The best beauty advent calendars 2026 has to offer are now almost all available to shop, with Space NK being the latest big-name retailer to go live with its countdown. Sephora, meanwhile, launched sales earlier in the week, joining an already crowded field that includes Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty, Cult Beauty, John Lewis and Lookfantastic.
Some – would you believe it – launched as early as July and others have already sold out. Most notably, Selfridges’s first release went out of stock last month before, thankfully, being restocked and Harrods’s fragrance calendar disappeared the very day it launched in August.
That leaves just Harvey Nichols and M&S among the main beauty retailers yet to go on sale. Elsewhere, there's plenty of smaller and more niche calendars joining in on the fun, from Diptyque to Pure Seoul.
I’ve been unboxing and testing as many as possible, assessing everything from product selection and full-size counts to brand mix, value and whether each calendar is actually worth its (often) hefty price tag. Here are my top picks.
Read more: What to expect in Liberty’s 2026 beauty advent calendar
The best beauty advent calendars of 2026 are:
- Sephora beauty advent calendar 2026
- John Lewis beauty advent calendar 2026
- Space NK beauty advent calendar 2026
- Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026
- Selfridges beauty advent calendar 2026
Read more: Space NK beauty advent calendar 2026: All the latest news, price and launch updates
Sephora beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 5/5
Price: £235
Worth: £1,006
Saving: £771
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 40 (27 full-size)
Advent calendar highlights: Kosas shiny objects wet glisten powder, Phlur vanilla skin eau de parfum, Sol de Janeiro Brazilian play body wash
Highest-value product: £70 K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask
Available 2026: Now
Who's it for: Trending beauty fans
Why we love it
- Cheapest of the calendars with total values of more than £1,000
- Not a carbon copy of previous Sephora advent calendars
- Buzzy K-beauty brands, TikTok-adored products and popular derm-led skincare
Take note
- Sol de Janeiro body spray has become an advent throwaway inclusion through the years
The Sephora beauty advent calendar for 2026 is finally on sale – and I was the first to unbox it. Let me tell you, it won’t disappoint.
You’ll find formulas from Phlur, Kayali, Kosas, Medik8 and more inside, and the full-size Makeup by Mario ethereal eyes palette is sure to excite. As in previous years, the retailer has expertly mixed social media favourites – think Dr Sam’s flawless cleanser and the One/Size on ‘til dawn setting spray – with premium beauty names – like Sunday Riley and K18 – across make-up, skincare, haircare, body care and fragrance.
Although the number of full-size products has dipped, I'm pleased to see another thoughtfully curated edit rather than a calendar that's simply trying to cram in as many products as possible. Considering it’s cheaper than the likes of Harrods and Liberty and still boasts a whopping £1,000+ worth, I think it’s officially my pick of the bunch. And if it’s mine, it’s likely a whole number of other cosmetics obsessives’, so secure yours now to avoid missing out.
Read our full Sephora beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £235, Sephora.co.uk
John Lewis beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 5/5
Price: £250
Worth: £1160
Saving: £910
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 41 (23 full size)
Advent calendar highlights: Clarins lip comfort oil, Liz Earle cleanse & polish relaxing edition and muslin cloth, Medik8 hydr8 B5 serum
Highest-value product: £129 Forea UFO 3 mini 4-in-1 deep hydration facial device
Available: Open for MyJL members to pre-order now in-app, and then for general sale on 21 September
Who's it for: Those with a penchant for well-known beauty brands
Why we love it
- Minimal (can count on one hand) unexciting products
- Brands other retailers don't think to include, such as Foreo
- New launches from 2026
Take note
- Some minis appear quite small – 5ml
I audibly gasped with excitement when I saw the selection for John Lewis's beauty advent calendar for 2026, and as someone who's going into her third year reviewing these coveted collections – I don't say that lightly. The selection for this year is seriously enticing, with six more products than last year, £160 more value (minus the extra £15 cost) and a mix of brands that appeal to a broad audience. There's Sisley, Trinny London and Dermalogica for more mature beauty buffs, K-beauty from Dr. Jart+ for the younger generation, plus heaps of big-name brands – from Clinique to Estee Lauder – for everyone else.
Admittedly, some of the sizes (those around the 5-10ml range) feel a little stingy, but when you look at the price of Sisley full-size items, you soon understand why John Lewis' hands were tied.
I appreciated the inclusion of the Foreo ufo 3 to mix things up a bit, and I spotted new launches (from the past 12 months) from Dr. Jart+ and Benefit, which can't be said of all the advents in this guide. Watch this space for an IndyBest tried and tested review but, on paper, I'm pretty impressed. Join MyJL Beauty now to be the first to secure the calendar when it launches next week for pre-orders.
John Lewis is also entering new territory with its first-ever fragrance advent calendar. Rather than relying on familiar designer perfumes, it's curated an impressive edit of luxury and niche scents, with names including Frédéric Malle, Maison Crivelli, BDK Parfums, Kilian Paris and Jo Loves. At £99 (worth £305), it looks like a great way to discover premium fragrances before committing to a full-size bottle, particularly if you're keen to venture beyond the usual department store favourites.
Read our full John Lewis beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £250, Johnlewis.com
Space NK beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £275
Worth: £1,200+
Saving: £925+
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 35 (26 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Medik8’s exo-PDRN prismatic+, Caudalie’s vinoperfect brightening dark spot, Vieve’s skin nova primer, Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty light wand
Highest value product: £92 Augustinus Bader the body cream
Available: Now
Who's it for: Skincare lovers
Why we love it
- Hero products from sought-after brands
- Lots of full-sized items
- Only a few filler products
- Wearable shades
Take note
- Some bodycare items feel a bit surplus
Priced at £275 (£15 more than last year), the Space NK beauty advent calendar delivers more than £1,200 in value with an impressive amount of full-sized products (26 in total). It hits the sweet spot across make-up, skincare, haircare, and fragrance, offering a risk-free chance to test high-end powerhouses like La Mer, Tatcha, and Augustinus Bader.
In terms of make-up, Space NK has curated a line-up featuring genuine hero products in useful shades, including Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty light wand, Rare Beauty’s universal brow gel, and Vieve’s skin nova primer. The skincare selection is equally robust, headlined by Medik8’s exo-PDRN prismatic+, Caudalie’s vinoperfect serum, and a £85 mini of crème de la mer.
Haircare shines with cult staples like Philip Kingsley’s elasticizer and K18’s heatbounce alongside the newly reformulated Olaplex No.3 plus. Universal scents from D.S. & Durga and Phlur round out the lineup. Aside from minor fillers like eye gels, this expertly balanced countdown remains a top-tier investment. There are less new launches than Cult Beauty’s offering, but the line-up still features many sought-after brands.
Read our full Space NK beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £275, Spacenk.com
Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £245
Worth: £1,185 for the special, £1,105 for the signature
Saving: £940 for the special, £860 for the signature
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 33 and 38. 17 full-sizes in each
Advent calendar highlights: Westman Atelier eye want you mascara, Anua PDRN hyaluronic acid moisturising cream, By Terry brightening CC serum
Highest-value product: £112 Dr. Levy Switzerland overnight booster cream
Available: Now
Who's it for: Those hunting for new beauty launches
Why we love it
- Big name brands and new launches
- Korean skincare is included
- 17 full sized products
Take note
- The Patrick Ta blush is a repeat from last year
- Fragrances are all travel sized
The Cult Beauty calendar is known for championing the year's buzziest beauty launches, so it's rare to find tired products or brands whose moment has passed. The online beauty retailer has now unveiled the contents of its two advent calendars, which have largely the same products, but one (the special edition) swaps Sol de Janeiro body badalada ’48 lotion, Augustinus Bader the rich cream and Fable & Mane holiroots hair oil for five fragrances, a Saie mini dew blush, Amika soulstruck leave-in dry hair mask, Color Wow volumiser, and a Davines oi all-in-one milk.
If the product list is anything to go by, both calendars are already on track to sell-out within weeks. The beauty, skincare and hair care selection are strong with buzzy brands, new launches and high-value full-size products included like the Allies of Skin azelaic & kojic advanced clarifying serum (worth £94 alone). The likes of Vieve, Medik8, Gisou, Westman Atelier means it will suit those who enjoy dalliances with high-end skincare and trying big cult beauty names.
The perfume additions make the special edition calendar perfect for someone who is actively building a perfume wardrobe with woody skin scents, musks, florals and fruity scents. That said, I'm a little disappointed to see one of the items – the Patrick Ta major headlines blush – return for a second consecutive year. While it's a different shade this time around ('she's giving'), it's a repeat formula rather than a fresh discovery, and the shade choice has already proved divisive among fans online, with many saying they'd have preferred one of the brand's more universally flattering pink or neutral tones. Even so, Cult Beauty delivers another edit packed with premium brands.
Read our full Cult Beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £245, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Selfridges beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £250
Worth: £1278
Saving: £1028
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 41 (33 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Paddywax a dopo black cedar fig scented candle, Elemis black cherry pro-collagen cleansing balm, 111 Skin black diamond eye mask
Highest-value product: £130 Rodial bee venom super serum
Available: Now but sold out – checking to see if there's more stock coming
Who's it for: Those looking for big savings
Why we love it
- Price has remained stable year on year
- Features buzzy 2026 products such as Marc Jacobs beauty
Take note
- Rodial feels overdone in advent calendars at this point
Selfridges is switching things up for its 2026 advent calendar season, launching its first-ever fragrance countdown alongside its returning beauty edit. The £250 beauty calendar is the same price as last year (it's rare for these big retailers not to inflate their pricing, so take the win!) and looks more skincare-focused, with Augustinus Bader, Dr Barbara Sturm and Tatcha among the names spotted so far. Make-up fans haven’t been forgotten, with Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Kylie by Kylie Jenner, Laneige and Burberry also appearing, alongside fan favourites like Elemis and Refy.
Meanwhile, the fragrance haul features Penhaligon’s, Le Labo, Initio, Ex Nihilo, Fragrance Du Bois and Ormonde Jayne, with a full-size Ormonde Jayne suede silhouette worth £225 alone. Ex Nihilo’s lust in paradise and Fragrance Du Bois’ patchouli gourmand are also particularly high-end inclusions. We’re still awaiting the launch of the fragrance calendar, but the main calendar has already been and gone once. Luckily, it has just been restocked, so act fast to avoid missing out.
Read our full Selfridges beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £250, Selfridges.com
Lookfantastic beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £120
Worth: £655
Saving: £535
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 27 (19 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Color Wow kale-infused dream cocktail, Mac fix+ setting spray, Elemis pro-collagen night cream
Highest-value product: £98 Avant skincare hyaluronic acid molecular boost eye cream
Available: Now
Who's it for: Those after a full skincare routine
Why we love it
- Features much-loved classics
- Skincare provides bang for your buck
- More affordable than Cult Beauty and Space NK
Take note
- Make-up offering is a bit predictable
- Some filler items like single-use eye patches and beauty sponges
Lookfantastic continues to occupy a sweet spot in the beauty advent calendar market, particularly as prices elsewhere continue to climb. While many multi-brand calendars now cost upwards of £200, Lookfantastic has kept its 2026 edition at £120, with 27 products, 19 of them full-sizes and a total contents value of £665. On paper, it's one of the strongest price-to-product ratios I've seen so far this year.
After exploring the full contents, I can say it strikes a brilliant balance between high-end luxury and viral everyday staples. The skincare line-up offers massive value drivers like the Avant hyaluronic eye cream (worth £98), Elemis’s rich pro-collagen night cream (£78), and Clinique’s fan-favourite moisture surge (£42), complemented by Medik8's daily cleansing gel (£29).
On the make-up front, there’s many time-tested classics like Mac fix+ and Benefit’s roller lash mascara, but it’s likely avid beauty shoppers may already own them as they frequently feature in boxes and calendars. I'm also not that fussed about The Beauty Crop products. There are some trendy items, though, including Made By Mitchell’s blursh and Anastasia Beverly Hills brow freeze.
Haircare is equally strong, boasting a full-sized Sam McKnight cool girl texture mist, Color Wow’s kale cocktail, and Aveda cherry almond shampoo and conditioner. Finished with sensory treats like Sol de Janeiro’s cheirosa 40 perfume mist and a luxury room spray from The White Company, this one feels like a well-rounded beauty haul that delivers value for money, but I’ve seen better make-up offerings.
Lookfantastic's fragrance and grooming advent calendars are also returning after selling out in 2025. Expect the former to focus on perfume and home fragrance, while the latter will cater to gents looking to refresh their skincare, haircare and wider grooming routines.
Read our full Lookfantastic beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £120, Lookfantastic.com
Liberty beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £285
Worth: £1,300
Saving: £1,015
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 29 (21 full-size)
Advent calendar highlights: Augustinus Bader the face oil, U Beauty resurfacing compound, Lisa Eldridge baume embrace melting lip colour
Highest-value product: £180 MZ Skin intensive bio-placenta eye cream
Available: Now
Who's it for: Niche beauty lovers
Why we love it
- Selection of highly coveted brands, from Augustinus Bader to Trinny London
- Beautiful design, as always
- Large fragrance selection
Take note
- A number of brand repeats from 2025
- 'Full-size' doesn't always mean standard size
Arguably the most coveted of the calendars, Liberty’s beauty advent first launched more than 10 years ago in 2014. Now, it offers an incredible saving of more than £1,000, with the contents worth £1,300+ with a total spend of just £285.
Liberty has revealed the full contents of its calendar – and they definitely warrant getting excited about. Not only are there 21 full-sized products from the likes of Sunday Riley and Violette FR, but there are no less than seven fragrances to enjoy.
Admittedly, the brand selection is relatively similar to 2025, with inclusions from Matiere Premiere, Zelens and more. However, the retailer has promised 26 products that aren’t in competitor offerings.
I’ll be getting my hands on all 29 products as soon as possible, so watch this space for my full review.
Read our full Liberty beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £285, Libertylondon.com
Harrods beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £270
Worth: Not disclosed, estimated to be £1,750+
Saving: Worth not disclosed, but estimated to be a saving of £1,480+
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 34 (21 full-size)
Advent calendar highlights: Hourglass ambient lighting blush, Medik8 C-tetra advanced vitamin C gel serum, By Terry tea to tan for face and body
Highest-value product: £155 MZ Skin microtox tightening eye serum
Available: Now
Who's it for: Science-backed skincare obsessives
Why we love it
- Numerous ultra-luxe brands, from La Prairie and Cle de Peau to Augustinus Bader and Shiseido
- Beauty tools in addition to liquids, powders, creams and the like
- Newly trending brands, for example Sync Beauty
Take note
- Some items look too small to be useful, for example Tatcha
Harrods beauty advent calendar 2026 is the one I’m most excited about, largely because it was the first to sell out last year.
Its key draw is that Harrods straddles the lines of beauty discovery, premium beauty and big-name beauty wonderfully, so cosmetics obsessives can enjoy the brands they know and love (think: Charlotte Tilbury and Huda Beauty) along with some luxury treats (say, La Prairie and Tatcha), and a handful of products they’re not yet familiar with (the likes of Moncho Moreno and Montale Parfums).For 2026, the Knightsbridge stalwart has pulled together some big trends from the past year, including the Lyma youth power cream (following the viral success of the Lyma laser device) and a Sync Beauty lip liner (the brand launched in mid-2025 and has been growing in popularity ever since).
Even better, this year's haul looks like Harrods' most luxurious yet, with a full-size rich eye cream from Augustinus Bader and a travel-size of Shiseido's uber-premium future solution lx, which costs £392 for a full tub. Harrods is keeping a handful of details – for example, the calendar's full worth – close to its chest, but I'm confident this one will sell out soon. And it’s officially available to buy, so I wouldn’t hang about if I were you.
Also worth noting: Harrods has additionally announced its hair and body (£99, Harrods.com), and fragrance advent calendars (£225, pre-order units sold out) for 2026. While the former is set to feature nine full-size products (of a total 17), the fragrance calendar includes seven full-sizes out of its wider 12. Fans can expect perfumes from Parfums de Marly and Jo Malone, while hair and body obsessives can enjoy items from Kerastase and Color Wow. The fragrance advent calendar proved particularly popular this year, selling out within hours of its pre-order launch. I’ll be keeping an eye out for whether any additional stock becomes available.
Read our full Harrods beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £270, Harrods.com
Boots beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £150
Worth: £700+
Saving: £550+
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 27 (19 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Ole Henriksen peach glaze glow niacinamide serum with vitamin C, Caudalie vinoperfect brightening dark spot serum, Clinique take the day off cleaning balm
Highest-value product: £65 Estée Lauder advanced night repair eye lift + sculpt eye cream
Available: Now
Who's it for: Fans of minimalist beauty
Why we love it
- Full-size shampoo and conditioner bottles are a rare find in even the most expensive of advents
- Plenty of big-name brands
Take note
- Focuses more heavily on beauty icons than new, buzzy products
- Some tired items from the likes of Nuxe and Sol de Janeiro
If your budget is strictly under £200, then chances are the Boots beauty advent calendar 2026 will meet your requirements – particularly given how much it punches above its weight.
This Christmas the retailer has launched a total three calendars: the main 'luxe' offering, a 24 day skincare variety (£70, worth more than £300) and a 12-day fragrance calendar (£90, worth more than £345). Boots only launched its 'fragrance hub' in late 2025, so it's fitting that the brand would jump on the scenting bandwagon – especially with its impressive roster of perfumers, from Tom Ford to Maison Margiela.
Boots has now revealed the full contents of its trio of advents and anyone taking the main luxe calendar home will be able to enjoy a full-size Aveda rosemary mint shampoo and conditioner, a Milk hydro grip primer and, as predicted, a nod to the retailer's new Korean contingent in the Illiyoon ceramide ato concentrate cream. It’s also a stellar choice for fans of French, minimalist beauty, serving up skincare staples from Nuxe and Caudalie to help achieve an effortless, skin-baring glow, while the make-up selection heavily embraces this ‘less is more’ ethos, trading heavy eyeshadow palettes and intense liners for a fresh, understated visage built around a radiant Nars orgasm flush blush and an array of nude lip choices from Mac and Fenty.
Regarding the fragrance variety, I'm particularly excited by the premium inclusions from Givenchy and Lancôme, while the skincare-specific calendar boasts a glut of K-beauty, from Dr. Reju-All to Mediheal and Haruharu Wonder.
Read our full Boots beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £150, Boots.com
M&S beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 3.5/5
Price: £75
Worth: £450+
Saving: £375
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25 (more than 8 full-size)
Advent calendar highlights: Color Wow money mist, Sam McKnight happy endings nourishing balm, Aveda rosemary mint shampoo
Highest-value product: £39 The Organic Pharmacy hyaluronic acid serum and also £39, Estée Lauder's double wear smooth and blur primer
Available: Early access 1-7 October
Who's it for: Self-care obsessives
Why we love it
- Self care-focused contents for anyone in need of some TLC
- Clinique, Benefit, Estee Lauder and more for less than £100
Take note
- Lots of repeat advent offenders here, from This Works to Iconic London
The contents of the M&S beauty advent calendar 2026 has finally landed, and while its £75 price tag remains one of the most tempting in the beauty advent calendar market, I’m a little underwhelmed by what’s behind the doors. The 25-product line-up leans heavily into spa-style self-care, with a body butter, bath and shower gel, hand cream, pillow mist and more sleep-focused treats making it feel more like a pampering hamper than a snapshot of what’s exciting in beauty right now.
There are some solid names here, from Estée Lauder, Clinique and Benefit to Color Wow and Aveda, but there’s a sense of déjà vu, too. Hair by Sam McKnight, Floral Street, Philip Kingsley, This Works and Iconic London are all repeat advent calendar offenders, while some of the products feel a little behind the curve. A pillow mist, for example, would have felt right at home in a 2020 advent calendar, but feels less compelling now that beauty calendars are increasingly packed with new beauty innovations (for instance, products from Lyma and Currentbody). Not to mention any 2020 pillow mist fans likely still have the very bottle they purchased six years ago – myself included.
That said, the contents still add up to a decent value proposition, particularly if you enjoy traditional bath-and-body treats. It’s just not the most forward-thinking calendar of 2026.
Buy now £75, Marksandspencer.com
Charlotte's Hollywood beauty wonderland advent calendar 2026
Rating: 3.5/5
Price: £170
Worth: £323
Saving: £152
Number of days: 12
Number of products: 15 (four full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Charlotte Tilbury unreal blush healthy glow stick, Charlotte Tilbury magic cream, Charlotte Tilbury healthy glow nectar oil
Highest-value product: £32 Unreal blush healthy glow stick in rosy glow
Available: Now
Who's it for: Make-up lovers
Why we love it
- Includes advent-exclusive items for the first time ever
- More products than in 2025
- Popular 2026 launches, such as the unreal blush sticks, featured
Take note
- Value isn't as competitive as other brands
- One less full-size than 2025
Charlotte Tilbury has dropped the price of its advent calendar by £5 year on year. By comparison, most retailers tend to increase the yearly cost of their advents in a bid to keep up with the rising costs of ingredients. This year's scarlet packaging might be my favourite yet and, with a total 15 products (up three on 2025), there's no denying the brand is determined to outdo its efforts from last year.
Specifically, Charlotte Tilbury has included advent-exclusive items in this year's haul, including a pillow talk mini charm make-up bag. Given that this advent doesn't always boast the best value (there's still a 47 per cent saving, but other retailers often offer up to 70 per cent), it's great to see the brand giving beauty buffs more reason to shop the calendar. Though, there's one less full-sized item than last year, so don't be too swayed by the limited-edition finds.
Read our full Charlotte's Hollywood beauty wonderland advent calendar 2026 review
Buy now £170, Charlottetilbury.com
Asos beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £98
Worth: £360
Saving: £262
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25 (15 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Benefit benetint, Haruharu black rice probiotics barrier essence, Medicube PDRN serum
Highest-value product: £31 Charlotte Tilbury beauty light wand, pillow talk original
Available: Now
Who's it for: Teens and young adults
Why we love it
- A major improvement on 2025 with more trending brands, such as Anua and Biodance
- Affordable
Take note
- Some products are repeat advent offenders, such as Charlotte Tilbury beauty light wand
- Chosen formulas from buzzy brands aren't as popular, for instance niacinamide serums and matte primers
As someone who wasn't impressed by Asos' beauty advent calendar in 2025, I'm pleased to find that its offering for 2026 is notably better. While the packaging still can't be reused (each numbered box is sealed) and there are a few 'dud' products that advent devotees will have seen time and time again – think Nuxe huile prodigieuse – on the whole, Asos has made a good effort to tap into more current beauty trends.
K-beauty fanatics are well catered to and those with a penchant for aesthetic packaging will be chuffed with the inclusion of brands like Gisou and Laneige, the latter of which also happens to be a Korean skincare brand. I'm not sure what Asos' fascination with Psychic Sisters is, but I'm not one to turn my nose up at a candle...even if this one does feature a crystal at the bottom.
Buy now £98, Asos.com
Debenhams beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £120
Worth: £528
Saving: £408
Number of days: Not confirmed (25 in 2025)
Number of products: 29 (13 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Benefit fan fest mascara, Ameliorate transforming body lotion, Lancome genifique serum
Highest-value product: £30 Glow For It lash growth serum
Available: Now
Who's it for: Head-to-toe preeners
Why we love it
- More category variety than competitors with teeth whitening strips, scalp massagers and more.
- Viral items from Rose and Caramel and Glow For It, to name a few.
Take note
- Some minis are too small to be useful
The Debenhams advent for 2026 arrives packaged in a sixties-style floral wrap, is worth more than £500 and houses 29 products, including 13 full-sizes. For those that didn’t take home the calendar in 2025, this is actually a decrease year-on-year, with the worth being £130 less overall, the product count down by eight and the full-size number reduced by 6. Thankfully, the price you’ll pay has been docked by £30, too.
The product selection is excellent for the price, with luxury brands including Elizabeth Arden, Murad and Lancôme all featuring – though, the latter appears in teensy vials. It’s great to see more brands that other retailers aren’t paying attention to, such as Pixi and Oskia, but there are also a handful of products that aren’t as buzz worthy. Think: Prai and Ameliorate. Regardless, it’s a wonderful offering for less than £150, and boasts great beauty variety with items for teeth, nails, scalp and more to mix things up.
It’s finally available to buy, so act fast to secure yours.
Buy now £120, Debenhams.com
No7 beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £65
Worth: £248.93
Saving: £183.93
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25 (eight full-sizes, which is two less than in 2025)
Advent calendar highlights: No7 future renew night serum, No7 pro artist tubing mascara, No7 protect and perfect intense advanced night cream
Highest-value product: £17.95 No7 pro artist that's a wrap tubing mascara
Available: Now
Who's it for: Anti-ageing fanatics
Why we love it
- New 2026 launch No7 prime forever featured
- Lipstick, lip liner and lip oil shades are versatile and not just Christmas reds
Take note
- No7 pure retinol collection not included
- Sponge and towelling wrist wash bands feel like throwaway inclusions
No7 has unveiled two beauty advent calendars for 2026 (as it did last year), but it's the £65 edition that's caught my eye. Worth £248.93, it packs in 25 products (including eight full sizes) and strikes a nice balance between skincare and make-up. Alongside one of the brand's new prime forever launches, you'll find skincare staples such as the radiance+ vitamin C glow tonic and the protect and perfect intense advanced night cream, both of which – among others included – cater brilliantly to more mature skin types.
Meanwhile, the £180 ultimate advent calendar is geared more towards true No7 devotees, with a line-up dominated by full-size skincare and make-up best-sellers.
Both iterations feature a number of the brand's popular future renew formulas, and the luxury variety even offers lucky receivers a voucher to be colour matched for their own pro artist foundation.
Buy now £65, Boots.com
Lush advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £210
Worth: Not disclosed
Saving: N/A
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25 plus a reusable wicker basket
Advent calendar highlights: Honey I washed the kids body scrub, candy cane bubble bar, sticky dates shower gel
Highest-value product: £16 (estimated) Lush once upon a time scented candle
Available: Pre-order live now for dispatch in October
Who's it for: Bath lovers
Why we love it
- Lots of fan favourites included, such as sleepy and dream cream
- Family friendly and great for sharing
- Array of products from all Lush categories, from lotions to candles
Take note
- Basket is reusable, but advent boxes are perforated and can't be reused
- Fans will be disappointed to see snow fairy has been skipped this year
- Lush socks feel a cop out
Lush has revealed the first two of its advent calendars, with both the main Lush advent above and the bath-focused 29½ high street advent calendar now open for pre-orders. Kicking things off with the main event, the Lush advent calendar for 2026 spans home scents, fragrance, body care and in-shower/bath products. There's a pair of socks thrown into the mix once again, which I can't imagine Lush fans will be chomping at the bit for. Then again, a good pair of cotton socks (which these are) can help to lock-in your moisturiser.
While not every item is full-sized, the brand has been thoughtful about its choice of miniatures. For instance, a 50ml spritz of Santa's favourite is well placed, given that a Christmas fragrance will likely fall out of favour once January rolls around. The same goes for the North Pole shower gel; though, I would've liked to have seen a sticky dates full-size, given its cult following.
As for the 29½ high street advent calendar (£135, Lush.com), pre-orders are open for earlier dispatch on 24 August. This calendar often skews more child orientated given its bath focus. Plus with cute butterbear bath bombs and unicorn horn bubble bars, you'd be hard pressed to find kids that won't love diving into each of its 25 doors. It also sees the return of snow fairy, so fans of the collection won't be entirely at a loss.
Read our full Lush advent calendar review
Buy now £210, Lush.com
Boots x Macmillan beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £44
Worth: £90
Saving: £46
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24
Advent calendar highlights: Liz Earle cleanse and polish, No7 protect and perfect intense day cream, Champneys energising hydro gel eye patches
Highest-value product: £16.95 No7 lift & luminate triple action primer
Available: Now
Who's it for: Beauty buffs on a budget
Why we love it
- No7 mascaras get my beauty writer approval (they're great)
- Liz Earle cleanse and polish is a tried and true favourite for make-up removal
Take note
- Muslin cloth feels like a cop out for a whole day's offering
This is quite possibly my favourite affordable beauty advent calendar of 2026 so far. For £44, it brings together best-selling picks from Liz Earle, No7, Soap & Glory, Champneys and Botanics, which is a combination of brands far more premium than you'd expect for less than £50 (especially when you compare it to Revolution's £37 offering). The inclusion of Liz Earle's cleanse and polish is a particular highlight, though I can't help feeling the accompanying muslin cloth is a bit of a wasted door given it comes free with the full-size cleanser anyway. Still, with hero No7 skincare (the protect and perfect range is particularly popular), a great mascara and £2 from every calendar sold going to Macmillan Cancer Support, I'd say this is a festive purchase you can feel especially good about – whether for you or a loved one.
Buy now £44, Boots.com
Fortnum & Mason beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £275
Worth: More than £1,225
Saving: £950
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25 (24 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Clive Christian, Ortigia and Wildsmith
Highest-value product: £120 Wildsmith active repair copper peptide cream and, also £120, the Wildsmith radiance light serum
Available: Now
Who's it for: Premium beauty fans
Why we love it
- You rarely see the fragrance line-up in other calendars
- Features potent, high-value active skincare formulas
- Indulgent body oils, bath treatments, and lotions from spa-level brands
Take note
- Not one for beauty buffs
Fortnum & Mason has unveiled its 2026 beauty advent calendar and green thumbed individuals will be thrilled to spot its clematis and mistletoe splashed casing. Of course, Fortnum's classic turquoise colours still feature, with embossed gold numbering on each of its 25 drawers.
This year it offers an exceptionally luxurious, fragrance-heavy lineup that leans into sensory self-care and niche British heritage. High-end skincare takes centre stage with powerhouses like Wildsmith's copper peptide cream (£150) and radiance light serum (£85), alongside rich treatments from Bamford and Benamôr.
Where this calendar truly shines is its boutique fragrance and body collection. It features rare, elevated scents including the floral ambers of Clive Christian’s no1 feminine parfum, the woody universal Gallivant Abu Dhabi eau de parfum, and Ortigia’s aromatic and orange blossom zagara body oil.
The make-up section is light and centres on luxury British brand Delilah with its universally flattering makeup hits, like the smooth shadow stick and lip gloss. Lifestyle touches like a Charlotte Posner washbag, Shleep Merino silk socks, and Fortnum's own rose petal candle complete the edit. It is an exquisitely soothing feast for those who prioritise niche luxury fragrance, hard-working skincare and spa treatments.
Buy now £275, Fortnumandmason.com
Sculpted by Aimee beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £90
Worth: £203
Saving: £113
Number of days: 12
Number of products: 12
Advent calendar highlights: Sculpted by Aimee cream and powder eye due, Sculpted by Aimee mymascara in deep burgundy, Sculpted by Aimee bare basics mini
Highest-value product: £26 Sculpted by Aimee hydrabody nourishing oil
Available: Now, restock coming soon
Who's it for: Party make-up lovers
Why we love it
- Great make-up bag re-stock for fans of the brand
- Hero products, such as bare basics palette, included
Take note
- Cleansing cloth as a standalone drawer is a cop out
- With only 12 products, I wouldn't say skincare is a priority
Sculpted by Aimee has a big and loyal fanbase, and given that the brand's first tranche of stock has already depleted, it'd be fair to say this year's Christmas countdown has secured fan approval. From my perspective, the haul is a great way to top-up on your favourites, be it the mymascara in a new festive (burgundy) shade or the liner duo. A highlighter is one of those products I'm happy to skip in my make-up routine, so this wasn't my favourite inclusion. Likewise, the skincare is nice enough, but I'd have rather seen the new, viral cushion foundation (perhaps with a voucher to attain your shade match) or the cream blush. There's a saving of more than 50 per cent up for grabs here, but I wouldn't say there's much of a draw for beauty buffs outside of the brand's fanbase.
Buy now £90, Sculptedbyaimee.com
Anthropologie beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £98
Worth: £400+
Saving: £302+
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 25 (17 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Trip electrolytes, Verden d'orangerie hand and body wash, Joonbyrd Sunday sofa body butter
Highest-value product: £60 Grown Alchemist regenerating serum
Available: Now
Who's it for: Cool girl beauty buffs
Why we love it
- Lots of discovery brands, from Darling to Hair Syrip
- Strong curation for no make-up lovers
Take note
- Definition of 'full-size' seems generous
- No make-up (could also be seen as a positive, as above)
Anthropologie continues to carve out its own niche with a beauty advent calendar that's as much about presentation as it is the products inside. This year's illustrated keepsake design, created by Nephthys Illustrated, is among the prettiest I've seen announced so far, while the line-up promises a curated mix of established names and emerging beauty brands, including Phlur, L'Occitane, Freck and Patchology.
New for 2026, the retailer is also introducing a 12 days of beauty advent calendar. Few details have been shared ahead of its September launch, but if the 24-day edition is anything to go by, I'd expect it to offer a more streamlined edit of premium beauty favourites for anyone after a smaller festive countdown.
Buy now £98, Anthropologie.com
Jo Malone beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £375
Worth: £597
Saving: £222
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25 (one full-size)
Advent calendar highlights: Ginger biscuit scented candle, lime, basil and mandarin body and hand wash, tangerine and honey cologne
Highest-value product: £58 Jo Malone tangerine and honey cologne
Available: Now
Who's it for: Home scenting obsessives
Why we love it
- Cracker-style drawers could be repurposed as table crackers or standalone gifts, while tartan stockings double as tree decorations
- Frequent travellers will lap up the number of miniature fragrances
- Mix of gender-neutral and more traditionally feminine scents for those sharing the contents
Take note
- Premium price, to say the least
- Perhaps too many perfumes
Whether your fragrance obsession lies in perfumes, candles or beautifully-scented bath and body products, Jo Malone's advent calendar is made for those who like their Christmas countdown to come with a touch of luxury. For 2026, the brand has revealed that the £375 tartan-lined trunk will contain £597 worth of scented treats.
Inside the keepsake box, you'll find miniature versions of Jo Malone London favourites, with a full-size (30ml) tangerine and honey fragrance waiting behind the final door. The fan-favourite lime, basil and mandarin body and hand wash has secured a spot within, alongside a little English pear and freesia cologne. As always, single-brand calendars like this are better for exploring scents without committing to £100+ full-sizes – though, when it comes to Jo Malone, you’ll still be fleshing out several hundreds of pounds to embark on your exploration. Nonetheless, your home and body will certainly be heavenly scented post-purchasing.
Buy now £375, Jomalone.co.uk
The White Company beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £195
Worth: £336
Saving: £141
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25 (seven full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Advent calendar highlights
Available: Now
Who's it for: Home proud individuals
Why we love it
- All the best-selling collections feature
- New product launches for 2026, which isn't a given for brands with so many existing favourites
Take note
- Not too dissimilar from 2025's
The White Company's luxury advent calendar isn't the best option for those looking to explore the wider world of beauty, but for the home-proud individual, this is about as good as it gets. Packed with diffusers, candles and hand washes galore, you couldn't find a better bundle of goodies to leave your space smelling (and looking) serene.
Now that the brand has officially revealed the full contents of its 2026 advent calendar, I can confirm there’s plenty to entice fans of the brand. For me, the most wow-worthy items are the winter candle (a must) and new launch Seychelles shampoo and conditioner. Of course, it wouldn't be a White Company Christmas without something from the lime and bay and pomegranate ranges – luckily, both of these feature in the line-up.
The calendar is now live to shop, so snap yours up fast to avoid losing out.
Buy now £195, Thewhitecompany.com
Neom beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £199
Worth: £399
Saving: £200
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (ten full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Neom real luxury intensive skin treatment candle, Neom perfect night's sleep magnesium body butter, Neom sparkling joy travel candle
Available: Now
Who's it for: Anyone needing to de-stress
Why we love it
- Candle packaging makes for a beautiful interiors statement
- Mixture of brand best-seller ranges, from real luxury to perfect night's sleep
Take note
- Ceramic shooting star included as one of 24 items
- 50 per cent saving isn't on par with competitors such as Liberty and John Lewis
Neom launched its inaugural advent calendar in 2025 and, as those who were lucky enough to receive one will know, it sold out fast. I'm expecting it to fly off the shelves just as quickly in 2026 and, with plenty of new launches from the past – such as the included energy pen – I think fans of the brand are going to be chomping at the bit to take this home.
Neom has kept the same 24 product, ten full-size blueprint year on year and I’m glad to see less (just one) essential oil blends in this year’s offering – especially given that many of us don’t have a diffuser at home. Speaking of diffusers, I might have liked to have seen a reed diffuser in this year’s haul, but thankfully the gorgeous packaging of two out of the three included candles makes up for it. I’ll be reusing mine as a match stick holder – they’re simply too beautiful to throw away! Other highlights include heaps of the perfect night’s sleep range, alongside my personal favourite collection, great day, with its exfoliating body wash, dry body oil and body butter all hidden within the drawers.
Buy now £199, Neomwellbeing.com
Elemis beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £225
Worth: £650
Saving: £425
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25
Advent calendar highlights: Elemis pro-collagen marine oil, Elemis fragipani monoi body cream, Elemis superfood midnight facial
Available: Now
Who's it for: Luxury skincare fans
Why we love it
- Pro-collagen obsessives are well catered for
- Three of the viral cleansing balm
- Flannel included as a bonus extra
Take note
- No SPF products
- Minimal full-sizes for the price
Elemis is returning with its beauty advent calendar for 2026, with the brand teasing a festive red and green design and a contents value of £650. That’s a significant increase on 2025’s edition, which was worth £560 and featured 25 skincare, bodycare and wellness products from the brand.
Within, fans will find no less than 16 items from the best-selling pro-collagen collection, including a full-size of the viral cleansing balm. There’s also inclusions from the superfood range, as well as two frangipani monoi items for marzipan obsessives (myself included). As always, this is a haul for true Elemis devotees and doesn’t offer the variety of a multi-brand line-up; however, you’ll take home pretty much an entire skin and body care routine. My only gripe? Some of the SPF marine creams would have been nice to cap off the regimen.
Buy now £225, Elemis.com
Pure Seoul beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £140
Worth: £500+
Saving: £360+
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 28 (23 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Abib collagen eye patch jericho rose jelly, Medicube zero pore pad, Skin1004 Madagascar centella hyalu-cica water-fit sun serum SPF 50+
Available: Pre-sale 17 September, general sale 18 September
Who's it for: K-beauty lovers
Why we love it
- Viral Medicube booster pro mini included
- Sheet mask addicts are well catered to
Take note
- Risk of overdoing it with actives if you're not clued up on how to use and combine the products
PureSeoul is entering the advent calendar arena for the first time, and its promise of 12 new launches could make this a particularly interesting K-beauty countdown. The retailer has spent much of 2026 embracing buzzy PDRN, collagen and peptide formulas, so it was great to see these categories represented by Abib, Luvum and more. K-beauty fans can also expect best-selling SPFs, hyaluronic acid serums and more.
Given how quickly K-beauty trends can take off on TikTok, this calendar might be my top pick when it comes to introducing shoppers to the next viral products, versus simply recycling established bestsellers. Make sure to set your alarms for 18 September (or 17, if you joined the waitlist) to get involved.
Buy now £140, Pureseoul.co.uk
L'Occitane beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £99
Worth: £192
Saving: £93
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24
Advent calendar highlights: L'Occitane almond shower oil, L'Occitane shea hand cream, L'Occitane verbena shower gel
Available: Now
Who's it for: French-pharmacy skincare fans
Why we love it
- Several products from viral almond range featured
- Varied selection of skincare and bodycare
- A good sub-£100 offering
Take note
- No full-sizes
- Calendar has perforated doors, so can't be reused
As is tradition, L'Occitane is storming the 2026 advent market with not one, but two calendars for cosmetics obsessives to get stuck into. The main event – the classic edition – is a snapshot of everything L'Occitane does well, from its shower gels and oils that leave your skin soft and scented, to its nourishing hand creams that keep dryness at bay. Fans of the brand can expect all the usual suspects, including the verbena, almond and fleurs de ceriser ranges, and – while there aren't any full-sizes on offer here – your travel bag will be stocked and ready for the numerous family visits that December brings.
For the prestige edition (£169, worth £269), both the products and packaging are more generous, with hard board drawers and a full-size 250ml almond shower oil among the contents. You'll also have the chance to try the new(ish) almond supple skin oil, which I personally can't get enough of.
Buy now £99, Loccitane.com
Molton Brown beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 5/5
Price: £255
Worth: £455
Saving: £200
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24
Advent calendar highlights: Molton Brown fiery pink pepper eau de parfum, Molton Brown mesmerising oudh accord and gold bath and shower gel, Molton Brown orange and bergamot candle
Available: Now
Who's it for: Shower obsessives
Why we love it
- Plenty of brand favourites from the re-charge black pepper range to the coastal cypress and sea fennel collection
- Matching pump-bottle hand wash and lotion included
- First ever full-size EDP inclusion for MB
Take note
- Perfume atomiser counted as one of 24 items
Molton Brown's beauty advent calendar is always one of the most underrated options, but always packs a serious punch with its annual offering. This year, the selection looks better than ever with three pump bottles of hand wash and lotion, a full-size eau de parfum (in the brand's signature marble-style bottle) and all manner of shower gels to send you into 2027 smelling fresh. For me, the mesmerising oudh accord and gold candle is the star of the show for its rich, warm aroma – and I'd struggle to make it to December before lighting. My only bug bear is that the brand has counted its admittedly aesthetic travel perfume case as one of the 24 items. It's not a deal breaker, but I feel this could have been lumped in with another item within a single drawer. Regardless, a saving of £200 isn't to be sniffed at.
Buy now £255, Moltonbrown.co.uk
Liz Earle beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £175
Worth: £576.50+
Saving: £401.50
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (16 full-sizes, two super-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Liz Earle cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser, Liz Earle instant boost skin tonic, Liz Earle botanical hand wash orange flower
Available: Now
Who's it for: Cleanser aficionados
Why we love it
- Goes one step further with super-sized products
- Muslin cloths are a bonus inclusion
- A full face and body routine (minus SPF)
Take note
- As the best-seller, cleanse and polish should arguably be one of the super sizes
- Products and packaging feel quite similar to 2025
Liz Earle clearly knows what worked last year, with its 2026 beauty advent calendar retaining the £175 price tag while increasing the promised value from £505.10 to more than £576.50. The 24-product line-up is still heavily weighted towards the brand’s skincare staples, including cleansers, exfoliators (be it via a toner or physical exfoliator) and moisturisers, but there are some changes from 2025, with two super-sized products this time around. I’d have liked to see the brand save one of the extra-large spots for the classic cleanse and polish, as its overall bestseller, but the edit as a whole still covers almost every step of a face and body routine, including the muslin cloths needed for its signature cleanse.
The 12-day version is returning in 2026, too, and given the 24-day edition proved so popular in 2025 that Liz Earle and Boots struggled to keep it in stock, I wouldn’t expect this year’s bumper calendar to hang around for long.
Buy now £175, Boots.com
Cowshed beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £299
Worth: £547
Saving: £248
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (all full-sizes) plus a reusable wicker hamper
Advent calendar highlights: Cowshed refresh hand wash, Cowshed restore hand cream, new Cowshed 'the log cabin' scented candle
Available: Now
Who's it for: Those splitting up the contents as gifts
Why we love it
- Matching hand wash and lotion pump duo
- All products are individually boxed for regifting
- Reusable wicker and cloth-lined hamper
Take note
- Travel-size candle still counts as a full-size because it can be purchased individually at that quantity
Fans of Soho House, rejoice, for the exclusive member's club's body care range has announced its advent for the tenth year running. This year, amazingly, all 24 items within will be full-sized, so there's not a sample sachet in sight. Though, it's worth noting that 'full-size' speaks to anything sold individually on the Cowshed website, such as the miniature candles, which feels a bit misleading. Thankfully, all the best scents are nestled within, from the replenish range to the active collection. Plus, with a full worth that's almost double the price you'll pay, anyone with a big family and friends line-up would do well to use the calendar as a one-and-done gifting solution. How, you ask? Well, each and every item comes in its own gift box, so you could easily distribute them between your secret Santa, white elephant gift and everyone in-between.
Buy now £299, Cowshed.com
Holland & Barrett beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £60
Worth: £260
Saving: £200
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 26 (16 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Cetaphil gentle exfoliating SA cleanser, Fussy tropic tonic, Q+A collagen hand cream
Available: Now
Who's it for: Health and wellness lovers
Why we love it
- Mix of oral and topical beauty products
- Affordable
- Features viral brands, including Nature Spell
Take note
- Only supplements are from Holland and Barrett own brand
Holland & Barrett has unveiled its 2026 beauty advent calendar, and I think it's a step in the right direction. As expected, the emphasis is on natural beauty and wellness, but this year's edit feels broader, with skincare, haircare, bodycare and supplements all represented by brands including Weleda, Super Facialist, Faith in Nature, OGX and Fussy.
One of my criticisms of the 2025 calendar was that too many products occupied the same space, making the overall offering feel repetitive. This time around, there's noticeably more variety, from vitamin C serums and rosemary hair oil to exfoliating bodycare and skincare staples, making it feel better balanced without losing Holland & Barrett's wellness-first identity.
At £60, it's also one of the most accessible beauty advent calendars in this guide. If you're looking to discover cleaner beauty brands rather than luxury make-up names, it's well worth considering.
Buy now £60, Hollandandbarrett.com
Clinique beauty advent calendar 2026
Price: Not disclosed
Worth: £453
Saving: N/A
Number of days: 24
Number of products: Not disclosed
Advent calendar highlights: Clinique all about eyes eye cream, Clinique dramatically different moisturising lotion, Clinique black honey almost lipstick
Available: September, exact date TBC
Who's it for: Dry skin types
*Note – price is from 2025, price for 2026 is yet to be confirmed
So far Clinique has only revealed the packaging, worth and nine obscured items from its 2026 beauty advent calendar, but from that alone I'm able to tell that the countdown has had a big overhaul since 2025. Last year, the calendar was merely a 12-day offering with a full worth of £180, but the brand has more than doubled that value ahead of this Christmas. Plus, the inclusion of the black honey lipstick (it may be obscured, but I wasn't born yesterday!) shows that Clinique is in tune with the products that beauty buffs of all ages want to see. I'll keep you posted as soon as I know more, but for now, I'm impressed.
Buy now £102.9, Clinique.co.uk
Espa beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £190
Worth: £624
Saving: £434
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25
Advent calendar highlights: Espa clean & green detox mask, Espa exfoliating body polish, Espa winter spice candle
Available: Now
Who's it for: Aromatherapy addicts
Why we love it
- Mixture of tools, accessories and topical formulas
- Fan-favourite collections, from pro-optimal to tri active, included
Take note
- 15ml body oil is perhaps to small for even one use
If you're all about aromatherapy and relaxation then you'll meet your advent match in the Espa moments of wellness calendar. The sleek beige-gold box feels in-keeping with the brand's calming ethos and, within, fans can expect essential oil-rich skincare alongside best-selling products, from the replenishing treatment oil to the muscle rescue balm.
True Espa devotees will be thrilled to tuck into the renowned optimal skin pro-cleanser, while skincare obsessives won’t be able to get enough of the tri-active regenerating bio-retinol sleeping serum. Because who doesn’t want to tackle ageing skin while they snooze? This calendar doesn’t come cheap at £190, but it’s price vs. worth ratio is quite competitive with a total value of £624. It’s available to buy now.
Buy now £190, Espaskincare.com
Diptyque beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £420
Worth: Not disclosed
Saving: N/A
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 25
Advent calendar highlights: Diptyque baies candle, Diptyque limited-edition sapin candle, Diptyque eau rose eau de parfum
Available: Pre-order now for shipping from 5 October
Who's it for: Fans of luxury fragrance
Why we love it
- Heaps of fan-favourite scents, from philosykos to feu de bois
- Two 70g candles worth £37 each
- Limited edition items included
Take note
- Diptyque decorations feel like they should be extras, not a part of the 25-item roster for £420
- Almost double cost of big-name retailer advents
There's no convincing yourself that this advent calendar is good value at £420, but it does promise a heavenly scented home from 1 December through Christmas Day. While there are arguably too many mini candles for the price (at least one 190g size would have been good), the scent selection is excellent and Diptyque obsessives will be pleased to find orphéon, baies and more nestled within. The packaging is, as expected, gorgeous, and there's a wide range of eau de parfums to expand your scent library, too. As I say, it's not a good financial bet, but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy it – I would.
Buy now £420, Diptyqueparis.com
Benefit beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 3/5
Price: £149
Worth: £295
Saving: £146
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (Four full sizes, plus two accessories and one single pair of eye patches)
Advent calendar highlights: Benefit 24-hr brow setter, Benefit benetint, Benefit roller lash
Available: Now
Who's it for: Brow and lash obsessors
Why we love it
- Full-sizes are of the true fan-favourite items
- One more full-size than in 2025
Take note
- Branded mirror is redundant when most make-up palettes feature mirrors
- Multiples of several categories, for instance five mascaras
Benefit’s hotel beneville advent calendar is one for the brand loyalists, with a particularly strong showing of its brow, lash and complexion bestsellers. At £149, it’s not cheap, but the £295+ value is helped by four full-size products, including the badgal bang! mascara and benetint lip and cheek tint, two of Benefit’s most recognisable formulas.
My main gripe is variety, with five mascaras, three blushes (not including benetint) and two primers appearing across the 24 doors. Likewise, a branded mirror and hair clips feel more like extras than compelling advent treats. Still, if you’re a Benefit fan, this is your opportunity to top up on your favourites for both travel and home use with almost 50 per cent off.
Buy now £149, Benefitcosmetics.com
The Fragrance Shop advent calendar 2026
Rating: 3.5/5
Price: £150
Worth: £400+
Saving: £250+
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 23 plus an atomiser and a voucher for The Fragrance Shop membership (seven full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Miu Miu eau de parfum, Givenchy l'interdit eau de parfum, Ariana Grandi ari
Available: Pre-order now
Who's it for: Fragrance lovers
Why we love it
- Brand has split calendars into men's and women's iterations for 2026
- Viral picks from Sabrina Carpenter, Miu Miu and more
Take note
- Atomiser and £4.99 Max Benjamin fragrance card feel like careless inclusions
- Not a huge draw to brands such as Missguided and Ted Baker these days
The Fragrance Shop has made a smart change for 2026, splitting its advent into separate men’s and women’s editions rather than asking one calendar to cater to everyone. The women’s version costs £150 (or £120 for MyTFS members) and is worth more than £400, which matches that of 2025. Olfactory obsessives can look forward to covetable names, with viral favourites from Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande joined by classic fragrance picks from Givenchy, Lancôme and more. There are seven full-size products (with these full-sizes going from 20ml to 100ml), but I'd argue interest has waned in brands such as FCUK, Missguided and Ted Baker. I’m also not convinced a generic atomiser, mini candles or a Max Benjamin fragrance card (usually £4.99) justify their own advent doors when you're paying more than £100. Still, last year’s combined calendar sold out, so separating the line-up into two more targeted edits could prove a shrewd move.
The men’s edition looks stronger overall, with Valentino and Issey Miyake upping the calibre of products. It feels like the more premium of the two, with fewer throwaway additions.
Buy now £150, Thefragranceshop.co.uk
Yankee Candle advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: £34.99
Worth: Not disclosed
Saving: N/A
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 plus a glass tea light holder
Advent calendar highlights: Yankee Candle Christmas cookie tea light, pink sands tea light, clean cotton tea light
Available: Now
Who's it for: Candle addicts
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Plenty of fan favourite scents
- Great mix of festive and year-round aromas
Take note
- Only one tea light holder seems impractical
The Yankee Candle advent calendar for 2026 was the first of the bunch to go live for ordering. Following the same format as last year's 'fragrance lover's' calendar, Yankee Candle obsessives can set the mood this December with a daily tea light from the brand's seemingly endless roster of scents. Though, you'll have to pace yourself with lighting them, as the brand has only included one glass tea light holder, which doesn't exactly lend itself to a candle-lit bath (unless its a very dim one).
The all-important aromas – such as midsummer's night and Christmas Eve – have returned and, with them, comes a handful of autumnal scents with pumpkin and cinnamon notes.
Yankee Candle is also set to launch its collector's edition advent for £176.99. This variation will offer a mix of votives, tea lights, small jar candles and candle accessories, with scents spanning amber and sandalwood, warm cashmere (a personal favourite) and more.
Buy now £34.99, Yankeecandle.co.uk
Glossybox beauty advent calendar 2026
Price: Not yet disclosed
Worth: £645+
Saving: N/A
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 26 (22 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Medik8 hydr8 B5 intense hyaluronic acid serum, Huda Beauty easy blur primer, Commodity milk orchid
Available: Not revealed, waitlist open now
Who's it for: Trending beauty fans on a tight budget
*Note – price is from 2025, price for 2026 is yet to be confirmed
Glossybox’s beauty advent calendar has long been a strong-value option for beauty fans who want a mix of skincare, make-up, haircare and fragrance without the premium price tag. This year’s cost is still to be confirmed, but last year’s edition was £90 with a contents value of £624, and the 2026 calendar is set to be worth more than £645. That suggests the retailer is aiming to keep its offering competitively priced, making it one of the more affordable multi-brand calendars in this guide.
The 2026 calendar will include 26 products across 25 days, with 22 full-size buys, and so far we only know that Medik8, Huda Beauty, Commodity and Patrick Ta will feature, with more info dropping as we near closer to the festive season. The waitlist is open now.
Buy now £90, Glossybox.co.uk
Lancôme beauty advent calendar 2026
Price: £260
Worth: £520+
Saving: £251+
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (seven full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Lancôme la vie est belle l’extrait, Lancôme génifique ultimate serum, Lancôme lash idôle curl goddess mascara
Available: End of October
Who's it for: Luxury make-up fans
Lancôme’s 2026 beauty advent calendar is set to be a treat for fans of the French beauty house, with a strong focus on its best-known skincare, fragrance and make-up categories. The 24-door countdown includes hero formulas such as the génifique ultimate serum, absolue and rénergie skincare, alongside idôle and la vie est belle fragrances, plus a selection of full-size make-up favourites including mascara, lipstick and lip oil. The waitlist is now live and the brand has detailed eight full-size and 16 travel-size items, worth more than £520.
Buy now £260, Lancome.co.uk
Bamford beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £300
Worth: £670+
Saving: £370+
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (12 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Bamford geranium, woodland moss, B silent and rose collections, wellness tools
Available: Now
Who's it for: Bodycare lovers
Why we love it
- Premium aromatherapy, bath soaks, and body care
- Tools add lasting value
Take note
- Travel sized items are mostly in the geranium scent
- Wellness ritual cards feel like filler
The Bamford wellness advent calendar takes a slightly different approach to the traditional beauty countdown, focusing on slow moments of self-care rather than just skincare and make-up. Behind its 24 doors are bath, body, skincare and home fragrance treats, alongside six wellness tools including a gua sha, palm stones and a body brush. Five wellness ritual cards are also included, but these feel a bit like filler.
At £300, with contents worth more than £670 (including 12 full-size products), it’s one of the more premium options in this guide. While John Lewis and Sephora offer excess of 40 products in their calendars for a cheaper upfront cost, just four or five of the full-sized Bamford items included cover the price tag.
As always, however, it's the sort of bundle that true Bamford obsessives will undoubtedly get excited about. The product list offers a sensory, spa-at-home experience with luxury botanical scented lotions, oils and creams that is sure to keep your bathroom stocked for most of the year. If you will actually use the rose quartz and labradorite tools this adds lasting value. The calendar is available to shop now.
Buy now £300, Bamford.com
Neal's Yard Remedies beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £195
Worth: £514
Saving: £319
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 25
Advent calendar highlights: Neal's Yard damask rose facial oil, Neal's Yard goodnight pillow mist, Neal's Yard soothing skin salve
Available: Pre-order now
Who's it for: Fans of essential oils
Neal’s Yard Remedies is marking its 45th anniversary with a special edition advent calendar for 2026 that's set to bring together a selection of the heritage brand's skincare and wellbeing favourites. It's worth £129 more year-on-year, but will also cost you £30 extra outright.
Within lies some of the brand’s best-selling collections, from frankincense to geranium and orange, including a wide range of product categories, including hand creams, bath and shower gels, and pillow mists. Neal’s Yard scents are always spa-like, so consider this your ticket to inner calm – though, not everyone gets on with essential oils, so sensitive skin types may want to check ingredients lists before proceeding.
Worth more than £514, this is likely to appeal to loyal Neal’s Yard fans and anyone looking for a more botanical, ritual-led countdown.
Buy now £195, Nealsyardremedies.com
Giorgio Armani beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 3/5
Price: £270
Worth: Not disclosed
Saving: N/A
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (nine full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Giorgio Armani sì eau de parfum, Giorgio Armani cheek tint shine in shade 53S, Giorgio Armani luminous silk illuminating primer
Available: Now
Who's it for: Lip product hoarders
Why we love it
- Great selection of lip and eye make-up
- Beautiful packaging
Take note
- None of the full-size items are bigger than 12ml
- No full-size perfumes
Much like in 2025, the Giorgio Armani beauty advent calendar is a sight to behold – but I'm still not sure it's worth the £270 the brand asks shoppers to pay. When you consider that retailers like Sephora and John Lewis are selling their calendars for £250 or less, often with more than 40 products, it then feels hard to justify spending an extra £20 on a calendar with only 24 products in total. Granted, I've no criticisms of the formulas themselves – Armani Beauty has a proven track record of five-star make-up and fragrance releases. However, I'm not convinced the maths quite adds up with this one, especially considering that nine 'full-size' items are all naturally smaller products, such as mascaras and lip glosses.
Buy now £270, Armanibeauty.co.uk
Tatcha 12 ways to love your skin advent calendar 2026
Rating: 2.5/5
Price: £278
Worth: £290
Saving: £12
Number of days: 12
Number of products: 13 (one full-size)
Advent calendar highlights: Tatcha the dewy skin cream, Tatcha the matcha foam cleanse, Tatcha indigo overnight repair
Available: Now
Who's it for: J-beauty lovers
Why we love it
- Lots of fan favourite products, such as the water cream
- Full skincare routine from cleanser and eye cream through to moisturiser and lip balm
Take note
- Expensive and single full-size isn't liquid product, but rather blotting papers
- Would have liked to see the newly launched SPF feature
- Worth to price ratio isn't impressive
Tatcha's renowed 12-day advent calendar has returned for 2026 and, as ever, its purple splashed drawers are bound to attract quite the fanbase. There's something for everyone here, with the water cream for more oily skin types and the longevity memory cream for those looking to target signs of ageing. I've tested a number of the formulas within, and I can say with confidence that your skin will step into 2027 having reached new heights of hydration and glow.
Nine out of 13 products being 15ml or less feels a little stingy for a price exceeding that of Liberty's offering, where – by comparison – you'll take home a whopping 21 full-size items. I'm not entirely sure I'd recommend the calendar for that reason. However, for true Tatcha fans, the chance to take home a full travel kit of all your favourite formulas will still be excitement worthy.
Buy now £278, Selfridges.com
Soap and Glory beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £43.20
Worth: £93+
Saving: £49.80+
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24
Advent calendar highlights: Soap and Glory clean on me body wash, Soap and Glory hand food hand cream, Soap & Glory bright and beautiful biodegradable brightening sheet mask
Available: Now
Who's it for: Body care lovers on a budget
Why we love it
- Plenty of fan favourites
- A complete spa day within
Take note
- Would liked to have seen the sugar crush collection
If your idea of the perfect beauty advent calendar is an at-home pamper session, Soap & Glory's offering is hard to beat. For ever so slightly more than £40, you'll get 24 treats spanning body care, skincare and fragrance, with classics – such as the clean on me collection – joined by festive limited-editions, like velvet cherry. There's a generous selection of sheet masks and I like that there are several different fragrance collections to try, rather than endless variations of the brand's original pink scent. The value (it's not even double) isn't quite as eye-catching as some rival calendars, but if you're already a Soap and Glory fan, or you're shopping for one, you won't find reason to complain at this sub-£50 feel-good bundle.
Buy now £43.2, Boots.com
Revolution beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £37.50
Worth: Not confirmed
Saving: N/A
Number of days: 24
Number of products: 24 (ten full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Revolution baking powder, Revolution face brush, Revolution reloaded palette (holiday special)
Available: Now
Who's it for: Tweens and teens trying make-up for the first time
Why we love it
- Super affordable
- Features brand best-sellers like the baking powder
Take note
- Would've liked to see some Revolution bronzing products (they're fan favourites)
Revolution's 24-days advent calendar is one of the most affordable Christmas countdowns on the market, and it's always a great pick if you want to punch above the price point. With 10 full-size products, eight minis and six beauty accessories (actually good ones, like brushes), it offers plenty of value for make-up lovers, with picks that tap into 2026 trends, such as the lip shift peel off lip stain and peptide glaze lip treatment. Then again, a few of Revolution's biggest hits are notably absent, including the skin silk serum foundation, bright light concealer and pout bomb lip glosses. Admittedly, it's hard to feature complexion products with so many different skin tones to cater to; however, No7 has managed to make this work, with a voucher for its pro artist foundation included. Regardless, if colourful cosmetics are your thing, this is a fun, budget-friendly festive treat with a strong mix of everyday staples and party-ready picks.
Buy now £37.5, Boots.com
Harvey Nichols beauty advent calendar 2026
Price: £250
Worth: More than £1000
Saving: £750+
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 29 (was 37 in 2025) including 16 full-sizes (was 20 in 2025)
Advent calendar highlights: Products not revealed yet, but Charlotte Tilbury, La Mer and Sisley confirmed
Available: Not yet disclosed, waitlist now closed
Who's it for: Products not revealed yet to determine
Joining Harrods and Liberty in representing the luxury London department store advents, Harvey Nichols has now revealed a handful of titbits about its beauty calendar for 2026. Namely, fans of the brand will be treated to another beautiful Jacky Marshall design, this time with a pop of yellow, versus the pink and red scheme we enjoyed in 2025.
I'm not privy to the full contents of the calendar just yet, but the brand has given beauty buffs a few crumbs in that Charlotte Tilbury, La Mer and Sisley are all going to be nestled within the 25-drawer spread.
There are, interestingly, less products and less full sizes than in 2025; however, the worth of the calendar remains the same, so I'm hoping this means we'll see an increase in the quality of the haul.
As for the specific items I'm looking to see, Harvey Nichols has introduced a few new beauty names to its line-up in 2026, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see inclusions from Bob Beaute, Typebea or Joonbyrd.
The retailer has announced the return of its 12 days of fragrance advent calendar, too, (£175, Harveynichols.com) and, much like the main countdown, it's only revealed a select few brands set to feature: Ex Nihilo, Matiere Premiere and Escentric Molecules. Both advents waitlists have now closed, so it’s a waiting game for the live sale.
*Note – live links to the Harvey Nichols advent calendar have disappeared for the time being, but I’m working hard to glean the details of its return to the web. Watch this space
Read our full Harvey Nichols beauty advent calendar review
Buy now £250, Harveynichols.com
Fenwick fragrance and beauty advent calendar 2026
Rating: 4/5
Price: £250
Worth: £1,000+
Saving: £750+
Number of days: 25
Number of products: 33 (14 full-sizes)
Advent calendar highlights: Diptique eau des sens eau de toilette, Kiehl’s creamy eye treatment with avocado, Lancôme hypnose mascara in 'noir hypnotic'
Available: Sales paused on-site, checking if more stock is incoming
Who's it for: Lovers of fragrance and beauty in equal measure
Why we love it
- Excellent fragrance selection
- Products from brands are their hero items and ranges, for instance moisture surge and pro-collagen
Take note
- Beauty brands such as Rodial, Philip Kingsley and Starskin are a touch tired
- Fragrance selection is stronger than beauty
Fenwick’s 2026 advent calendar is getting a subtle rebrand, with the retailer calling it a fragrance and beauty countdown for the first time. At £250, it costs exactly the same as last year, while the promised more-than-£1,000 value also remains unchanged. The fragrance selection is undeniably exciting, with luxe brands such as Amouage and Diptyque featured, while the beauty products span skincare, make-up and haircare.
Unfortunately, a handful of the brands are the sort that you find in every advent calendar – namely, Rodial and Philip Kingsley – but the retailer has balanced these out nicely with the collections that cosmetics obsessives flock to again and again. Think: Lancôme hypnose mascara, Nars blush and more.
For me, the core appeal of this advent (versus the likes of Liberty, Harvey Nichols and the other London department stores) is the seamless integration of cosmetics and perfume. However, I’m not sure the beauty line-up alone makes this Christmas countdown stand out.
Note - Live links for the Fenwick advent aren’t available for the time being, but the brand has advised purchasing hopefuls to keep checking the website, as it’s not sold out yet. I’ll be quick to update this page as soon as I know more.
Buy now £250, Fenwick.co.uk
When do beauty advent calendars usually launch?
In previous years, Liberty has kicked off the advent proceedings at the end of July, with most retailers and brands following suit into August and September. In 2026, however, a glut of beauty advent calendars dropped in July, including Harrods, Lush, Tatcha and Fortnum and Mason. The majority of other advents were subsequently revealed – in one way or another, with some brands still holding exact product rosters close to their chests – through the first week of August. We’re now in the throes of September and autumn, with just M&S keeping most details hidden, though I’m expecting all brands to have shown their hands by the end of the month.
Are beauty advent calendars worth it?
In short, yes, beauty advent calendars are always worth more than what you’ll pay; however, you have to consider whether they’ll be worth it for you personally. I’ve been diving into the best beauty advent calendars since 2015 (my first was from M&S) and I can say with confidence that some brands undoubtedly offer a better haul than others. Key things to consider are:
What is the price range of beauty advent calendars?
Beauty advent calendars can range in price from £40 to £650, with brands such as Revolution (£37.50, Boots.com) sitting at the lower end, and luxury perfumers like Byredo in the premium price category. More typically, the core beauty advent calendars (from Boots to Harrods) cost between £100 and £285 – though I’d argue you don’t need to spend more than £250 to take home a seriously spectacular haul.
What is the cheapest beauty advent calendar?
While there are calendars from make-up brands such as W7 (approximately £24) that offer beauty advent calendars below £30, I’d recommend looking to the likes of Revolution (£37.50, Boots.com), Soap and Glory (£43.20, Boots.com) and Boots x Macmillan (£44, Boots.com) for more exciting yet affordable products.
For instance, W7 mimics packaging from Charlotte Tilbury and Estee Lauder products – to name a few – but doesn’t *actually* replicate the formula. However the Boots x Macmillan calendar boasts best-selling brands including Liz Earle and No7. After all, if your calendar costs less but you never use the products within, have you really saved money?
What was the most popular beauty advent calendar last year?
In 2025 the Space NK beauty advent calendar was arguably the most popular and sold out within a few weeks of its September launch. In fact, in previous years it was reported that two Space NK advent calendars sold every minute after its release. Following closely behind the Cult Beauty advent calendar is always a best-seller and, this year, the Harrods fragrance advent calendar has already sold out, so I’m expecting the retailer’s main beauty offering to run out of stock in the coming weeks, too.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As a senior shopping writer, this will be Lucy Smith’s third year reviewing the best beauty advent calendars for IndyBest. Prior to her professional coverage, Lucy has been purchasing beauty advents from M&S, The White Company and more since 2015, putting her experience in the category at more than 10 years. Elsewhere, Lucy covers the latest beauty launches year round, such as the Dyson supersonic travel dryer, so she knows which products and brands are worth looking out for in 2026. Plus, having reviewed everything from the best foundations to the best hyaluronic acid, she’s well versed in the brands that pop (and the ones that flop).
This is a constantly updated 2026 beauty advent calendar guide, and Lucy will be keeping it under review throughout the advent calendar season rather than treating it as a one-off roundup. That means monitoring prices, contents and overall value, as well as launch dates, pre-orders, waitlists, stock updates, product reveals, sell-outs and restocks. As calendars continue to launch and retailers reveal more of what’s behind the doors, this guide will be updated with the latest information to help you decide which beauty advent calendars are actually worth your money.
Read more: I’m a beauty addict and the John Lewis 2026 advent could be my favourite of the year
