M&S beauty Advent calendar 2024 review: the Home of Beauty edition is a great option for M&S loyalists

Pricing on writing: £50 (when you spend £35 in-store or online), worth over £300 | Buy now from M&S

Our verdict

M&S has long been a firm favourite among Mumsnet users and our own team, especially given its recent improvements in product offerings. The brand's annual beauty Advent calendar is typically a sell-out hit, but the 2024 edition is receiving mixed reviews from our Mumsnet users – and after personally testing, I can see why.

The calendar boasts 25 products spanning haircare, skincare, body care, fragrance, and makeup, with a claimed overall value of more than £300. However, it's worth noting that only six of these products are full-sized, which might disappoint some beauty enthusiasts expecting more substantial items.

One of the strongest selling points is the packaging – a luxurious velvet vanity case that can be repurposed for years to come. This adds value and could make it an appealing gift option for parents or relatives.

Each item is inside it’s own little box that all have their own whimsical, festive designs

Packaging aside, there’s still a few standout products inside this beauty Advent calendar that are worth getting excited over in my personal opinion, including: 

• Color Wow Colour Security Shampoo and Conditioner (75ml each): While travel-sized, these cult favorites are a great way to try the brand's color-protecting formulas.

• Percy & Reed Smoothing Blow Dry Cream (full-size): A welcome addition for those battling frizz before styling.

• Philip Kingsley Elasticizer (40ml): A popular product that one Mumsnet user claims "makes [her] hair feel soft and much less frazzled."

• Clinique Take The Day Off Balm (15ml): A gentle makeup remover, though disappointingly small.

• Benefit Fan Fest Mascara: Valued at £27 alone, this full-size product offers great volume and length.

Without spoiling all of the contents at this stage, I was pleased to find a couple of Nail Inc. polishes inside. I feel like hand and nail products have been lacking in other calendars I’ve reviewed, and as an individual who prefers a DIY job rather than spending a fortune at the salon, new polishes are always welcomed.

I love that you can repurpose the packaging once Christmas is over

I was also happy to discover two tester fragrances to try (one actually smells like Chanel’s No. 5), which is another product type I’ve not yet come across in other calendars besides the more luxury, high-end ones from Harrods and Cult Beauty. 

While the haircare offering is strong, those looking for a balance of skincare and cosmetics might find the selection lacking. The inclusion of some repeat products from last year's calendar, such as the Dr. PawPaw tinted red lip balm, may disappoint returning customers.

How much is the M&S Home of Beauty beauty Advent calendar 2024? 

At first glance, the £50 price tag seems attractive. However, the catch is that you need to spend an additional £35 in-store or online on beauty, home, or clothing at M&S. 

This is great if you have other items to purchase from the retailer, but not so great if you're looking for an affordable standalone calendar, as the upfront cost would be £85 or above.

Related: review of Jurlique's beauty Advent calendar

Who is the M&S Home of Beauty beauty Advent calendar most suited for? 

This calendar would be ideal for:

• M&S loyalists who regularly shop at the store

• Those looking to try a variety of hair care products

• Beauty enthusiasts on a budget (considering the overall value)

• People who appreciate reusable, luxe packaging

What is inside the M&S Home of Beauty beauty Advent calendar for 2024? 

Spoiler alert! If you don't want to spoil the contents of this calendar entirely, skip this section and go straight to buy it now.

But if you're like me and my fellow Mumsnet users who can't resist taking a peek before investing, read on for some of my personal favourites from this year's M&S beauty Advent calendar.

Everything inside this year’s M&S beauty Advent calendar

Favourite #1 - Clinique Take the Day Off Balm (15ml)

While I was initially disappointed by the small size, this mini version of Clinique's cult classic makeup remover is perfect for travel or trying out the product. 

The balm-to-oil formula melts away even the most stubborn of makeup, leaving my skin clean and soft. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin like mine and doesn't leave any greasy residue. A little goes a long way, so even this small pot should last a while.

I’m a lover of Clinique products either way, so this was a lovely surprise when opening its drawer. 

Favourite #2 - nails.inc in Cranberry (10ml)

Oh, I do love red polish! This festive shade is perfect for the holiday season. nails.inc polishes are known for their long-wearing formula and high shine finish. The cranberry colour is versatile enough to wear from day to night and complements a variety of skin tones. 

Plus, it's a great addition to your winter manicure collection for Christmas and all its festivities.

(L to R), products from Color WOW, Bloom & Blossom and Clinique

Favourite #3 - WOW Colour Security Conditioner (75ml)

As someone who colours their hair blonde, I'm always on the lookout for products that help maintain vibrancy. This Color WOW conditioner is a game-changer. It's sulphate-free and helps to lock in colour while providing deep hydration.

The 75ml size is generous enough to get a good feel for the product and see real results. My hair feels softer and looks shinier after use, so I definitely recommend it.

Related: our review of LOOKFANTASTIC's 2024 beauty Advent calendar

Favourite #4 - Prai Beauty Ageless Throat and Decolletage Creme (30ml)

This is a product I've been curious about but hesitant to splurge on, so I'm thrilled to see it in the calendar. Designed specifically for the delicate skin of the neck and chest area, this cream helps to firm and smooth.

It has a lovely, light texture that absorbs quickly. While 30ml isn't full-size, it's enough to see if this product deserves a permanent spot in my skincare routine. So far, so good. Particularly now I’m reaching an age where my decolletage specifically needs some extra TLC. 

Favourite #5 - Benefit Fan Fest Mascara (8.5g)

I was excited to see a full-size product from a premium brand like Benefit in this calendar. 

The Fan Fest mascara promises voluminous, fanned-out lashes, and it definitely delivers. The curved brush helps to separate and lift lashes, while the formula adds both length and volume without clumping. 

I’ve found that it's long-wearing but still easy to remove at the end of the day. This mascara alone makes the calendar great value for money, IMHO.

When does the M&S beauty Advent calendar go on sale?

The 2024 edition of the M&S beauty Advent calendar is available both in-stores nationwide and online now.

Related: our review of Boots' 12 Days of Luxury beauty Advent calendar

What is M&S’s delivery for their beauty Advent calendar?

When ordering online, M&S's usual delivery procedures will apply. Depending on your location, you can choose from options like standard delivery, next-day service, or click-and-collect from a nearby store.

The reusable velvet vanity case is lovely

Final verdict on M&S Home of Beauty beauty Advent calendar 

The M&S Home of Beauty beauty Advent calendar for 2024 offers a mixed bag of treats. 

While it provides good value for money and includes some standout products, particularly in haircare, the requirement to spend an additional £35 and the limited number of full-sized products may deter some shoppers.

However, for those who regularly shop at M&S or are looking for an affordable way to try a variety of beauty products, this calendar could still be a worthwhile purchase. The reusable velvet vanity case adds an extra touch of luxury and practicality that sets it apart from other calendars on the market.

If you're a fan of M&S beauty products and don't mind the mix of full-size and mini items, this calendar offers a fun way to countdown to the holidays while discovering new beauty favourites.

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 roundup of the best beauty Advent calendars