With Christmas music already filling the air and temperatures dropping, beauty enthusiasts have less than a week to secure their 2025 beauty Advent calendars before December begins. Our expert testing has revealed the nine standout options that deliver exceptional value and festive excitement.
Why Trust Our Beauty Calendar Recommendations
Our testing process involved rigorous evaluation of 27 popular calendars from leading department stores and beauty brands. Each calendar was assessed on product range, universal appeal, packaging quality, and sustainability credentials. We ensured every recommended calendar features domestically recyclable or reusable packaging, with products suitable for most skin types and preferences.
The journalist behind these recommendations holds a certification in cosmetic science and makes a living testing health and beauty products. This expertise means they can identify the best formulations for specific skin and hair needs, while sensitive skin experience ensures selected products won't cause irritation for most users.
Top Beauty Advent Calendar Picks for 2025
Boots 24 Beauty Stars Premium Advent Calendar
Priced at £127.50 (reduced from £150), this circus-themed calendar emerges as our top overall pick following the sell-out of previous favourites from Space NK and Cult Beauty. The contents boast an impressive £612.50 value, featuring 25 products including 17 full-size items from premium brands like Drunk Elephant, Nars, and Estée Lauder.
Standout products include the viral Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide cream, Estée Lauder cleansing gel, and Elemis cleansing balm – creating a complete evening skincare routine. Makeup lovers will appreciate seven full-size products including Fenty liquid lipstick, Too Faced shimmery lip oil, and Iconic London face powder palette.
Lush Refillable Advent Calendar
For bath enthusiasts and families, the £205 Lush refillable calendar offers exceptional value beyond its initial use. The colourful chest, designed in partnership with Artbox London, can be refilled with future Lush calendars, reducing packaging waste. The calendar contains 25 vegan and cruelty-free products including bath bombs, bubble bars, festive shower gels, and the beloved Yog Nog body lotion.
Additional treats include Lush socks and a Christmas Eve scented candle, making this a comprehensive festive experience rather than just a beauty calendar.
Next 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
At £85 (reduced from £95), the Next calendar provides outstanding value with 27 products spanning skincare, haircare, nail care, and makeup. This calendar stands out for its targeted skincare approach, featuring products like This Works brightening vitamin C serum and BeautyPro retinol eye masks rather than basic cleansers.
The makeup selection focuses on neutral, wearable shades suitable for all skin tones, while inclusion of Opi nail lacquer and Nails Inc cuticle oil addresses often-overlooked nail care.
W7 Beauty Blast Advent Calendar
For those seeking an entry-level option, the W7 calendar delivers remarkable value at just £16.95 (reduced from £19.95). The calendar contains 24 products with an approximate value of £50, including seven full-size items and 17 minis perfect for testing new formulations.
Highlights include the brand's excellent lip liners, H2O loose powder, and Edgy mascara with a curved wand and conditioning ingredients. This calendar proves that budget-friendly doesn't mean compromising on quality.
Elemis Wonders Advent Calendar
Skincare enthusiasts will appreciate the £225 Elemis calendar, which features 26 products from the brand's prestigious ranges. The inclusion of full-size Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum (£115 value) and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (£98 value) means the calendar almost pays for itself with these two items alone.
While containing only two full-size products among 24 minis, the calendar provides an excellent opportunity to test Elemis's anti-ageing formulations before committing to full-price purchases.
Additional Standout Calendars
The Aldi Lacura beauty Advent calendar (£19.99, in-store only) offers clever dupes of popular products, including a honey-extract hair oil similar to Gisou's viral product. Meanwhile, the Rituals Classic Advent calendar (£82.40 at Lookfantastic) focuses on luxury body and hair care with 24 products including the excellent body lotion mousse.
Fragrance lovers should consider the Sentier Advent calendar (£99), featuring six 10ml alcohol-free scents and six scented candles with a total value of £516. For ultimate self-care indulgence, the Bamford ultimate Advent calendar (£300) includes 13 full-size products among its 24 items, with a focus on wellbeing and relaxation.
Are Beauty Advent Calendars Worth the Investment?
Beauty Advent calendars represent significant value if you're looking to refresh your routine or try new products. The Boots calendar, for example, offers £485 savings compared to purchasing items individually. However, if you have an established routine that works, scent-based or body-care calendars might provide more appropriate festive treats.
Calendar prices range from under £20 to over £500, with department store options in the £100-£200 range typically offering the best mix of brand variety and value. The early release of calendars – many appearing in late summer – allows brands to gauge demand and manage stock levels effectively.
All recommended calendars feature domestically recyclable packaging, and any non-recyclable components can be handled through cosmetic recycling schemes like Space NK's Handle collaboration or Boots' recycling programme that rewards customers with Advantage card points.
