The best beauty advent calendars of 2025
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Every year, I tell myself I don’t need another beauty advent calendar. And every year, without fail, I cave. There’s just something about the ritual of opening a perfectly wrapped little drawer each morning in December that makes the countdown to Christmas feel like a daily present to myself.
Since 2014 (!) I’ve been loyal to Liberty’s Beauty Advent Calendar (£275, Liberty), and with good reason.
It’s the beauty advent that started the craze, and it still sets the standard. The drawers feel luxurious, the line-up is consistently strong (we’re talking Sunday Riley, Le Labo, Augustinus Bader, Vilhelm Perfumierie – honestly I could go on and on), and it always includes a full-size or two that more than justifies the price tag. It was the design of the box that initially drew me in all those years ago, and that has stayed a constant delight.
But after years of Liberty, this year I thought I’d switch it up—and I’ve gone for Anthropologie’s 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar (£98, Anthropologie).
For me, it’s the dark horse of the beauty advent world. You don’t necessarily think ‘beauty’ when you think of Anthropologie, but this calendar is packed with cult favourites (Malin+Goetz, ESPA, Grown Alchemist). The packaging is chic, colourful, and I can’t wait to see the contents come December.
If you’re looking for something iconic and traditional, Fortnum & Mason’s Beauty Advent Calendar (£265, Fortnum & Mason) is hard to beat.
It’s the sort of advent that feels like a piece of Christmas décor in its own right, with Fortnum’s signature elegance and a line-up that blends heritage and new-gen brands. Expect everything from Jo Malone to Bramley Wellness Pillow Spray. It’s indulgent, yes, but you’ll use every single thing inside.
Kiehl’s 24 Days Advent Calendar (£120, Kiehl’s) is another winner if you’re skincare-first.
It’s cheery and playful on the outside but inside it’s pure Kiehl’s—think mini Ultra Facial Creams, cult cleansers, and even a couple of serums. If you’ve ever wanted to test the range without committing to full sizes, this is the way to do it.
Over at John Lewis, the Beauty Advent Calendar (£235, John Lewis) has quickly become a fan favourite.
It’s good value for money with a carefully curated edit—Charlotte Tilbury, Laneige, Estée Lauder, to name just a few—and the packaging is simply beautiful. In fact the cover design is worth the money in itself!
Meanwhile, M&S’s Beauty Box Advent (£60 when you spend £35 on beauty, home, or clothing, M&S) remains one of the best bargains on the market.
Every year it sells out at record speed, and for good reason: for under £100 you’re getting a huge line-up of high street and premium beauty. It’s proof that you don’t have to splurge hundreds to get a daily dose of excitement.
And finally, Harrods’ Beauty Advent Calendar (£250, Harrods).
Now, I’ll be honest: the outside of this year’s feels restrained, yes it’s chic but Christmas is about opulence and glitter, surely? That said, the contents are undeniably impressive—Christophe Robin, 111SKIN, Hourglass—if you’re after pure luxury for your skin then this is the one.
So, which one should you choose? If you want heritage and wow factor, go Liberty or Fortnum’s. If you want something chic but different, Anthropologie is a brilliant option (my pick this year). If you’re all about skincare, go Kiehl’s. For excellent value, John Lewis and M&S are the ones to beat.
Because let’s be honest, December mornings feel infinitely better with a beauty treat waiting behind a little door. And I, for one, wouldn’t have it any other way.