Stylist x Latest in Beauty Advent calendar review: the one that’s packed with 26 full-sized products

Price on writing: £169 £129 with the code MUMAC40, worth £611 | Buy now from Latest in Beauty

Our verdict

Having spent the last month working my way through this year’s collection of beauty Advent calendars available, I have to say, this new entry for 2024 stands out for all the right reasons. 

Full transparency - when I first heard about yet another beauty Advent calendar hitting the market, I was sceptical. Especially when the likes of Liberty, Lookfantastic, SEPHORA and Cult Beauty are all favourites among Mumsnet users every year. But honestly, this collaboration between Latest in Beauty and Stylist magazine has brought something refreshingly different to the table. 

The calendar forgoes the usual approach of cramming in loads of miniatures in favour of a more considered collection of full-sized products that you’ll actually want to use. 

Related: Inside the OK! Beauty Advent calendar with Hannah Martin

And while the sleek, black and silver packaging may not scream ‘Christmas’ like some of its competitors, what it lacks in festive charm it makes up for in sophisticated style (which we’d expect from the likes of Stylist, IMO). Each item sits in its own drawer, which feels decidedly more premium than the usual cardboard doors we’re used to seeing in Advent calendars.

The collaboration is indeed, stylish, but could be more festive in its design

What really stands out is the thoughtful curation. Every product feels like it serves a purpose, rather than just being thrown in to bump up the number of days. From the practical (hello, scalp massager - where have you been all my life?) to the luxurious (that NEOM candle is already taking pride of place on my bedside table), there’s an impressive balance that makes the £169 price tag easier to justify. Even easier when the whole calendar is worth over £600+ combined.

Charlotte Ross, MNHQ

Speaking of price - yes, it’s an investment and dearer than others I’ve tried this year. But as someone who’s perpetually trying to balance wanting nice things with the reality of a family budget (and a partner who raises their eyebrows at every package delivered to my door), the value here is genuinely good. When you break down the cost per product and consider they’re full-sized, it works out as a savvy way to stock up on premium beauty items. 

The only real downside? The packaging could be more festive. But if you're more interested in what's inside than how it looks on your mantlepiece (and let's be honest, with young kids, nothing stays perfectly displayed for long anyway), this shouldn't be a deal-breaker.

How we tested the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar?

Unlike other beauty Advent calendar reviews I’ve completed this year, for this particular one, I had the help of two colleagues at MNHQ to share their verdict: Georgia Mann and Charlotte Ross.

I felt their input was helpful given that this calendar is brand new, compared to the likes of the beauty Advent calendar regulars.

The calendar itself is large in height, but slim enough to sit neatly on a mantle or tabletop

How much is the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar?

Priced at £169, this calendar represents serious value when you consider the £611 worth of products inside. Even better? You can use the code MUMAC40 for £40 off the overall price and enjoy free delivery. Meaning, that £169 is reduced to £129. 

As someone who's always looking for ways to make beauty buys more budget-friendly, that's a significant saving that brings it more in line with other premium calendars on the market.

Who is the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar most suited for? 

If you're someone who loves discovering new brands alongside tried-and-tested favourites, this calendar is perfect. 

It's particularly well-suited for beauty enthusiasts who appreciate full-sized products (no tiny samples that run out after one use) and want a good mix of skincare, makeup, and body care.

Georgia Mann, MNHQ

As a working mum who's always short on time, I especially appreciate how the selection balances luxury treats with practical essentials you'll actually use. It's also an ideal purchase for anyone wanting to upgrade their beauty routine without the commitment of buying everything separately.

Everything inside the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar for 2024

What is inside the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar for 2024? 

Let me share my top five products that make this calendar worth the investment IMHO:

Favourite #1 - Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 (worth £45)

As someone who battles blemishes at a certain time every month, alongside the first signs of aging, this gentle retinal formula has been a game-changer for me. It’s perfect for retinol beginners (like moi) and sensitive skin types, making it less intimidating than stronger formulations. 

Medik8 is also a brand I’ve quickly fallen in love with after opening the brand’s Press & Glow Tonic in the Lookfantastic calendar this year. 

Favourite #2 - NEOM Organics Perfect Night's Sleep Candle (worth £38)

After bedtime battles with my two DC, this candle has become my signal that it's finally me-time. The lavender and chamomile blend actually helps create that wind-down atmosphere we all desperately need. Plus, it's not one of those tiny sample candles - this is proper size!

(L to R) Products from NEOM, 111Skin and Medik8 are among my favourites

Favourite #3 - 111Skin Cryo Sculpt Face Mask

Nothing says "I got more than 4 hours sleep" quite like this cooling mask. It's perfect for those mornings after being woken up every hour or early wake-up calls. The de-puffing effect is noticeable, and it feels incredibly luxurious to use.

Favourite #4 - VIEVE Modern Matte Lipstick - Deity

Now, VIEVE is a brand I’ve personally followed closely for years ever since founder and MUA Jamie Genevieve launched it back in 2020. My obsession with Jamie herself extends much longer, to be honest. So, you can imagine my delight when I opened this particular item in the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar. 

Finally, a nude lipstick that doesn't make me look like I've raided the concealer circa 2009! The shade 'Deity' is thatperfect your-lips-but-better colour that works for school runs and Google meetings alike. The formula is comfortable enough for all-day wear, too. 

Favourite #5 - Illamasqua Gel Sculpt - Outline

For those days when full contouring feels like too much effort (most days, let's be honest), this gel formula creates subtle definition without looking like you've been heavy-handed with bronzer. It's foolproof and fast - perfect for rushed mornings.

What does the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar go on sale?

Good news - it's available right now! With limited stock available and that tempting MUMAC40 discount code for £40 off, I'd recommend not waiting too long if you're interested.

What are the delivery options for the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar? 

Standard delivery is available across mainland UK, and there's free delivery when using the MUMAC40 code. 

Orders are dispatched within two to three working days, ensuring plenty of time before December 1st rolls around.

Each item has its own dedicated drawer that’s sturdy. 

How is the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar different to other beauty Advent calendars? 

What sets this calendar apart is its commitment to full-sized products - there’s no disappointing samples here! 

The collaboration with Stylist magazine means every product has been carefully selected by beauty experts who understand what really works. 

Plus, the inclusion of practical items alongside luxury treats makes it feel more thoughtfully curated than many other calendars I've tested this year.

Final verdict on the Latest in Beauty x Stylist beauty Advent calendar

While the £169 price tag might initially make you wince, the value for money is undeniable when you consider you're getting £611 worth of full-sized products. 

The mix of items across skincare, makeup and body care, combined with the expert curation from Stylist magazine of both practical and luxury items, makes this a standout choice for beauty lovers who want quality over quantity from their beauty Advent calendar this year. 

Georgia Mann, MNHQ

Yes, the packaging could be more festive, but the sophisticated design and drawer system make it feel more premium than traditional advent calendars.

This new beauty Advent calendar is certainly worth investing in IMHO

In short: So, if you're looking to treat yourself or a beauty-loving friend this Christmas, this calendar offers excellent value and a genuinely exciting selection of products that you'll actually use well into the new year.

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to prioritise yourself when you become a mother. So, she’s on a quest to find the best beauty and fashion products that are both practical and affordable, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices correct at time of publication

Read next: Our guide to the best beauty Advent calendars this year