As Christmas edges perilously closer, we’ve got a major decision to make: which Advent calendar should we choose this year?
And while you can’t go wrong with a classic chocolate calendar, beauty buffs out there know it’s also the perfect opportunity to try some new products.
Over the years, beauty Advent calendars have become bigger and better, boasting top products and some seriously killer deals. However, with the cost-of-living crisis at the front of everyone’s minds this winter, you might not want to shell out hundreds of pounds – even if it is promising a bargain.
Luckily, there are still plenty of options under £80 if you still want a festive treat, without entirely blowing your budget…
1. Nuxe Advent Calendar, £65, Escentual
If winter has your skin feeling dry and lacklustre, the 24 treats in Nuxe’s Advent calendar will help restore your moisture and glow. It features miniatures from the brand’s popular Reve de Miel range – skincare formulated with the nourishing properties of honey – as well as other fan favourites, including gold-flecked oils and perfumes.
2. PrettyLittleThing Beauty Advent Calendar 2022, £45
Manchester-based brand PrettyLittleThing isn’t just about fashion, it’s also got an eye on the world of beauty too. This Advent calendar is a brilliant introduction into the hair, make-up and skincare offerings you can get on the site.
In total, the products are worth £141, ranging from well-known names, such as Olaplex and Mario Badescu, to PLT’s own-brand make-up.
3. River Island 24 Day Beauty Advent Calendar, £50 (was £79)
The best thing about this Advent calendar is the sheer range of beauty products you’ll get to unveil throughout December. Whether it’s press-on nails, fake tan or mascara, there’s something here for everyone – plus, you’ll bag yourself £290 worth of products for just £50.
4. Holland & Barrett 25 Days of Conscious Beauty Advent Calendar, £55
If you’re a clean beauty fan wanting to get in on the Yuletide fun, look no further than Holland & Barrett’s Advent calendar, dedicated to conscious beauty.
With over £180 worth of goodies inside, it features 14 full-size products – all from clean beauty brands, including Q+A and Ethique. Needless to say, everything inside is suitable for vegans.
5. Soap & Glory 24 Days To Treat Yule-Self Advent Calendar, £45, Boots
December can be a hectic time of year, but unwrapping a new treat from Soap & Glory could be the calm you need to power through. The 24 products are all about treating yourself – from body butters to lip masks, worth more than £80 in total.
It will give you the perfect excuse to carve out some me-time during party season.
6. Ciate Mini Mani Month, £65
If you switch up your nail colour as regularly as you change your clothes, this is the Advent calendar for you. By the end of the month, you’ll have 23 minis and one full-sized polish to experiment with, meaning you never have to have a boring manicure.
The hardest part? Deciding which colour to paint on first…
7. Sephora Collection Wishing You Premium Beauty Advent Calendar, £69.99
FeelUnique has been rebranded – it’s now Sephora in the UK, and is coming in with not one, but two Advent calendars.
If you really wanted to splash out, you could spend £139 on Sephora’s main advent calendar, featuring 34 products worth over £700. However, if you wanted to treat yourself without going too far over your limit, the premium version is still a taste of luxury.
You certainly get bang for your buck with this one, with 24 coveted beauty treats inside – all of which are full size, ranging from mascara to a quartz roller.
8. Clarins Men 12 Day Advent Calendar, £57.20, Escentual
While the majority of beauty Advent calendars are aimed towards women (although, it should be noted – anyone and everyone can enjoy the products), there are a few specifically geared towards men.
Take the Clarins calendar – while it won’t keep you going for the whole of December (there are only 12 products to unwrap) – there’s still plenty of fun to be had, with a full-sized face cream popping up against various cult products in miniature – including a hydration mask and a hand treatment.
9. Benefit Sincerely Yours, Beauty Advent Calendar, £50.55 (was £59.50), Escentual
Want to look your best for the Christmas party season? Benefit’s Advent calendar will help you get ready for any festive shindigs, with 12 of its bestselling products ready to be unwrapped.
From mascaras to bronzers and brow pencils, it will be just the refresher your make-up bag needs.
