Some people want to find the new Apple Watch Series 10 under their Christmas tree. Others have added a chic and comfortable pair of loafers to their list. For me, it’s all about the best beauty products. And I can’t think a more fun way to unwrap my favorite skincare and makeup goodies than in the form of an advent calendar. They’ve become a thing—nearly every brand I know makes one—and I’d like to make the case that these make great gifts for anyone on your list (who doesn’t want glowing, radiant skin with the cold weather coming?).
Admittedly, you might see the price of these calendars and roll your eyes at the price, but in many cases, you’re actually saving hundreds of dollars given the value. And each one is slightly different, so you can invest in the one that you (or the person you’re shopping for) resonates with the most. Maybe you’re on the hunt for the best long-lasting perfumes, or perhaps you enjoy trying new skincare brands.
Whatever you’re after, trust that there are plenty of options out there for you. Luckily, the Women’s Health beauty team, myself included, sifted through dozens of options to narrow down a list of the top four that are worth every penny.
Read on for all the details.
Value: $300
Standout products: Charlotte’s Magic Cream, Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk
What’s inside:
- Full-size Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm
- Full-size Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk
- Full-size Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir
- Travel-Size AIRbrush Flawless Setting Spray
- Travel-Size Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara in Super Black
- Travel-Size Pillow Talk Eyeliner
- Travel-Size Matte Revolution in Pillow Talk Original
- Travel-Size Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen
- Travel-Size Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk Original
- Travel-Size Glow Toner
- Travel-Size Charlotte’s Magic Cream
- Travel-Size Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
Why we love it: It didn’t take much for us to fall in love with this heart-shaped Advent calendar. It contains 12 of the very best Charlotte Tilbury makeup and skincare products that are sure to give you a major glow this holiday season. It comes with a mix of full-size and travel-size items worth $300, but buying it as an Advent calendar saves you $80.
Opening up the boxes using the small handles are a breeze and a mess-free process. I also love that if you don’t want to keep your products in their designated slots, you can use the packaging as a jewelry box. During the unboxing process, part of me wished this included more than 12 products. But afterward, I actually thought it was the perfect amount given the size, structure, and multi-use function of the calendar.
Value: Not listed.
Standout products: Jumbo Face Sticks in Apple Pie, Soft Cheek Tint Coraliclous
What’s inside:
- Butter Gloss in Bit Of Honey
- Butter Gloss in Crème Brulee
- Butter Gloss in Madeline
- Butter Gloss Bling in Pricey
- Butter Gloss Bling in She Got Money
- Butter Gloss Swirl in Sweet Slushie
- Fat Oil Lip Drip in My Main
- Fat Oil Lip Drip in Missed Call
- Fat Oil Lip Drip in That’s Chic
- Soft Matte Lip Cream in Rome
- Soft Matte Lip Cream in London
- Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes
- Smooth Whip Lip Cream in Kitty Belly
- Smooth Whip Lip Cream in Cherry Crème
- Smooth Whip Lip Cream in Onsie Funsie
- Jumbo Face Sticks in Lemon Meringue
- Jumbo Face Sticks in Apple Pie
- Soft Cheek Tint in Bombshell
- Soft Cheek Tint Coraliclous
- Soft Cheek Tint in Show Girl
- Fat Oil Click Stick in Hits Different
- Fat Oil Click Stick in No filter Needed
- Fat Oil Click Stick in Going Viral
- Ultimate Shadow Palette in Shade 1
- Ultimate Shadow Palette in Shade 2
- Ultimate Shadow Palette in Shade 3
- Ultimate Shadow Palette in Shade 4
- Ultimate Shadow Palette in Shade 5
- Ultimate Shadow Palette in Shade 6
Why we love it: If Home Alone is your favorite holiday film, you’ll love this 24-piece calendar that’s designed based on Kevin McCallister’s home. It’s ideal if you want to be able to open something every day leading up to Christmas, and every box is slightly different. Customers will end up getting one of six possible Ultimate Shadow Palletes in addition to the 23 other items on the list above. You’ll receive a mix of lip oils and glosses, cheek tints, highlighters, and eyeshadow.
Opening this is super easy thanks to the grid lines on the cardboard to help you break open the product slots. However, it’s worth noting that many of the products are the same thing in different shades. So if you want a new surprise every day, this may not be the best fit. But if you like the idea of owning the whole collection of your favorite NYX products, this is for you. Plus, 24 products for $110 is a total deal.
Value: $132
Standout products: Anti-Dark Circles Eye Masks Blueberry Extract + Anti-Fatigue Caffeine, Bubble Bath & Shower Gel monoï
What’s inside:
- Two hair clips
- Exfoliating shower mitt
- Hair scrunchie
- Eye roller
- Two nail files
- Slanted tweezers
- Multi-purpose phosphorescent stickers
- Bubble Bath & Shower Gel monoï
- Love the Lift Mascara in Ultra Black
- Cleansing Wipes in Aloe
- Anti-Dark Circles Eye Masks Blueberry Extract + Anti-Fatigue Caffeine
- Quenching & Plumping Effect Face Mask in Watermelon Extract
- Lip Mask in Cherry Extract
- Nose Strip Blackhead Remover
- Brightening Eye Cream
- All Day Hydrator-Hydrate +Glow
- Clean Skin Gel
- Nail Polish in 101 Clean White
- Nail Polish in 202 Berry Red
- Top Coat Polish
- Lip Marker in 02 Make it Loud
- Lip Liner To Go in 03 Classic Red
- 12H Retractable Eyeliner Waterproof in 10 Matte Brown
- Coconut Foot Masks
Why we love it: For those who prefer to have an Advent calendar full of miscellaneous items in addition to their favorite Sephora products, look no further. This set is full of fun gifts like hair clips, an exfoliating glove, masks, nail polish, and much more. In case you didn’t know, Sephora is also selling their Premium Calendar ($89) and a smaller After Advent Calendar ($35), making it a breeze to weigh how much you want to spend for the number of items you get. No matter your budget, there’s an option for you.
Because the packaging is cardboard, it’s not as durable as some of the other boxes, but it’s still simple to open. That said, it’s not the kind of packaging you’d keep after opening it like the Charlotte Tilbury one, for example. There are also some product repeats in different shades and scents, but there’s no shortage of fun surprises in the box. When you do the math, you’re saving over $80.
Lancôme Advent Calendar 2024 ($190)
Value: $693
Standout products: La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum, Hypnose Drama Mascara
What’s inside:
- Full-size La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum
- Full-size Hypnose Drama Mascara
- Full-size L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte in Shade 299, French Cashmere
- Advanced Genifique
- Full-size Cils Booster XL Mascara Primer
- Full-size Hypnose Eyeshadow Palette in 09 Fraicheur Rosee
- Full-size La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum (0.34 fl. oz.)
- Idôle Eau de Parfum
- L’Absolu Rouge Matte in 196 French Touch
- La Vie Est Belle Body Lotion
- Tonique Doucer
- Tonique Confort
- Lait Galetee Confort
- Hydra Zen Gel Cream
- Renergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream
- Renergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream
- Absolue Soft Cream
- L’Absolu Rouge Matte in 505 Attrape Coeur
- L’Absolu Rouge Intimatte in 888 French Idol
- Absolue Eye Cream
- Tresor eau de parfum
- Advanced Génifique Eye Cream
- Hypnôse Mascara
- Lash Idôle Mascara
Why we love it: If you’re someone who loves to splurge on beauty products but never finishes them, look no further than this Advent calendar from Lancome. Most of the products are on the smaller side, but that gives you the chance to fully test a product out before investing in the full-size. Not only is the packaging stunning (and durable) but the products inside are valued at $693. Over $500 of savings? Sign me up.
Similar to NYX, this is another good option for someone who wants something to open up until Christmas. Additionally, almost all the products are something different (with the exception of the La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum, which comes in regular-sized and travel-friendly bottles). Once you take all the items out, it’s a bit difficult to place the products back in the right spots, so you may want to ditch the box once the holidays are over.
The bottom line
While we love them all, I think each of these kits will be more suited to certain people on your list. If you or your giftee will appreciate a calendar that has mostly full-size products, your best bet might be Sephora or NYX. For the fragrance-lover, Lancome offers the most. The makeup enthusiast in your life might really appreciate Charlotte Tilbury or NYX, while your skincare-loving friend might prefer Lancome or Sephora.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your unique needs and preferences. Happy shopping.
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Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
