PSA: It’s only 11 weeks until Christmas. 11 WEEKS. We’ll leave that there for a second. It’s safe to say the run-up to the holiday season is going to fly by, and so is the chance to bag yourself one of this year’s best beauty advent calendars. Not only do they sell out in a matter of hours, but many amass huge waitlists before they’re even available to buy. We know, right? Just the kind of added pressure we need pre-Christmas.
But fear not, because our Beauty Editor is here to reveal which beauty advent calendars you should be shopping for this year – and which ones are available to buy here in the UAE (because sadly, quite a few aren’t). From fancy fragrance-filled offerings to eco-friendly finds and everything in between, there’s something for everyone. The only problem? You’ll want them all.
Liberty
Last year, Liberty’s beauty advent calendar became the fastest-selling product to ever be sold at the iconic London department store. So, if you’re hoping to get your hands on this year’s, you need to get your name down on that waiting list, circa yesterday. Inside each snow-covered Liberty storefront box, you’ll find everything from Le Labo perfumes and Byredo lipsticks to Rose Inc blush and skincare from Dr. Barbara Sturm and Augustinus Bader. Not to mention a brand new launch from Liberty that’s yet to be announced. Ex-cited.
Lush
Trust Lush to create the ultimate vegan and sustainable beauty advent calendar that’s crammed full of fun, festive beauty buys. Each limited-edition box is made from 100% recycled board and is wrapped with ribbon made from 100% polyester from recycled drinks bottles. Clever. Plus, it’s so pretty (thanks to a colourful design by Andre Williams) that you’ll use it long after the Christmas tree has come down. Not forgetting what’s inside, of course. Think: Santa bath bombs, snow angel bath melts, gingerbread lip scrubs, festive body washes and lotions and potions aplenty. Plus a few surprises specially created for the calendar. As if we needed another excuse.
Harrods Beauty
The Harrods beauty advent calendar needs no introduction, and this year it’s even more decadent and dreamy than ever. Each gorgeous green box features the iconic storefront in gold and is brimming with some of the best beauty brands and buys in the business – Gisou haircare, Aromatherapy Associates shower oils, Sunday Riley face oils and NARS lip balms included. A word of warning – your willpower will be seriously tested.
Harrods fragrance
Because one beauty advent calendar isn’t enough, for a second year running Harrods has answered every fragrance fanatic’s prayers with its scent-dedicated offering. With fragrances from the likes of Byredo, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Parfums de Marly and Roja, it’s safe to say you’ll smell seriously good this holiday season.
Bloomingdale’s
Nothing says self-care more than a good old pamper sesh, and that’s exactly what Bloomingdale’s had in mind when it created this 30-strong beauty calendar packed full of beauty goodies to leave you looking and feeling your best. We’re talking luxury skincare from 111Skin, Estée Lauder and Sisley, makeup from Bobbi Brown, Armani and Laura Mercier, fragrances from YSL, room sprays from Dr. Vranjes and even a gorgeous SLIP silk hair scrunchy. And yes, that is a mini Diptyque Bais candle. Sold.
Cult Beauty
Get your name on the Cult Beauty advent calendar list NOW. Go. We’ll wait. Year after year beauty fanatics go nuts for this one, and with good reason. Not only does it boast cult classics pretty much every beauty aficionado swears by (Laneige’s lip sleeping mask and Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen to name a couple), but it also adds a touch of luxury (hello 111Skin and Augustinus Bader), a sprinkle of glamour (Huda Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury, we’re looking at you) alongside a hit of health (yas Yum Nutrition hair gummies) to tick every beauty box, and then some.
Jo Loves
“I love Christmas,” says fragrance legend Jo Malone. “From the very first moment on the 1st of December to the 25th, the countdown is magical. There is a scented delight to enjoy every day, with a personalised surprise waiting for you on Christmas Day.” Well, if that wasn’t enough, this gorgeous bauble-inspired beauty advent calendar is brimming with scented delights created by Malone – body mists, hand creams, Christmassy candles and – of course – her iconic colognes included. Even better? Six of the Warner House-designed baubles can be used again, so you can add them to your decoration box for years to come.
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Skincare aficionados, this one’s for you. Dr. Barbara Sturm needs no introduction (she’s the woman behind the flawless complexions of pretty much every A-lister under the sun) and her anti-inflammatory approach to slowing down ageing and boosting skin health is the secret behind her medically-backed products. With everything you could possibly need to amp up your skincare routine (cleansers, toners, masks, serums, glow-boosting drops…) her festive offering will ensure you put your best face forward, all holiday season long.
Charlotte Tilbury
Darlings, Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty advent calendar is back – and it’s a makeup must-have. Inside each of its 12 drawers, you’ll find some of Tilbury’s most iconic products adored by celebs and beauty buffs around the world. We’re talking mini Magic Creams, pout-perfecting lip oils, glow-getting highlighter wands and lash-boosting mascaras. All in handy travel sizes so you can pop in your bag for the ultimate on-the-go glam-up.
Look Fantastic
Coming in at a lot less than its counterparts, this beauty calendar might not cost as much, but it will still help you – well – look fantastic. (Sorry). With a load of full-size and deluxe-size offerings, there are 27 surprises crammed inside, including MAC’s MACStack Mascara, a NARS orgasm blush, Eve Lom’s Rescue Mask, ESPA’s uplifting shower Gel, and a Real Techniques makeup sponge to get you Christmas party ready. Or, if you’re looking for a way to unwind after a manic present shopping spree, simply slather on the Coco And Eve hair mask, light the Look Fantastic x Aery Living Christmassy candle, and pop on a Beautypro retinol eye mask.
