Brands have been preparing for the festive season all year long - and it’s fair to say there’s a lot to look forward to, especially when it comes to advent calendars.
These seasonal countdowns have taken on a life of their own in the last few years. The draw is that there’s such variety: be it stationery, socks or sex toys. Truly, you’ll find something for everyone. We’ve come a long way from plain old chocolate behind those advent calendar windows.
Beauty advent calendars remain the most popular. Entering mainstream public consciousness back in 2014, these product-packed releases saw shoppers queue around the block to get their hands on one before they inevitably sold out. Now, the wait is of a very different nature - think pre-releases and virtual lines - but that has only made getting your hands on the best beauty advent calendars all the more coveted.
Benefit and Ciate unveiled branded beauty advents in 2013, which was swiftly followed by Liberty’s first multi-brand calendar the following year. Today there are very few beauty brands or retailers that don’t launch some sort of festive calendar.
Each year, they become more elaborate, are filled with more products, as a result, become even more expensive. But are they really worth it? Let us break it down for you.
What is a beauty advent calendar?
In the same way as a traditional advent calendar would reveal a chocolate treat each day until December 25, beauty advent calendars offer an arguably sweeter treat for the skin, hair, fragrance, makeup or body.
What is the best beauty advent calendar?
This is a subjective question but some of the most sought-after calendars over the years have been Liberty, Harrods, Jo Malone, Charlotte Tilbury, Diptyque, and The Body Shop. These sell out quickly, so if you want one - don’t wait.
Are beauty advent calendars worth it?
Beauty advent calendars give you the chance to discover lesser-known labels, try cult icons you’ve not yet had the chance to take the plunge on, and secure must-have rising stars in the beauty world. Some even include brand-new, never-before-seen products that you can try before anyone else. And of course, there are limited editions, made especially for Christmas. There also tend to be mini-sizes galore, which are helpful for travel. So if you’re into all of that, then yes: beauty advent calendars are worth it.
That said, it is important to take the contents’ “worth” figure with a pinch of salt. Some of these numbers are based on if the product was full-sized, and many of them are not. If you’re buying a calendar for one or two particular products, consider if you’d be better off just buying full-size versions of those instead.
We find that unless you are a die-hard fan of a brand, the multi-brand offerings, like the ones you’ll find at John Lewis, Selfridges, and LOOKFANTASTIC, offer better value for money thanks to the variety.
Beauty advent calendars are expensive, no two ways about that. But they will bring you joy each day through the element of surprise and get you excited for the Christmas season.
When do beauty advent calendars come out?
You may not quite believe it, but the beauty advent calendars for 2023 have already started appearing on virtual shelves. At the moment, the majority are pre-sale links but they should start becoming available from September.
Shop the best beauty advent calendars below in price descending order
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Diptyque 25 Scented Treasures
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
Scent the Christmas season with the room-filling aromas of the French fragrance house, Diptyque. The most magical time of the year requires the aroma to match and the line-up at the luxury label is unrivalled. As you tick off the days in the lead-up to December 25, you can open the individual boxes to discover candles, eau de parfum, soap, shower oil, hand wash and hand cream in the addictive aromas that the brand is known and loved for.
There are the iconic scents of Baies, Roses and Figuier included as well as new olfactory experiences like Delice (delight) and Coton (cotton) and returning seasonal scents like Sapin (pine tree). The beautifully illustrated keepsake box takes its design inspiration from the magic of ‘flame’.
Buy now £390.00, Diptyque
Parfums Christian Dior 30 Montaigne Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
The Dior advent calendar is designed to represent the facade of the French house’s 30 Avenue Montaigne Paris flagship boutique with gold embossing and a fairytale twist that proves this is every bit a luxury product from the outside in.
There are 24 drawers that open to reveal makeup, candles, body care and fragrances from the beauty arm of the fashion house as well as an exclusive, limited-edition decoration to hang on your tree. The nine scents include the newly launched L’Or de J’adore as well as the beloved Miss Dior and Sauvage.
Buy now £570.00, Dior
La Mer The World Of La Mer Advent calendar
Worth: £571
Is there anything more luxurious and indulgent than waking up each morning to a gift from La Mer? Dubbed ‘A Dozen Days of Pure Delight’ by the brand, it is packed with silky serums, nourishing creams and high-performance masks to transform your skin throughout the festive season and beyond.
Look forward to unwrapping the Eye Concentrate 5ml, The Intensive Revitalizing Mask 15ml, The Cleansing Micellar Water 30ml, The Lip Polish 15g, The Body Cream 30ml, Crème de la Mer 15ml, The Lip Balm 9g, The Treatment Lotion 30ml, The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum 5ml, The Regenerating Serum 5ml and The Hand Treatment 30ml.
Buy now £470.00, Selfridges
Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar
Worth: £1,118
Dr. Barbara Sturm is a skincare label with the celebrity seal of approval. The brand is headed up by the eponymous A-list dermatologist and has produced supercharged serums and sumptuous creams to give your skincare routine a high-powered kick.
In the advent calendar, you will find the heroes from the range in mini, deluxe and in the case of the Super Anti-Aging Hand Cream and Glow Drops, full size. The bestsellers like the Hyaluronic Serum, Calming Serum, Face Mask and even the latest launches, the Make-Up Remover and Super Anti-Aging Cleansing Cream are included.
Buy now £450.00, Dr. Barbara Sturm
OTO The CBD Wellness Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £500
Take a mindful approach to the Christmas festivities with the power of CBD. OTO is one of the pioneers in the CBD beauty space and the brand has an ever-growing selection of skin, hand and body treatments that are powered by the non-hallucinogenic part of marijuana.
Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, it is set alongside essential oils and botanicals in the label’s Pillow Mist, Cleansing Jam, Hand Balm and the like – which you’ll find stashed away in the OTO advent offering. The calendar includes 12 products to enhance your sleep, leave you with glowing skin and calm seasonal stress.
Buy now £299.00, OTO
NET-A-PORTER Ultimate Gift Set
Worth: £1,332
Brands: Dr Barbara Sturm, Charlotte Tilbury and 111SKIN
As one of the most value-packed advents, it is no surprise that the Net-A-Porter calendar is so sought after. This year, the retailer has taken a slightly different approach, packing more goodies behind its walls. There are 15 items, including full sizes and minis as well as fashion, jewellery and accessories gifts that will have you relishing each day’s unboxing.
The contents are housed in a lantern-shaped box, embellished with LED lights so it will become a real focal point among your seasonal decorations. They include the Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial, Anissa Kermiche Popotin candle, MZ Skin Reviving Antioxidant Glow Drops, Westman Atelier Lip Suede and Pat McGrath Mattrance lipstick in Elson.
As far as the more tangible goodies, there’s a jewellery case from Mateo, two beaded bracelets from JIA JIA, silver hoop earrings from LIÉ STUDIOS and Arch4 cashmere gloves.
Buy now £275.00, Net-A-Porter
Molton Brown Christmas advent calendar
Spice up the festive period with the unique aromas of Molton Brown. Fragrancing a range of bodycare, hand care and home fragrances and packed inside the advent calendar, you will discover suitably seasonal notes. This includes the new Marvellous Mandarin & Spice Collection with a combination of mandarin zest, lively ginger, cinnamon, and earthy nutmeg.
As well as the new range, there are classic scents like Orange & Bergamot, Re-charge Black Pepper and Heavenly Gingerlily to elevate the hand wash, hand lotion, candle and festive baubles inside. The calendar itself is made from 100 per cent recycled materials.
Buy now £210.00, Molton Brown
Rahua 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar
Worth: £205
Rahua is transporting you to the lush Amazon rainforest with its haircare collection. The brand harnesses the beauty secrets of its residents to create plant-powered, natural and restorative products to transform dull and lacklustre locks.
In its advent calendar, there are 12 products to help you create a new caring ritual for your stressed-out strands. The deluxe, travel and mini sizes are ideal for jet-setting and include the cult Enchanted Island Shampoo and Conditioner, Hydration Hair Mask and Smoothing Hair Balm.
Buy now £180.00, Niche Beauty
M·A·C Frosted Frenzy Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £487
M·A·C has smashed it out of the park once again with its advent. The show-stopping calendar opens to reveal a snowflake design that pops up as you prepare to dive into the goodies within. There are 24 presents inside, 21 of which are full-sized - making this one of the best value countdowns on the market. The contents include the newly launched M·A·CStack Mascara, Retro Matte Lipstick and Hyper Real Serumizer.
Buy now £170.00, M·A·C
Irene Forte Refillable Wooden Festive Calendar
Worth: £555
Luxury skincare label Irene Forte has taken a sustainable approach to its advent offering this year, enclosing the products behind a handmade wooden calendar that was designed to be reused. The box was made from a local artisan carpenter in Puglia using Okoumé wood to stand the test of time for years to come.
It has 12 products inside to nourish, brighten and restore your complexion and these include the Almond Cleansing Milk, Pistachio Face Mask and Prickly Pear Face Cream. Best of all, there’s a £100 gift certificate to spend on any Irene Forte skincare product. Next year, you can purchase simply the refill for a reduced cost.
Buy now £300.00, Irene Forte
LOOKFANTASTIC 2023 Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £565
Brands: NARS, MAC and Elemis
You can always count on LOOKFANTASTIC for its epic beauty bundles. Throughout the year, the retailer packs purse-friendly box sets together in its monthly subscription services as well as bumper packs to celebrate the seasons. At Christmas, it shows its true prowess and you only need to look to its 2023 advent calendar to prove it.
Countdown to the big day with 27 luxury labels that include fan favourites (NARS, MAC etc) as well as those chosen by the expert editors (Disciple, Coco & Eve and GRANDE Cosmetics) - all for under £100. You also get £10 off if you are a LOOKFANTASTIC The Box subscriber.
Buy now £99.00, LOOKFANTASTIC
Harry’s Christmas Cracker Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: over £160
Beloved by well-groomed gents across the country, Harry’s is known for its no-nonsense approach to shaving, skin and hair care. The formulas are effective, luxurious yet affordable - and they’re packaged up in advent form this Christmas. In fact, the label has gotten creative by stuffing a giant Christmas cracker with its grooming heroes that opens to show 24 doors containing the likes of premium razors and more shower essentials. The brand is also donating £10,000 to Shout, a charity supporting those struggling with their mental health over the festive period.
Buy now £99.00, Harry’s
Dr. Hauschka Christmas Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £133
There are 24 face and body products from the Dr. Hauschka range in this advent calendar, all of which have been carefully selected by the label in order to send your senses into overdrives. The formulas combine hydrating, nourishing textures with fine ingredients and delightful fragrances so that whether you’re using the hand cream, cleansing milk or bath essence, you will experience a well-deserved pampering.
Buy now £90.00, Sephora
Rituals Advent Calendars 2023
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
Rituals is ensuring that no matter your budget, there’s a pampering treat in your not-so-distant future. There are three advent calendars available filled with sensorial delights. There is the Classic Advent Calendar (£87.90) adorned with the facade of Ritual’s flagship store and filled with 24 glorious gifts inside.
The Deluxe Advent Calendar (£120.90) takes this up a notch where the candles, cleansers and cream products are hidden in boxes resembling a house and in a scene mimicking an adorable Christmassy village. Last but certainly not least is the Premium Advent Calendar (£186.90) where gold details reflect the luxurious contents within that even to reveal a diffuser among many other goodies.
Buy now £87.90, Rituals
Nuxe Set 2023 Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
The British winter may not provide much illumination but with Nuxe’s advent calendar on hand, you’ll be radiant through to Christmas with its selection of glow-getting skin and body. The luxe French label is perhaps best known for its Huile Presdigieuse and that is of course among the selection, set along the beautifully scented micellar water, the Multi-Correction Glow-Boosting Cream-Gel, Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Gel and Ultra-nourishing Lip Balm with 24 products in total.
Buy now £63.70, Nuxe
L’OCCITANE Advent Calendars
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
Three advent calendars make up the festive countdowns at luxury French skincare label L’OCCITANE. Each one is beautifully illustrated, filled to the brim with Provençal treats and offers something for every budget.
The Advent Calendar (£62) is a bestseller and contains a mix of full-size and handbag-ready balm, creams, lotions and potions. The Luxury Advent Calendar (£115) has a retro 70s exterior and contains body, skin and fragrance favourites to self-gift or share the love.
The Reusable Advent Calendar (£180) is one you’ll cherish for years to come with its recycled cotton construction and the ability to choose your own items to fill it with. Alternatively, plump for the Reusable Advent Calendar Refill (£120) that is offered by the brand each year for your fill of the likes of the Immortelle Divine Cream and Almond Delicious Hand Cream.
Buy now £62.00, L’OCCITANE
Acqua di Parma Holiday 2023 Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
The experts over at Acqua di Parma have paid attention to the finest of details to make your countdown to Christmas as special as it can be. From the beautifully adorned wheeled design that is a celebration of Italian craftsmanship and was produced by hand to the seasonal exclusive scents.
The stand-out item is a full-size version of the Bosco candle. This limited-edition aroma is green in its notes and takes inspiration from the crisp, mountainous winter air. It calls on fir trees and pine needles with its fresh fragrance that is combined with invigorating eucalyptus and a base of cloves for warmth. There is also a mix of hand and body cream, haircare and fragrances.
Buy now £450.00, Selfridges
Sisley Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £830
Luxury French label Sisley has entered the beauty advent calendar space with its first-ever gift-ready item. The brand has joined with a bang with an intricately detailed product that is adorned with collages, patterns and embroidery. It’s a keepsake item that you’ll want to reuse but before you get there, you must reveal the 25 goodies inside. This, of course, includes the bestsellers like the Black Rose Cream Mask behind door number one and Phyto-Rouge lippy within number 14.
Buy now £595.00, Sisley
Jo Malone London’s Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: Exclusive items not sold
Mark your calendars because the Jo Malone advent is one of the most highly anticipated of the year and thus, sells out in a flash. The London fragrance house carefully curates its calendar each year to include scent surprises that are unique to the gift set as well as seasonal specialities like the Orange Bitters and White Moss & Snowdrop aromas.
There are 25 products inside that range from colognes to travel candles to 50ml bath and body indulgences. The box itself resembles a jewellery box and was created to be reused as such.
Buy now £350.00, Jo Malone London
SENSAI Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £437
Consider this the ultimate introduction to the world of SENSAI. The skin-transforming advent calendar will give your complexion the glow that you deserve as well as a flawless base to apply your party makeup look. The limited-edition calendar has 24 days’ worth of treats - and there’s not just skincare either. There’s body and makeup too to give you a feel for J-Beauty and the luminosity that is the Japanese label’s M.O.
Buy now £308.00, Harrods
Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2023
Release date: Available now
Worth: £1040
Brands: Vilhelm Parfumerie, Sunday Riley, Le Labo, Augustinus Bader, Charlotte Mensah, Rose Inc and many more.
The Liberty advent calendar is always one of the most sought-after of the year and the retailer is bringing the Christmas feels early this year with a September launch of its legendary beauty offering. Housed in a cardboard ink illustration of the iconic department store’s shopfront treated to a snowy seasonal makeover, there is said to be over a thousand pounds worth of products within its walls.
There are 29 products included, so you’re already getting a bonus over the traditional 24/25 and what’s more, 20 of them are full-sized. Brands include Sunday Riley, Dr Barbara Sturm, Augustinus Bader, The Seated Queen and Le Labo to name but a few. It’s not limited to just beauty either with jewellery from Estella Bartlett, hair accessories and a pocket mirror adorned with a beautiful Liberty print.
Feeling lucky? Five UK customers may just find a Golden Ticket in their advent calendar with £1000 to spend.
Buy now £250.00, Liberty
Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2023
Release date: Available now
Worth: over £1300
Brands: Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Charlotte Tilbury and Escentric Molecules
Last year, Harvey Nichols unveiled its first-ever beauty advent and the retailer is keen to outdo itself. There are 25 products inside its iteration for 2023 with a value of over £1300 according to the HN team (including the treatment). This may just be the most jaw-dropping selection that we’ve seen with products from Augustinus Bader, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Charlotte Tilbury, Escentric Molecule and Fenty Beauty.
The selection includes full sizes of the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (!), Color WOW Large Bombshell Volumizer, Dr Barbara Sturm Cleanser, Jo Loves Pomelo Paintbrush, Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream, MZ SKIN Vitamin-Infused Meso Face Mask, Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Cream and many more. Most excitingly of all, there’s a voucher for a treatment for a beauty service that ranges from a free eyebrow shape with a Shavata Singh brow expert and a Makeup 1-2-1 with a Fenty MUA.
Buy now £250.00, Harvey Nichols
Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £1,173
Brands: Acqua di Parma, Augustinus Bader and Bobbi Brown
There is not one but two advent calendars on the Harrods seasonal line-up for 2023. While the luxury department store is bringing its annual Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar (£250, value £1,173) to market once again - much to the delight of its extensive fan base, it is set alongside the 12 Days of Fragrance Advent Calendar (£175, value £1,009) that will have aroma addicts on the edge of their seat. Both are filled to the brim with cult favourites and trending products that you’ll find in its hallowed beauty halls and curated by the buying team.
In the Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar, you will be greeted with such sought-after items as the Acqua di Parma’s citrussy Colonia Shower Gel, the legendary Rich Cream from Augustinus Bader, EviDenS de Beauté’s anti-ageing The Night Recovery Solution, and Bobbi Brown’s universally-flattering pink Pot Rouge.
For the scent-filled iteration, you will have the chance to discover lesser-known fragrance houses with a combination of deluxe and full-sized perfumes from the likes of Parfums de Marly, Montale and Kuma.
Buy now £250.00, Harrods
Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: Over £1,000
Brands: Tatcha, Augustinus Bader and Olaplex
As you countdown to December 25, there’s not a single day you’ll be disappointed with the Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar on your mantle. The retailer demonstrates its prowess year after year and 2023 is no exception with 33 hero products inside.
Within you’ll find both the Olaplex shampoo and conditioner, a cleanser from Dr. Barbara Sturm, the Bigger Brighter Eyes Eyeshadow Palette from Charlotte Tilbury, C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum from Sunday Riley as well as makeup, a candle from Boy Smells and multiple masks to give your skin respite from the festive period.
Buy now £235.00, Space NK
Cult Beauty 2023 Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £1084
Brands: Augustinus Bader, 111SKIN and Hourglass
Each year Cult Beauty goes above and beyond with its advent offering and luckily for us, 2023 follows suit. The 25-day calendar from the beauty retailer will give you a chance to discover cult skindie icons like Kinship and The Seated Queen as well as luxe heroes from Augustinus Bader, 111SKIN and Hourglass. The offering covers every beauty category; makeup, scents, skin, body and more.
Among the 39 goodies that you’ll find inside are goodies from Supergoop!, Elemis, Glow Recipe, Olaplex and Paula’s Choice with seven presents on Christmas day. There’s also the chance to win a Golden Ticket for £1000 spending on the retailer’s site - there are three to find.
Over £60,000 of sales from the advent calendar will be donated to Mental Health UK and a tree is planted for every calendar sold.
Buy now £225.00, Cult Beauty
Eve Lom Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £419.09
Whether you have long filled your bathroom cabinet with the luxurious Eve Lom range or you’re looking to try the brand for the very first time, this suitably festive advent calendar should be on your radar.
It opens to reveal the bestsellers including the Cleanser, which is considered a cult buy. Revive, rescue and restore your complexion with the combination of the Radiance Repair Retinol Serum, Rescue Mask or pamper your parched pout with the Kiss Mix.
Buy now £225.00, Eve Lom
Selfridges Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £1,049
Brands: PHLUR, Pleasing and MALIN+GOETZ
Feel the festive spirit with this incredibly exciting advent calendar from the hallowed beauty halls of Selfridges. The luxury department label has packed 32 hero products inside, taking its previous record from last year and upping it by four additional items. What’s more, 16 are full-sized and 18 come from the retailer’s sustainable Project Earth edit.
The combination of skin-boosting blends and makeup delights includes treasures from Paco Rabanne, Lisa Eldridge, Augustinus Bader, Gisou and Harry Styles’ Pleasing. Highlights include the PHLUR Missing Person eau de parfum, MALIN+GOETZ Dark Rum scented candle and Selfridges Beauty Concierge gift card.
Buy now £220.00, Selfridges
12 Days of Jo Loves
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
Fragrance lovers rejoice as Jo Loves has given us a sneak peek into its advent calendar offering for Christmas 2023 and it is a scent galore. There are just 12 days of the countdown but what the advent lacks in number, it makes up for by featuring six limited-edition scents.
The selection combines home fragrances with personal fragrances as well as the iconic Fragrance Paintbrush in a Cobalt Patchouli & Cedar aroma. Where candles are concerned, fan-favourite Log Fires is featured as well as White Rose & Lemon Leaves and Mango Thai. There’s bodycare too, namely a bath and shower gel and a body lotion in the heady best-selling Pomelo and hair mists in grapefruit and tuberose.
Buy now £200.00, Jo Loves
BY TERRY Opulent Star Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £520
With an extensive celebrity fan base that includes Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Kate Hudson, ByTerry is the luxe French label to have on your radar for skin, makeup and hybrids of the two. The advent calendar is a great introduction to the brand as it includes bestsellers like the Tea to Tan Face & Body Bronze loved by the Hudson and the Baume de Rose Lip Balm that RH-W keeps by her bed.
The calendar has 10 full-sized products within, 12 travel and two brushes and is decorated with an electric purple backdrop and vibrant details.
Buy now £197.00, BY TERRY
John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2023
Release date: October 4
Worth: Over £921
Brands: Sunday Riley, Nars and Charlotte Tilbury
The John Lewis beauty advent calendar will have you wishing the autumn away with its almost £1000 worth of products to surprise and delight come December. There are 25 drawers which contain 16 full-size and deluxe products from the brands listed above as well as Elemis, OTO, Neom, The Ordinary and Murad.
The skin, makeup, body, hair and fragrance delights were selected based on which were the retailer’s bestsellers as well as to provide a moment of relaxation in the festive season or to form staple parts of your beauty routine.
For 10 lucky customers, there is also a £500 John Lewis gift card and four will win prizes like a trip to Rome or a luxurious spa treatment.
Buy now £195.00, John Lewis
ELEMIS Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £551
This ready-to-gift advent calendar resembles that of a London postbox and will be sure to ignite squeals of glee as a pre-Christmas present. It comes from pampering British label Elemis and is filled to the brim with the brand’s beloved spa-like treats.
It’s a 25-day countdown that includes a full-sized version of the cult Pro-Collagen Marine Cream that costs £89 alone. This is set alongside minis of the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser. There are bodycare favourites too and the chance of winning a Golden Ticket for a £1,000 spend.
Buy now £189.00, ELEMIS
ESPA Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £418
The festive season is known for its many indulgences. What it’s not known for is being a time of rest and recovery - which is why you may just relish the chance when you open a pampering ESPA treat each day during the most wonderful time of the year.
Within the brand’s own advent calendar is 25 gifts to create a spa-like feel from the comfort of your own home. The combination of products includes a cleanser, creams, essential oils and even a candle so you can ensure that every sense is treated to aromatherapy benefits, while your skin maximises the potent, balancing ingredients.
Highlights include the Modern Alchemy Purifying Polish, Tri-Active Regenerating Define and Tighten Body Serum and Fitness Shower Gel to soothe the muscles.
Buy now £175.00, ESPA
Fenwick 12 Days of Beauty Calendars
Release date: Available now
Worth: £800
Brands: Dr Barbara Sturm, Augustinus Bader and Charlotte Tilbury
Mark down the 12 days of Christmas with this calendar creation from Fenwick decorated with a bespoke piece by the retailer’s artist-in-residence, Rob Draper. There are 15 treasures within across the spectrum of beauty; including skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair.
Look out for the likes of Escentric Molecules, Augustinus Bader, Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbi Brown and Rahua.
Buy now £165.00, Fenwick
Charlotte’s Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
Without giving the game away, Charlotte Tilbury has announced that its eagerly anticipated advent calendar is back, much to the delight of its loyal fans. Dubbed the ‘Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets’, the keepsake calendar is made up of mini drawers, each of which is adorned with a jewel detail that you could reuse to house your jewellery collection.
The contents combine mini and full-size products with such heroes as the Magic Cream, Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Hot Lips 2 Lipstick included.
Buy now £160.00, Charlotte Tilbury
REVOLVE advent calendar
Worth: £400
Brands: Sol de Janeiro, Summer Fridays and PAT McGRATH LABS
This may just be one of the best-value advent calendars we’ve seen this year. Revolve did not hold back when it came to filling its seasonal offering with the most hyped labels of the moment. The stellar selection includes Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Hair Oil, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 30 Treatments, to name but a few.
There are 24 products in total, of which six are full-sized. You can also look forward to opening the Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss in Passion Kiss, Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum and Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 50ml.
Buy now £146.00, REVOLVE
Benefit Cosmetics All I Want Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £281.72
Mariah Carey may not have been referring to this advent calendar with her annual number-one hit, but the lyrics apply. All I want for Christmas is this make-up-filled countdown from Benefit.
Housed within its playful triomphe d'oeil exterior are 24 beauty gifts across the beloved range. You’ll find full-sized versions of Roller Lash, The POREfessional face primer, Fluff Up Brow Wax and Multi-Tasking Cheek Brush as well as minis and fun-sized iterations of so many of its bestsellers that your look will be sorted throughout the holiday season and beyond.
Buy now £145.00, Benefit Cosmetics
Jurlique Advent Calendar 2023
Release date: Available now
Worth: £220.45
There are face and body heroes from the Jurlique range in this dedicated advent calendar to countdown to Christmas with a touch of Aussie beauty. The collection is made up of botanicals from the brand’s certified organic farm in South Australia with rose as a recurrent ingredient. From the Rosewater Balancing Mist to Lavender Hand Cream, there’s pampering to discover with deluxe sizes of all 24 products.
Buy now £110.00, Jurlique
Kiehl’s 2023 Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
Decorated with vibrant illustrations, Kiehl’s advent is ready for gifting. But that’s just where the fun begins. The apothecary-style label has been a cult brand for many years and a stalwart in bathroom cabinets, elevating beauty and grooming routines with its unisex product line-up. It is the bestsellers that you’ll find behind each of the windows including the Ultra Facial Cream, Avocado Eye, Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Calendula Toner.
Buy now £109.00, Kiehl’s
bareMinerals 12 Days of Joy Advent Calendar
Worth: £183
Fill your makeup bag with the clean cosmetics that have made bareMinerals a cult label. The brand has stashed 12 of its high-powered makeup behind these advent walls that include loose mineral essentials, eye and lip enhancers and plant-based skincare too. Highlights include the hero and best-selling setting powder and bronzer in a universally adored shade Warmth.
Buy now £105.00, John Lewis
Neal's Yard Remedies Christmas Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £180
Spend the Christmas season treating yourself to the self-care you deserve by opening this Neal's Yard Remedies to a sensorial gift on each of 12 days in the run-up to December 25. The selection of sensorial goodies includes some of the brand’s bestsellers in travel-friendly and handbag-ready mini sizes from across the Wild Rose and Geranium & Orange fragrance ranges. You will find the Beauty Balm, roller ball and hand cream among the offering.
There’s also the option to purchase just the refill where, if you bought the 12 Days of Beauty & Wellbeing, you can top up the keepsake box. This costs £89.
Buy now £95.00, Neal’s Yard Remedies
Boots 24 Days of Premium Beauty Treats Christmas Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: Over £450
Brands: Fenty, Sol De Janeiro and Bobbi Brown
For the first time, Boots has collated premium products from its ever-growing beauty offering to create one of the most sought-after advents of the season. It contains 14 full-sized products and 10 minis from the likes of REN, Grown Alchemist, Liz Earle and the brands listed above.
Buy now £99.00, Boots
The Fragrance Shop Assortment Advent
Worth: £250
Brands: Versace, Ghost and Dsquared2
There are 15 fragrances hidden behind the walls of The Fragrance Shop Advent – but if you think that’s where the fun ends, you’re sorely mistaken. There are also eight beauty heroes with labels from Peter Thomas Roth to Wild Science Lab, an accessory and a gift voucher.
Once you’ve sniffed each of the minis from Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss and the brands listed above, you can determine which will become your new everyday aroma and use the voucher to stock up.
Buy now £85.00, The Fragrance Shop
Paul & Joe Advent Calendar
Release date: October
Worth: TBD
Feline fans will likely be very familiar with Paul & Joe and its makeup collection that puts cats front and centre. The playful range is set in advent form once again. The sixth iteration of the annual calendar stars two very special furry friends; Gipsy and Nounette - founder Sophie Mechaly’s beloved cats. The calendar opens to reveal 24 makeup treats as well as a stylish tartan tote.
Buy now £84.00, Anthropologie
Sculpted by Aimee Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £150
Sculpted by Aimee is making a convincing case for dominating your makeup bag with its affordable heroes providing professional results. This calendar contains 12 days of festive fun with everything you need to create killer makeup looks throughout the party season. The pretty in pink exterior opens to reveal full-sized and mini bestsellers from both the skin and makeup collection with exclusive surprised and limited-edition items too.
Buy now £80.00, Sculpted by Aimee
The Perfume Shop Advent Calendar
Worth: £187
Brands: Paco Rabanne, Kenzo and Mugler
Find your new signature scent this season with The Perfume Shop on hand. In the brand’s advent calendar, you can discover 19 aromas that are ripe for regifting. Brands include Calvin Klein, Versace, and Estee Lauder as well as the ones mentioned above and there’s even a voucher to get a full-sized variation once you select the one that ignites your olfactory.
Buy now £79.99, The Perfume Shop
Anthropologie Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £300
Brands: Floral Street, Plenaire, DREEM DISTILLERY and Anatome.
Anthropology has jumped on the beauty advent calendar bandwagon this Christmas with a selection of lesser-known labels to discover throughout the countdown to the big day.
Behind its walls, there are fragrances, skin, nails, body and more from brands like Floral Street, Plenaire, DREEM DISTILLERY and many more. Full-sized favourites extend to Anatome, Willowberry and BYBI. Look out for the PLANT DPT Arctic Moss & Wild Fern City Hydration Day Cream hidden behind its walls.
Buy now £78.00, Anthropologie
12 Days of Liz Earle Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £174.50
Skincare savants, prepare for Liz Earle’s annual bumper pack of botanical-based beauty heroes to treat yourself in the run-up to the holiday season. The collection of 12 days of goodies will ensure your complexion is hydrated, glowing and ready for the steady stream of parties that fill the festive period.
Inside is the holy grail Cleanse & Polish, of course, as well as a combination of skin-loving and body-treating products in full and mini sizes. For a reasonable price tag, you will find the Cleanse & Glow cleanser, Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, Superskin™ Alt-Retinol Booster and Hydrating Cream Mask all in full size.
Buy now £75.00, Boots
Debenhams 2023 Beauty Advent Calendar
Worth: £390
Brands: Estée Lauder, Shiseido and Elizabeth Arden
This advent calendar from Debenhams includes 24 days of beauty surprises from big-name brands in the industry. Ripe for gifting, this selection box will give the lucky recipient a chance to discover makeup, skin, fragrance, hair and body from established names as well as lesser-known but no less exciting ones.
The contents include Lancôme, Stila, Benefit, and Mario Badescu with highlights including the cult Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray in mini form and the Yankee Candle Scented Candle Black Cherry.
Buy now £72.25, Debenhams
GLOSSYBOX “Feel The Magic” Advent Calendar 2023
Release date: Available now
Worth: £403
The beauty subscription service is known for championing lesser-known labels in its monthly boxes and the same is true for its advent offering. Discover your new favourite brands as well as find treats from the likes of Medik8, Color Wow and Floral Street.
There are 28 products within, 17 of which are full-sized and 11 deluxe-sized and highlights include the Made by Mitchell "Blursh" liquid blush that went viral on TikTok and an eyeshadow palette from Ciaté London.
Buy now £70.00, GLOSSYBOX
The Body Shop Advent Calendars
Release date: Available now
Worth: up to £250
The Body Shop has three advents at different price points so no matter your budget, you can get in on the selection of beauty essentials. Each box opens to reveal a pop-up design that is sure to delight, while elevating your seasonal decorations.
The theme of this year’s offering is ‘Positive change starts with a gift’ and as such celebrate the Community Fair Trade partners that provide the natural-origin ingredients inside the bestselling bath and body heroes.
Buy now £59.00, The Body Shop
No7 Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: TBD
Boots’ own-brand No7 label is putting a more personalised spin on its advent offering this year. There are three calendars to choose from, each of which is tailored to a specific skincare need so you can be sure you’re treating your complexion to the products that best suit your concerns.
The 25-day countdowns are inspired by three of the label’s hero franchises; Protect & Perfect, Lift & Luminate and Restore & Renew. The trio serves up 11 deluxe minis, 14 full-size and brand-new and limited-edition products. More info to follow.
Buy now £54.95, Boots
Soap & Glory's It's A Pinker Wonderland
Release date: Available now
Worth: £87.78
You can’t miss the lively pink exterior of Soap & Glory’s advent. It comes in the brand’s signature hue and gives you a saving of over £40 verses buying each of the products individually. It’s 24-day countdown with formulas for the skin and body to prep and pamper in advance of the big day
Buy now £46.00, Boots
Holland & Barrett Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £134
Brands: Weleda, Faith in Nature and Q+A
The Holland & Barrett advent calendar punches far above its fairly modest £45 price tag - one of the cheapest beauty advent calendars on the market. All the contents are vegan and you’ll find bestsellers including products from the likes of Faith in Nature, Q+A, VitaSkin and Dr Organic.
There are 25 items housed within combining a mix of full-sized and minis and across each category from a scented candle and essential oils, to body lotion, hair and face masks. Look out for the Weleda Skin Food Body Lotion.
Buy now £45.00, Holland & Barrett
M&S Beauty Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £340
Brands: Philip Kingsley, Murad and Clinique
M&S has been stepping up its beauty offering over the last few years, bringing new labels on board to create an underrated selection of big-name brands. It is these that the retailer is showcasing in its 2023 advent calendar. There are 25 products hidden within the reusable metallic vegan leather case with makeup to create playful party season looks as well as skincare for some much-needed self-care indulgence.
The selection includes full and travel-sized versions of the fan-favourites above as well as Pixi, REN, Nuxe, Origins, This Works and Nails Inc. This can all be yours for just £45 when you spend £35 on clothing, beauty or home online or in-store.
Buy now £45.00, M&S
Sephora Collection Advent Calendar
Release date: Available now
Worth: £75
While Sephora has firmly established itself on UK soil, if you haven’t yet had the chance to try out its lauded own-brand collection, you’re in luck. The retailer has stashed some of its bestsellers in advent calendar form so that each day for 24 days you will open a different box and discover the skin, makeup and tools within. The selection includes the Cherry Lip Mask, Aloe Wipes and a Hair Scrunchie where 11 are full-sized and 7 are minis (the rest are the accessories).
There is also the SEPHORA FAVORITES Advent Calendar 2023 (£189, worth £1,045) and the SEPHORA COLLECTION The Future is Yours The Premium Advent Calendar 24 Pieces (£67.95, worth £159).
Buy now £44.99, Sephora
