You’ve worked hard all year—these are the 8 best luxury advent calendars that are worth splashing the cash on
Totally worth the investment
It might only be September, but in the beauty world that means one thing—it’s time for the best beauty advent calendars to hit the shelves. And 2024’s lineup has truly blown me away. Between iconic London department stores and classic skincare brands, this year it seems that basically every retailer and popular brand has poured their time and energy into creating the very best advent calendar that they can. But the most exciting development is that the most covetable high-end brands are getting in on the act too, which means that this year has the best luxury beauty advent calendars that I’ve ever seen.
Of course, it would be remiss to point out that beauty advent calendars are not a seasonal essential. In fact, I’m pretty happy with my classic Cadbury Dairy Milk calendar each December and there’s an amazing selection of affordable advent calendars available this year too. But, if you get a thrill from counting down to Christmas via an assortment of incredible beauty products then it really doesn’t come more special than the selection that I’m about to share.
Sure, these calendars are pricey—many of them cost hundreds—but if you’ve been saving up all year then they really do make a spectacular treat. And many of them offer the chance to try premium products that you might not otherwise get the chance to try, with an incredible saving. (Case in point: the products inside the Liberty calendar this year are worth £1,205, but you pay £260. That’s a huge saving of £945.)
Beautifully packaged in boxes that can be brought out and reused year-after-year, and bursting with the most lavish of beauty products, ahead my pick of the very best luxury beauty advent calendars of 2024…
1. Dior Le 30 Montaigne Advent Calendar 2024
As a huge fan of Dior beauty products, I’m not sure that I can think of a more luxurious way to countdown to Christmas than with a Dior advent calendar—it’s truly the stuff that dreams are made of. Oozing French luxury, the calendar opens up to reveal a whole world of Dior joy with 24 drawers numbered in metallic gold. Inside, you’ll find classic Dior icons like J'adore Eau de Parfum and Rouge Dior lipstick as well as viral make-up products like Dior Rosy Glow and Dior Addict Lip Glow. There’s also skincare, nail polish, a scented candle and mascara, and so much more besides. Plus, the beautiful keepsake box can be used afterwards to store jewellery or other special trinkets. I might never own a Dior handbag, but this luxury beauty advent calendar would certainly give me a taste of the lifestyle.
What’s inside?
J'adore Eau de Parfum 5 ml, J'adore Parfum d'eau 5 ml, J'adore l'Or 3.5 ml, Sauvage Eau de Parfum 10 ml, Sauvage Eau de Toilette 10 ml, Dior Homme Eau de Toilette 10 ml, Miss Dior Eau de Parfum 5 ml, Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet 5 ml, Miss Dior Parfum 5 ml, Rouge Dior lipstick, shade 999 velvet finish 3.5 g, Rouge Dior lipstick, shade 720 Icone satin finish 1.5 g, Dior Addict Lip Maximizer shade 001 Pink 6 ml, Dior Addict Lip Glow shade 001 Pink 3.2 g, Dior Vernis shade 999 10 ml, Dior Vernis shade 513 J'adore 10 ml, Diorshow Mono Couleur shade 658 Beige Mitzah 2 g, Diorshow Mono Couleur shade 006 Pearl Star 2 g, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl shade 090 Noir/Black 4 g, 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, Capture Totale Le Sérum 10 ml, La Mousse OFF/ON 50 ml, Bois des Rêves Candle 85 g
2. Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
The most iconic beauty advent calendar of them all, Liberty’s offering is one that I look forward to seeing each and every year as the boxes are just so incredibly beautiful. This year’s is designed by world-renowned artist Clym Evernden with an illustration of the famous London storefront on the outside and Liberty’s beautiful March print on the inside. As for the contents? They are truly incredible. It contains 28 products, including 18 full-size, and I always love the mix of iconic beauty brands, new launches and lesser-known names—a true reflection of the beauty hall itself. This year’s highlights include skincare from Augustinus Bader and Votary, make-up by Lisa Eldridge and Byredo, haircare from Philip Kingsley and Hair by Sam McKnight and perfume from Ex Nihilo and Bibbi. Plus, there’s even a Liberty candle.
What's inside?
La Mer The Lip Volumiser 7ml FULL SIZE, Lisa Eldridge Liquid Lurex Eyeshadow in Emily 2.8ml FULL SIZE, Ex Nihlio Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum 7.5ml TRAVEL SIZE, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 15ml FULL SIZE, Liberty LBTY. Fragrance Ianthe Oud Eau de Parfum 8ml FULL SIZE, Bibbi The Other Room Eau de Parfum 10ml TRAVEL SIZE, Sunday Riley Good Genes 30ml FULL SIZE, Byredo Lipstick in Red Armchair OR Reunion OR Red & Blue 3g FULL SIZE, Skin Rocks The Moisturiser Fragrance OR Fragrance Free 50ml FULL SIZE, Vilhelm Parfumerie Face of Francis Eau de Parfum 10ml TRAVEL SIZE, Dr Sebagh Rose de Vie Serum 30ml FULL SIZE, Granado Tonka Scented Candle 80g TRAVEL SIZE, Verden Herbanum Hand Cream 75ml FULL SIZE, Liberty Wild Flower Scented Candle 70g TRAVEL SIZE, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 30ml TRAVEL SIZE, Davines OI Milk 50ml FULL SIZE, Surratt Artistique Blush in Ponceau 4g FULL SIZE, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil 9ml TRAVEL SIZE, Agent Nateur Holi (Oil) Refining Ageless Face Serum 10ml TRAVEL SIZE, Hair by Sam McKnight Deeper Love Intense Treatment Mask 50ml FULL SIZE, Wild Source Cleansing Melt Balm 20ml TRAVEL SIZE, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Booster 50ml FULL SIZE, Votary Sensitive Resurfacing Peel 30ml FULL SIZE, Trish McEvoy Intense Gel Liner in Black 1.2g FULL SIZE, REN Clean Skincare Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream 15ml FULL SIZE, OUAI Detox Shampoo Deluxe 30ml TRAVEL SIZE, MZ Skin Soothe & Smooth Hyaluronic Eye Complex 14ml FULL SIZE, OTO Sleep Soundly Pillow Mist 50ml and Sound Scape FULL SIZE
3. Diptyque Advent Calendar 2024
It was love at first sight for me and this year’s Diptyque advent calendar—a sewing box-inspired design decked out in the most festive of illustrations by artist Lucy Sparrow. And once you’ve opened it up that Christmas joy just gets all the better, with 25 colour compartments each containing a beautifully scented surprise. The stars of the show are three new seasonal delights—a small Sapin Pine Tree candle alongside the Étoile (Star) and Friandise (Sweet Treat) candles in miniature sizes to scent your home with Christmas cheer. But you’ll also find classic products like the bestselling Baies candle, the beauty editor favourite L’Eau Papier Eau de Toilette, and even a set of beautiful decorations so even your tree will be transformed in the Diptyque spirit. Plus, there’s scented body products, room sprays, solid perfume and more candles and fragrances. Here’s hoping that I’m on the good list this year to experience the joy myself.
What's inside?
Sapin (Pine Tree) candle (70 g) Limited Edition, Friandise (Sweet Treat) candle (35 g) Limited Edition, Étoile (Star) candle (35 g) Limited Edition, Baies (Berries) candle (35 g), Feu de Bois (Wood Fire) candle (35 g), Narguilé candle (35 g), Roses candle (35 g), Mimosa candle (35 g), Ambre (Amber) candle (35 g), Pomander candle (35 g), Odor removing candle with basil (35 g), Orphéon refillable solid perfume, Odor removing room spray with basil (10 ml), L’Eau Papier EDT (10 ml), Do Son EDT (10 ml), Philosykos EDT (10 ml), Fleur de Peau EDP (10 ml), Orphéon EDP (10 ml), Tam Dao EDP (10 ml), Eau Rose EDP (10 ml), Do Son - Scented soap (25 g), L’Eau Papier cleansing hand and body gel (10 ml), Fleur de Peau hand and body lotion (10 ml), Exfoliating hand wash (10 ml), Set of decorations
4. Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader Advent Calendar 2024
This is the first year that Augustinus Bader has launched an advent calendar, and it’s certainly been worth the wait. A chic and minimalist aesthetic, in line with the science-backed ethos of the brand, this beautifully presented case opens up to reveal 12 luxurious skincare icons to give you a festive glow. Inside you’ll of course find both of the cult Augustinus Bader moisturisers—The Cream and The Rich Cream—which are adored by make-up artists, celebrities and beauty editors alike. But some of the more industry-insider products are included here too like hardworking eye patches for dark circles and a skin-smoothing body cream—all powered by the brand’s patented TFC8® technology.
What's inside?
The Cream Cleansing Gel 30ml, The Essence 30ml, The Tinted Balm Shade 1 4g, The Rich Cream 30ml, The Cream 15ml, The Face Oil 10ml, The Eye Patches 1 pack, The Body Cream 100ml, The Lip Balm 4g, The Retinol Serum 7ml, The Eye Cream 3ml, The Serum 7ml
5. Jo Malone London Advent Calendar 2024
I always think that the Jo Malone London advent calendar makes the ultimate Christmas gift because whether someone is already a fan of the brand or is yet to try a thing, you just know that they will find a fragrance to fall in love with. This year’s is an utter delight, containing both a cologne and a candle in the seasonal scent Orange Bitters which sounds mouth-wateringly delicious, alongside a plethora of classic fragrances like Wood Sage & Sea Salt and English Pear & Freesia. And it’s not all about the candles and colognes either—the body care is beautiful too. Decadently textured body lotions and luxurious hand creams, all infused with sophisticated Jo Malone London scents are not to be missed.
What's inside?
Blackberry & Bay Cologne 9ml, Peony & Blush Suede Mini Candle, Fir & Artemisia Cologne 9ml, Poppy & Barley Body & Hand Lotion 50ml, Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense 9ml, English Pear & Freesia Cologne 9ml, English Pear & Freesia Body & Hand Wash 50ml, Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne 9ml, Blackberry & Bay Soap 50g, English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne 9ml, Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense 9ml, Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense 9ml, Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Crème 50ml, Wild Bluebell Cologne 9ml, Cypress & Grapevine Body & Hand Wash 50ml, Lime Basil & Mandarin 9ml Cologne, Myrrh & Tonka Mini Candle, Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense 9ml, Lime Basil & Mandarin Hand Cream 30ml, Orange Bitters Travel Candle, Red Hibiscus Cologne Intense 9ml, Peony & Blush Suede Body Crème 50ml, Pomegranate Noir Mini Candle, Wood Sage & Sea Salt Travel Candle, Orange Bitters Cologne 30ml
6. The La Mer Wonder Express Advent Calendar 2024
When I think of luxury skincare I think of La Mer so I genuinely squealed with joy when I saw that they had created the most perfect 12-day Christmas countdown this year. Packaged in the most decadent green and gold box, inside you’ll find 12 drawers each containing an indulgent skincare treat from the legendary brand. From their world-famous moisturisers and gold-standard serums to luxurious hand creams and the most covetable of lip care, this is essentially everything you need to preen and pamper your skin with for the most dewy and hydrated of complexions this winter. A very special treat indeed.
What's inside?
The Essence Foaming Cleanser 30ml, The Treatment Lotion 30ml, The Regenerating Serum 5ml,The Concentrate 5ml, The Eye Concentrate 5ml, The Lip Polish, The Lip Balm 9g, The Body Crème 30ml, The Hand Treatment 30ml, The Moisturizing Fresh Cream 15ml, The Moisturizing Soft Cream, The Crème de La Mer 15ml
7. Harvey Nichols Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
Department stores tend to excel at their beauty advent calendar offering, but if it’s luxury that you want then Harvey Nichols offers it in abundance. Inside the ultra-cool packaging—this year’s has an almost ‘70s-inspired retro feel with a graphic disco ball on the front—you’ll find 25 drawers brimming with the best in beauty. (And 18 of those are full size). There’s fragrance from Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Le Labo, skincare from La Prairie and Sisley Paris and make-up from Trish McEvoy and Rodial. Plus, you’ll also find silk hair accessories from Slip, celebrity-approved face masks from 111SKIN and candles from Jo Loves. It’s a real treasure chest of beauty gems.
What's inside?
111SKIN Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask 23ml, Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 15ml, Bamford Geranium Body Lotion 50ml, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick – Supermodel 3.5g, Davines OI Conditioner 75ml, Davines OI Shampoo 90ml, Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Peel 3 Applications 6.6ml, Escentric Molecules Escentric O1 8.5ml, Escentric Molecules Molecule + Black Tea 8.5ml, Espa Bergamot & Jasmine Bath & Shower Gel 75ml, Eve Lom Cleanser 50ml And Cloth, Fenty Beauty Fenty Eau de Parfum 10ml, Fenty Beauty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain – Fuchsia Wife 6.5ml, Granado Jardim Real Eau de Parfum 10ml, Harvey Nichols Mini Hairbrush, Jo Loves Layered Votive with Two Christmas Scents 70g, Kate Somerville Delikate Recovery Cream 15ml, La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream 5ml, Laura Mercier Lip Glacé – Baby Doll 5.7ml, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush – Provence 15ml, Le Labo Santal 33 Eau de Parfum 15ml, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Gold Eau de Parfum 5ml, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Silver Eau de Parfum 5ml, Malin+Goetz Mojito Lip Balm 10ml, Manucurist Nail & Cuticle Oil 15ml, Manucurist Red Velvet Nail Polish 15ml, MZ Skin Radiance & Renewal Aha Instant Clarity Refining Mask 20ml, MZ Skin The Light Moisturiser 10ml, Neom Happiness Scented Candle 75g, Olverum Body Polish 50ml, Olverum Firming Body Moisturiser 30ml, Otis Batterbee Small Powder Brush, Rodial Blush Drops Deluxe – Frosted Pink 2g, Rodial Blush Drops Deluxe – Sunset Kiss 2g, Rodial Bronze Glowlighter Deluxe 2g, Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L'intégral Anti-Age Fresh Gel Cream 5ml, Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchie – Gold, Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream 75ml, Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara 5g, Trinny London Energise Me Mini Niacinamide Moisturiser 14.5ml, Trinny London Eye2eye Shade – Virtue 4g, Xerjoff Erba Pura Eau de Parfum 15ml
8. Sisley Paris Beauty Advent Calendar 2024
It doesn't come more luxurious than Sisley Paris and this year the French beauty brand has outdone themselves with this incredible advent calendar. In fact, products aside, this has to be one of the most beautiful calendars that I've ever set eyes on. A love letter to Paris, the outer box features a breathtaking festive illustration of the city by British artist Fee Greening. And once you open it up, you'll find 25 drawers decked out in her trademark pen and ink designs. I love that once you're finished with your beauty treats you can turn the drawers around, hiding the numbers, and leaving you with an incredible storage box. As for the products, you'll find decadent skincare, make-up, hair care and body treats with cult products like the Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask and their Phyto Rouge Shine lipstick.
What's inside?
Lyslait Cleansing Milk with White Lily 30ml, Gentle Purifying Shampoo 50ml, Floral Toning Lotion 30ml, Velvet Nourishing Cream with Saffron Flowers 10ml, Restructuring Conditioner with Cotton proteins 50ml, Regenerating Hair Care Mask with four botanical oils 50ml, Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Aging Skin Care Lotion 10ml, Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Aging Cream 5ml, Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Aging Skin Care 5ml, All Day All Year 10ml, Izia La Nuit 10ml, Ombre Eclat Liquide N°2 Cooper 6.5ml, Sisleÿa L'intégral Anti-Âge 5ml, Black Rose Precious Face Oil 3ml, Eye Contour Mask 30ml, Black Rose Cream Mask 10ml, Velvet Nourishing Body Cream with Saffron Flowers 15ml, Volumizing Spray Texture & Density 30ml, Phyto-Lip Twist N°11 Litchi 1g, Eau De Campagne Gentle Bath And Shower Gel With Botanical Extracts 50ml, The Cream 230 15ml, L’Eau Rêvée d’Hubert 10ml, Phyto Rouge Shine 11 Sheer Blossom 3g, Sisleÿa L'intégral Anti-Âge La Cure 10ml
