The best beauty Advent calendars in 2026, tested – yes, we know it’s early! | Christmas

Cult Beauty

Advent calendar Signature Edition

£245

What we love
High-end skincare and makeup in a beautiful design

What we don’t love
Minimal hair care; a daring blush shade

Status: launched

If you’re hunting for a beauty Advent calendar filled with high-end makeup and skincare, this year’s Cult Beauty Signature Edition is my top pick. I’ve tried and recommended many of the products inside over the past year, while others are established favourites. There’s very little to dislike, and with 33 products inside, 19 of which are full-size, that’s no mean feat.

What we love
While I’m most excited about the contents of this calendar, it’s also my favourite design. It opens like a book and features detailed illustrations of lipsticks and makeup brushes hidden among festive flowers and foliage. The white, sage green and gold colour scheme should work well with most Christmas decorations. And, when the countdown is complete, the box can go in your household recycling bin, while the gold ribbon can be reused.

The skincare inside also has broad appeal. I tested the Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen peptide cream for my recent roundup of face moisturisers, and its light texture and peptide formula made it my top choice for anti-ageing. You’ll also get a 15ml size of the eye-wateringly expensive Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream, which I found amazing for nourishing dry winter-stressed skin.

There are just two skincare products you’ll need to be a little careful with: the Paula’s Choice Retinaldehyde treatment and the Allies of Skin Azelaic serum. Both contain ingredients used to target anti-ageing, acne and hyperpigmentation, but add them to your routine gradually and separately to reduce the risk of irritation.

Makeup-wise, there’s a lot to like too, with a full-size Saie liquid blush and Westman Atelier mascara, both high-end products loved by many beauty enthusiasts. You’ll also find a travel-size Charlotte Tilbury setting spray and Milk Makeup Hydro Grip primer, both of which are top picks in my upcoming primer and setting spray tests.

Topping things off with hair care, you’ll find the Fable & Mane HoliRoots hair oil, which helps to promote stronger strands and increase hydration without using silicones. But the hair-care highlight for me is the travel-size Gisou Honey Gloss ceramide shampoo and conditioner, which smell divine and are from the same range as my favourite hair mask.

It’s a shame that … only four of the products are hair care, and there’s no perfume included. And the Patrick Ta blush duo is almost highlighter pink; you’ll need a light hand, but the shade itself may not be for everyone.

Claimed overall value: more than £1,100
Number of products: 19 full-size, 14 mini (33 in total)
Calendar shell: recyclable card with reusable gold ribbons
Standout products: Westman Atelier Eye Want You mascara, Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish setting spray, Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take cream + powder blush duo, Saie Dew blush, Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen peptide cream, Augustinus Bader the Rich Cream

Anthropologie

24 Days of Beauty Advent calendar

£98

What we love
Classic, usable beauty treats at a good price

What we don’t love
Only one makeup product inside

Status: launched for preorder

Some beauty Advent calendars cost the world and then leave you wondering what on earth to do with all the products inside. That is not true of the Anthropologie calendar for 2026. There are 25 little luxuries behind 24 doors, and all are staples that should fit easily into an existing beauty routine. Small upgrades for a sensible price.

What we love
There isn’t too much skincare in this calendar, but you will find a full-size Grown Alchemist Regenerating serum worth £60. This has a light gel texture and contains rambutan, polysaccharides and plant peptides to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, hydrate and promote smooth skin. You’ll find the Espa Clean & Green Detox mask, which has a cream clay formula containing vitamin E.

There are three fragrances included: the Malin+Goetz strawberry perfume oil, Phlur Father Figure, and a 10ml bottle of Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid. The latter is a light, floral fragrance that’s wearable and uplifting but not sickly sweet, and it’s one of my favourite new perfumes.

The hair care highlights include the Superfoods prewash oil from Hair Syrup, which I’ve tested before and enjoyed using. You’ll also find a silk scrunchie from Slip, which I found snagged less than standard hair ties, creating less breakage. Be warned – I haven’t been able to go back to normal hair ties since trying these.

The calendar also includes a few wellness treats, such as the This Works Deep Sleep pillow spray, a L’Occitane hand cream and a mini candle from Plum & Ashby.

It’s a shame that … there’s only one makeup item inside, and Trip electrolytes sachets don’t feel like an exciting beauty treat. The Malin+Goetz strawberry perfume oil is also an acquired taste.

Claimed overall value: £400
Number of products: 17 full-size, 8 mini
Calendar shell: recyclable
Standout products: Grown Alchemist Regenerating serum, Espa Clean & Green Detox mask, Hair Syrup Superfoods prewash oil, Slip silk skinny scrunchie, Floral Street Wild Vanilla Orchid eau de parfum, This Works Deep Sleep pillow spray, Phlur Father Figure eau de parfum, L’Occitane Amande (almond) Sublime hand cream, Neal’s Yard Wild Rose beauty balm, Manucurist Active Shine polish

Space NK

Beauty Advent calendar

£275

What we love
Great product range for treatments

What we don’t love
Mostly anti-ageing skincare

Status: waiting list open

The Space NK calendar was my top pick last year, and this year’s curation is also strong. It was only pipped to the post because its skincare selection leans a little too heavily towards anti-ageing. Still, it’s a strong option if you’re a fan of high-end beauty and want to try a range of products.

What we love
This calendar has the most full-size products included of any here; there are 26, with nine minis. The full-size Skin Rocks cleansing balm effortlessly removed stubborn makeup. There’s also a full-size Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ serum, which is one of the best PDRN serums I’ve tried for rejuvenating and improving skin tone, while supporting the skin’s barrier. Most of the headline skincare products are tailored toward anti-ageing, such as the La Mer moisturising cream and Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening dark spot serum.

For hair care, Space NK has skipped the basics and gone straight for treatments. There’s a K18 heat protectant, a leave-in treatment from Color Wow, and an Olaplex treatment, all of which are full-size. It’s good to see a daily essential like heat protection in there, as well as treatments that should suit a range of hair types.

I’m also excited by the Kulfi lip stain oil, which is a moisturising, slightly glossy stain in a neutral rose designed to suit a range of skin tones. Likewise, the perfumes have broad appeal. I’ve tried Phlur Missing Person and the Gisou hair perfume before, but I was surprised by the velvety scent of the DS & Durga Debaser in Bloom perfume. All could be layered with the Saltair Salt Water Vanilla body oil, which has a deep, warm vanilla fragrance and feels light on the skin.

It’s a shame that … all of the makeup inside is cream- or liquid-based, so if you prefer powder formulations, this won’t be for you. There’s also no nail care included. And, as mentioned above, most of the skincare is focused on anti-ageing. They’re all high-end brands, but the calendar may not include enough basics for younger people or those who prefer a simpler routine.

Claimed overall value: more than £1,200
Number of products: 26 full-size, 9 mini
Calendar shell: recyclable
Standout products: La Mer Crème de la Mer moisturising cream, K18 HeatBounce conditioning heat protectant, Color Wow Carb Cocktail, Olaplex No3 Plus Complete Repair treatment, Augustinus Bader the Body Cream, Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot serum, Kosas Soulgazer mascara, Kulfi Lassi lip staining oil, Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ serum, Naturium the Booster hyaluronic acid body wash, Refy Lash Sculpt, Saltair Salt Water Vanilla body oil, Skin Rocks the Cleansing Balm

What we love
Great mix of products for all ages to enjoy

What we don’t love
The fragrances are characteristically sweet

Status: preorder for 17 September

If you know your little ones won’t be able to keep their hands off your fancy beauty Advent calendar, why not buy something you can all enjoy? Lush offers two stocked-up Advent calendars every year: one filled with bath bombs and bubble bars and another with the brand’s wider beauty offerings. This reusable hamper is the latter, filled with vegan and cruelty-free festive bath bombs, creams, perfumes and a lip scrub to appeal to all ages.

Why we love it
That distinctive Lush smell hits as soon as you open this hamper. This will either delight or repulse you, although presumably if you’re considering this you’re in the former camp. Inside, you’ll find 25 treats spread across two 12-day halves that save you a bit of rummaging around.

Starting with bath products, you’ll find festive-food-themed bombs and bubble bars, including an orange, a candied pear, a candy cane, a carrot for Rudolph and a Christmas tree. There are also picks from Lush’s standard range, such as the Sleepy bubble bar. And the sweet theme doesn’t stop at bath time, thanks to the sticky dates, s’mores, and chocolate orange shower gels. You can even eat the Hot Chocolate Orange lip scrub, which tastes just as delicious as it sounds.

Out of the bathroom, the calendar comes with two exclusive fragrances. The mini Santa’s Favourite body spray smells like soft florals and settles into a light grapefruit. Or, for something stronger, the Snowcake and Rose perfume smells like warm marzipan and feels more grownup. You’ll also find hand soaps, a dusting powder, a body butter, a candle and a cosy pair of Lush socks.

Lush scores highly on sustainability: the hamper is made by a B Corp-certified manufacturer, and there’s a detailed breakdown online on the other packaging and how to recycle it. The packing peanuts can be placed in your food or garden waste bin, and when you’re finished with the bottles and tubs, you can return them to Lush using the Bring it Back scheme for money off your next purchase.

It’s a shame that … unlike previous years, there are no inserts to refill last year’s Advent calendar chest. While the new hamper design is a little more reusable day to day, this change seems counterproductive from a sustainability perspective, since part of the appeal of last year’s calendar was that you’d be able to refill it. I’m hoping this version will be refillable for years to come. For a completely refillable option, Lush is launching a fabric calendar this year for you to fill yourself, which will allow you to fill it with products you know you love.

Claimed overall value: not listed
Number of products: 24 full-size, 1 mini size
Calendar shell: biodegradable and recyclable cardboard inserts, reusable wicker hamper
Standout products: Hot Chocolate Orange lip scrub, Sleepy bubble bar, Sticky Dates shower gel, Honey Bear bath bomb, Once Upon a Time candle, Dream Cream body lotion, Honey I Washed the Kids body scrub, Christmas tree bath bomb, Snowcake and Rose perfume

Liz Earle

12 Days of Beauty Advent calendar

from £79

What we love
Cruelty-free; luxury skincare; generous ‘minis’

What we don’t love
Fragranced; only 12 days

Status: in stock

Liz Earle is known for affordable luxury and this 12-day calendar brings together a selection of its skincare and body care, from facial toners to rich creams. Its presentation box is recyclable; I found everything inside useful; and the selection isn’t overwhelming. It’s also Leaping Bunny certified.

Why we love it
It wouldn’t be a Liz Earle Advent calendar if it didn’t include the Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser. This is massaged on to dry skin, then gently “polished” off using a warm, damp washcloth (also included). The warmth makes the cleansing ritual feel spa-like. I’ve used this cleanser many times and always find the process enjoyable and oddly meditative. Add the large 75ml Superskin moisturiser, and you’ve already got the foundations of a good routine.

Unlike in larger calendars, the “mini” products don’t feel like an afterthought. The Smooth & Glow exfoliating tonic, Instant Boost Skin tonic and Eyebright soothing lotion all come in matching 50ml bottles, which are larger and more high-end-looking than typical minis. The full-size body wash, body cream and hand cream come in a limited-edition fragrance, Mandarin & Nutmeg, which smells clean and uplifting, with a touch of festive warmth.

It’s a shame that … much of the skincare here is fragranced, and there’s only 12 days’ worth, rather than 24. A 24-day calendar is available, but it’s more than twice the price, and its vast range of skincare could easily feel overwhelming.

Claimed overall value: £203.50
Number of products: 3 full-size, 1 supersize, 8 mini
Calendar shell: recyclable
Standout products: Cleanse & Polish hot cloth cleanser, Skin Repair hydrating night cream, Mandarin & Nutmeg body cream, Smooth & Glow exfoliating tonic, Eyebright soothing eye lotion

W7

Beauty Blast Advent calendar

£22

What we love
Affordable; all the skincare and makeup basics

What we don’t love
Mostly minis; no luxury touches

Status: launched

Not all beauty Advent calendars require you to take out a loan; this W7 one costs less than the average takeaway and contains 24 makeup and beauty products. Last year’s W7 calendar was brilliant, and this year’s is even better suited to beauty newcomers.

Why we love it
Starting with skincare, this calendar contains a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, moisturiser, lip mask and bronzing drops. Makeup-wise, there are two primers, plus a bronzer, blush, highlight and setting powder. For eyes and lips, there are two lip glosses, a lipstick and two lip liners, as well as shiny and matt eyeshadows and an eyeliner. It’s a good starter kit for tweens and teens dipping their toes into the beauty world, or anyone starting to build a beauty routine without spending a fortune.

And, while the packaging isn’t high-end, the lip liners, H2O hydrating powder and setting spray are particularly good. The bronzing drops are also a bit of fun – either used alone as a liquid bronzer or mixed with moisturiser for a healthy glow. The full-size lip mask can be used overnight to hydrate lips.

It’s a shame that … most of its contents are minis and all of the product packaging feels plasticky and flimsy. That’s what you’d expect for a calendar at this price, but don’t expect a luxury finish here.

Claimed overall value: not stated
Number of products: 6 full-size, 3 accessories, 15 mini
Calendar shell: recyclable
Standout products: W7 Double Draw lip pencils, H2O hydrating powder, W7 Golden Glow Drops, Sugar Cookie overnight lip mask

No7

25 Days of Beauty Advent calendar

£65

What we love
Full-size makeup; broad skincare range

What we don’t love
Mainly mini skincare

Best for: breaking a beauty rut rather than the bank
Status: in stock

If you want to switch things up in your beauty routine, this great-value calendar is a safe bet. It feels like the grownup equivalent of the W7 calendar above; it’s more luxurious, with a larger proportion of skincare, including products with retinoids and exfoliating ingredients.

All the full-size products are makeup, aside from one lip balm. These include a cool-toned light brown matt lipstick and liner, a lip oil with a punchy fruity taste, a pink liquid blush, an eyeliner pencil and a black tubing mascara. All of this is simple to use, wearable and will fit easily into most beauty routines.

The calendar includes skincare from several No7 ranges, including Radiance+ and Future Renew. There are serums, an eye cream, day and night creams, cleansers and a toner. These are all minis, but this does allow you to sample a range of products before deciding whether to buy full-size versions. There’s also a £5 voucher for selected No7 Future Renew products.

It didn’t make the final cut because … while the calendar has a diverse range of things to try, it’s limited to No7, so there isn’t as much choice as other calendars. Also, it’s mostly skincare, so it may be less appealing if you already have a routine you’re happy with. None of the skincare products are full-size, either, except the lip balm.

Claimed overall value: £248.93; number of products: 24 including 8 full-size £5 voucher; calendar shell: recyclable;
standout products: No7 Pro Artist Luxe liquid blush, Pro Artist lip shine oil, Pro Artist That’s a Wrap tubing mascara, No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal body serum, No7 Future Renew SPF40 day cream, No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Glow toner

Jurlique

Beauty Advent calendar

£110

What we love
B Corp-certified botanical beauty; reusable box

What we don’t love
Nearly all minis; face oils won’t suit everyone

Best for: B Corp-certified botanical beauty
Status: launched for preorder

Australian B Corp-certified skincare brand Jurlique makes lovely botanical skincare. This year’s 24-day calendar features a selection of its bestsellers, many of which contain ingredients grown on the brand’s farm in Australia. So, if you’re ethically conscious and a fan of botanical beauty, this might fit the bill.

There’s a blend of essential oils, including mandarin, ylang ylang and geranium, designed for use in a diffuser for some calm during the Christmas period. You’ll also find products from the brand’s rose collection, including a face cream, hand cream, face mist, body lotion and shower gel, as well as its rose face oil. There are also products from its calendula range, along with serums and a hydrating face mask and cleanser.

Like last year’s calendar, this comes in a gorgeous reusable box that’s just big enough to store trinkets without taking up too much space; I’m still using my 2025 calendar to store extra makeup.

It didn’t make the final cut because … there’s only one full-size product, which feels a little disappointing. The essential oil needs a diffuser, so it’s not as versatile or useful as a full-size skincare product. The four face oils won’t suit everyone, and there are two identical mini rose hand creams. I’d prefer 24 different products rather than repeats. It’s also skincare-only, so makeup fans should look elsewhere.

Claimed overall value: £280; number of products: 1 full-size, 23 mini; calendar shell: recyclable inserts with reusable box; standout products: Balance Pure essential oil blend