Fancy something a bit different in your advent calendar this year? We’ve rounded up the top 10 beauty ones on the market so you don’t have to. You can’t eat what’s inside them but they’re certainly just as sweet, and make perfect presents that you won’t need to keep the receipt for. Better than chocolate? We think so.
1.Look Fantastic Advent Calendar 2017 – Look Fantastic – £79 – 20% off
Wish it could be Christmas every day? Look Fantastic’s annual Advent Calendar will certainly make it feel that way. Worth over £300, it promises incredible value for money with nine full-sized products and 16 samples (19 of which are exclusive!), making it an ideal way to discover new and exciting brands. Each one comes individually wrapped and stored in a gorgeous numbered box, and if that’s not special enough, they are all housed in a decadent jewellery-box style case that can be used as a vanity unit when the countdown to Christmas is over. What’s inside the boxes remains a surprise, but 5-star reviews from those who couldn’t wait to open it until December make it one not to miss. The top of our lust list this Christmas.
2.Nuxe Beauty Countdown Gift Set – Look Fantastic – £49 – 20% off
Cult beauty brand Nuxe have created the ultimate gift set for the mums (and the glam-ma’s!) this Christmas. Consisting of 10 luxurious face and body products worth over £83, it includes a perfume, a lip balm (a true winter essential), and a hand and nail cream. It also features multi-purpose dry oils with anti-ageing properties that, complete with the classy golden packaging, make it fit for the queen that your mum is.
3.SF Winter WonderGLAM 2017 – Benefit – £34.50 – 10% off
Unfortunately this is not in stock until next January, but this set is definitely worth the wait. Limited edition AND at great value, Benefit’s 2017 beauty calendar is filled with 12 fun-size treats for the eyes, lips and face. Worth over £76, it features classic favourites such as the Hoola bronzer, and POREfessional primer, as well as new additions to their beloved collection such as the RollerLash mascara. Treat yourself and top up your makeup collection ready for the new year or make it the perfect present for any Benebabes in your life.
4.The Beauty Advent Calendar – ASOS – £55 – 10% off
The one that everyone’s been waiting for…drumroll please… The ASOS Beauty Advent Calendar! This was a complete sellout last year so expect great things. It promises 24 products ranging from skincare to makeup to haircare, from well-loved brands such as Cowshed, Eyeko, Smashbox, Nip + Fab and NyX. It even throws in a cheeky discount code for their website. It’s packaged in an on-trend marble effect box with rose gold foiling that can be reused again and again… And it gets better because they do a male version too. So why not buy one for yourself AND one for your man – couple goals!
5.The Grooming Advent Calendar – ASOS – £55 – 10% off
Looking for a present that’s a little bit different for the special man in your life? Well look no further, as this advent calendar by ASOS is your saviour. Featuring products from notorious brands such as Percy Nobleman, Rituals, Carmex and Nip+Fab, make sure he feels pampered this year too. Top girlfriend – or boyfriend – points go to you.
6.Bloom 12 Days of Christmas Perfume Advent Calendar – Superdrug – £12 – 10% off
This one’s for the fragrance fanatics out there! At a bargain price of just £12 (yep, really), this advent calendar by Bloom is a serious contender in our top 10. It contains 12 8ml eau de toilette sprays that you can either wear individually or mix and match to find your own unique scent. They come in dainty bottles that would look adorable on your bedside table, but could also be thrown into your bag for when you’re on-the-go. From the work party to Christmas dinner with the fam, this set has a scent for every occasion this festive season.
7.Essie Nail Polish Advent Calendar 24 Day Christmas Countdown – Superdrug – £50 – 10% off
Don’t neglect your nails this Christmas; keep them looking fun and festive with Essie’s 24 Day advent calendar.
Containing 7 nail polishes and 13 mini nail polishes in both colour and gel, as well as 1 mini nail polish remover and 3 mani surprises, it’s a steal at £50. And with 5 of the shades exclusive to the calendar, your nails will be looking so good you won’t want to put your winter gloves on.
8.Makeup Revolution Christmas Tree – Superdrug – £70 – 10% off
Everyone’s favourite drugstore brand has released its own advent calendar, which is great news if you’re looking to expand your makeup collection for 2018. It’s currently out of stock but definitely worth keeping an eye out for when it makes its return. Expect eyeshadow palettes, strobe balms, bronzers, blushers, lip lacquers and so much more. The lights on the tree won’t be the only thing sparkling this Christmas.
9.Makeup Revolution Advent Calendar 2017 – Superdrug – £30 – 10% off
If the Makeup Revolution Christmas Tree calendar is too pricey, this is their cheaper (but equally amazing) alternative. Okay, so it’s not as fancy but for just £30 you can’t go wrong. Pop open each door to find plenty of baked highlighters, lipsticks, makeup brushes, strobe balms and even a full size exclusive eyeshadow palette and more to see you through the party season and beyond.
10.Technics Man’Stuff Advent Calendar – Superdrug – £10 – 10% off
If the ASOS Grooming Advent Calendar borders a little on the expensive side but you still want to treat your man this Christmas, this Man’Stuff one by Technic could be the answer. Keeping him stocked up on mini essential toiletries like shower gel, face wash, soap and lip balm. It also contains tools such as tweezers, a hair comb and nail clippers hidden behind the 12 doors. He’ll feel festive but look fresh, it’s a win-win.
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By Megan Bourne