BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDARS: WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?
If you’ve never indulged in the joy of a beauty advent calendar, 2022 may well be the time to do so. Recent years have seen beauty calendars grow from a nice-but-niche treat to “ultimate Xmas gift” status, with every key brand creating their own offering.
So, what’s the appeal? The draw of the beauty calendar is two-fold. Firstly, there’s the complete joy of unwrapping a hair, skin or make-up surprise every day throughout December. Then, there’s the savings: the best beauty calendars come packed with premium products, often at a tiny fraction of the usual cost. They really are the best way to discover a wealth of buzzy new launches and iconic classics, without having to invest in the full-size products.
WHEN DO THE 2022 BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDARS GO ON SALE?
Such is the demand for these hefty collections that many sell out before you’ve even unpacked the Christmas decorations. So, get there early.
Here, is my guide to the biggest and best beauty calendars of the year, including the contents you can expect.
THE BEST BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDARS FOR CHRISTMAS 2022
Liberty London
Liberty is set to remain the advent offering that every beauty enthusiast clamours for this Christmas. 2022’s incarnation is bigger than ever, with 20 full-size products alongside 5 travel sizes hiding in the iconic floral-print boxes. Expect luxe favourites such as Dr. Sebagh and Dr. Barbara Sturm alongside new and niche inclusions. Keep an eye out for Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s eponymous make-up line, too.
£245
Sephora
With Sephora’s return to the UK being imminent, I’m looking forward to delving into the iconic retailer’s exclusive roster of brands. In the meantime, the advent calendar is a great way to indulge. Worth over £700, it’s stuffed to the brim with cult heroes from the likes of Medik8, Sam McKnight, Aromatherapy Associates and Virtue.
£139
Charlotte Tilbury
Loyalists of Charlotte Tilbury’s brand of old Hollywood glamour should snap up this glittering calendar immediately. This year’s Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars collection is designed to illuminate, enhance and define all skin types and tones, and features the make-up artist’s celebrated skincare alongside a capsule line-up of day-to-night make-up. With the illuminating Beauty Light Wand and iconic Pillow Talk lipstick in store, you’ll be glowing well into the New Year.
£150
Space NK
This is packed with products, both classic and new. The edit contains twice the number of full-size products than the year before, taking the total value to an astonishing £770.
Highlights include a full-size hand soap from the brand’s own line, Augustinus Bader’s cult Face Oil, Tatcha’s buzzy brightening cream and an A-list approved highlighter from Rose Inc.
£215
Boots No7
No7’s festive beauty calendar is so popular, it always sells out within minutes. If you’re keen to bag this limited-edition collection, I advise signing up to the waitlist now.
For something even more indulgent, consider the larger Ultimate Beauty Calendar, which contains plenty of full-sized skincare and make-up products, worth in excess of £430.
£49.99 and £140.
Harrods
With 22 of the 25 products full-size, this year’s Harrods calendar is one of the weightiest of the year. In fact, the contents are worth over four times the price tag – £1136 to be precise – and feature just-about every must-know beauty brand. Augustinus Bader’s cleanser is guaranteed to please – as is Sunday Riley’s brightening vitamin C serum – but look forwards to finding a few new favourites from Gisou and Evidens de Beaute, too.
£250
The White Company
If you’re looking forward to cosy winter nights at home, The White Company’s chic white calendar is the perfect choice. Filled with calming bath and body treats – plus that famously delicious Seychelles candle, it’ll keep you feeling pampered right through to the new year.
£175
Selfridges
Worth over £800, this year’s Selfridges calendar offers a stellar mix of well-loved classics and new, buzzy launches.
Familiar formulas include Olaplex’s cult hair repair treatment, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s deep hydrating serum, and Le Labo’s cult Another 13 scent.
£210
Jo Malone London
Fragrance fans know how the Jo Malone advent calendar usually is and this year’s is truly a cut above. Indulge in a journey through the iconic brand’s sprawling back catalogue, featuring favourites from Peony & Blush Suede to Lime, Basil & Mandarin. There are new favourites to discover and a few limited-edition inclusions too.
£350
The Body Shop
The Body Shop’s largest calendar of 2022 (there are three to choose from) contains full-size products worth £215 in total. The body butters and facial treats inside are sure to be well-received, but we also love the fact that every calendar purchase helps the activism-focused retailer support waste pickers in Bengaluru, India.
£145
Next
A brilliant value option, Next’s beauty advent calendar contains a mix of much-loved skin, body and hair products. Expect the likes of L’occitane, Emma Hardie, and spa favourite Espa. Worth over £309, it’s a great value option.
£85
MAC
If you’re looking to drag yourself out of a make-up rut, this is just the advent calendar for you. MAC’s festive collection contains 16 full-size products alongside eight miniatures (together worth over £400) and spanning base products to mascaras and, of course, a party-ready lipstick or two.
£165.
Benefit
Benefit has so many cult-hero products in its roster these days, and this cheerful calendar is a perfect way to try a dozen of them. From the unbeatable Bad Gal Bang mascara to the smoothing Porefessional Primer, each one is bound to make it into your kit.
£59.50
Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencers’ beauty calendar is always pleasingly priced, and this year’s offering costs just £40 when you spend £30 either online or in store. (Our suggestion? Tick all your wrapping paper and Christmas cards off the shopping list.)
Inside this year’s keepsake reusable box, you’ll find £300 worth of classic products from the likes of Aveda, This Works and Percy & Reed.
£40
