This year’s beauty Advent calendars offer hair, skincare and body gifts to surprise and delight
WORDS: LISA BURN
Advent calendars have come a long way since we were kids, and they kept us enchanted through the month of December with a chocolate surprise hidden behind each door.
These days you’ll find Advent calendars filled with all kinds of goodies, but it’s the beauty calendars that are the most eagerly anticipated.
They make gorgeous early Christmas gifts and keep the festive magic going throughout the month until the big day itself. They’re also an excellent way to discover new brands, try out new products and, of course, to treat yourself.
◆ This Advent calendar from John Lewis is a joy for beauty fiends with £921 worth of products, including 16 full-size items. Names such as Elemis, Laura Mercier, Clarins, Dermalogica, Bobbi Brown, Clinique and Charlotte Tilbury ensure this calendar will be one of the most sought-after this Christmas. There’s also a £500 gift card inside 10 of the calendars, and luxury trips in another four.
Beauty Advent Calendar, £195, John Lewis
◆ Dr Hauschka was an innovator in natural and organic skincare back in the ’60s and remains so today. Their Advent calendar, worth £133, is crammed full of beautiful products, including their legendary Rose Day Cream, as well as Quince Hydrating Body Milk, Birch Arnica Energising Body Oil, Lavender Sandalwood Calming Body Cream, Balancing Day Lotion and Regenerating Eye Cream. They’re travel-size except for Christmas Eve where your gift is a full-size Hydrating Cream Mask.
2023 Advent Calendar, £90, Dr Hauschka
◆ High Street legend M&S has once again hit the mark with this year’s beauty Advent calendar, containing a gorgeous selection of full-size and mini products. This is the ultimate in self-care at a great price – it costs £45 when you spend £35, but has a value of £340. You’ll find skincare including REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel and Clinique Moisture Surge 100H, haircare by Philip Kingsley, make-up from Benefit, Clinique and Pixi, shower gel and fragrance, all presented in a faux leather vanity case.
Beauty Advent Calendar, £45,
Marks & Spencer
◆ Pretty Little Thing is a young brand with a clothing style that appeals to 20-somethings. However, their Advent calendar crosses the ages. With iconic brands such as Stila, Mario Badescu, and Carmex, you will find a lot to love here. Each of the 24 doors reveals a make-up
