For beauty editors, advent calendar release season beats Christmas. We’ve spent our whole careers digging open foil-adorned doors and drawers with one goal: to make sure you only press purchase on the ones that actually offer value, visuals, and of course, one hell of an unboxing video opportunity.
Now it’s worth noting that this isn’t any old advent calendar round-up. If we wouldn’t genuinely spend our own money on it, you won’t find it here. I’ve personally already secured at least three from this list; let’s see if you can tell which ones I’m particularly passionate about whilst narrowing down your own non-negotiables.
And before you hit me with the ‘but I only need one’ logic, let me say this: whilst they have to at least have hit the aforementioned trifecta to have made this coveted list, each one still has its own standout features worthy of a specific superlative.
Here are the beauty advent calendars actually worth investing in (and why you should), from a beauty editor who’s been reviewing calendar drops for over a decade…
The Best Beauty Advent Calendars, According To marie claire:
- Best Extreme Value: Dior 30 Montaigne Advent Calendar, from $1100
- Best Makeup Collection: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest, from $357
- Best Celebrity-Approved Skincare: Dr. Barbara Sturm 2025 Advent Calendar, from $925
- Best Luxury For Less: Giorgio Armani Armani Advent Calendar, from $555
- Best Illustrations: Sisley Beauty 2025 Advent Calendar, from $1310
- Best Variation: Yves Saint Laurent Advent Calendar 2025, from $575
- Best Fragrance Wardrobe: Jo Malone 25 Day Luxury Advent Calendar, from $895
- Best Bargain: Glasshouse Fragrances Advent Calendar, from $290
- Best Lipstick Collection: Christian Louboutin Holiday 2025 Beauty Advent Calendar, from $1115
Why I care: Quite frankly, because securing this amount of Dior beauty is near impossible outside of advent calendar season. All the viral essentials are in there (Dior Addict Lip Glow in ‘Pink’, Rosy Glow blush in ‘Pink’ and Diorshow mascara in ‘Black’ to name a few), but makeup isn’t the only category worth caring about. Even in miniature form, Dior scents are elite, and this calendar curates the very best of them. I’m writing this from a cloud of Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet right now and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m a newer fan of Dior La Mousse (one of the bigger skincare products in the calendar), and it’s completely converted me into a ‘luxury cleanser’ defender. The full-sized Dior candle always seals the deal. Unboxing it has become one of my very favourite Christmas traditions, and if the idea of its caramelised almond and cotton candy scent hasn’t already convinced you to place a Dior order within the next five minutes (AKA before temptation is replaced with regret), let sentimentality be the thing that does.
What it costs: $1100
What you’ll get:
- J’adore Eau de Parfum, 5 ml
- J’adore l’Or, eau de parfum, 3.5 ml
- Sauvage Eau de Toilette, 10 ml
- Dior Homme Eau de Toilette, 10 ml
- Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet, eau de toilette, 5 ml
- Miss Dior Essence, essence de parfum, 5 ml
- Rouge Dior lipstick, shade 999, velvet finish, 3.5 g
- Dior Addict Lip Maximizer, shade 001 Pink, 6 ml
- Dior Addict Lip Glow, shade 001 Pink, 3.2 g
- Dior Addict Lip Tint, shade 351 Natural Nude, 5 ml
- Rouge Dior lipstick, shade 720 Icone, satin finish, 1.5 g
- Dior Vernis, shade 999, 10 ml
- Dior Vernis, shade 513 J’adore, 10 ml
- Diorshow Maximizer 4D, 4 ml
- Diorshow, shade 090 Black, 4 ml
- Rosy Glow, shade 001 Pink, 4.4 g
- Dior Prestige La Crème, 15 ml
- Dior Prestige La Micro-Huile de Rose Activated Serum, 10 ml
- Dior Capture Le Sérum, 10 ml
- La Mousse OFF/ON, 50 ml
- Piste aux Étoiles candle, 85 g
- 3 paper ornaments
Why I care: As the most eagerly anticipated (and earliest) advent calendar launch of the entire season, Charlotte Tilbury’s calendar drop tends to set the standard for the year. Her 2025 offering comes in the form of this rather chic treasure chest, with true treasure inside (if you value multiple ‘Pillow Talk’ products, which I do). It’s the most popular (and celebrity-loved) lipstick shade for good reason, and you’ll soon be the proud owner of it in lipstick, lip bath and light wand form if you know what’s good for you. Plus, the packaging will make a stellar makeup storage case when you’ve emptied the drawers. There are a fair few travel size products (which you might first view as a downfall), but I say there’s nothing better than not having to limit your product quality just because you need to limit your product size. Never underestimate the power of having a suitcase-friendly Charlotte’s Magic Cream in your possession.
What it’s worth: Approx. $583
What it costs: $357
What you’ll get:
- Full-size Lip Cheat in ‘Pillow Talk’
- Full-size Collagen Lip Bath in ‘Pillow Talk’
- Full-size Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
- Full-size Beauty Light Wand in ‘Pillow Talk’
- Full-size Rock ‘n’ Kohl in ‘Barbarella Brown’
- Travel size Charlotte’s Magic Cream
- Travel size Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
- Travel size Charlotte’s Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser
- Travel size K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in ’90s Pink’
- Travel size Lip Cheat in ‘Walk of No Shame’
- Travel size Matte Revolution lipstick in ‘Walk of No Shame’
- Travel size Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Why I care: Any skincare brand that’s graced the faces of Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is one worth investing in, particularly in range-spanning calendar form. You’ll find all the celeb favourites inside the elegant emerald drawers, from Bieber’s beloved Clarifying Face Mask to Hadid’s trusty Hyaluronic Serum and Huntington-Whiteley’s go-to Glow Drops. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s products are pretty pricey generally, so this advent calendar is the ideal opportunity to figure out which picks work best for your skin. Is there a slight risk that you’ll grow attached to every single formula based on how effective they all are (and how well they work in unison?). Yes. Honestly it’s a high one—you don’t become one of Hollywood’s most sought after aesthetics experts with sub-par skincare. However, considering that means you’ll be purchasing the full-sized products with full confidence in their skills, it’s a win-win scenario.
What it’s worth: Approx. $2091.67
What it costs: $925
What you’ll get:
- Make-Up Remover 50ml (Travel Size)
- Cleanser 50ml (Travel Size)
- Enzyme Cleanser 20gr (Travel Size)
- Balancing Toner 30ml (Travel Size)
- Hyaluronic Serum 10ml (Deluxe Mini)
- Clarifying Serum 10ml (Deluxe Mini)
- Glow Drops 30ml (Full Size)
- Glow Cream 20ml (Travel Size)
- Better B 10ml (Deluxe Mini)
- Face Mask 20ml (Travel Size)
- Super Anti-Aging Cleansing Cream 20ml (Travel Size)
- Eye Cream 5ml (Travel Size)
- Clarifiying Face Mask 20ml (Travel Size)
- Super Anti-Aging Body Serum 20ml (Travel Size)
- Face Cream Rich 20ml (Travel Size)
- Lip Balm 3gr (Deluxe Mini)
- Aa Body Cream 50ml (Travel Size)
- Face Cream 20ml (Travel Size)
- Super Anti-Aging Hand Cream 20ml (Travel Size)
- Body Wash 50ml (Travel Size)
- Face Cream Men 20ml (Travel Size)
- Everything Eye Patches (Full Size, 30 Pairs)
- Dr. Barbara Sturm headband
- Dr. Barbara Sturm cookie cutter + recipe
Why I care: Whilst I maintain that the value of every single one of these calendars is actually incredible, a designer beauty brand advent for under $560 is remarkably rare. They’ve been very generous with fragrance this year: you’ll get to sample Si in three different variations (Classic, Intense & Passione Red Musk) as well as My Way EDP and My Way Ylang EDP (both of which are tailor-made for the summer season ahead). What I like most about this calendar’s collection is its variation (and its seasonal suitability)—your holiday party makeup looks and post-holiday party skin recovery have both been considered. The liquid shimmer products (eyeshadow, lip gloss and highlighter in multiple shades per category) are what I was most enticed by, but if you’re more of a classic red lip or kohl liner kind of person, you’re still spoiled for choice.
What it costs: $555
What you’ll get:
- My Way Eau De Parfum 7ml
- Smooth Silk Eye Pencil 04 1.1g
- Sì Eau De Parfum 7ml
- Crema Nera Eye Cream 5g
- Acqua Di Gioia Eau De Parfum 5ml
- Eye Tint Mini 44 S – Blush 3ml
- Eye Tint Mini 11 S – Bronze 3ml
- Lip Power Mini 104 – Selfless 1.5g
- Lip Power 109 – Intimate 3.1g
- Sì Intense Eau De Parfum 7ml
- Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer 5ml
- Lip Power Mini Matte 400 1.4g
- Prisma Glass 01 – Clear Shine 3.5ml
- Prisma Glass 03 – Honey Gleam 3.5ml
- Luminous Silk Acqua Highlighter 01 2ml
- Vertigo Lift Mascara Mini 01 – Black 2ml
- Vertigo Lift Mascara 01 – Black 10ml
- Eye Tint 67 S – Sparkle 3.9ml
- My Way Ylang Eau De Parfum 7ml
- Beauty Mirror 1pcs
- Eye Tint 25M – Sandalwood 3.9ml
- Lip Power Mini 400 1.4g
- Luminous Silk Cheek Tint Blush 42 S 12ml
- Sì Passione Red Musk Eau de Parfum 7ml
Why I care: See the level of detail on every door’s illustration? That’s the exact care that goes into the formulation of every Sisley product. I truly believe that Sisley (despite being an enormously popular beauty giant) remains underrated; it’s that good. I’ll admit their skincare and haircare formulas are what I’m most excited about from this one: the Black Rose Cream Mask is a truly trustworthy formula for energising the face quickly, their Cleansing Milk feels like silk on skin, and the Regenerating Hair Care Mask has nursed my hair back to health many times. I do, however, feel the need to stress that you shouldn’t underestimate their makeup picks: the lip combo of their Phyto Lip Balm in ‘Pink Glow’ and a topper of Le Phyto-Gloss Lip Gloss in ‘Aurora’ is truly not to be slept on.
What it’s worth: Approx. $2096
What it costs: $1310
What you’ll get:
- Phyto Lip Balm n°2 Pink Glow 3g
- Phyto-Noir Mascara 7ml
- Lyslait Make-Up Remover 100ml
- Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo 50ml
- Regenerating Hair Care Mask 50ml
- Le Phyto-Gloss Lip Gloss n°2 Aurora 6.5ml
- Sisleÿa l’Intégral Anti-Âge la Cure 10ml
- Sisleÿa l’Intégral Anti-Âge Face Cream 15ml
- Eau Efficace Make-Up Remover 30ml
- Black Rose Cream Mask 10ml
- Eau du Soir Eau de Parfum 6.5ml
- Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Ageing Skincare Lotion 10ml
- Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Ageing Skin Care 5ml
- Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream 10ml
- Izia Moisturizing Perfumed Body Lotion 50ml
- Floral Toning Lotion 30ml
- The 230 Cream 30ml
- Baume Efficace 5ml
- Restorative Body Cream 15ml
- Mascara So Intense Mascara 1.5ml
- Sisleÿa l’Intégral Anti-Âge Concentrated Serum 5ml
- L’Eau Rêvée d’Hubert Eau de Toilette 10ml
- Precious Hair Care Oil 20ml
- All Day All Year Day Cream 10ml
- Sisleÿa l’Intégral Anti-Âge Concentrated Firming Body Cream 15ml
Why I care: YSL’s annual calendar, to me, consistently takes the crown for ‘greatest multi-category curation’. In other words, you’re getting a bit of everything good: eye makeup, lipstick, fragrance and skincare. I can personally endorse every product in this line-up (sans the mirror, but I have full faith in its face-reflecting capabilities). For a few standouts, Black Opium and Mon Paris are two of my very favourite fragrances, Lash Clash mascara is one of the best lash-density-faking-formulas I’ve ever tried, and the YSL Loveshine lip colours are genuinely unmatched in the market. Keep in mind the 66 Marrakech Neroli candle (which hosts a heavenly honeyed floral home fragrance) is usually $200 solo, so ‘the calendar really is a steal.
What it costs: $575
What you’ll get:
- Couture Clutch #100 Eyeshadow, Full Size
- YSL Loveshine Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm #1b, Full Size
- YSL Loveshine Candy Glaze Lip Balm #15, Full Size
- YSL Loveshine High-Shine Lipstick #44, Full Size
- Y Eau de Parfum 10ml
- Mysle Eau de Parfum 10ml
- Libre Intense Eau de Parfum 10ml
- Libre Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
- LVDP Tuxedo Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
- Mon Paris Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
- Black Opium Eau de Parfum 7.5ml
- Lash Clash Mascara 01
- Volume Effet Faux Cils Mascara, Mini
- Lines Liberated Eyeliner 01
- Rouge Pur Couture Nu Muse 01, Mini
- Rouge Pur Couture Rouge Muse, Mini
- Or Rouge Le Serum 7ml
- Or Rouge Lotion 10ml
- Or Louge La Creme Essentielle 7ml
- Pure Shot Night Reboot 7ml
- Pure Shot Eye Reboot 5ml
- Top Secret Moisture Glow 5ml
- Mirror
- Mini Bougie Marrakech Candle
Why I care: Choosing just one Jo Malone scent to own (or wear honestly, I love a daily cologne cocktail) isn’t an option for me. That’s precisely why this calendar is moreso a smart financial decision than anything else. Honestly. Instead of purchasing full-sized bottles of each and every one (which I would alarmingly otherwise do), I’m able to restock my fragrance wardrobe with all their winners. If you’re partial to scent layering, which you definitely should be, there are also plenty of body & hand washes and cremes that will allow you to double (or triple) down on your absolute favourite. Or you could create a bespoke signature scent through some crafty scent stacking. There’s also a treat on Christmas day as well as the 24 days leading up, which certainly helps with the whole ‘fragrance collector math’ thing.
What it’s worth: Approx. $1101
What it costs: $895
What you’ll get:
- Sandalwood & Spiced Apricot Cologne 9ml
- Peony & Blush Suede Body Crème 50ml
- Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense 9ml
- Orange Bitters Travel Candle
- Blackberry & Bay Cologne 9ml
- Vitamin E Lip Conditioner 15ml
- Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense 9ml
- Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body & Hand Wash 100ml
- English Pear & Freesia Cologne 9ml
- English Pear & Freesia Body & Hand Lotion 50ml
- Hinoki & Cedarwood Cologne Intense 9ml
- Pomegranate Noir Miniature Candle
- English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne 9ml
- Poppy & Barley Body & Hand Lotion 50ml
- Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense 9ml
- Wild Bluebell Body Mist 30ml
- Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne 9ml
- Velvet Rose & Oud Body Crème 50ml
- English Oak & Hazelnut Cologne 9ml
- Blackberry & Bay Hand Cream 30ml
- Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 9ml
- Pine & Eucalyptus Miniature Candle
- Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne 9ml
- English Pear & Freesia Body & Hand Wash 100ml
- Orange Bitters Cologne 30ml
Why I care: Nobody does festive home fragrance quite like Glasshouse. It’s one of the few brands that actually offer luxury-quality scent with a price tag that’s easily justified within your end of year budget. They’ve outdone themselves with their selection this year, with an option for every Christmas vibe you’re hoping to cultivate. Envious of cosy winter celebrations? ‘Fireside in Queenstown’ will help you emulate them. Leaning into our hot Aussie summer? ‘Sunkissed in Bermuda’ suits to a tee. If you need a final nudge to secure it, you could always allocate a few scents to your gifting pile as you unpack them. I personally can’t see myself being that selfless with scents this good, but I guess it is the season of giving? For me, it’ll be the season of burning the good candle (and applying the fancy hand cream/fragrance/body lotion) every time I open one.
What it costs: $290
What you’ll get:
- Scent Stems Holder (Metal Base) & The Hamptons Replacement Scent Stems
- Sunsets in Capri 5mL Eau de Parfum
- Midnight in Milan 50mL Body Wash
- Kyoto in Bloom 10mL Interior Fragrance
- Sunsets in Capri 50mL Body Lotion
- Kyoto in Bloom 30g Soy Candle
- Lost in Amalfi 10mL Interior Fragrance
- Kyoto in Bloom 2.5g Perfume Pencil
- Midnight in Milan 5mL Eau de Parfum
- Kyoto in Bloom 50mL Body Wash
- Sunkissed in Bermuda 30g Soy Candle
- Midnight in Milan 50mL Body Lotion
- Kyoto in Bloom 30mL Hand Cream
- Lost in Amalfi 30g Soy Candle
- Christmas Ornament
- Sunsets in Capri 50mL Body Wash
- Kyoto in Bloom 50mL Body Lotion
- Forever Florence 5mL Eau de Parfum
- Midnight in Milan 2.5g Perfume Pencil
- Fireside in Queenstown 30g Soy Candle
- Lost in Amalfi 30mL Hand Cream
- Kyoto in Bloom 5mL Eau de Parfum
- Marseille Memoir 30mL Hand Cream
- Night Before Christmas 60g Soy Candle
- Holiday stickers
Why I care: Mostly because I feel very strongly that Christian Louboutin lipsticks are the most stunning things I’ve ever laid eyes on—and this calendar gifts you multiple bullets, plus an array of accessories for them. This is the calendar for anyone who understands that a ‘red lip’ is not a single look. The range of varied and velvety lip colours is very impressive, with options spanning from a true Christmas crimson to spritely cherry and moodier brick red. Rosy neutrals are included as well of course, as are multiple mini fragrances and collectible charms. Its Parisian-inspired packaging is definitely a tick in its ‘reasons to buy’ column, too. I rather enjoy the idea of a Christian Louboutin hat box in my possession. Chic, no?
What it’s worth: Approx. 1578.44
What it costs: $1115
What you’ll get:
- Fétiche Le Cuir Eau de Parfum Miniature 9ml
- Fétiche L´Ambre Eau de Parfum Miniature 9ml
- Fétiche L´Ébène Eau de Parfum Miniature 9ml
- Fétiche Le Santal Eau de Parfum Sample 2ml
- Fétiche La Rose Eau de Parfum Sample 2ml
- Loubidoo Eau de Parfum Miniature 9ml
- Loubirouge Eau de Parfum Miniature 9ml
- Loubicharme Eau de Parfum Intense Miniature 9ml
- Loubifunk Eau de Parfum Légère Miniature 9ml
- Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte Lipstick – Red Dramadouce 005M, 3.8g
- Rouge Louboutin SooooO…Glow Refillable Lipstick Case – Pink
- Rouge Louboutin SooooO…Glow Lipstick Refill – Mundo Red 003G, 3.8g
- Rouge Louboutin SooooO…Glow Lipstick Refill – Burgundy Babe 006G, 3.8g
- Rouge Louboutin SooooO…Glow Lipstick Refill –Peach Cabaret 013G, 3.8g
- Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte On The Go Lipstick – Bare Rococotte 013M, 3g
- Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte On The Go Lipstick – Epic Brunette 318M, 3g
- Rouge Louboutin Silky Satin On The Go Lipstick – Rouge Louboutin 001, 3g
- Rouge Stiletto Lumi Matte Slimstick – Red Wood 157L, 3g
- Rouge Stiletto Lumi Matte Slimstick – Drama Rose 814L, 3g
- Lalaque Le Vernis Brilliant Nail Colour – Drama Noir 199, 6ml
- Small Chain
- Stiletto Charm
- Lipstick Charm
- Nude bag Charm
The Advent Calendars I’m Still Waiting For:
Chanel, Diptyque and Go-To Skincare are all bound to have calendars worth caring about. Stay tuned. The bookmark button is recommended.
What Is The Most Popular Beauty Advent Calendar?
I’m partial to a Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar, and based on how swiftly it tends to sell out, so is the rest of the world. Benefit and Dior also tend to sit in the ‘standout’ category. If you’re determined to secure any of these, hesitation really isn’t an option. If it’s in stock, it needs to be in your cart (with an order confirmation in your email shortly after).
Are Beauty Advent Calendars Worth The Money?
I cannot overstate this: yes. Beauty advent calendars are genuinely the greatest way to try all the products you’ve been eyeing up before committing to the full-sized or full-priced versions (or just any one in particular). They allow you to sample different shades, finishes and scents for value that’s otherwise unheard of. Even if your beauty curiosity goes beyond a certain brand, retailers like Adore Beauty and Selfridges often curate calendars from their best-sellers or beauty standouts. Put simply, you won’t make a beauty purchase with better value.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
