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Best beauty Advent calendars for 2022: top picks for skincare, makeup, fragrance and more
Chocolate Advent calendars are great for kids, but why not give yourself a well-earned treat of self-care every day in December with a beauty Advent calendar? Here are the best ones to invest in this year.
By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated Sep 28, 2022

Selfridges released the first beauty Advent calendar back in 2010 and ever since this festive trend has really grown in popularity, placed firmly at the top of every beauty fanatics' Christmas wish list.
Over the last 12 years, we've seen some of the biggest brands create their own Advent calendars – including the likes of M&S, Holland & Barrett and John Lewis, with new brands, new products and new retailers getting involved every year.
If you're already counting down the days until Christmas 2022, you may be wondering what beauty Advent calendar to buy this year and when you can get your hands on them. They tend to sell out quickly, so whilst many are yet to hit the shelves, we’ve got all the insights on what to expect and those all-important release dates.
They may be more extravagant than your average chocolate Advent calendar, but they can make each day feel really special and, let’s be honest, after the turmoil of the last few years, we all deserve some extra TLC in the depths of winter. More and more Advents now contain full-sized products too, so if you usually spend a lot throughout the year, you could actually save money on your beauty collection.
Take it from Mumsnet user LarsErickssong: “I only got a calendar for the first time last year on a bit of a whim as I didn't know what I wanted for my birthday. Never really been into skincare but trying all the different products has made me obsessed! So I'm really excited to be able to research and choose properly this year knowing more of what I do or don't like.”
When do beauty Advent calendars go on sale?
It may only be September, but some of this year's beauty Advent calendars are already on sale, with many other brands opening waiting lists ready for their official launches in late September/early October. Be warned – they are always popular, with many fans already champing at the bit to get their hands on this year's haul. To avoid disappointment, it’s recommended you sign up for the waitlists as soon as possible and don’t hang around when they go on sale.
Whether it’s an affordable beauty Advent calendar for those who don’t want to blow the budget, a luxury skincare Advent calendar or even a fragrance Advent calendar, we’ve researched the best beauty Advent calendars that are sure to bring a smile each morning.
Here are the best beauty Advent calendars for 2022.
Available now: what are 2022’s best beauty Advent calendars?
1. Best overall beauty Advent calendar: Fortnum's Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £245 | Buy now from Fortum & Mason
“I've had it every year and it's always been my favourite.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user MidnightMeltdown)
“I got the F&M one as a birthday present last year (late November birthday) and I absolutely loved it – had a nice gift every day for 25 days! The packaging was gorgeous too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user LoveLabradors)
According to Fortum & Mason, you definitely deserve to ‘have yourself a beautiful Christmas’. A popular choice amongst Mumsnet users in 2021, the Piccadilly emporium has produced yet another showstopping beauty Advent calendar to round up 2022, with a really striking design that you’ll be proud to have out on display.
At £245, it’s fairly expensive (although it’s still not the priciest on our list!) but with contents worth £844, you’re getting great value for money, with the vast majority (22) of the contents being full-sized products.
Pop open the magnetic doors to reveal 25 beautifully presented drawers, where nestled amongst red shredded paper, you can expect to find classics such as nourishing skincare, haircare, fragrance, bath, body and wellness treats and accessories. The products include luxury brands such as Aromatherapy Associates, Cult51, ESPA, Olverum, Bramley, and Elizabeth Scarlett.
This year's top picks are the Elizabeth Scarlett Medium Make-Up Bag, Delilah Under Wear Future Resist Primer and Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 75ml.
Key specs
- Release date: Out now
- Number of days: 25
2. Best budget beauty Advent calendar: Aldi Lacura Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: Expected to be around £54.99 | Sign up for updates here
Please note: contents TBC. Image is 2021’s Lacura calendar.
“Personally I'm looking forward to the Aldi Lacura one. I've never bought one before but someone I follow on Insta had it last year and I loved seeing what she had each day.” (Coveted by Mumsnet user PugWhiskers)
“The Aldi Lacura one – it's beautifully packaged.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user WagsandClaws)
In 2021, Aldi’s luxury beauty brand Lacura launched its very first beauty Advent calendar and, with a beautiful presentation and a great variety of content, it proved to be a big hit. With a budget-friendly price tag at a time when we may have to justify treating ourselves a little more than usual, it’s set to sell out quickly in 2022.
Filled with 24 beauty favourites, last year's selection included a great variety of cruelty-free products, including dermatologically tested skincare, makeup and even a pillow spray and candle – ideal for some much-needed self-care in the run up to the festive season.
This year's price and contents are yet to be revealed but are hotly anticipated and it's expected to land online and in-store in late October.
Key specs
- Release date: Expected 28 October 2022
- Number of days: TBC
3. Most popular beauty Advent calendar: M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £40 | Available at Marks and Spencer
“I've had the M&S one twice and I love it. I'm going to buy it again this year.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user bloodyunicorns)
“I had the M&S one for the first time last year. I absolutely loved it and will definitely be getting it again!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user TokyoSushi)
Another option which is sure to be popular in the current climate is the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar which, due to its affordable, budget-friendly price point and gift with purchase offers, is always a popular choice with Mumsnet users. With contents worth over £300, you’re certainly getting your money’s worth too.
This year, the M&S beauty Advent calendar has a rose pink ‘jewellery box’ design with a pull out draw, making it a classic and compact option for your dressing table. Inside, you can expect to find 25 beauty and makeup treats from brands such as L’Occitane, Clinique and Philip Kingsley.
Key specs
- Release date: 27th October 2022
- Number of days: 25
4. Best makeup Advent calendar: Boots No.7 Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £49.50 and £140 | Join the waiting list here
“The No.7 calendars look nicely presented this time. I saved points for two years and can now afford the big one on points.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Zeeza)
This year Boots are claiming to go bigger and better than ever, and for the first time, Boots No.7 has introduced not one, but two beauty Advent calendars for 2022. You can now select from a more affordable ‘25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar’ retailing at £49.50, or a deluxe version, aptly named the ‘Ultimate Calendar’, which comes in at a more extravagant £140.
The 25 Days of Beauty Advent contains No.7 skincare, cosmetics and favourites worth £211, including six limited edition products you won’t find anywhere else. If you had it last year, you won’t need to worry about duplicates either, with 70% of the contents being different to previous years.
The deluxe Ultimate Calendar focuses on premium skincare and beauty. The glamorous white chest with draw design contains 23 full-sized products and contents worth a staggering £410.
Key specs
- Release date: 19th October 2022
- Number of days: 25
5. Best value for money: Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £215 | Buy now from Space NK
“I got the Space NK one last year. It was my first ever beauty Advent calendar and I loved it. Still using some of the products and have gone to purchase at least five full-size items, two of them multiple times.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ithoughtisawapuddycat)
“I had Space NK last year and loved it. The £90 Medik8 eye cream made it worth it alone for me and I loved the Boy Smells candle which I’d never tried before. The Dr Dennis Gross pads were fab too.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Twinsandsome)
Although it comes with a significant price tag, this fast-selling luxury calendar from Space NK is much loved by beauty reviewers and Mumsnet users alike.
In 2022’s pink and red metallic design, you’ll find over £770 of fabulous skincare heroes along with some must-have haircare and makeup goodies tucked inside 24 pull out boxes.
This multi-brand beauty Advent includes treats from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Jo Loves, Medik8 and Sisley, including many full-sized products too.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 25
6. Best luxury Advent calendar: Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £250 | Available at Harvey Nichols
“The Harvey Nichols one does look interesting. Lots of perfumes and a good mix of makeup, skincare and treatments.” (On Mumsnet user AprilLady’s wish list)
“£310 of the value is taken up by four treatments/demonstrations, so if you're not near a Harvey Nichols or don't fancy them they're a bit wasted.” (Tip from Mumsnet user Housewife2010)
If you live in London or near their other city locations, Harvey Nichols are releasing their first ever beauty Advent calendar in 2022, which not only comes packed with desirable brands and products, but has treatment vouchers and experiences included, making it a unique choice for those who live in the city.
The product and treatment value of this beauty Advent calendar is worth over £1,200, so whilst it doesn’t come cheap, you’re certainly getting good value.
With 25 draws including 34 products (12 of which are full size), you can expect to reveal brands such as Espa, La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty and La Prairie with a good mix of both luxury beauty and skincare products. One in every 10 Advent calendars will also win a £50 Harvey Nichols gift card too – a fantastic surprise if you’re lucky enough to locate one.
Key specs
- Release date: October 7th 2022
- Number of days: 25
7. Best skincare Advent calendar: Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £245 | Buy now from Liberty
“I’ve bought myself the Liberty calendar twice and loved it both times. The box is so lovely, it’s on my bedroom wall as a piece of artwork!” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user H1Drangea)
“I've had three in the last five years and have never been disappointed.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user LordEmsworth)
The Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar tends to be one of the beauty Advent calendars that gets snapped up speedily and it’s the fastest selling product in Liberty’s 145 year history – with good reason.
With a stunningly illustrated peacock design for 2022, this year’s Liberty-themed box contains products from Liberty’s iconic Beauty Hall worth a whopping £1,065 – their highest value yet. Five lucky boxes will also find a £1,000 Liberty London voucher hidden inside, an unexpected surprise which would certainly make your Christmas!
This year’s treats include a full size Uoma Beauty Drama Bomb Mascara, Aromatherapy Associates Clear Mind Rollerball, Vilhelm Parfumerie Peony Couture Eau de Parfum and Hair By Sam McKnight Deeper Love Treatment Mask.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 25
8. Best for variety: Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £235 | Join the waitlist here
“I loved the Cult Beauty one last year and will definitely go for that again.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Archip17)
“I loved Cult Beauty last year and thought it was great value for money.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Limesandclementines)
Another Mumsnet favourite in 2021, this year’s edition of the Cult Beauty Advent Calendar again offers excellent value for money, with a wide variety of skincare, makeup and self-care products worth over £1,000.
There may be 25 doors, but you can find a huge 37 products inside (including 13 full-sized products), as Christmas Day brings an exciting six product reveal!
You can expect iconic brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Hair By Sam McKnight, Medik8, Sachajuan and Pai Skincare.
If you fancy feeling like Charlie Bucket this Christmas, there are also three ‘Golden Tickets’ hidden across the collection – each winning £1,000 to spend at Cult.
It’s ethical too, with Cult Beauty donating £75,000 from their beauty Advent sales to charity Mental Health UK and planting a tree for every Advent calendar sold thanks to (more:trees).
Key specs
- Release date: 3rd October 2022
- Number of days: 25
9. Best multi-brand Advent calendar: Fenwick Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £195 | Sign up for access at Fenwick
“I got my mum the Fenwick one last year. [It was] better value than some of the more well known calendars and she adored it!" (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Underparmummy)
Fenwick are celebrating their 140th anniversary this year, and as such, their exclusive circus-themed beauty Advent calendar is expected to be pretty special.
From makeup and lotions to skincare and fragrance, the Fenwick Beauty Advent Calendar contains products worth well over £700.
Not only does it look great, it's also a slightly cheaper option compared to some of its multi-brand competitors, whilst still containing popular brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Clinique, NARS, Bobbi Brown and MAC.
Key specs
- Release date: 29th September 2022
- Number of days: 25
10. Best for teens: Glossybox Freeze the Moment Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £85 for subscribers / £99 for non subscribers | Buy now from Glossybox
“I bought my daughter the Glossybox one and she loved it.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BigSandyBalls2015)
“Last year I got my daughter (15) the Glossybox Advent calendar as she really wanted mainly makeup and hair things.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user BoofTheFloof)
A popular choice for tweens and teens, Glossybox is calling for us to ‘Freeze the Moment’ and ‘celebrate the joy of beauty’ with their 2022 Advent calendar. Available to both subscribers and non subscribers, subscribers get a £14 discount.
The ice blue and lilac frozen-effect box looks great set up on your dressing table and includes a great selection of 28 beauty treats, from haircare to skincare, makeup and fragrance, all from leading brands such as Glossier, 111SKIN, This Works and Land of Lashes.
This year’s Glossybox Advent includes a good selection of full-sized products too, including the Magnitone XOXO SoftTouch Silicone Cleansing Brush.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 25
11. Best high street Advent calendar: John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £179 | Available at John Lewis
“I was given the John Lewis one and loved it. I will repurchase some products in the full size now that I've had a bit of a test.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Xiaoxiong)
“A late, late impulse buy – this was excellent [in 2021]... Think that one was maybe the best buy. Some really good products.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Clary)
You’re in relatively safe hands with John Lewis & Partners, particularly when it comes to their 2022 Beauty Advent Calendar. A collection of 27 (yes, 27!) full and deluxe-sized products tucked into gorgeous drawers, you’ll find a full skincare regime, makeup and haircare along with three classic fragrances.
Mumsnet users found that the products in 2021's calendar were choices they’d certainly buy again, and this year's offering looks set to be another winning formula. Expect to find popular brands like Olaplex, Charlotte Tilbury and Sunday Riley, Laura Mercier, Elemis and much more nestled behind the doors.
What's more, 10 calendars will also contain a £500 voucher tucked behind door number 25, so if you're lucky enough to win one, it's bound to make Christmas morning even more magical.
Key specs
- Release date: 4th October
- Number of days: 25
12. Best essential oils Advent calendar: Decléor Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £125 | Buy now from Decléor
“I’ve had the Decléor one the last couple of years and will definitely have it again.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Kitkatsareace)
“I had Decléor last year which had some lovely products in it (although I did miss the excitement of different brands).” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user tellmewhentheLangshiplandscoz)
If you’re less concerned about brand variety and more concerned with self-care and relaxation, the Decléor Advent Calendar could be an excellent choice.
With contents worth £488, you can expect to find a complete skincare routine (including a headband) with this set of 24 full size and deluxe Decléor products stashed inside.
Powered by essential oils, they not only smell amazing but can help you reconnect with yourself for some much needed calm before Christmas.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 24
13. Best fragrance Advent calendar: Jo Loves Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £325 | Buy now from Jo Loves
“Ridiculously expensive at £300, but you get a £115 fragrance of your choice is the attempt to justify it!” (Coveted by Mumsnet user Eaumyword)
“I got the Jo Malone one and loved it... Mainly little perfume bottles that do last a while, some creams and a voucher for a bottle of your choice. Well worth it.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user Laaaaa)
Have you been really good this year? Adored by beauty reviewers and Mumsnet users alike, the Jo Loves luxury Advent calendar is a real treat for anyone who’s willing to blow the budget. It is the most expensive on our list, however, coming in at an eye-watering £325.
With an iconic and unique Advent calendar design, the Jo Loves Advent Calendar represents a giant pyramid of red and white playing cards, which you’ll certainly be excited to prise open each morning in the run up to Christmas.
Tucked safely inside, you can expect to find 25 luxurious fragrant treats plus a limited edition set of playing cards featuring beautiful red and gold Christmas illustrations. This year’s edition includes a full-sized bottle of Jo Malone’s newest fragrance – Golden Gardenia, along with six other full-sized products.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 25
14. Best beauty and home Advent calendar: The White Company Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £175 | Buy now from The White Company
“I've had The White Company one before and absolutely loved it!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user prinnycessa)
A beauty Advent calendar that is a treat for both you and your home, The White Company Beauty Advent Calendar retails at £175 but contains contents worth £269 (technically saving you an impressive £94).
With classic The White Company branding and packaging featuring a snow covered house, you can expect 25 pull-out drawers packed full of seasonal treats and self-care pick-me-ups to enjoy.
During December you can enjoy everything from bath and body mini bottles to spa and relaxation products, as well as two full-sized candles with The White Company signature scents, creating a warm and homely winter scent in your home during December and beyond.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 25
15. Best conscious beauty Advent calendar: Holland & Barrett 25 Days of Conscious Beauty Advent Calendar

Price: £55 | Buy now from Holland & Barrett
“I had the Holland & Barrett one last year. It was my first Advent calendar. I did like it and discovered a few new product ranges such as Q&A which I have continued to buy.” (Reviewed and rated by Mumsnet user Arnaquer)
If you’re looking for a beauty Advent that focuses more on ethical skincare and less on makeup, the Holland & Barrett Beauty Advent Calendar is a popular (and affordable) choice.
With contents worth £180, this calendar is packed full of conscious, vegan and cruelty-free products from Holland & Barrett’s own brands as well as big names such as Dr Organic, Evolve and Weleda.
Even better, 14 of the 25 products featured this year are full size too, so unlike some of the handbag-sized samples you get during Advent, these will last you far beyond the month of December.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 25
16. Best 12 day Advent calendar: Charlotte Tilbury Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars Advent Calendar 2022

Price: £150 | Buy now from Charlotte Tilbury
‘I had Charlotte Tilbury last year and it was fab, but sneakily only 12 days!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user beachcitygirl)
Whilst it doesn’t seem quite right that you should treat yourself only for half of December, it’s becomingly increasingly common for brands to create a ‘12 days of Christmas’ style beauty Advent calendar.
This Charlotte Tilbury option – Charlotte’s Diamond Chest of Beauty Stars – is a good example which, despite the high price tag, comes with six full size and six mini iconic makeup and skincare products worth a huge £244.
Charlotte Tilbury fans will be chuffed to get their hands on the sell out Beauty Light Wand highlighter whilst the Magic Cream (used by models backstage) can turn skin from drab to glam in seconds – just in time for those festive parties.
Key specs
- Release date: Available now
- Number of days: 12
Which brands have a beauty Advent calendar?
All the usual suspects have beauty Advent calendars this year, including Charlotte Tilbury, Space NK and Liberty London.
Are beauty Advent calendars worth it?
It goes without saying that, in the current climate, a beauty Advent calendar is certainly a luxury, but that said, all the Advent calendars on this list offer substantial savings when you consider the cost of the products inside. This year, there are a lot of full size products included, which means if they’re products you use regularly, you could actually save yourself money in the long run.
Overall, they’re definitely a treat purchase, but sometimes you justify that you’ve earned it (and it’s important to prioritise self-care every once in a while).
What's the best beauty Advent calendar 2022?
This is a topic of MUCH debate in the Mumsnet forums at present. Whereas last year Cult Beauty came on the top spot, some who have had it before were less excited by some familiar products in 2022. For the variety, value for money and big brands, the Fortnum & Mason and Space NK beauty Advent calendars are likely to take the top spots this season.
That said, in the current cost of living crisis, we fully expect the more affordable options to also fly off the shelves this year.
The most affordable beauty Advent calendars for 2022
The most affordable options for beauty Advent calendars this year are Aldi Lacura, Boots No.7, and M&S – all of which come with a budget-friendly price tag whilst still offering huge savings on the contents included. They've not been released yet, but we expect to see them available for purchase in October.
Holland & Barrett is also a great inexpensive option that you can snap up right now.
Be warned though – we expect them to sell out fast, so don’t dawdle after the release date or you may be disappointed.
How we chose our recommendations
First up, we thoroughly researched this year’s offerings as the anticipation and excitement builds around their releases.
Next, we sought out the trusted opinions of Mumsnet users to get their feedback on their favourite beauty Advent calendars in previous years, including their thoughts on presentation, value for money, variety of contents and opinions on any standout products.
There are many dedicated threads on the Mumsnet forums about this year's Advent offerings, including some who take their beauty Advent calendars extremely seriously – spreadsheet anyone? Mumsnetters love to share their experiences, along with discussions around the most anticipated beauty Advent calendars for 2022.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.