The best beauty advent calendars take the thrill of Christmas morning and prolong it for days on end. Imagine tiny treasures hidden behind whimsical doors, revealing the year’s most coveted beauty launches. These calendars offer a journey of discovery leading up to the holidays, filled with palm-sized (and sometimes full-sized!) surprises that range from the perfect red lipstick to candles that make staying home even more luxurious. This year, these collectible calendars are infused with more magic than ever before.
For the 2024 holiday season, beauty brands seem to have peeked over Santa’s shoulder to see every beauty lover’s wish list—and they’re delivering every item on it. Whether you’re shopping for a family member who’s meticulous about skincare or a fragrance aficionado always sniffing out the next big scent, the best advent calendars have your entire shopping list covered. This year, some of our favorite launches include Charlotte Tilbury’s bejeweled makeup collection, Glow Recipe’s glass-skin-enabling collection, and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s assortment of radiance-restoring potions. All this and more are ready to add to your virtual sleigh (OK, cart) ahead of the holidays. Happy counting down!
A Glimpse Inside the Best Beauty Advent Calendars:
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Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love:
A luxurious collection of Charlotte’s iconic makeup and skincare, perfect for a glamorous holiday season.*
Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Advent Calendar 2024:
Unveil the secrets to radiant skin with this collection of Dr. Sturm’s renowned skincare products.*
L’Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Classic Holiday Advent Calendar:
Indulge in the soothing scents and textures of L’Occitane with this charming calendar.*
La Mer The World of La Mer 12-Day Advent Calendar:
Experience the transformative power of La Mer’s luxurious skincare with this limited-edition calendar.*
Jo Malone London Advent Calendar:
Unwrap a delightful array of Jo Malone’s signature fragrances, perfect for creating a festive atmosphere.*
Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar:
A curated selection of beauty essentials from Revolve’s most sought-after brands.*
British Vogue’s Festive Calendar:
A celebration of beauty and fashion, curated by the editors of British Vogue.*
Benefit Cosmetics The Gorgeous Grocer Holiday Calendar Gift Set:
A playful and practical collection of Benefit’s best-selling beauty products.When to Start Your Beauty Advent Calendar Shopping Spree
The leaves have barely begun to change, but it’s not too early to start your advent calendar shopping. The best beauty advent calendars go on sale months before the trees are trimmed, with the first ones hitting the virtual shelves in August. After that, it’s a race to keep up with the festive drops, as brands and retailers release their anticipated offerings in a dizzying whirl that lasts through early November. Don’t wait too long to shop; these highly sought-after calendars often sell out quickly, leaving you disappointed.
Value and Worth: More Than Just the Price Tag
While some beauty advent calendars fall into the splurge category, the best of them vary widely in cost. In the past, Vogue editors and their giftees have enjoyed everything from Sisley Paris’s $780 calendar to Saks Fifth Avenue’s $225 iteration and Voluspa’s $75 offering. No matter the cost, most calendars offer a considerable value. For instance, Benefit’s Gorgeous Grocer Holiday Calendar Gift Set, valued at $322, has a retail price of $164. La Mer’s 12-piece gift set, with an estimated worth of $720, has a $500 price tag. And consider this: Revolve’s Beauty Advent Calendar, valued at $539, will set holiday shoppers back just $150.
Ultimately, worth is a relative term. Along with the price, consider how many gifts each calendar holds and the quality of the products inside. Would it make you or your loved one light up like a fully lit menorah? Then it’s worth it! Finally, remember that some calendars come in keepsake boxes that last well beyond the calendar year.
A Guarantee of Delight:
Judging from the delighted squeals that erupt from our beauty closet every time an advent calendar arrives, every calendar on this list has the capacity to delight even the most seasoned beauty enthusiasts. But their appeal extends far beyond Vogue HQ. These limited-edition goods tend to sell out fast, and sets from brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Jo Malone, Sephora, Harrods, and Saks Fifth Avenue disappear from shelves particularly quickly.
Luxury Redefined:
When the world’s top luxury brands pour their savoir faire into advent calendars, the results are—predictably—the height of luxury. To wit: In 2023, Dior’s $750 Le 30 Montaigne Holiday Advent Calendar was filled with the brand’s best-loved fragrances, lipsticks, and serums; it also featured long-wearing lipsticks straight from the runway. Last year, Christian Louboutin’s $600 Holiday Advent Calendar held party-ready lipsticks, lengthening mascara, and twinkly keepsakes including lipstick and stiletto charms. This year, look out for luxurious offerings from these brands and more, including Sisley-Paris and YSL.
So, start your holiday shopping early and get ready to unwrap the magic of the season with these captivating beauty advent calendars. Happy counting down!
