Advent calendars are some of the best gifts that money can buy, and this year's lineup from leading beauty brands is all the proof you need.(Photo Illustration: Amanda Garrity/Yahoo News; Sephora)
Yes, I know you haven't even had your first pumpkin spice latte of fall (ahem, because it's still summer). And yes, I'm still here to talk about this year's lineup of beauty Advent calendars, which you won't even open until December. I have my reasons: The biggest names are releasing their Advent calendars earlier and earlier (hence why I'm writing this before the leaves have changed), so you run the risk of missing out on 2025's hottest countdowns if you wait to make your pick.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so only you know what you're after this holiday season. Would you rather stick with a brand that you know, or will you use this moment to try something new? If you opt for the latter, the curated assortments from Sephora and Anthropologie are your best with a mix of makeup, skin-care and fragrance faves. But if you want to put your money where your heart is, pick up an Advent calendar from a brand you're familiar with, like Charlotte Tilbury, Benefit or L'Occitane. Either way, this year's offerings will give you your money's worth (and then some).
We've still got a ways to go until peak Advent calendar season, so I'll update this list as new releases drop and sell out. My expert advice: If you see something you like, jump on it, because it won't last long.
Sephora's Holiday Savings Event is here! Rouge members could snag deals as early as Nov. 1, but the sale opens up to VIB and Beauty Insiders on Nov. 5. (FYI, if you're not a member, it's free to become a Beauty Insider, the entry-level tier membership.) All members can get 30% off Sephora Collection items right now, though, like this advent calendar. It includes everything from mascara and makeup wipes to brightening eye cream and nail polish.
"Should be fun to open every day! Calendar is bigger than I thought!" said one shopper.
Beauty Advent calendars sell out quickly, and this Anthropologie gem is always one of the first to go. My suggestion: Nab this top-rated option ASAP to score $300-plus worth of premium makeup and skin-care minis from First Aid Beauty, Patchology and a bevy of other bestselling brands.
Here's another beauty bestseller that's not to be missed. This year, Benefit has turned its holiday countdown into a festive game of sorts. Spin, flip and reveal 24 of the brand's holy-grail items — some are full-size (hint, hint, Benetint), while others are fun-size and perfect for future travels.
Value: $269 | Number of products: 25 | Product highlights: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Rare Eau de Parfum; Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (a top-tested pick!)
Sephora carries some of the biggest brands in beauty, and you can sample 'em all right here. Build out your stash of travel-friendly minis with this 25-day countdown, featuring an array of deluxe samples and full-size favorites (like the top-rated Danessa Myricks Beauty highlighter). You name it, this Advent calendar's got it: There's an assortment of makeup, skin care, hair care and fragrances from Sephora superstars like Olaplex, Saie, Sol de Janeiro ... the list goes on.
Value: $314 | Number of products: 12 | Product highlights: Full-size Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk; Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand in Pillow Talk
To know Charlotte Tilbury is to love her. And this holiday season, she'll help you glow even brighter than the Christmas tree with an assortment of all-star products in a variety of full-size and mini versions — I'm talking the brand's viral highlighter wand, cult-favorite Pillow Talk lip liner and an editor-backed setting spray.
And if it looks familiar, there's good reason why: The treasure chest design and product selection is nearly identical to last year's. But hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Value: $369 | Number of products: 24 | Product highlights: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream; L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream
The brand's almond-scented shower oil is a certified classic, but have you tried the rest of its range? Now's your chance to work your way through a curated selection of skin-soothers, from nourishing hand, foot and face creams to luxe shower upgrades. A surprising standout: The Cocon de Sérénité pillow mist, which is bound to bring the calm amid the (delightful) chaos of the season.
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