Gone are the days when an advent calendar meant a disappointing square of sub-par chocolate. Now, beauty brands release divine calendars that are packed with goodies. And you’d best get in early because they sell out quick.
"I love the fun of beauty advent calendars," says Prevention Australia's beauty editor, Cecily-Anna Bennett.
"Not only do you have the excitement of opening a special gift for yourself every day, but it’s a great way to discover and try a range of products from a brand that may even become regular favourites in your beauty regimen. The minis are perfect for travel too!"
Here are some of the best beauty advent calendars for 2023.
Signature scents
Glasshouse Fragrance 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar, $275
While this is a pricey advent calendar, it does include a good range of luxe surprises. You’ll experience the best of Glasshouse Fragrances with 24 cute miniatures, including candles, lip balm, hand cream, interior fragrance and, of course, perfume.
We love the festive box made to feel like a fun doll house, which opens out to reveal drawers full of goodies. The festive illustrations are by Michelle Pereira.
French classic
L’Occitane Classic Beauty Advent Calendar, $120
This advent calendar features L’Occitane’s most popular body, hair and skincare products. Think minis of their Blossom Shower Cream, Reset Serum, shampoo and conditioner, Verbena Leaf Soap and more. As a classic French skincare brand, you’ll know you’re getting quality products.
Must-have makeup
Revlon Advent Calendar, $135.95
Love makeup? This one’s for you. While there’s only 12 products, they are all full-sized. Think nail polish, lip gloss, mascara, blush and eye shadow.
The pull out drawers definitely add some fun to a daily gift for the 12 days of Christmas.
Nailed it
OPI Holiday 2023 Nail Lacquer Advent Calendar, $149.95
Can you ever have enough nail polish? This nail polish advent calendar will make sure you have a shade for every mood. It’s filled with 25 mini nail polishes in vibrant colours.
It includes some of OPI’s big hitters, such as Big Apple Red, Lincoln Park After Dark and Alpine Snow, as well as the holiday collection highlights such as Yay or Neigh, Blame The Mistletoe and Shaking My Sugarplums.
Heavy hitter
Body Shop Advent of Change Advent Calendar, $129
This advent calendar includes 24 mini Body Shop goodies, including mango hand balm, coconut shower cream and a vitamin E sheet mask.
The box’s lid transforms into a colourful Christmas pop-up scene. The cute pop-up parts can be reused as gift tags, say Body Shop. While it costs $129, it’s worth $193.
This isn’t the only advent calendar they offer, either. The Ultimate Advent of Change Advent Calendar, $289, has full-sized surprises including a fruity banana shampoo and edelweiss day cream. It weighs a whopping 5.2kg, which says it all.
“The hype is there for a reason, and we’re so delighted to offer beauty fans beauty calendars for every taste and every pocket. Not only are the advent calendars packed with products with purpose, they offer amazing value too,” says Laura Keane, global director of product development at The Body Shop.
These beauty advent calendars are available from 27 November, 2023. If you want to buy one earlier, the Body Shop has discounted their advent calendars from previous years.
Small but mighty
With just 12 minis, this is one of the most affordable beauty advent calendars out there. This one is for the makeup mavens, including everything from liners and bronzer to highlighter and tools.
Our favourite part is the incredible packaging with designs by Yankunytjatjara artist Kaylene Whiskey. She’s Mecca’s 2023 holiday artist, so you’ll see her designs across a range of products.
Residing on Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Country, Whiskey’s works incorporate pop culture references alongside traditional Anangu culture.
Spoil someone (or yourself)
Charlotte Tilbury Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets, $300
If someone in your life is looking to spoil you, you’d best leave some serious hints about this luxe chest. The box itself is enough to make us swoon, with jewel-handled drawers that would happily sit on a vintage dressing table.
It’s got 10 minis and two full sized products. Think Magic Cream Moisturiser, Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and lipstick. It costs $300 but is valued at $413. So, girl math reminds us of the huge savings to justify the spend.
A sustainable choice
Jurlique Advent Calendar, $195
This 24-day beauty advent calendar includes an array of Jurlique favourites, including Rose Face Oil, Nutri-Define Serum, Lavender Hand Cream, and Rosewater Balancing Mist.
Jurlique is an Australian company with a reputation for natural skincare and sustainability. We can get on board with that.
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