Leanne Bayley
Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
Updated: 5 days ago
It's very nearly advent calendar season - and the best ones out there are beauty advent calendars, in my humble opinion. And I promise you can trust me completely - if you're looking for an advent calendar expert, you've found one.
Let me introduce myself - my name is Leanne and I've been writing about beauty advent calendars since the dawn of time. Ok, perhaps not that long ago but definitely since their conception. Every year I'm shocked by the popularity, how brands strive to go bigger and better each year, trying to get you to part with your hard-earned cash. I've been writing this feature since August, when brands started to tease their advents for this year.
Some people prefer the typical chocolate advent calendar, others might fancy a jewellery advent calendar, or a beauty one (or all three!), but it's key to choose your door-opening wisely - your advent calendar has to spark joy every single day. It might feel too early to buy them, but the big ones sell out so fast and you don't want to be left with little-to-no choice.
The excitement and anticipation for a beauty advent calendar is all part of the fun for customers, and you can expect waiting lists to really make you feel like you're in for an experience.
- Deal of the day:Cath Kidston A Doll's House Beauty Advent Calendar, £38.25 (save 15%)
- Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Advent Calendar, £170 (worth £242)
- Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Advent Calendar, £170 (worth £242) / $220 (worth $300)
- Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar, £260 (worth £1,205) / $345 (worth $1650)
- Elemis Beauty Advent Calendar, £199 (worth £537) / $300 (worth $777)
- Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar, £250 (worth over £1,000)
- Benefit The Gorgeous Grocer Beauty 24 Day Advent Calendar, £156 (worth £295) / $164 (worth $322)
How I chose the best beauty advent calendars
- Popularity: I've been writing about beauty advent calendars for the past 10 years, I know the ones that create a buzz with shoppers. Often the biggest launches in the advent calendar period will have waiting lists for fans.
- Price: All the advent calendars below are worth a lot more than the RRP price. We don't want you to spend your hard-earned money on rubbish, so I will only feature the advent calendars that I think are worth the money. Only buy if you think you will use everything inside or you think the person you are gifting it to will use everything inside.
- Star quality: An advent calendar is basically a festive ornament in your home for at least 12 days in December so I want to feature the ones that are beautiful and preferably reusable.
When do beauty advent calendars go on sale?
I have managed to find find the Cath Kidston beauty advent calendar on sale. Boots has some on offer right now and I've found Soap & Glory's new advent calendar within the offers page.
Which type of beauty advent calendar to choose from?
- Single-brand: This is an advent calendar that features products exclusively from one brand. This is a great idea if you're a big fan of a particular beauty brand and you're a loyal shopper all year round. The Body Shop, Liz Earle, Jo Malone London and Charlotte Tilbury are all highly popular choices from the single-brand category.
- Multi-brand:This is a great option if you're looking to widen your beauty knowledge and try brands you might not have tried before. Think M&S, Sephora, Look Fantastic and Cult Beauty. The curated edit often helps with discovering new must-haves.
- Makeup-focused:If you're obsessed with makeup such as lipsticks, mascaras and blushes, you'll want an advent calendar packed with colour. This is a tricky one as so many makeup brands stock skincare now, but Charlotte Tilbury, MAC and Benefit Cosmetics often feature heavily with makeup.
- Skincare-focused:Skincare buffs, this is for you! These calendars concentrate on products such as cleansers, moisturisers and masks. Think Dr Barbara Sturm and Liz Earle.
- Haircare calendars: This isn't a hugely popular category but not to be ignored, especially if you love to try out new haircare products.
- Luxury calendars: Probably the most popular of all the beauty advent calendars. High-end beauty advent calendars feature premium beauty brands at a high price point. Think Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Jo Malone London and Fortnum & Mason.
- Green/organic calendars: Eco-friendly beauty products for the win. Brands like Neal's Yard Remedies is a great choice.
- Fragrance calendars:A popular option, especially with the luxury brands such as Jo Malone London, Diptyque and Jo Loves. A great way to try out new scents.
- Nail care calendars:Perfect for anyone who loves their weekly mani! Brands like Essie and Nails Inc. are great options to find brands such as nail polishes and nail care tools and accessories.
The best beauty advent calendars for 2024
Top Deal: Cath Kidston Christmas A Doll’s House
- 24 days
- Contains:24 products with a mixture of full-size and deluxe samples
Editor's Note:
This 24-day 2D advent is filled with so many gorgeous products but fans will be excited by the new enticing Vanilla Cloud and Musk Rain body spray that's inside. So festive!
Set the joyful mood before Christmas with the Cath Kidston Doll’s House filled with seven body care treats. In assorted fragrances and skin-kind formulations with ingredient heroes of glycerin and shea butter, each day begins with a smile.
Jo Malone London Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains:24 products
Editor's Note
I'm going to say it, as HELLO!'s unoffical Advent Calendar Editor, this is the one I'm most excited to see. I don't know why, but Jo Malone London just really nails the 'make it look magical' brief for its advent calendar launch.
This year we're getting a little extra razzle-dazzle with a chic Travel Candle and a 30ml festive fragrance.
Filled with 25 magical products, the Jo Malone London advent calendar features a mix of fragrances and products for the home as well as your bathroom, to make your December even more exciting.
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 12 days
- Contains:12 products
Editor's Note:
The Charlotte Tilbury Treasure Chest of Love is a spicy one this year. Love the super bright red shade and the love heart shape. This might actually be an advent calendar you could re-house as a jewellery box in your bedroom. Trust me, this will go viral for all the right reasons.
Calling all Charlotte Tilbury fans, her highly anticipated beauty advent calendar is back and this year's ruby red box of dreams looks better than ever before.
Read the full review of the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Advent Calendar
Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains:42 products
Editor's Note:
Beauty fans wait with glee for the Harvey Nichols advent calendar to drop, because it's so juicy - the 31 beauty brands included are incredible (Eve Lom, Le Labo and Laura Mercier are just some) and it looks stunning too; the geometric monochrome design on a red box is just inspired.
There's 42 surprises in the drawers of the 2024 Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar, plus one in every 100 advent calendars has a hidden £250 Harvey Nichols gift card in a drawer. How exciting!
Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains:28 products including 18 full-sized products
Editor's Note:
"Liberty's advent calendar is the brand's fastest-selling product in 149 years. The Liberty-shaped box, adorned with Clym Evernden's signature ink-based illustrations, houses over £1205 worth of products this year, retailing for only £260, making it our most generous line-up to date."
The Liberty Beauty Hall is a treasure trove for beauty lovers, and each year the beauty advent calendar is curated by the beauty team and you can expect only the best skincare, make-up, hair and fragrance products. There are also hidden golden tickets worth £1,000 in selected advent calendars.
Read the full review of the Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar
Fortnum & Mascon Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- How many doors: 25 days
- Contains:23 full-size products, 2 travel-size, and 2 deluxe samples
Editor's Note:
"You can always count on Fortnum & Mason to bring the goods, and this one might be the most beautiful mantlepiece-worthy advent calendar yet. It's adorned with seasonal flora, fauna (and the odd scrunchie-stealing parrot) and is beautiful and sturdy enough to be re-used year after year (although who actually does this, I'm unsure!).. I'm pleased there are a lot of full-size products in the mix but I'm mostly excited by the full-size Fortnum's Seasons Spiced Tea Candle Votive that's inside - you just know it'll smell like Christmas."
The Fortnum & Mason 2024 Beauty Advent Calendar will be available for pre-order from 9 August . With a brand-new design, this year’s calendar is a festive treasure trove filled with wellness surprises from Fortnum’s iconic beauty hall, offering a luxurious countdown to Christmas.
Inside each of the 25 drawers are the most nourishing skincare, fragrance, bath, body, and wellness treats. This year's calendar showcases an array of luxury brands, including Creed, Aromatherapy Associates, Cult51, Bamford, Shleep, Baobab, Charlotte Posner and more.
Fortnum’s has also teamed up with skincare specialists Wildsmith, to offer ten lucky drawer-openers complimentary facials worth £120.
John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains: 32 products
Editor's Note:
What I love about the John Lewis Advent Calendar is that every single beauty product featured has been hand picked by the John Lewis expert buyers.
This year the in-house team of beauty experts has worked to curate 25 drawers of delight, packed with a whopping 32 beauty products in total. It has the highest number of full-size beauty must-haves for a John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar to date, with 20 in total.
The John Lewis' beauty advent calendar has one of the highest worth-value, totalling over £900, and it includes 20 full-size products! It features luxury beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury and Parfums de Marly alongside cult brands including Sol De Janeiro, Elemis, Neom, Rituals and more.
Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- Available: 24 October
- 25 days
- Contains: 25 products including 11 full-sized products and 14 travel sized minis
- RRP Price:£50
Editor's Note
This is one of the most sought-after beauty advent calendars on the high-street, and you can guarantee that this will sell out in record time. It makes such a good gift - and a great gift for yourself as well. I love the gorgeous velvet vanity case which is designed to be used again and again. Inside you've got some great brands, and ones that I love personally. From Clinique to Cowshed, to the cult product from Philip Kingsley - the iconic Elasticizer.
The M&S beauty advent calendar is a big one - and this year it's back with reusability and affordability in mind. You've got a treasure trove of 25 beauty gems, and this year’s calendar is curated of sought-after products across skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrance, sleep, bath and body, worth over £300 for just £50.
SEPHORA COLLECTION Moving Lights Premium Advent Calendar 2024
- 24 days
- Contains:24 products with a mixture of full-size and deluxe samples
Editor's Note:
Sephora's really is jam packed with favourites from the retailer. If you know someone who can get lost in Sephora for hours, this one would be a goodie.
Sephora's Beauty Advent Calendar for 2024 has sold out, but the brand has added a new premium one into the mix and this one is a packed with Sephora's own brand must-haves.
Soap & Glory 24 Moments On Cloud All-Mine Advent Calendar Set
- 24 days
- Contains:24 products
Editor's Note:
The Soap & Glory Christmas Star includes over £105 worth of gifts, with some brand new additions to the calendar compared to last year, including the fan favourite Righteous Butter Lotion, as well as the Magnificoco Body Wash, Call of Fruit Body Scrub, Berry & Bright Body Wash.
Soap & Glory is a very popular beauty advent calendar, and fans this year will be thrilled with all the spa-tacularly glorious treats behind every window.
Elemis Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains:25 products
Editor's Note:
"Every year the Elemis advent calendar is a favourite of mine. I just think it's always packed with skincare you'll actually use and make great travel essentials. This year the list of products is incredible, with full size favourites and a few variations of the classic Cleansing Balm."
As well as 25 days of skincare joy, there are also 15 golden tickets hidden inside the advent calendars for the chance to win £1000 worth of ELEMIS products.
Read the full review of the ELEMIS Beauty Advent Calendar
Sculpted by Aimee Advent Calendar 2024
- 12 days
- Contains: 12products, with 7 full-size
Editor's Note:
I'm a huge fan of Sculpted by Aimee - and it's not just me! Beauty editors, makeup artists and influencers are all hooked on the Irish beauty brand. This is one of those beauty advent calendars where you'll use every single things inside, and will be a great gift for loyal fans.
This year’s Sculpted by Aimee calendar includes seven full-sized products and five minis, with seven exclusive, new items for the holidays.
Benefit The Gorgeous Grocer Beauty Advent Calendar
- 12 days
- Contains:24 products
Editor's Note:
The Benefit beauty advent calendar is grocery-themed this year and it's all to celebrate Benemart opening at the Selfridges London Beauty Hall. The advent is packed with so many amazing products, including skincare as well.
There are four full-size products in the Benefit Advent Calendar, and plenty of deluxe mini sizes inside as well.
Read the full review of the Benefit Advent Calendar
The La Mer Wonder Express Advent Calendar
- 12 days
- Contains: 12 products
Editor's Note:
Ooh, this is just so fancy. If you want to really treat yourself on the run up to the holidays, you can't go wrong with La Mer. This advent calendar is a real masterpiece and will make you smile every day.
If you're after a lavish advent calendar, the La Mer one ticks all the boxes. This includes everything you'd ever want to try; The Essence Foaming Cleanser 30ml, The Treatment Lotion 30ml, The Regenerating Serum 5ml,The Concentrate 5ml, The Eye Concentrate 5ml, The Lip Polish, The Lip Balm 9g, The Body Crème 30ml, The Hand Treatment 30ml, The Moisturizing Fresh Cream 15ml, The Moisturizing Soft Cream, The Crème de La Mer 15ml.
Jo Loves Advent Calendar 2024
- How many doors: 24
- Contains:25 products
Editor's Note:
The Jo Loves advent calendar has been quite the extravaganza in recent years. The inclusions are very well thought out, and this year it's no different. Open the doors and discover seven full-sized products, a preview of the to-be-launched Black Cashmeran & Tonka Fragrance Paintbrush, an exclusive Salted Caramel Candle (swoon!), and a special voucher from Jo for a 100ml Fragrance of your choice.
The iconic Jo Loves Advent Calendar returns in a festive, ski-chalet design. Inspired by Jo's family ski trip to the snow-clad mountains of Whistler. The Calendar features an array of best-selling products, exclusives and Christmas newness (how exciting!).
Bobbi Brown Dazzle & Glow Advent Calendar
- 12 days
- Contains:12 products
Editor's Note:
The Bobbi Brown beauty advent calendar is such a good choice for the person who is obsessed with Bobbi Brown products. It contains a nice mix of skincare and makeup products you can use on the run-up to Christmas - including a full-size Smokey Eye Mascara in Black.
This gift-worthy set comes stocked with 12 of Bobbi Brown's bestselling skincare and beauty essentials—including three full-size favourites.
Liz Earle 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
- 12 days
- Contains:12 products
Editor's Note:
This is a carefully curated collection of full sized and deluxe samples, this is the perfect gift for the skincare aficionado in your life, or as a special treat for yourself! If you know someone who's a major Liz Earle fan and wouldn't be without their beloved Cleanse & Polish, you know what to do.
The best-selling 12 Days of Liz Earle Beauty Advent Calendar has arrived for 2024 and customers can shop it already.
The perfect blend of nature meets science, this luxurious calendar contains £178.10 worth of iconic Liz Earle products for just £79, including the renowned Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion and Skin Repair Hydrating Night Cream.
Next Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains:25 products with 16 full-size
Editor's Note:
Ok, Next! I'm impressed. Writing about advent calendars year after year, I don't get shocked with what's inside a beauty advent calendar - until now. Next is bringing out a luxury advent calendar (as well as a slightly cheaper one as well) and the full-size products are SO good. From MAC Stack mascara (my holy grail) to Slip Pure Silk Scrunchies. The products are seriously good, and even the deluxe smaller products are excellent, too.
Next has two beauty advent calendars coming out for 2024. Choose from the 25 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar, £90 (worth £383) and The Luxury Beauty Calendar, £170 (worth £768).
In both calendars, Next has teamed up with two fan-favourite beauty brands to sneak in some Golden Tickets that are up for grabs for lucky shoppers. In the luxury one, it's Elemis and in the slightly more affordable one, it's Iconic London.
MAC Cosmetics Gift of Gold Advent Calendar 2024
- How many doors: 24 days
- Contains:24 products with 18 full-size products inside
Editor's Note:
I love the fact that this advent calendar features a limited-edition MAC black sleeping mask for when beauty rest calls.
This advent calendar is ready to gift in limited-edition gold-toned packaging. It features 24 treats inside, including bestseller products as well as shiny new shades.
LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains:27 products with 14 full-size
Editor's Note:
"There is an embargo with the details over the LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Advent Calendar as the brand is keen to keep all the big products quiet until the big reveal. I can say, after looking at the list, you're in for a treat. And I can tell you about three products I know will be loved by beauty fanatics: Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Perfume Mist, Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream."
The LOOKFANTASTIC Advent Calendar 2024 holds over £565 worth of beauty treats and retails at just £100. Packed with 27 beauty delights, this year's Christmas countdown includes the most full-size products yet. Featuring a selection of cult classics and wishlist wonders from the most coveted brands in beauty such as Sol de Janeiro and Elemis.
Read the full review of the Look Fantastic Beauty Advent Calendar
Space NK 12 Days of Fragrance Advent Calendar
- 12 days
- Contains: Eau de parfums, fragrance oils and body mist in sizes ranging from 5ml to 88ml
Editor's Note:
A fragrance beauty advent calendar is a great way to explore different perfumes, and this offering has plenty of variety. Who knows, You might just find your next signature scent! This advent calendar sold out last year so don’t hang about if you’re tempted.
Space NK’s Beauty advent for 2024 has sold out but the brand has released a 12-day fragrance advent calendar which is perfect for perfume fans to enjoy. Brands include Diptyque, Maison Margiela and Jo Loves alongside an iconic Glossier scent.
- 25 days
- Contains:25 products
Editor's Note:
I really enjoy that this advent calendar has 25 windows to open - we all know Christmas Day deserves a door, too! I'm particularly excited by the full-size Winter Signature Candle inside. Dreamy!
This year you’ll discover more full-sized products than ever before in The White Company's advent calendar. Be warned, I've never known this NOT to sell out, so don't delay if this is the one you're after.
Read the full review of The White Company Advent Calendar
Glossybox Celebration of Beauty Advent Calendar
- How many doors: 25 days
- Contains:29 products, including 18 full-size products and 11 deluxe samples
Editor's Note:
This year’s lineup includes four duo drawersthat hold iconic brands such asRituals, Molton Brown and e.l.f.Celebrate the best in beauty with luxury additions from the likes of Kate Somerville, L’Occitane and Sentier, as well as trending beauty with cult classics fromMedik8, Glow Hub, Sweed and Made By Mitchell.
The Glossybox Celebration of Beauty Advent Calendar has everything a beauty lover would need for a magical festive season.
Retailing at just £70 forsubscribers and £85 for non-subscribers, this year's calendar has an built-in saving of up to £515.
Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 25 days
- Contains: Over 40 products, with 19 full-size
Editor's Note:
"Another embargoed beauty advent calendar, and I'm excited by the list I've been privy to. I think beauty fans (and TikTok fans) will be thrilled with the list of products."
Bursting with over 40 expertly curated beauty icons (including 19 full size favourites and
six Cult Beauty exclusives), discover everything from make-up to skin and hair care.
And the surprises don’t end there! You’ll automatically earn £10 credit (AKA 230 Status Points) on your account when you shop the advent calendar — plus three lucky winners will find a Golden Ticket hiding inside, each worth £1000 Cult Beauty pounds.
Read the full review of the Cult Beauty Advent Calendar
Anthropologie Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
- 24 days
- Contains:24 products with a mixture of full-size and deluxe samples
Editor's Note:
"The list of what's inside the Anthropologie beauty advent calendar and there's £300-worth of treats from Anastasia Beverly Hills, Malin + Goetz, Sunday Riley, L’Occitane and so much more. I love the look of the packaging, too!"
Anthropologie always brings out a fan-favourite beauty advent calendar, and this year is no different. There are some really strong brands inside; from L'Occitane to MALIN+GOETZ and Sunday Riley, but expect some niche surprises as well.
Ormonde Jayne Advent Calendar 2024
- 8 days(designed to be opened Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve)
- Contains: 8 products including: 1 88mls bottle of perfume, 4 10mls Travel Sprays and 3 festive candles.
Editor's Note:
"I'm such a fan of Ormonde Jayne fragrances and if you are too, or you know of someone who is, this will make an exceptional gift. This has obviously been well thought out, and I love how it contains three special festive candles inside. Housed in Ormonde Jayne’s traditional orange colours and drawing on the lucky number 8, this Advent Calendar contains 8 drawers with an 88mls bottle of perfume, our 10mls Travel Sprays and 3 Festive Candles."
Choose from three different versions. The Floral Atmospheric box will contain an 88mls bottle of Levant, aka ‘a bottle of happiness’ and 4 x 10mls Travel Sprays of Verano, Sakura, Champaca and Osmanthus.
The Amberesque Woody box contains a 88mls bottle of Montabaco Intensivo, and 4 x 10mls Travel Sprays of Kashmir, Arabesque, Ambre Royal and Nawab of Oudh.
And the Bespoke box will be one for devoted Ormonde Jayne lovers, and you can choose any fragrances from across Ormonde Jayne's repertoire of 28 fragrances: an 88mls bottle and any 4 x 10mls Travel Sprays.
Best brands for beauty advent calendars to shop fast in 2024
The likes of M&S, John Lewis, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods and Harvey Nichols all sell out first, so in 2024 be sure to bookmark those ones first.
The most affordable beauty advent calendars
You don't have to spend hundreds of pounds on a beauty advent calendar, you might get a deal around Cyber Week or if you leave it to the very last minute.
Are beauty advent calendars popular?
Let's talk numbers! Last year, a Klarna survey revealed chocolate advent calendars reign as the most popular with64% of female UK shoppers, but beauty advent calendars had 23% of female shoppers wanting to buy one this year. A whopping 63% said advent calendars add to the excitement of the festive period, with 12% claiming an advent calendar is the best type of Christmas gift as you get 25 gifts in one! We couldn't agree more.
More advent calendars you'll love
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Other Topics
- Advent calendars
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