Though it may still feel like summer has only just begun, shopping fans across the globe are already gearing up for Christmas.
That’s right, we’ve said the C word. In July.
There’s a smugness in knowing that you’ve already ticked off all your gifting wants and needs before the festive season has even remotely gotten into full swing. Not only can you sit back, relax, and watch those vie in desperation for the last, damaged display item on the shelf, but you can save a pretty penny in the process.
Yes, it might be mid-year for some, but for aficionados of all things glowy and guilt-free, there’s no such thing as too early, especially when beauty advent calendars are at stake. This year’s offerings are starting to crop up already, and getting in ahead means snagging the best ones before they vanish for good.
In this early look, we embark on a countdown of the best affordable beauty advent calendars currently on offer.
We’re talking about models that deliver value, variety and verve (without costing a small fortune). Think nifty surprises at every door: hand creams you’ll want to use, lip balms in festive yet versatile shades, and bath treats that make you forget it’s mid-July.
Expect 12 and 25-day calendars from quality brands with budgets in mind, who understand that beauty indulgence doesn’t have to mean blowing the Christmas spend in October.
But perhaps you’re more a curator than consumer – a creative soul who’d rather build a bespoke advent experience than unwrap a pre-boxed one. Fear not: we’ve gathered some brilliantly packaged gift sets that can serve as the building blocks for a DIY countdown. From sampler serums and travel-size tonics to mini palettes designed for collective gifting, these sets let you mix and match your way to a calendar that’s personal, polished and perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re gearing up for yourself (I’m already on the Liberty Beauty advent waitlist) or scouting gifts for friends and family, you’ll find something here that balances seasonal spectacle with savvy spending.
Consider this your timely reminder: the best bargains move fast, but building your own advent magic doesn’t have to wait until December.
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Kiko Golden Oasis 10 Days of Beauty Calendar
We love when an advent calendar comes together to form an immediately utilitarian, glimmering capsule makeup collection. The Golden Oasis 10 Days of Beauty Calendar by Kiko does just that, thanks to the fact that it comprises 10 of the Italian beauty brand’s bestselling products – including, but not limited to, the n.1 Radiant Stick Highlighter, n.1 Prime & Fix Refreshing Mix fixing spray, n.1 Golden Oasis 3D Hydra Lipgloss 03, and more.
Buy now £80.00, Kiko
Clarins 12 Day Women's Advent Calendar
Save big on an impressive 12 Clarins products, ranging from full-size bottles to handy minis. One product we’re particularly coveting it the Lip Comfort Oil in honey, which is a full-size treat. The best-selling Beauty Flash Balm is also full-size at 50ml – a Clarins fan favourite that almost instantly blurs signs of fatigue while brightening the complexion, whether used as a day treatment, a makeup base, or a mask.
This calendar is currently 40 per cent off, so grab it while you can.
Buy now £57.00, Debenhams
Revolution Pro Miracle 12-Day Advent Calendar
Featuring a generous array of products from Revolution’s beloved Pro Miracle collection – such as the Miracle Cream, Lip Balm, Lip Oil and more – this 12-Day advent is the perfect gift for anyone looking to zhuzh up their skincare routine without spending their entire Christmas bonus before it's even arrived in its designated bank account. It also comes with a relacing eye roller, tweezers, an eye mask and a myriad of additional accessories.
Buy now £35.99, Amazon
Sunkissed 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
A brilliant starter kit for the tween in your life who has been begging to start using makeup, Sunkissed’s 25 Days of Beauty advent features products comprised of 95 per cent natural formulations. It includes a brilliant, full-sized and limited-edition bronzer, creamy lip gloss palettes, lip gloss tubes, nail gems, and a myriad of other pretty and practical beauty accessories for just under £15.
Buy now £14.99, Superdrug
Catrice Cosmetics The Great Gatsby Christmas Advent Calendar
Catrice’s The Great Gatsby-themed beauty advent is perfect for those who enjoy Champagne decadence on a lemonade budget.
It’s wonderfully designed, exceedingly festive, and features a fantastic selection of the affordable beauty brand’s best products. We’re big fans of advent calendars that include premium brushes alongside eyeshadow palettes, as opposed to flimsy built-in options – and Catrice has done just that.
We also love the festive, glittering hairclip to add some extra sparkle to your makeup routine.
Buy now £29.24, Just My Look
Simply Be Body Collection Advent
Designed to offer a dose of self-care essentials, this body-focused advent from Simply Be features a clay face mask, body washes, bath fizzers, soaking salts and even a luxurious sleep mask – among other decadent products. Take on your next staycation to elevate your relaxation tenfold.
Buy now £22.00, Simply Be
Technic Cosmetic Countdown Advent Calendar
Contained in a rather utilitarian, reusable storage box, Technic Cosmetic’s beauty countdown is currently £30 off, which means the 24-product strong calendar is going for just £15. Fan favourites include the Technic Mousse and Diamond Shine eyeshadow creams – buildable, highly pigmented festive saviours that serve as a budget-friendly alternative to Urban Decay’s Moondust.
Buy now £15.00, Beauty Outlet
Build your own beauty advent calendar options
Selfridges The Wedding Party Beauty Kit
Though technically curated for bridal parties, this beauty kit from Selfridges serves as the perfect base for a built-your-own beauty calendar thanks to its versatile mix of self-care, wellness and beauty essentials. You can never go wrong with a pair of cooling under-eye gel patches, Sunday Riley’s C.E.O cream, or the best-selling highlight stick from NUDESTIX.
Buy now £55.00, Selfridges
L’Occitane en Provence Fill Your Own Advent Calendar
Beautifully designed and brilliantly sustainable, L’Occitane’s convenient foldable, refillable calendar features 24 pouches of varying sizes to fill with your choice of small, beauty-centric presents. It comprises six folding-over pockets, two petite drawstring bags, two small pouches, two medium pouches, and 12 regular pockets.
Buy now £40.50, L’Occitane
Lookfantastic The Skin Clarifying Edit
When it comes to curating your very own beauty advent calendar, Lookfantastic is – you guessed it – a fantastic place to start.
This clarifying edit features seven premium products and is brilliant for hormonal, acne-prone skin. Despite being priced at just £45, it’s worth over £200 – making it a great starter kit for the young adult in your life who doesn’t quite know what clarifying products will work for them, but wants to try them all.
Our fave? We love Caudalie’s Instant Detox mask, which clarifies without drying out the skin.
Buy now £45.00, Lookfantastic
Lookfantastic The Beauty Icons Edit
The latest and greatest edit to hit Lookfantastic, The Beauty Icons dset costs £65, but is worth £245. Legendary products include major Christmas Wishlist toppers like Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, Olaplex’s No.3 Hair Perfector, Murad’s Retinol Eye Serum and Morphe’s Jet-Setter prep and set kit.
Buy now £65.00, Lookfantastic
