Brimming with travel-sized makeup, skincare and perfume goodness, the charm of the best beauty advent calendars is undeniable. But as a hard-to-please beauty journalist, it's also my duty to disclose that not every one – out of the hundreds – of the released iterations is necessarily worthy of being named the “best”.
Since as early as late summer, I've been busy opening each of the numbered shelves as well as testing the contents of the beauty advent calendars that have landed on the GLAMOUR beauty desk – all in a mission to curate a tried-and-true edit of only the crème de la crème that impressed me most. Truth be told, very few managed to woo me.
While some proved genuinely worthy, having scored high in the value and packaging departments, others proved less note-worthy, packing underwhelming contents and hardly justifying their price. It also doesn't help that each year, the number of available beauty advent calendars only continues to grow, and it seems as though every brand and retailer is pulling out all the stops to launch their own iteration – each vowing to be the best. But the silver lining is that there are plenty of niche options to pamper even the pickiest of your beauty-obsessed family members or friends (yes, there are ones that focus solely on perfume, makeup or skincare).
Regardless of whether you're after something that packs a little bit of everything or if are eyeing an advent calendar from your go-to brand to stock up on your faves, I've got you covered. Below, I've put together the definitive roundup of the best beauty advent calendars that have earned the GLAMOUR seal of approval. Thank me later.
SKIP TO: When do beauty advent calendars go on sale in 2024? | Which brands have beauty advent calendars? | What is the most popular beauty advent calendar?
Unveiling the best beauty advent calendars of 2024: GLAMOUR's top picks
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How we test the best beauty advent calendars:
We open and review all of the beauty advent calendars that land on the GLAMOUR beauty desk. We judge advent calendars based on their packaging (top marks if it's reusable or recyclable), value for money, variety and whether or not the products inside work (and are suited to a range of complexions, hair types and makeup preferences). Our favourite beauty advent calendars feature full-sized products, or extra goodies like the chance to win a £100 voucher for the beauty brand you've bought into.
GLAMOUR's beauty editors have spent decades testing the biggest beauty launches and consulting industry experts to offer you expert advice on every beauty concern you may have, so we're best placed to critique the top beauty advent calendars of the year.
Beauty advent calendar FAQs:
When do beauty advent calendars go on sale in 2024?
Most of the best beauty advent calendars of 2024 are already on sale. This guide outlines which advent calendars are available to buy now, plus those that are still available to pre-order.
Which brands have beauty advent calendars?
Most brands have beauty advent calendars in 2024. Seriously: name a big-name and they've probably released a Christmas countdown packed with their bestselling products. Expect beauty advent calendars from The White Company, Cult Beauty, Sephora, Charlotte Tilbury, Dr Barbara Sturm, LookFantastic, John Lewis, Selfridges, Real Techniques, Liberty London and more.
What is the most popular beauty advent calendar?
What is the most popular beauty advent calendar varies from year-to-year, but among the fastest-selling are Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora, Liberty London, Space NK, Cult Beauty and LookFantastic. The ASOS beauty advent calendar also sells out with surprising speed, too. Each typically contain a healthy mix of skincare, makeup, and beauty tools, making them a favourite among beauty enthusiasts.
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GLAMOUR's edit of the best beauty advent calendars, ranked…
Sephora Advent Calendar 2024
Best for: all beauty lovers.
- Release date: Available now.
- Price: £199.
- Number of products: 40, 24 of which are full size.
- GLAMOUR's Highlight: 111Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask.
What's inside the Sephora beauty advent calendar 2024?
Retailing at £199, the Sephora Advent Calendar is worth over £1,000, and packs a total of 40 products, 24 of which are full-size (yes, actually). Inside each numbered shelf, you'll find a wide selection of beauty goodies from a number of renowned brands, including the likes of Glossier, Makeup by Mario, Rare Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Sephora Collection and Glow Recipe. “What I love about the Sephora advent calendar is the variety of brands featured inside. I appreciated a healthy mix of cult beauty heroes and the more recent viral products as well as the lesser known beauty finds that can encourage you to find something new. Plus, the chest-style silver packaging feels very festive and modern (without leaning too much into the otherwise predictable Christmas theme). Plus, it's sure to make a cute jewellery box even beyond the festive season,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
Best for: premium beauty gift (particularly for skincare and fragrance obsessives).
- Release date: Available now.
- Price: £250, worth over £1,000.
- Number of products: 42 (as well as the chance to win a Harvey Nichols voucher that's worth £250).
- GLAMOUR's Highlight: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 15ml.