It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing says “you’re special” quite like the gift of an age-old tradition: an advent calendar. But instead of chocolate, today’s modern versions are out to impress – especially in the beauty category. These 12- and 24-day calendars are filled with beauty products of all kinds, meant to be opened one day at a time in the run-up to the festive season (or, if you’re impatient like me, all at once!).
While advent calendars may require a bit more of an initial splurge, the value is undeniable. Add up the retail price of each product inside, and you’ll be amazed at how much you’re saving.
Plus, they’re a fantastic way to sample multiple products from a brand all at once. Why settle for one product when you can try them all, right?
So, whether you’re shopping for someone you love or treating yourself, here’s my round-up of four of the best beauty advent calendars this season.
Benefit Cosmetics: The Gorgeous Grocer Advent Calendar
Fun, fabulous, pink and pretty, The Gorgeous Grocer Advent Calendar (€185 from Boots) is Benefit Cosmetics down to a tee. A delightful collection of brilliant Benefit best-sellers worth more than €350, cutely encased in a bright pink shopping basket. The calendar contains 24 products, four of which are full size, including The POREfessional Smoothing Face Primer, BADGal BANG! Volumizing Mascara, 24-Hour Brow Setter, and Roller Liner Eyeliner. There are also several mini blushes, the iconic Hoola Matte Bronzer, brow products, skincare essentials and much more.
Charlotte Tilbury: Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love
Charlotte Tilbury’s annual festive offerings never fail to impress, and this year is no exception. Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love (€215 from Brown Thomas) features a four-tiered, bejewelled chest containing 12 of the brand’s best-selling beauty staples, across make-up and skincare. The collection includes several Pillow Talk products; Push Up Lashes Mascara, Lip Cheat Lip Liner, Matte Revolution Lipstick and Eyeliner, along with Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, Charlotte’s Magic Cream, the perennially sold out Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand in the Pinkgasm shade, and much more.
Augustinus Bader: The 12 Days of Bader Advent Calendar
The ultimate splurge and an unparalleled gift for skincare enthusiasts, Augustinus Bader has created an exquisitely luxurious advent calendar this year. The 12 Days of Bader (€525 from Space NK) contains 12 of the brand’s iconic, award-winning products, including The Rich Cream, The Serum, The Essence, and The Face Oil, along with some of the brand’s newer launches, like The Eye Patches and The Tinted Lip Balm. It’s an unforgettable gift that is guaranteed to surprise and delight.
Boots: Premium Beauty Full Size 12-Day Advent Calendar
The most affordable advent calendar on this list – and potentially one of the best – Boots has knocked it out of the park this year with its Premium Beauty Full Size 12-Day Advent Calendar (€110 from Boots). As the name suggests, this offering contains 12 full-size beauty products valued at more than €400, from some truly excellent brands, including Sol de Janeiro, Huda Beauty, The Inkey List, Drunk Elephant and Iconic London, among others, spanning everything from make-up and hair products to skincare and body care.
This week I’m loving ... Nivea Serum Infused Micellar Water
As a long-time user of Nivea’s micellar water, I’m obsessed with its new range of serum-infused options. A first for the Irish market, these gentle micellar waters effortlessly melt away make-up and impurities without needing to rub or pull at the skin. At €10.99 for 400ml (from Boots), they’re incredibly affordable too. There are two versions available: Regenerating Micellar Water with hydrating ingredients to soothe the skin, and Skin Glow Micellar Water with brightening ingredients to boost glow.
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