As the years went on, receiving a chocolate advent calendar became less appealing as I knew how much work it would cause to burn off the calories. Instead, this year – thanks to my job – I finally experienced the thrill of opening up beauty advent calendars.
In fact, I got six – all with differing price points, unique designs, and beautifying products, but which one was my favourite? Let’s start by saying that no matter which beauty advent calendar you gift (or decide to get for yourself), it’s always a good choice. Beginning from least to most expensive, here are my true thoughts on each beauty advent calendar.
Wonders Avant Calendar
- 12 days of goodies, £99
- Best for: skincare
Extras:
- QR code augmented reality experience
- Entry to prize draw of up to £1,000 in skincare products
Presented in pretty packaging of golden birds, bees and fairies, it’s easy to miss the QR code on the back as you tear off the sleeve to eagerly see what’s inside on December 1. If spotted, however, you should gain access to an augmented reality experience where foliage and flowers seemingly grow out from the beauty advent calendar. A nice touch, but easily missable.
The true magic is in the beauty products; there’s shades of aqua blue and rosy pink – making any bathroom or bedroom beauty stand look gorgeous. Goodies include the likes of Bi-Phase Hyaluronic Acid Rejuvenating Micellar Water (100ml; worth £25), Gentle Rose Beautifying Face Exfoliant (50ml travel pack; worth £64), and Damascan Rose Petals Revitalising Facial Serum (30ml; worth £114 alone).
Additional perks include Brightening and De-Puffing Hyaluronic Overnight Eye Recovery Mask (15ml; £52); Hyaluron-Filler Lip Plumping Treatment (8.5ml; £48); and R.N.A Radical Anti-Ageing and Lifting Duo Moisturiser (50ml; £69).
Avant, the luxury skincare brand, has truly delivered on value – with each gift wrapped up in tissue paper – but as there’s only 12 days of presents, it only leaves me wanting more!
My verdict: 4/5
Oriflame Advent Calendar
- 12 days of goodies, £99
- Best for: make-up
Hiding away behind its rather plain exterior is a more sparkly collection of treats. Expect make-up rather than skincare with Oriflame Advent Calendar, with the likes of THE ONE Ultimate Glitter Lipstick (£13), OnColour Big Lash Mascara (£7), and a Bronzing Brush (£7.99).
Extra treats include Giordani Gold Essenza Parfum (50ml; £34.99), THE ONE Ultimate Gel Nail Lacquer in Festive Red (£4.99), and Tender Care Anniversary Edition Natural Multi-Purpose Balm (£3.99).
After experiencing Wonders Avant Calendar, going for the same price, I would say Oriflame left me feeling disappointed, even if the offerings are more focused on beauty instead of skincare.
My verdict: 2.5/5
Avon Gifting Advent Calendar
- 24 days of goodies, £110
- Best for: make-up
If you’re a fan of Avon, you are likely to feel delighted at the selection of presents on offer in this Christmassy advent calendar.
The cute house opens up to reveal 24 different boxes; in each one is goodies stashed away, such as Avon Planet Spa Aromatherapy Hand Cream (£4.50), Avon Attraction For Her Eau de Parfum (30ml; £13), Avon Ultra Color Matte Lipstick (£8.50), and Avon Ultra Color 3-in-1 Face Palette (£8).
I think for £10 more than the Oriflame advent calendar, and getting double the amount of make-up based beauty products, this is the best budget calendar I’ve tried in 2025.
My verdict: 3/5
GAIA advent calendar
- 24 days of goodies, £160
- Best for: spa luxuries and skincare
Extras:
- Gemstone crystal with explanation of its power
Wrapped up in a silky bow, indulge in a deluxe spa-like month in December as GAIA provides a trio of bath oils and body oils, from the Awakening, Balancing, and Calming collection (each trio is worth £28).
Bonuses include Body Wash, Body Scrub, Bath Salts, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, Fitness Gel – to relieve aching muscles – and Sleep Balm, making this the perfect gift for someone who could do with some restorative pampering.
Skincare treats include Naturally Facial Wash, Toner, and Moisturiser (30ml each; £29), as well as Face Serum and Eye Serum (£70 together).
I would say that GAIA delivers on value for money and provides a therapeutic, yet limited in range, collection that is suited for those who enjoy a long, hot bath.
My verdict: 4.5/5
Neal’s Yard Remedies Advent Calendar
- 24 days of goodies, £165 (now £132)
- Best for: spa luxuries and skincare
Truly decorative, Neal’s Yard Remedies Advent Calendar is enclosed in William Morris’ Golden Lily print – and the motif is echoed inside too. Full of skincare presents, star items include Frankincense Intense Age-Defying Cream (15g; £21.60) – which I absolutely love for eradicating my fine lines almost instantly – and Bee Lovely Beautiful Lips (£6.40), which makes my lips so beautifully smooth and glossy.
Premium skincare products include Frankincense Intense Triple Action Melting Cleanser (100ml; £35.20), Vitamin C Brightening Booster (100ml; £22.40), and English Lavender and Calendula Hand Cream (£12.80).
Additional spa-like treasures include aromatherapy roll-ons, foaming bath liquids, body butter, and pillow mist.
Having already sold out once before (to my knowledge), now it’s back in store – and at a discounted price – it’s only going to fly off the shelves once more; it’s well worth it.
My verdict: 5/5
ishga Twilight Tides
- 12 days of goodies, £245
- Best for: Skincare
With just 12 days of treats, and an extremely high price tag, the ishga Twilight Tides – a celebration of light and sea – just doesn’t compare to the other skincare beauty advent calendars in this list (namely, Avant, GAIA, and Neal’s Yard).
A brand committed to organic ingredients, its Replenshing Lip Balm (30ml) goes for £29 and its Exfoliating Face Mask is £45. If, however, you have the money to splurge, there’s no better time to be indulgent than Christmas.
My verdict: 3.5/5
Prices are correct at time the story was published.
