The best beauty advent calendars to try this Christmas

After such a roller-coaster year, it’s hard to believe it’s that time again when we all look ahead to the festive season. But no matter what’s changed this year, one thing that remains the same is the joy that comes from embracing the countdown to Christmas.

Gone are the days when we used to wake up each December morning with just a tiny square of chocolate. Nowadays, the market is saturated with advent calendars in all shapes and sizes, from jewellery, bottles of Prosecco, scented candles and the finest perfumes, there are some gorgeous non-chocolate advent calendars to pick from.

All this choice can make it even harder to find the ones worth investing in, so to help you narrow it down, we’ve lined up the best beauty advent calendars on the market this Christmas. Take your pick and let the countdown commence!

GLOSSYBOX x Grazia Beauty Advent Calendar, £125

For anyone that might have missed out on Glossybox’s own 25-piece offering this year (it was one of the first to sell out!), they’ve also teamed up with Grazia to create this stunning 12-day beauty calendar.

Featuring 10 full-size and two deluxe size products from premium brands such as Sunday Riley, Elemis, Rodial and OSKIA the calendar’s actual value totals a whopping £530, making this one of the best when it comes to value for money.

While there are only 12 days in this countdown, there are no filler products that aren’t worth the unboxing. Behind every door is a real luxurious treat that you won’t want to wait to try out!

Rituals Deluxe 3D Calendar, £89.90

We couldn’t put together this list without giving the Rituals 3D Calendar a mention. For its stunning design alone it would warrant a spot, but fortunately the outside isn’t the only thing that left us feeling festive as the products inside live up to expectations too.

There are 24 mini bath and body treats dotted throughout the Christmas village, with a selection from each Rituals Collection. So arrange the tiny red houses, light it up and let this merry scene make you smile every day from the first of December.  

Lush 12 Days of Christmas, £75

If you are looking to indulge in a lovely range of 100% vegan bath and body products this Christmas, then the Lush 12-day calendar is a top pick.

12 products come packaged in a striking box, made from 100% recycled board and designed by illustrator Harriet Seed. Inside, there’s a good mix of bath bombs, bubble bars, shower gels and body lotions to keep your skin indulged throughout the festive season and well into the New Year.

Instead of traditional doors concealing the goodies, the box opens out flat to reveal every product at once. So if you can’t bear the thought of ruining the surprise and want to keep each treat secret till you open it, then this one might not be the best for you. But with a wonderful selection of products inside, we won’t blame you if can’t wait ‘till Christmas!

Essie Nail Polish Advent Calendar, £99.99

When it comes to nails, few brands do it quite like Essie. For the manicure-obsessed, this calendar contains 24 products sure to inspire beautiful nails from the comfort of your own home.

With continually evolving Covid restrictions, you might not be able to visit your local nail salon as often as you once did so this is perfect for those wanting to bring a salon finish indoors. Plus Look Fantastic is offering a complimentary Essie gift with every purchase, in case you still needed another reason to indulge.

NUXE Beauty Countdown Advent Calendar, £59

NUXE’s Christmas contribution is one of the more affordable on the list this year. The calendar comes packed with 24 fun minis and includes firm favourites from the French skincare and perfume brand, including the Prodigieux Scented Lotion and Reve De Miel hand cream.

John Lewis & Partners Beauty Advent Calendar 2020, £150

For a true mix of all things hair, make-up and skincare then the John Lewis & Partners Beauty Advent Calendar certainly delivers. The 100% recyclable box stands out in a stunning shade of shocking pink, and contains 25 gorgeous treats, taking you right up until Christmas Day.

The calendar includes big names like Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins and Dermalogica and eight of the 25 are full sized products too. There’s nothing we love more than when calendars remember the most important day of the countdown and include an extra special present to open on Christmas morning!Freedm Street Advent Calendar 2020, £149

This beautifully designed Eco Wonderland advent calendar is not only cruelty free and vegan but it’s also plastic free too. The 24-door calendar contains a selection of sustainable beauty, skincare and lifestyle products from a range of small businesses, as well as three doors which include a charitable offering helping those who need it most.

You can even personalise the calendar, choosing whether you would like your make-up options in dark or nude shades so you won’t be left with products that won’t suit your taste or skin tone. Plus as an added commitment to sustainability, the brand is planting trees to offset production of the boxes, products and shipping.

Elemis 25 Days of Spectacular Skin Beauty Advent Calendar, £175

When it comes to pure skincare indulgence, Elemis is one brand that needs no introduction. Packed full of 25 bestselling products, you’ll look forward to opening your calendar every day throughout December. Fan favourites that deserve a special mention include the Pro-Collagen Full Size Marine Cream, Soothing Apricot Toner and Peptide Plumping Pillow Facial. There’s also a few new additions for you to try too, like the Herbal Lavender Repair Mask.

Alexandra Davis