, hair and body care. And, like the main Liberty calendar featured above, it’s got a wide range of fragrances inside from the likes of Loewe, D’Orsay and Granado.
The highlights inside include the Paula’s Choice ectoin, which I often use at night for intensive barrier support, since it’s fast-absorbing and doesn’t upset my sensitive skin. There’s also the Commune Seymour body cream, which uses natural oils and botanical fragrance to nourish the skin – I’m also a fan of the hand cream, as the smell is divine and the recyclable aluminium packaging is luxurious. You’ll also find upgrades of men’s daily essentials, such as Ortigia shaving gel and a Charlotte Mensah hair pomade.
Topping things off, you’ve got some treats to help you unwind, such as the Verden sleep mist, Earl of East bath salts and a warming muscle gel from Aromatherapy Associates.
It didn’t make the final cut because … despite the similar prices, its value is significantly lower than the main Liberty calendar. There are fewer items, fewer of which are full-size, and you also lose out on the drawstring bag made from one of Liberty’s famous prints … I think the men at least deserve a drawstring bag, don’t you?
Claimed overall value: £885; number of products: 14 full-size, 11 mini; calendar shell: recyclable; standout products: Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum, Commune Seymour body cream, Ortigia shave gel, Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil hair pomade, Verden Nocturne sleep mist, Earl of East bath salts, Aromatherapy Associates Warming De-Stress muscle gel, Loewe Esencia pour Homme eau de parfum, D’Orsay Vanilla Affair extrait de parfum, Granado Boemia perfume
Vogue festive calendar
Best for: fashion and beauty fans
Status: available now for delivery 23-30 November
Vogue has based this year’s beauty Advent calendar on its wardrobe trunks, filling it with the latest fashion and beauty. Unlike a typical beauty Advent calendar, this includes jewellery, accessories and beauty tech from brands such as Otiumberg, Longchamp and Therabody. It isn’t cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but it was lovely to find a calendar with a little more range. Its drawers are so sturdy and pretty that I’d be tempted to reuse them long after Christmas.
The skincare and makeup picks in this calendar feel well curated. The lip and cheek makeup is flatting and universally wearable, including a berry-toned Ilia lip gloss and mauve Merit Flush balm. I was also excited to see a glittery liquid eyeshadow from Lisa Eldridge. The skincare is limited to a very manageable six picks, all of which appeal to the kind of audience who could afford this calendar; standouts include a retinal cream from Murad and 111Skin eye masks.
What really sets this calendar apart are its accessories, which include a mini Longchamp coin purse, some insanely soft and comfortable cashmere socks and a Therabody facial depuffing wand. You’ll also find a full-size Neom Real Luxury candle, which is a mix of lavender, jasmine and sandalwood that smells absolutely divine.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s so expensive. Also, I noticed the Otiumberg bracelet is quite small, even on my relatively slim wrists. Don’t get me wrong – the mixed-metal design is gorgeous, but it would have been better if it were size-adjustable. The same goes for the very chic but very tiny matching necklace.
Claimed overall value: more than £1,680; number of products: 28 full-size8 mini; calendar shell: recyclable, aside from ribbon drawer pulls; standout products: Ilia Beauty Overglaze lip gloss in Figure, Merit Flush balm in Archival, Lisa Eldridge Liquid Lurex eyeshadow in shade Emily, Murad Retinal ReSculpt overnight cream, La Mer the Lip Volumizer in Sheer Shine, 111Skin Cryo De-Puffing eye mask, Longchamp Le Pliage Xtra coin purse in Fir, Loop cashmere socks in Barolo Red, Therabody TheraFace depuffing wand, Neom Real Luxury scented candle
Aldi 12 Days of Lacura Advent calendar
Best for: picking up with your weekly shop Status: available in store
You never know what you’re going to find in Aldi’s middle aisle, but if you stumble upon this 12-day Advent calendar during your weekly shop, it might not be such a bad thing if it slips and falls into your basket. Lacura, the supermarket’s own beauty brand, offers a whole range of beauty products, from deodorant to makeup and skincare. This calendar features 12.
You’ll find treats including a liquid blush, mascara and a leave-in conditioner. For skincare, there are eye pads and a full face mask to help achieve a hydrated, glowy-looking complexion. As for accessories, there’s a gua sha, large claw clip and silky scrunchie.
Don’t let the fact that this is from the middle aisle deceive you; none of these products performs poorly. As I write this, I’ve just applied the plumping lip gloss and my goodness, it packs a punch. I would even say the level of tingle measures up to the £25 Dr Dennis Gross plumping lip balm. Similarly, the hair repair oil’s texture is comparable to much more expensive brands I’ve tested.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s only available in stores, so whether you find one is a bit potluck. There are also only 12 days inside, and all the skincare (bar the lip balm) is single use, so you’ll need to be a fan of hair care and makeup to really love this one. The calendar also uses a large plastic insert, which is a shame.
Claimed overall value: not listed; number of products: 8 full-size, 1 mini, 3 accessories; calendar shell: card shell with plastic inserts; standout products: Lacura Pink Lace liquid blush, Jade gua sha, claw clip, 100% silk scrunchie, Lacura Perfect Peach plumping lip gloss, Lacura hair repair oil
Sephora Favorites Advent calendar
Best for: makeup selection Status: preorder
There’s a lot for makeup junkies to get excited about in Sephora’s Advent calendar. For eyes, a Makeup By Mario 12-shade eyeshadow palette mixes dramatic shimmers with neutrals, and a conditioning Tarte XL tubing mascara gives high-impact but healthy-feeling lashes. For a flush of colour elsewhere, you’ll find a gorgeous pinky brown satin Mac lipstick and a handy Merit Flush balm in a warm taupe shade. I also highly recommend the Rare Beauty brow gel, with its amazingly strong but flexible hold for fluffy sculpted brows.
It doesn’t scrimp in other areas either, with a full-size Dr Sam’s Flawless cleanser and a Medik8 niacinamide brightening serum, which is gentle and suitable for most skin types. I also love the Glow Recipe vitamin C toner pads.
Its fragrances are also fabulous, with options from Phlur, Fugazzi and Merit; there’s something to suit every taste, from warm and cosy to fresh and uplifting. Then, to top things off, you’ll find a full-size Discothèque Lola at Coat Check candle, which has a 45-hour burn time and evokes cosy, warm wintry evenings.
It didn’t make the final cut because … the entire calendar is coated in a very thin cellophane-like plastic, which will need to be painstakingly separated from the card for recycling. This is a huge faff that I worry few consumers will have the patience to deal with. There also isn’t much hair care compared with the other categories.
Claimed overall value: £1,006; number of products: 27 full-size, 13 mini; calendar shell: plastic-wrapped card (separate before recycling); standout products: Makeup By Mario Ethereal Moonlight eyeshadow palette, Tarte Tartelette XL tubing mascara, Mac Maximal Sleek Satin lipstick in Crème in your Coffee, Merit Beauty Flush balm in fox, Rare Beauty Brow Harmony Flexible Lifting eyebrow gel, Dr Sam’s Flawless cleanser, Medik8 niacinamide peptides serum, Glow Recipe vitamin C Brightening Korean toner pads, Medicube collagen jelly cream, Phlur Vanilla Skin eau de parfum, Fugazzi Cloud Nine eau de parfum, Merit Beauty Retrospect l’extrait de parfum, Discothèque Lola at Coat Check scented candle
Express Your Elf 24-Day Advent calendar
Best for: cruelty-free makeup Status: available
Elf is one of the best cruelty-free makeup brands; its formulas are effective, affordable and trendy. This calendar includes a mix of skincare and makeup for Christmas.
It’s particularly great for anyone who wants to jump in and try everything new as soon as they rip open the doors, since four of the six skincare products are from the gentle Holy Hydration range, which is perfect for winter-stressed skin. You’ll only need to exercise a little more caution when trialling the mini vitamin C eye cream and exfoliating toner.
You’ll also find lots of fun, pink, brown and red-toned makeup inside, from eye pencils to lip oils. Apart from concealer and foundation, it has everything you need to create a festive makeup look; there’s even a 10-shade eyeshadow palette. I was particularly happy to see a Glow Reviver lip balm inside, as its nourishing glossy texture put it high on my list of the best lip balms.
It didn’t make the final cut because … it’s not the best value choice. I would rather choose a slightly more expensive calendar with a wider product selection, such as the Lookfantastic calendar. The plastic inserts are a shame, too.
Claimed overall value: £159; number of products: 18 full-size, 6 mini; calendar shell: card cover with plastic inserts; standout products: Holy Hydration Barrier goals cream, Glow Reviver lip balm, Glow Reviver lip oil, Incredi-Curl mascara, Holy Hydration Elf-Off makeup remover, Holy Hydration Elfssential daily cleanser, Bright + Brew-tiful eye cream
Jurlique Beauty Advent calendar
Best for: B Corp-certified botanical beauty Status: available
Australian B Corp-certified skincare brand Jurlique makes lovely botanical skincare. This year’s 24-day calendar features a selection of its bestsellers, many of which contain ingredients grown on the brand’s farm in Australia. So, if you’re ethically conscious and a fan of botanical beauty, this might fit the bill.
There’s a blend of essential oils, including mandarin, ylang ylang and geranium, designed for use in a diffuser for some calm during the Christmas period. You’ll also find products from the brand’s rose collection, including a face cream, hand cream, face mist, body lotion and shower gel, as well as its rose face oil. There are also products from its calendula range, along with serums and a hydrating face mask and cleanser.
Like last year’s calendar, this comes in a gorgeous reusable box that’s just big enough to store trinkets without taking up too much space; I’m still using my 2025 calendar to store extra makeup.
It didn’t make the final cut because … there’s only one full-size product, which feels a little disappointing. The essential oil needs a diffuser, so it’s not as versatile or useful as a full-size skincare product. The four face oils won’t suit everyone, and there are two identical mini rose hand creams. I’d prefer 24 different products rather than repeats. It’s also skincare-only, so makeup fans should look elsewhere.
Claimed overall value: £280; number of products: 1 full-size, 23 mini; calendar shell: recyclable inserts with reusable box; standout products: Radiant Skin foaming cleanser, Purely Age-Defying Firming face oil, Nutri-Define eye balm, Rare Rose face oil, Rose body lotion
What you need to know
Are beauty Advent calendars worth it?
This depends entirely on your beauty routine and how much you enjoy experimenting with new products. If you like high-end, luxury beauty, then beauty Advent calendars can be a great way to get expensive products bundled together for a lower cost. It’s also an opportunity to try luxe brands without committing to buying full-size products.
The first risk is you end up spending a lot of money on products you won’t use. To avoid this, think about the elements of your beauty routine you would like to switch up. If there’s anything you’re staunchly loyal to – certain skincare brands, for example – think twice before buying a skincare Advent calendar.
There’s also the environmental impact of any products you don’t use, so it’s worth considering either donating them unopened to charity or giving them to any other beauty lovers in your circle.
How much should you expect to spend?
There is a huge range of beauty Advent calendars available, from below £20 to over £500. That chasmic difference in cost makes a big difference to the products inside. Entry-level calendars offer mostly mini-size products from high-street beauty brands. Some more affordable calendars also offer 12 doors, for the 12 days of Christmas, rather than 24.
With the £20-£60 bracket covered by budget brands, the mid-range contenders sit somewhere between £61 and £150. These calendars tend to offer more full-size products than lower-priced calendars from mid-range brands. Unless you’re a big fan of one particular brand, the best way to try lots of new skincare, makeup and hair care is to choose a calendar from a beauty retailers such as Lookfantastic and Anthropologie, which offer curated calendars with a selection of brands. Most beauty fans will find something suitable in this price bracket.
Spend between £151 and £275, and you can expect to find calendars filled with mainly full-size products, whether from mid-range or luxury brands or higher-end beauty retailers such as Cult Beauty and Space NK.
If you’re hoping for full-fat luxury at full-fat prices, you can spend over £250 and grab a calendar from super-high-end retailers such as Selfridges and Liberty, or premium brands such as Diptyque. These tend to contain higher-value products, with some brands claiming a total value of more than £1,000. Just be sure to triple-check the contents all appeal to you before spending this much.
Why are beauty Advent calendars released so early?
Unlike edible Advent calendars, which can be packed up and filled with the same chocolates year after year, beauty Advent calendars take months of planning and coordination. As you’re opening the 2026 calendar, most brands will already be deep in planning what to include in 2027.
By opening waiting lists early, brands are able to better plan the number of calendars they need to make, and ensure they have enough time to send them out before 1 December.
In the US? Check our US beauty Advent calendars guide here
Sarah Matthews is a consumer journalist who specialises in giving health and beauty recommendations. She’s tested her way through more makeup, skincare and hair care than you can shake a stick at
