You might still be holding onto the last bits of summer, but the season for beauty Advent calendars is already here. Various brands and retailers are unveiling their 2025 calendars, many of which sell out well before you begin to feel the holiday spirit.
By offering a collection of premium cosmetics at more affordable prices, beauty Advent calendars have turned into a coveted item for beauty enthusiasts. There are numerous options available at drastically varying prices, some that focus on particular product categories and others packed with a blend of top sellers.
To ease the stress of choosing, I’ve been exploring the shelves for calendars featuring cult classics that cater to a variety of skin types and preferences, narrowing it down to the nine finest beauty Advent calendars for the 2025 season.
Although these Advent calendars cannot be strictly categorized as environmentally friendly, I’ve also considered their recyclability and selected those with the broadest appeal to minimize product waste.
Overview
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Best beauty Advent calendar overall:
Space NK Beauty
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Best value beauty Advent calendar:
Lookfantastic beauty Advent calendar
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Best for bath lovers:
Lush refillable Advent calendar
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Best for essential makeup and skincare:
Boots 24 Beauty Stars premium Advent calendar
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Best for product range:
Cult Beauty the Classic Curation
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Best entry-level calendar:
W7 Beauty Blast Advent calendar
Why to trust my recommendations
I earn a living by testing health and beauty items, from hair treatments and dryers to moisturisers and concealers. This means I am familiar with the best formulations than many beauty aficionados.
Evaluating numerous products has made me knowledgeable about skincare, hair care, and makeup – which are the primary contents of beauty Advent calendars. Additionally, I possess a cosmetic science certification, allowing me to discern the best products for specific skin and hair needs. As someone with sensitive skin, I recognize which ingredients can provoke irritation, ensuring I’ve only chosen calendars with products suitable for the majority of users to minimize waste.
Testing Process
I evaluated each beauty Advent calendar based on its product assortment, the general utility of those products for diverse users, and the quality and eco-friendliness of its packaging. I longlisted 22 of the most sought-after calendars from department stores and brands, refining my choices based on their contents. From there, I shortlisted the 13 calendars that offered both an impressive product range and value for money to scrutinize at home.
Physically interacting with each calendar provided insight into its packaging and delivery, the products’ quality and size, and notable features. In terms of sustainability, I ensured all calendars featured packaging that is either domestically recyclable or reusable.
The items within the calendars generally came in packaging that can be easily recycled, though all can also be returned to various cosmetic recycling programs, where pumps, sprays, and bottles can be responsibly recycled. These include Space NK’s collaboration with Handle and the Recycle at Boots scheme, which rewards you with extra points on your Advantage card for returning empties.
Most Advent calendars aim for broad appeal, but I also evaluated how beneficial the product selection would be. For makeup, this meant prioritizing neutral, wearable shades over loud fluorescent ones. Regarding hair care, I searched for formulas that condition and enhance all hair types instead of focusing on a specific kind. I appreciated seeing gentler skincare products that address common issues such as dullness, hydration, and barrier health, although an occasional anti-aging product or spot treatment was welcome as they also have wide appeal.
Testing 13 Advent calendars left me with a surplus of cosmetics and products. In cases where I wouldn’t use or couldn’t utilize a product from a calendar, I donated samples to the Redbridge Reach Out domestic abuse service, where items can support women and youth seeking refuge from domestic violence. If you find yourself with unusable products, consider seeking out a local beauty bank for donations or sharing items with friends and family.
Here are the top nine beauty Advent calendars from my testing.
Our top beauty Advent calendars for 2025
Best beauty Advent calendar overall:
Space NK Beauty
The luxury cosmetics retailer Space NK has been a leader in high-end skincare, body care, hair care, and makeup since its beginning. Their 2025 beauty Advent calendar offers a comprehensive collection, featuring 35 cult favorites that will continue to impress throughout 2026. With 26 full-size items from noteworthy brands, this certainly represents an exceptional beauty selection.
Why it stands out
With full-sized makeup from Hourglass, Rare Beauty, and Charlotte Tilbury; hair care from K18 and Olaplex; and skincare from Paula’s Choice and Laneige, this calendar caters to even the most particular beauty aficionados.
Its skincare assortment is particularly impressive, including two full-size cleansers, a Medik8 Liquid Peptides serum, a Paula’s Choice pro-collagen peptide moisturizer, and the new Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-barrier serum. These products are typically well-tolerated by most skin types.
You’ll also discover hair care from Dyson, an Augustinus Bader retinol serum, and the highly praised Colour Wow Dream Coat – an effective styling spray perfect for giving shine to unruly hair. Together with two petite perfumes that can easily fit in your handbag, the selection is hard to beat.
Moreover, the calendar’s packaging is fully recyclable, allowing for easy disposal in your regular recycling bin. Space NK has collaborated with Handle, which specializes in recycling beauty empties. If a Space NK store or Handle drop-off point is nearby, you can return the calendar’s empties alongside any other beauty products.
However, it’s unfortunate that … its price is quite high, and the included hair accessory was inadequate for my thick hair. While full up-dos may not be possible, half-up-half-down styles can definitely be achieved.
Product count: 35 (26 full size, 9 mini)
Overall value: approximately £1,150
Packaging: recyclable
Best value beauty Advent calendar:
Lookfantastic beauty Advent calendar
Numerous Advent calendars in this roundup justify their high prices by featuring a large number of full-size products, while cheaper alternatives typically consist of mainly mini items. The Lookfantastic calendar breaks this trend by providing 17 full-size products and 11 minis for under half the price of the Space NK calendar included in this guide.
Why it’s impressive
Within its drawers, you’ll discover a mix of luxurious skincare essentials, body care must-haves, versatile makeup, hair care, and accessories. Noteworthy items include a Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense serum that gently hydrates and plumps winter-damaged skin, along with the Ren Clean Skincare Radiance eye cream aimed at reducing the appearance of dark circles – ideal for those mornings after late nights.
Included is also a 75ml Color Wow shampoo and conditioner set, plus a mini hydrating and smoothing Wella hair mask that nourishes depleted locks. In terms of makeup, find three subtly pink hued lip products from Mac, a full-size Revolution eyeshadow palette, and a creamy Glow Hub blush stick. These shades are vibrant enough to suit all skin tones, and can be set effectively with the full-size Iconic London Prep Set Blur setting spray.
Alongside these beauty treasures are a Sol de Janeiro perfume mist and a White Company candle. The addition of two towelling wristbands is a nice touch, useful for preventing water from running down your arms during facial cleansing—particularly essential during the winter months to avoid any damp sleeve mishaps.
However, it’s worth noting that … the majority of full-size skincare included focuses on hydration, meaning targeted retinol or vitamin C products are somewhat lacking. Nonetheless, extra hydration is beneficial for most individuals during colder seasons, so this isn’t a significant drawback.
Product count: 28 (17 full size, 11 mini)
Overall value: £655
Packaging: recyclable
Best for bath enthusiasts:
Lush refillable Advent calendar
For those who consider bath time the best part of their day or are in search of an Advent calendar that the entire family can relish, this vibrant offering from Lush is my recommendation. Lush introduces a variety of calendars annually, but this refillable option is my favorite; it serves as an excellent storage solution for your Lush items and can be replenished for less expense (and packaging) when the brand releases its 2026 calendar next year.
Why it stands out
Lush is renowned for its playful and freshly made bath products – this calendar is packed with bombs and bubble bars. Some exude sweet aromas, while others have spiced scents; all are vegan and cruelty-free. If you’re a Lush devotee, this haul will be a delight.
The assortment also includes four festive shower gels, two body lotions – featuring my long-time favorite seasonal Lush fragrance, Yog Nog – two soaps, a perfume, and a lip scrub. Ideal for cozy holiday nights, you’ll also find Lush socks and a Christmas Eve scented candle – no guessing needed for which door that particular treat is behind.
This year’s refillable calendar was co-designed with Artbox London, a charity that facilitates workshops for individuals with learning disabilities and neurodivergent artists. The artist, Shruti Gadhvi, drew inspiration from meditation practices, positive affirmations, and the colorful flowers and sights encountered during her travels.
However, it’s unfortunate that … it’s on the pricier side, and calculating the overall value is challenging since 10 items are exclusive.
Product count: 25
Overall value: not disclosed
Packaging: refillable or recyclable (excluding the ribbon, which is reusable)
Best for essential makeup and skincare:
Boots 24 Beauty Stars premium Advent calendar
Boots’ Advent calendar features a commendable assortment of full-size items from well-known brands like Drunk Elephant, Nars, and Estée Lauder. Priced at £150, it may not appear cheap, but it is filled with sought-after skincare and makeup products that most beauty lovers will be keen to explore. The contents are valued at £612.50.
Why it’s appealing
The calendar showcases a visually appealing design, resembling a circus-themed chest that opens to unveil individually wrapped treats for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Despite its grand design, it maintains full recyclability.
Notable items include a full-size popular Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide cream and an Estée Lauder cleansing gel. There’s also a mini-sized Elemis cleansing balm; collectively, these products form an effective, gentle evening skincare routine that appeals to most people. Furthermore, you’ll find popular fragrances from Sol de Janeiro and Floral Street.
The makeup selection is also impressive, containing seven full-size makeup items: an Iconic London face powder palette, a Fenty liquid lipstick, a Too Faced shimmery lip oil, a Mac lip liner, a Laneige lip balm, a Nars light reflecting hydrator, and a Milk Makeup mini highlighter (the last of which slightly blurs the definition of “full size”). Additionally, there are mini sizes of the Benefit Hoola bronzer, Mac Velvet Teddy lipstick, and Laura Mercier loose-setting powder—all must-have basics for any makeup collection.
However, it’s worth noting that … there are just two haircare items, so if you’re specifically seeking hair products, you may want to explore alternative calendars.
Product count: 25 (17 full size, 8 mini)
Overall value: £612.50
Packaging: recyclable
Best for product variety:
Cult Beauty the Classic Curation
If the offerings in the Space NK calendar aren’t appealing to you, you might find something to adore in this generously packed calendar from Cult Beauty. Containing 34 products within 25 compartments, this calendar is filled with skincare favorites aimed at rejuvenating winter-weary skin, alongside some standout makeup items for your collection.
Why it stands out
It’s visually appealing, and the recyclable packaging feels robust and high-end. The calendar features a solid lineup of skincare designed to relieve dryness and enhance sensitive skin. This includes a Summer Fridays hydration mist, a Paula’s Choice barrier repair moisturizer, and a Byoma Phyto-Mucin glow serum.
For more targeted skincare, look out for the Elemis Pro-Collagen toning mist, a Medik8 C-Tetra advanced serum, and the blemish-fighting Oil La La serum from Krave. These are beneficial for when blemishes arise or when your complexion needs a pick-me-up after a night of indulgence.
Hair care includes a scalp recovery serum from Philip Kingsley, K18 Molecular Repair hair mask, and Hair by Sam McKnight’s Love Me Do nourishing hair oil. Perfect for tresses that have endured winter damage.
This calendar also impresses regarding makeup. Inside, you’ll find a blush duo from Patrick Ta, a Saie blush, and a Charlotte Tilbury beauty light wand. Additionally, there’s a mini By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder, a translucent powder I recently fell for – it effectively secures my makeup while preserving skin hydration.
However, it’s worth mentioning that … while most skincare included is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin, caution is advised with the Kate Somerville exfoliating mask – it’s quite strong and may cause irritation if not used carefully.
Product count: 34 (20 full size, 14 mini)
Overall value: approximately £1,100
Packaging: recyclable
Best entry-level calendar:
W7 Beauty Blast Advent calendar
This Advent calendar from W7 is remarkably affordable compared to the others presented here. Inside, you’ll find 24 compartments, each containing popular products from the W7 line, featuring seven full-sized products and 19 minis.
Why it stands out
While quality beauty Advent calendars typically carry a hefty price tag, the items contained in the W7 calendar can truly compete with some of the industry’s best.
Overall, the product selection is quite practical for most users – even makeup lovers will find these products useful in their routine. I especially appreciate the brand’s lip liners – two are included in this calendar – and its H2O loose powder, which sets makeup without drying out skin. Additionally, there’s a mini Honolulu Sun Rays bronzer, notably similar to the Benefit Hoola bronzer. Another highlight is the Edgy mascara, equipped with a curved wand to assist in lifting and curling lashes, and infused with biotin, castor oil, and vitamin B5 to nourish lashes.
The travel-sized eyeshadows, primers, lip balms, eye creams, and liquid blushes are perfect for those new to makeup who want to experiment with different formulations and styles without overspending. For the price, this calendar is ideal for anyone looking to explore new, budget-friendly products
