The best beauty advent calendars in the UK are a good reflection of how these festive treats have evolved far beyond the traditional chocolate advents we all enjoyed as children. We may have grown up, but we still love advent calendars and they’ve grown with us.
For example, in recent years, beauty advent calendars have taken the festivities by storm, offering a daily dose of luxury and self-care.
So much so that men’s beauty advent calendars are also growing in popularity – we cover these too!
As Christmas approaches, the anticipation for these surprises grows stronger.
According to Statista, the most popular beauty advent calendars in the UK in 2022 by media mentions were:
- Liberty advent calendar
- Space NK advent calendar
- Look Fantastic beauty advent calendar
- Cult beauty advent calendar
- MAC the 2022 bursting with surprise advent calendar.
Jo Malone, The White Company and Charlotte Tilbury all rated well too.
Here, the experts at Christmas.co.uk who love to receive a beauty advent calendar in the countdown to Christmas Day explain why these gifts are popular – and which ones are worth considering this year.
Why choose a beauty advent calendar?
Beauty advent calendars offer a wonderful combination of value, variety and excitement.
With a carefully curated selection of products, these calendars provide an opportunity to discover new brands, build your beauty collection and indulge in a little self-pampering. What’s not to like?
- Quality products: From full-sized items to luxurious samples, beauty advent calendars often feature high-quality products from renowned brands
- Brand reputation: Whether you’re a fan of established favourites or looking to try new luxury brands, beauty advent calendars offer a chance to explore a diverse range of options
- Value for money: With many calendars offering a significant discount compared to purchasing individual products, they provide excellent value for money
- Product variety: These advent calendars cater to a wide range of preferences, featuring skincare essentials, makeup must-haves, haircare treats, and more
- Sustainability: Many brands are now prioritising eco-friendly packaging and cruelty-free products, making it easier to find sustainable beauty advent calendars.
What to look for in a beauty advent calendar
When choosing a beauty advent calendar, consider the following factors:
- Value: Compare the total value of the products to the calendar’s price to ensure you’re getting a good deal
- Variety: Look for a calendar that offers a mix of products to suit your individual needs and preferences
- Brand: Choose a calendar that features trusted brands known for their quality and effectiveness.
We also think it’s worth making an effort to find an exclusive calendar with limited edition items and exclusive releases.
For example, you could check out Liberty’s beauty advent calendar, which last year cost £260 but contained products worth more than £1,200. Not surprisingly, it was one of the fastest-selling items in the store’s history.
The growing popularity of beauty advent calendars
The popularity of beauty advent calendars has rocketed in recent years, driven by factors such as social media, influencer marketing and a growing interest in beauty and self-care.
These calendars have become a highly anticipated part of the festive season, offering consumers a unique and enjoyable way to countdown to Christmas.
They are also a great way for retailers and manufacturers to attract new customers for their products.
Market leaders in beauty advent calendars
Several retailers and brands have established themselves as leaders in the beauty advent calendar market. Here are some of the most popular options:
Department stores:
It’s worth noting that some department stores offer their own high-end products and nearly all of them will offer the curated beauty advent calendars mentioned elsewhere here.
- Harrods: Another luxury department store, Harrods offers a lavish beauty advent calendar filled with exclusive products
- Liberty London: Renowned for its stylish aesthetic, Liberty’s beauty advent calendar is a popular choice for those seeking a touch of elegance
- Fortnum & Mason: A luxurious treat and this year’s offering has 23 full-sized products
- John Lewis: The ever-popular store offers an impressive range of calendars and its beauty offering includes the top brands.
High-end beauty brands:
- Charlotte Tilbury: This luxury makeup brand often releases a highly anticipated advent calendar filled with its iconic products
- Elemis: A popular skincare brand, Elemis typically offers an advent calendar featuring their best-selling products
- ESPA: ESPA’s advent calendar is a luxurious way to indulge in spa-inspired skincare
- L’occitane: L’Occitane’s calendar offers a delightful array of Provençal-inspired fragrances and body care products
- La Mer: La Mer’s calendar features iconic skincare products known for their rejuvenating properties
- Sisley Paris: Sisley Paris’s calendar showcases a collection of high-performance anti-aging and skincare essentials
- YSL: YSL’s calendar is a glamorous way to discover luxurious makeup and fragrances
- Liz Earle: Liz Earle’s calendar provides a natural and effective approach to skincare with its gentle and nourishing products.
Other popular beauty advent calendars:
- LookFantastic: Known for its affordable options with great value, LookFantastic offers a wide range of beauty advent calendars
- Boots: A popular retailer, Boots provides a variety of beauty advent calendars to suit different budgets and preferences
- Space NK: This beauty retailer curates a selection of high-quality brands, offering a range of advent calendar options
- Cult Beauty: Known for its niche and innovative beauty brands, Cult Beauty’s advent calendar features a mix of established and emerging names
- The Body Shop: The Body Shop’s advent calendar is a great option for those who love natural and ethical beauty products
- Lush: Lush’s calendar is perfect for those who enjoy handmade, cruelty-free cosmetics
- Bobbi Brown: Bobbi Brown’s calendar is ideal for those seeking luxurious and high-quality makeup
- Next: Next’s calendar offers a mix of beauty and lifestyle products at affordable prices
- Asos: Asos’s calendar features a wide range of brands and products, making it a great choice for those who love to experiment with different looks.
Types of beauty products in advent calendars
Beauty advent calendars typically include a mix of products from various categories, including:
- Skincare essentials: Cleansers, moisturisers, serums
- Makeup must-haves: Foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick
- Haircare treats: Shampoos, conditioners, styling products
- Body care: Lotions, scrubs, bath oils
- Fragrance delights: Perfumes, body lotions
- Luxury items: High-end products, including exclusive samples
Unusual beauty advent calendars
For those seeking something truly unique, there are also speciality beauty advent calendars available, such as:
- Niche markets: Vegan, cruelty-free, natural beauty
- Specific skin concerns: Acne, anti-aging
- Themed calendars: Skincare, vegan products, luxury items
- DIY calendars: Customisable options for a personal touch
Beauty advent calendars for men: A grooming guide
Why buy a men’s beauty advent calendar?
While beauty advent calendars are often associated with women, they can also be a fantastic way for men to discover new grooming products, try out luxury brands, and build a personalised skincare routine.
Self-care: A beauty advent calendar offers a daily dose of self-care, helping men prioritise their well-being
Product discovery: It’s a great way to explore new products and brands that might not have been on your radar
- Gift ideas: A men’s beauty advent calendar makes a thoughtful and unique gift for the grooming enthusiast in your life.
Best men’s beauty advent calendars
While the market for men’s beauty advent calendars is still growing, there are several excellent options available:
- LookFantastic: This online retailer often includes men’s grooming products in their advent calendars, offering a mix of brands and categories
- Kiehl’s: This skincare brand has advent calendars featuring its popular products, perfect for men looking to improve their skin health
- Liberty Men’s Advent Calendar: A top-notch offering for the man in your life (or a lovely Christmas treat for yourself!).
We think that a men’s beauty advent calendar can be a fun and rewarding way to enhance your grooming routine.
By exploring different brands and products, you can discover new favourites and elevate your self-care regime.
The joy of receiving a beauty advent calendar
Receiving a beauty advent calendar can be a truly delightful experience.
The anticipation of opening a new product each day adds a touch of excitement to the festive build-up.
Let’s not forget too that a beauty advent calendar packed with luxury items and chosen with careful thought will leave the recipient feeling pampered when they open their high-end products.
This is also a great chance to discover new favourite products.
Future trends in the beauty advent calendar market
As the popularity of beauty advent calendars continues to grow, we can expect to see new trends emerge in the coming years. Some potential developments include:
- Increased focus on sustainability: More brands will prioritise eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing
- Customisation options: Retailers may offer customisable calendars to cater to individual preferences.
- Experiential elements: Some calendars may include additional experiences, such as virtual tutorials or beauty consultations.
The UK’s best beauty advent calendars
Here at Christmas.co.uk, we believe that beauty advent calendars offer a lovely and festive way to discover new products, show someone you care and create lasting memories.
Whether you’re a beauty enthusiast or simply looking for a unique gift, there’s a beauty advent calendar out there to suit your needs and preferences.
It will be a long time before we reach peak beauty advent calendar!
Visit our pages to learn more about each brand and whether it’s right for you – or if it will make the perfect beauty advent calendar gift.
