Photographed by DiChen Chen; Set Design: Kelsi WindmillerSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Raise your hand if the rollout of the best beauty advent calendars gets your heart racing every holiday season. Some may say it's too early to start thinking about gift shopping in September, and to that, I say, stop being such a Grinch! Besides, the earlier they launch, the more time you have to deliberate over what to buy. But don't deliberate for too long—you’ll want to hit the checkout button before they inevitably sell out, whether you're treating a friend, family member, or yourself. (Wink.)
Our Top Beauty Advent Calendars
Best Value: Best of Dermstore: 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, $250
Best K-Beauty: Laneige 12 Days of Wonder Advent Calendar, $149
Best Makeup pt. 1: Fenty Beauty 12 Dayz of Fenty Beauty + Fenty Skin 12-Piece Advent Calendar, $190
Best Makeup pt. 2: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar, $220
Best Skin Care pt. 1: Bluemercury 31 Days of Dazzle, $300
Best Skin Care pt. 2: Sunday Riley 12 Days of Sunday Carry-On Essentials Mini Advent Calendar, $115
Best Fragrance: Parfums de Marly Countdown Calendar, $445
Best Multi-Brand: Revolve 12 Days of Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar, $89
And before you hit me with the "buttt," I know. Advent calendars give us sticker shock, too. Think of it this way: When you add up the retail value of each product, it’s crystal clear just how much you're saving. The holidays are stressful as is, so I let these calendars do the math for me—and, trust me, it’s a winning formula. After all, why struggle to land on the perfect singular gift when you can buy them a little bit of everything? Sounds like beauty heaven to us.
If you're unsure where to start, I've assigned myself the arduous task of online window shopping for you. (Ha, I kid: It's not arduous, and it's quite literally my job.) Without further ado, here are the best beauty advent calendars out right now—plus, a few 2025 calendars that are still available to shop. And of course, I'll be refreshing this story with newness as it rolls out. For now, have your credit card info ready and prepare to be crowned the best gift-giver of all time.
But first, here are some sneak peeks at this year's most exciting advent calendars:
Allure editors unboxing the Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar
Allure editors
Allure editors unboxing the Tatcha 12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent Calendar
Allure editors
Allure editors unboxing the Benefit Cosmetics The Hotel Beneville 24-Day Advent Calendar
Allure editors
Allure editors unboxing the YesStyle Y So Cereal Advent Calendar
Why it's worth it: Back this year is Revolve's 12-day advent calendar, which is a more affordable (but just as cute!) gift priced under $100—but the fun part is that you get $409 worth of product. Just about every brand featured is an Allure fave, from Kosas to Summer Fridays. An indulgence that feels comparably responsible? Oh yes, it's possible.
Star product: It's a mini, yes, but it absolutely has to be the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum. Yes, she's expensive (the full size is $188), but I can't lie: This is the serum that has made me look the glowiest after one application (and I've tried hundreds throughout my career). But when there's a high concentration of peptides involved, it makes sense. This silky serum, as far as I'm concerned, excels in the plumping and firming category.
Best of Dermstore: 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Dermstore
Best of Dermstore: 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
$250
Dermstore
Total value: $1,147 Full-size products: 13/24
Why it's worth it: Ah, Dermstore, one of my favorite destinations for skin care—though the e-retailer covers it all: makeup, hair, fragrance, and wellness—and this advent calendar is a prime example of its offerings. We're talking a host of derm- and editor-approved brands, like EltaMD, Paula's Choice, Revision Skincare, and SkinMedica. If that's not enough to convince you, perhaps the numbers will. $1,147 worth of products for $250, enough said.
Star product: Of course I'm going to highlight a full-size product, and of course it'll be Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3. As a human being in my early (and close to mid) 30s, I'm more about aging prevention than ever! Now's the time to ramp it up, folks—well, if that's your goal, of course. With a range that spans levels 1 through 24 and allows you to “graduate” from lower to higher concentrations over time, the Crystal Retinal 3 that's included—which contains 0.03% of the active—is perfect for beginners. (If you have very sensitive skin, level 1 is recommended.) "I haven't experienced any irritation with level 3, a rarity for my sensitive skin,” former content director Kara McGrath said in her review.
L'Oréal Paris 12 Day Ultimate Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
L’Oréal Paris
12 Day Ultimate Holiday Beauty Advent Calendar
$125
Amazon
Total value: $157 Full-size products: 12/12
Why it's worth it: We've all been less than impressed by advent calendars that mainly feature travel-size products and only sprinkle in a full-size product or two. But L'Oréal Paris's means business because it's only stocked with full-size products—12 of them, to be exact. Upon first glance, my eyes lit up at the 3-Second Infallible Setting Mist and Infallible Blurfection Powder—obviously because they're 2025 and 2026 Best of Beauty winners. Other editor favorites include the Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour and Hyaluron Lip Oil Shimmer—in fact, did we just stumble upon your new go-to lip combo?
The star product: I can go both high and low with mascaras, but one of my drugstore formulas is the Telescopic. I wish I had a cute line about how I've been using it since my middle school days (when it first came to market, whew), but alas, this is one of those not-so-hidden gems I only first tried a few years ago—and it's been in my rotation ever since. I find that the slim wand works really well with lifting and lengthening my itty-bitty lashes, and importantly, keeping them separated. (I despise clumping.) P.S. It's really difficult to find a great waterproof mascara, but the Telescopic absolutely delivers.
Laneige 12 Days of Wonder Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Laneige
12 Days of Wonder Advent Calendar
$149
Shop
$149
Sephora
Total value: $235 Full-size products: 5/12
Why it's worth it: Laneige has proven to be a K-beauty stronghold in the U.S. since 2017 (when it launched at Sephora!), so I suspect this advent calendar will sell out pretty quickly—so get shopping. 12 Days of Wonder has a great mix of skin-care formulas from the soothing Water Bank and plumping Bouncy & Firm lines, and of course, the brand's popular (and delectably-smelling) lip-care collection. The Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serums are newer favorites of mine—what can I say, I'm a sucker for those satisfying donut applicators!
Star product: There are long-time faves like the Lip Sleeping Mask, but with winter dryness on my mind, I'm gearing up to slather the Water Sleeping Mask on every night to lock in moisture, strengthen my barrier, and boost overall glowiness. Three types of HA, probiotics, niacinamide, and squalane—sweet dreams, indeed!
Why it's worth it: It might not be a new album, but RiRi does know how to launch some fantastic beauty products—and this cute Fenty Beauty advent calendar houses some of our all-time favorites. (Get it? Housed? Because the box looks like a Barbie Dream House?) Notably, your lips will be pampered from sun up to sun down, thanks to the nourishing lineup of a lip mask (I love the twist-up packaging!), lip oil, lip gloss (a Readers' Choice Award winner, no less), and glossy lipstick. And because the skin below your neck deserves equal Fenty love, RiRi had to include the Best of Beauty-winning Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream. It's rich yet non-greasy and smells like a fresh bouquet from your special person.
The star product: If you want your glow to be noticed the second you walk into the room, it has to be the Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, a cream-to-powder formula (and past Readers' Choice Award winner!) I've adored for years. Wattabrat is a shimmery baby-pink that demands to be seen, so don't be shy—add an extra dusting across the cheekbones and collarbones and dial up the radiance. The party's here, and guess what? It's you.
More from Allure
11 Best Red Lipsticks That Go From Day to Night
The Best Perfume Gift Sets Make Holiday Shopping a (Beautifully Scented) Breeze
7 Best Alpha Hydroxy Acid Products for Your Smoothest Skin Yet
37 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls, Straight From Their Wish Lists
e.l.f. Cosmetics Express Your e.l.f. 24-Day Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
E.L.F. Cosmetics
Express Your e.l.f. 24-Day Advent Calendar
$95
Amazon
$95
Shop
Total value: $153 Full-size products: 18/24
Why it's worth it: You already know the deal: e.l.f. makes some of the best bang-for-your-buck makeup and skin care on the market. Toss in a few advent-exclusive products to sweeten the deal, and we're more than sold. In this case, the Express Your e.l.f. 24-Day Advent Calendar features the Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in Apple Crisp and Smoky Kohl Eyeliner in Pretty Penny—perfect for autumn and well beyond. Of course, there are plenty of tried-and-true products, like the Power Grip Primer + 4% Niacinamide. If you don't want your makeup going anywhere, this is the one to have. There's also an endearing quality to the calendar's coloring-book-inspired design. Next time you feel like doom-scrolling, why not pick up a marker, or five?
The star product: With winter (and dry skin) on my mind, it's a no-brainer that I'd highlight e.l.f. Skin's Holy Hydration collection. In addition to a makeup remover, cleanser, and face cream, your skin will especially thank you for the Best of Beauty-winning Holy Hydration Thirst Burst Serum Drops. Like a tall glass of water for your skin, this deeply hydrating serum floods your barrier with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and hibiscus extract for softer, plumper, and glowier skin.
Bluemercury 31 Days of Dazzle
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Bluemercury
31 Days of Dazzle 2026
$300
Bluemercury
Total value: $943 Full-size products: 14/31
Why it's worth it: Looking for the best-value advent calendar? Bluemercury's 31 Days of Dazzle is one of them, with $300 worth of luxury beauty valued at $943. There's plenty of variety across skin care, body care, hair care, makeup, as well as both personal and home fragrances, from editor favorites such as Nécessaire, OSEA, and Supergoop. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to take Homecourt's Best of Beauty-winning Cece Room Deodorant everywhere I go—because you never know what smells await you. (Sorry, Airbnb, your listings can be a bit of a gamble.)
The star product: If your skin has reacted poorly to retinoids in the past, or you're simply interested in a gentler, firmness-boosting formula in the colder months, may I present Dr. Diamond's Metacine Instafacial Plasma Bioactive Growth Factor Serum for your consideration. At work helping to hydrate skin, plump the look of fine lines, and boost cellular renewal (a.k.a. your skin's natural process of replacing old skin cells with new ones) are five types of bioengineered growth factors and 11 types of peptides (signal peptides and copper peptides, to be exact). The formula is also incredibly lightweight and plays very nicely with the rest of your skin care.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Charlotte Tilbury
Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar
$220
Amazon
$220
Revolve
$220
Bluemercury
Total value: $400 Full-size products: 6/15 (4 products, 2 accessories)
Why it's worth it: Dahlings, always count on Charlotte to deliver a showstopper of an advent calendar. This year's wardrobe-like iteration is painted in a cheerful red and adorned with star-shaped knobs that pull out to unveil the beauty treasures within. It's the kind of dresser eye candy you'll want to keep around to store jewelry, hair accessories, or knickknacks of any sort. Here's the breakdown: 15 products in all, four of which are full-size. Also in the mix is a fuzzy pink makeup bag (with a keychain attachment to hook onto your bigger bags) and white quartz gua sha in the shape of the classic Charlotte Tilbury lips.
The star product: When in doubt, go team Pillow Talk. Over the years, I always come back to Matte Revolution Lipstick when I need a reliable lipstick that doesn't dry out my lips but still packs the punch of color I permanently crave. I actually prefer Pillow Talk Medium (which is the shade included here) to the original Pillow Talk because it gives me that bolder pop.
Benefit Cosmetics The Hotel Beneville 24-Day Advent Calendar
ChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Benefit Cosmetics
The Hotel Beneville 24-Day Advent Calendar
$168
Nordstrom
$168
Sephora
$168
Revolve
Total value: $330 Full-size products: 4/24
Why it's worth it: Benefit's 2025 Rubik's Cube advent calendar is still sitting on my office desk, but somehow it's already time to check into The Hotel Beneville. This pretty-in-pink suitcase is home to so many editor favorites, including but not limited to the classic Benetint, Hoola Bronzer, Badgal Bang Mascara, and The Porefessional Primer. All in all, this lineup of 24 full- and mini-size makeup and skin-care products will keep any beauty lover fed well through 2027. Bon voyage!
The star product: Like thousands of other people on this planet, I trust Benefit brow products—like, a lot. While my absolute fave isn't included (I love you, Precisely, My Brow Detailer), my runner-ups are. Take Gimme Brow+, a Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Award winner that lends the illusion of fuller brows in as little as three swipes. Easy.
Glasshouse 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Glasshouse Fragrances
24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar
$300
Amazon
$300
Nordstrom
Total value: N/A (breaks down to $12.50 per day) Full-size products: N/A
Why it's worth it: We could stare at this Glasshouse advent calendar for an hour straight, but then again, why waste time getting to the heavenly-scented products inside? We're talking body washes, body lotions, hand washes, eau de parfums, candles, and more. Want to escape (if only mentally) to the Amalfi Coast? Generously spritz the Lost in Amalfi Interior Fragrance all around your home. In the mood for a late spring garden stroll when the flowers are in full bloom? The Forever Florence Eau de Parfum will linger all day long, providing a lovely reprieve every time you catch a whiff.
The star product: Surprise, it's another Best of Beauty winner! Kyoto in Bloom Body Bar invigorates our showers (and days, honestly) with a spicy-floral scent that transforms your bathroom into a spa-like ritual. Familiar conditioners such as shea butter, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E leave skin feeling silky soft and smooth like butter.
Sunday Riley 12 Days Of Sunday Carry-On Essentials
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Sunday Riley
12 Days Of Sunday Carry-On Essentials Mini Advent Calendar
$115
Amazon
$115
Revolve
Total value: $275 Full-size products: 0/12
Why it's worth it: Also up for preorder (and ready to ship as soon as October 20) is a cute suitcase-themed advent calendar aptly named Carry-On Essentials. Inside, you'll discover a stacked lineup of the brand's C.E.O. products, which do wonders for reducing dullness. And hot off the press: The Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream is a 2026 Best of Beauty winner! Infused with caffeine and antioxidants, this is the wake-up call your dark circles will love (or hate, rather?).
Star product: Naturally, I'm eyeing another Best of Beauty winner, Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, which helps seriously boost brightness and smooth texture—all while being gentler than other exfoliating acids. Don't just take my word for it: “I can count on one hand the products that I routinely go back to, and Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment and I have been BFFs for about a decade now," says contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee. "As I enter the last year of my 30s, I depend on this more than ever to keep my dry, sensitive skin from flaking and looking dull. It delivers consistent exfoliation, keeps rough patches at bay, and despite being an acid treatment, it's never irritated my skin.”
Parfums de Marly Countdown Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Parfums de Marly
Countdown Calendar
$445
Nordstrom
Total value: $560 Full-size products: 0/12
Why it's worth it: I love a whimsical advent calendar design that adds to the magic of the holiday season—the more imaginative, the better! Enter: The Parfums de Marly Countdown Calendar, which is an ode to the first-ever hot-air balloon ride recorded in the 18th century. If you've always wanted to try the perfume house's most recognizable scents—Delina, Valaya, and Althaïr—this is the ideal opportunity to scoop them before investing in a full-size bottle of the EDP.
The star product: Hey there, Delina, what's it like in New York City? Excuse the cheesy reference, but Delina is well worth writing a song for. Not only is it a Best of Beauty winner, but this classic floral scent has held steady in the fragrance rotations of Allure editors past and present. “There hasn't been a time I wore Delina and didn't receive a compliment, and who doesn't want that?” says a previous tester. "I love everything about it: the floral-forward scent, baby pink bottle, and that it's versatile enough to wear day or night." Oh, and it's long-lasting, so a spritz of this decidedly pricey bottle goes a long way.
Beekman 1802 Kindness Café Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Beekman 1802
Kindness Café Advent Calendar
$199
Shop
$199
Beekman 1802
Total value: $410 Full-size products: 14/24 (including accessories)
Why it's worth it: Beekman 1802 usually wins for one of the cutest advent calendars that come across my inbox and desk, and this year is no different. Yes, I'm swayed by adorable characters, and what about it? A little Goatie is all dressed up as a barista, holding a tray of miniature coffee and pastries, to welcome you to the Kindness Café, and I gladly accept the invite. Out of the 24 goodies, you'll unlock 12 full-size products—a fantastic deal, because every limb of mine is going to need every possible hand and body cream come winter.
The star product: Most hand creams are good, but some, like the Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Hand Renewal Cream, provide extra benefits that make them more enticing. In this case, lactic acid gently exfoliates to smooth out any rough patches (hello, harsh winter winds), while peptides help boost elasticity. Repeat after me: No cracked hands in 2026 (or 2027).
More from Allure
The Best Perfume Gift Sets Make Holiday Shopping a (Beautifully Scented) Breeze
37 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls, Straight From Their Wish Lists
11 Best Red Lipsticks That Go From Day to Night
7 Best Alpha Hydroxy Acid Products for Your Smoothest Skin Yet
Tatcha 12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Tatcha
12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent Calendar
$199
Ulta Beauty
$199
Sephora
Total value: $290 Full-size products: 0/12
Why it's worth it: Tatcha packaging is already gorgeous as-is, so when the Japanese-inspired skin-care brand finally came out with its first-ever advent calendar last year, we couldn't believe our luck. And by another stroke of luck, it's back for 2026! 12 Ways to Love Your Skin is aptly named, with 12 nourishing formulas that cleanse, hydrate, brighten, and smooth with time-honored Japanese ingredients such as Uji green tea, Akita rice, Okinawa algae, Japanese indigo, and tsubaki oil. P.S. You can spot quite a few Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice winners in this lineup: The Silk Serum, The Brightening Eye Cream, and The Water Cream.
The star product: Why does senior commerce director Shanna Shipin call The Longevity Cream her “Goldilocks moisturizer?” It doesn't irritate her eczema, for one, makes her ultra-dry skin look “so supple” and “glistening,” and offers enough grip to double as a primer. And the texture of this gel-cream? Addicting. “There's a wiggly, jiggly bounce-back when you tap on the surface of the moisturizer, and you really are best served by using the spoon to scoop a dollop out,” Shipin says. Who says skin care shouldn't be fun? Certainly not us.
Revolution Beauty Makeup Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Revolution Beauty
Makeup Advent Calendar 2026
$65
Amazon
$65
Ulta Beauty
Total value: $135 Full-size products: 10/24
Why it's worth it: What's better than a wallet-friendly beauty brand? An even more wallet-friendly advent calendar, obviously. Revolution Beauty's set rings in at just $65 (no price increase from 2025—we love to see it!), and with 24 products total, that means each comes in at less than $3 a pop. You can replace your entire makeup routine, or share the wealth with your makeup-obsessed sisters and nieces. This colorful lineup stretches from lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara, and setting powder to makeup tools such as sponges and heart-shaped powder puffs. Glam time is a go.
The star product: If the Jelly Blush looks a little familiar, your eyes aren't tricking you. Whether you've a die-hard fan of that other brand's formula or haven't bounced around the idea of trying jelly makeup, let this delightful lip and cheek stain convince you to dab, blend, and be on your popsicle-stained, dewy-flushed way.
Anua 7 Days of Glass Skin Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Anua
7-Days of Glass Skin Advent Calendar
$34
Ulta Beauty
Total value: $55 Full-size products: 1/7
Why it's worth it: If you've been curious about this buzzy K-beauty brand but don't know where to start, let this travel-friendly kit be your intro—or if you're on a gifting budget, this clocks in at just $34. Win-win. In fact, this lineup is a complete skin-care routine, from double-cleaning to moisturizer, so it's as practical as it is well-priced. All you need to add on is sunscreen, which Anua also offers, of course.
The star product: The Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum has gone viral, and for good reason. Azelaic acid is an all-star ingredient that "helps treat acne, reduce inflammation, fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and improve redness, all while targeting acne-causing bacteria,” Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained. In this particular formula, it teams up with niacinamide to address uneven skin tone and calm redness. Oh, and it also makes a power pair with tretinoin.
L'Occitane Prestige Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
L’Occitane
Prestige Advent Calendar
$155
Nordstrom
Total value: $356 Full-size products: 1/24
Why it's worth it: Wherever you or your loved ones may be, this L'Occitane Prestige Advent Calendar invites its recipient to experience a piece of Provence, France, where the brand's roots lie. There, you'll find bounties of almond trees and lavender plants that power many of L'Occitane's beloved skin-care and body-care products. This stacked lineup—filled with dryness-soothing formulas such as the Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, Almond Milk Concentrate, and Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum—is more than ideal for ushering in the colder months.
The star product: There's an average shower…and then there's a shower using the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, which transforms from a luxe oil to a silky foam. Not only will your bathroom smell like a spa—think a comforting, warm blend of almonds and vanilla—your skin will benefit just as much as the rest of your senses. "By the time I step out of the shower and into my robe, my skin feels like satin," a former staffer attested.
Maison Margiela Replica 7-Day Holiday Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Maison Margiela
Replica 7-Day Holiday Calendar
$140
Nordstrom
Total value: $206 Full-size products: 1/7
Why it's worth it: You don't always need 24 products, especially when it comes to a category as personal as fragrance. Maison Margiela gets that, which is why it kept its curation super tight with just five of its most people-pleasing scents: Jazz Club, By the Fireplace, Chasing Stars, Lazy Sunday (which comes in a hand cream, shower gel, and eau de toilette). What do they all have in common? They're comforting, calming, and grounding, so get cozy.
The star product:By the Fireplace is a scent we love spritzing in the colder months. And because it's an eau de toilette (it's lighter, thanks to a lower alcohol concentration), it's a fantastic unisex scent. Social media manager Bianca Richards, for example, shares this scent with her partner. “Matthew and I thrive in the fall because we're both homebodies who love creating a cozy, warm space to feel at peace," she says. Infused with notes of clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord, By the Fireplace feels genuinely like a warm hug. (For the record, regardless of fragrance formulation or gender, you can 100% wear whatever scent you please!)
Elizabeth Arden 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Elizabeth Arden
12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
$90
Shop
$90
Nordstrom
Total value: $317 Full-size products: 5/12
Why it's worth it: Elizabeth Arden is skin care that means business—and by business, we mean seriously soft and plump skin. After all, we use the terms “iconic” and “icon” very sparingly (copy team, hear that?), but a product like the Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant deserves the accolade. First launched in 1930, we've written about the deeply moisturizing (and Best of Beauty-winning) salve more times than I can count on two hands. Editors in chief and flight attendants, among many others, have given it heaps of praise. Alongside the all-rounder cream, you'll find five full-size products (like the Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick) and three travel-size products (hey, White Tea Original Eau de Toilette).
The star product: I know I just gave Eight Hour its flowers, but the Advanced Gold Ceramide Capsules and Retinol HPR Ceramide Capsules deserve shoutouts all the same. Not only are they extra-travel-friendly for holiday trips home, but they're also already portioned out, so you can squeeze and apply without a second thought—especially useful for those nights you feel so tired you can barely lift up your arms to brush your teeth. (Just me?)
Manucurist Time to Shine 24 Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Manucurist
Time to Shine 24 Advent Calendar
$139
Shop
$139
Amazon
$139
Ulta Beauty
Total value: $316 Full-size products: 24/24
Why it's worth it: If you're a DIY nail lover, or know someone who is, Manucurist curated an all-inclusive set that includes brand-new hues like bordeaux and forest green—perfect for fall and winter vibes. Senior editor Jesa Marie Caloar vouches for the longevity of the Green Nail Polishes, by the way. "Just two coats of the stuff give me an opaque, vibrant, and streak-free manicure," she says. "It dries quickly and takes weeks to chip, despite all of the things I do with my hands (dishes, weight training, and hours of typing away at my laptop) that could potentially ding my nail look." I'm sold. Aren't you too?
The star product: I love all of the nail/hand care that goes into this box, including a keratin booster and nail & cuticle oil, but I'm eyeing the set-exclusive Active shade: Shine Icy. (The Green Nail Polishes are more like your traditional lacquers, whereas Active Nail Polishes are sheerer in nature and help repair your nails—think AHAs, sweet almond oil, and raspberry—throughout wear time.) I do prefer my bolder hues overall, but I'm intrigued by this strengthening formula, and I can't pass up a glitter, especially for the holidays.
Korres Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Korres
Advent Calendar 2026
$134
Shop
$134
Amazon
$134
Korres
Total value: $472 Full-size products: 6/24
Why it's worth it: We know advent calendars sometimes skimp on full-size skin-care products, but Korres offers a solid lineup of six, including the Smart Yoghurt Probiotic Gel-Cream, Smart Yoghurt Probiotic Super Serum (a bit more on that later), Wide Award Eye Gel Roller, and 6xHA Wrinkle Smoothing Youth Activator Booster. There's also plenty of body care (shower gels! body scrubs! body milks!) to make sure your skin doesn't know a thing about chappedness—and even a few hair-care products for your travels.
The star product: A winner in our sensitive category for the 2026 Best of Beauty Awards: Korres Smart Yoghurt Probiotic Super Serum. Dry, irritated skin hates to see this calming concoction of oat extract, bisabolol, and ginger root extract coming. Another great pick? One Allure contributor credited the Greek Yogurt Foaming Cleanser with soothing her rosacea flare-ups. “My complexion tends to become irritated as soon as I remove my makeup, but it's a rosacea symptom that's become nonexistent since I started using this product, and the effects last, too. I wake up with an even tone that remains as such throughout the following day.”
More from Allure
The Best Perfume Gift Sets Make Holiday Shopping a (Beautifully Scented) Breeze
37 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls, Straight From Their Wish Lists
7 Best Alpha Hydroxy Acid Products for Your Smoothest Skin Yet
11 Best Red Lipsticks That Go From Day to Night
Byredo Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Byredo
Advent Calendar
$955
Nordstrom
$955
Byredo
Total value: $1000 Full-size products: 3/25
Why it's worth it: Byredo's advent calendars are absolute splurges, and this year is no different—but think of it this way: keep some for yourself, and split the rest amongst your friends. Everyone gets a treat (or three). You can simply trust me when I say this set has some of Byredo's most beloved scents, or you can confirm through my coworkers' testimonies. Scent every inch of your body and home with this mix of eau de parfums, candles, hand creams, perfumed oils, and body mists. You'll also find a few unexpected items, such as two lipsticks (one satin, one liquid), a hairbrush, and even a very practical candle wick trimmer.
The star product: If I'm being honest, I rarely pack body wash whenever I travel. All of mine tend to be full-size (Have you seen how many pumps I use in one go?) and I'm not willing to give up the space in my checked bag—if I'm going that route in the first place. At the same time, I'm rarely a fan of hotel body washes, so what's a woman to do? Pack the mini Bal d’Afrique Body Wash, of course. According to my research, Byredo doesn't even sell standalone 50-milliliter bottles.
Jo Malone London 12 Days of Jo Malone London Holiday Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Jo Malone London
12 Days of Jo Malone London Holiday Calendar
$250
Nordstrom
$250
Jo Malone London
Total value: $305 Full-size products: 0/12
Why it's worth it: While most of us can only dream of owning, living in, or even working in a charming London townhouse, the 12 Days of Jo Malone London Holiday Calendar gives us the tiniest of ideas with a model of its global headquarters. While the exterior is endearing, the real treasures are housed inside; you'll find all of the brand's most popular scents—hey, Wood Sage & Sea Salt—in the form of mini colognes, bar soaps, candles, hand creams, and body lotions. I encourage you to experiment with layering scents—whether they're spritzed, rubbed in, or both.
The star product: ICYMI, peony (or any florals, for that matter) isn't just for spring. Some scents like Peony & Blush Suede are simply classic, year-round crowd-pleasers. This one, in particular, is a balanced dance of blooming peonies, juicy apple, and soft suede—and because it's a cologne, it's hard to overdo. It sticks close to you and those that matter.
YesStyle Y So Cereal Advent Calendar
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Yesstyle
Y So Cereal Advent Calendar
$165
Yesstyle
Total value: $450 Full-size products: ~20
Why it's worth it: YesStyle advent calendars sell like hotcakes every year, so you'll want to preorder yours as soon as you're able to (October 7 at 11 p.m. ET). Besides the super cute packaging (the mascots, I mean, c'mon!), you get a plethora of Korean skin care and makeup from 35 brands! While some days include sample-like satchets, the minis and full-size products more than make up for those. A full-size Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm will last you months. A full-size tube of Abib Collagen Eye Patches? Yes, please.
The star product: As Allure's biggest K-beauty fan, this is the hardest box to choose just one product, so I'll just rattle off a bunch of products I love and a quick reason why.
Arencia Fresh Green Rice Mochi Cleanser: It has such a fun texture and I love that it gently exfoliates. I also prefer to leave it on for a minute or two as a “mask.”
Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse: This is one of those creams everyone raves about, no matter their age. It's calming and floods your skin with long-lasting moisture and barrier-strenghtening benefits. I actually like the lighterweight Time Reverse Zero for my combo skin, but the original will be perfect for the winter.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics NAD+ Serum-in-Mist: It's simply a really good, actually deeply hydrating face mist—truly the brand's milky essence in mist form!
Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss: These make my lips look so juicy and I adore the bouncy donut applicator—my favorite shade is No.4 Bora Bora.
House of Hur Moist Ampoule Blusher: This liquid blush is extra pigmented, so you just need the tiniest amount a fabulous, “look at me” flush.
When do most advent beauty calendars launch?
As of mid-October, I've found that most beauty advent calendars are live. Of course, every year differs, but the overarching pattern is earlier launch dates with each passing year. For example, Anthropologie was the first on my radar to launch on August 13, and both the retailer's 12-day and 24-day calendars have since sold out.
Are beauty advent calendars worth it?
In most cases, yes. I've outlined the total value for each calendar above if you need a monetary comparison, but it ultimately depends on what you think your beauty routine is lacking (Dermstore's calendar is great for skin care) or if you're interested in trying out one particular brand (Charlotte Tilbury, Benefit Cosmetics, etc.). Personally, I think advent calendars are great for splitting the wealth between you and your friends. You get some treats, and you can also cross off some of your gifting list—it's a win-win, and it it helps justify the more expensive sets.
What happens if the calendar you want sells out?
Some brands/retailers will restock later in the holiday season if there's enough demand. I'd recommend signing up for waitlists whenever possible and keeping an eye on your inbox. For this roundup—which is continuously updated through early-to-mid December—I will be adding back in any advent calendars I previously featured if they do restock, and note that they're likely to sell out quickly.
Why trust Allure?
I, Sarah Han, have been covering and writing this advent calendar roundup for the past three years, so I think I know a thing or two about the best launches every year. Trust me, it's a lot to wade through, which is why a lot of advent calendars don't make the cut! And it's not just me judging them. From August to December, my fellow editors and I are constantly calling in samples to unbox and test. That's on top of our regular year-round product testing, so we're familiar with almost all of the products in any given advent calendar—and whether they're, well, covetable.
Looking for more gifting inspo?
37 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls, Straight From Their Wish Lists
26 Best Amazon Gifts Under $50 That Feel Surprisingly Luxe
21 Best Candle Gifts That Go Beyond Your Basic Holiday Scents
Now, watch K-pop stars share their beauty secrets:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place! And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok—or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
Sarah Han is the commerce editor at Allure and has been covering beauty from a shopping and cultural lens for 10 years. She's the team expert on all things K-beauty, in particular, but especially loves all skin care and makeup (especially of the colorful variation). Previously, she served as an … Read MoreCommerce Editor
Instagram
LinkedIn
Keywordsshoppingadvent calendarsgift ideasgift guidesHolidayChristmasRead MoreFragranceThe Best Perfume Gift Sets Make Holiday Shopping a (Beautifully Scented) BreezeScent the season with our top picks.By Kara NesvigSkin7 Best Cleansing Balms to Melt Makeup in SecondsNo tugging, no stinging—just soft, glowing skin.By Sarah FelbinNails19 Thanksgiving Nail Ideas to Be Grateful for This FallAll the inspiration you need for nails that will be the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner.By Allure EditorsSkin8 Best Face Washes for All Skin Types, According to Dermatologists and EditorsOur testers washed, rinsed, and repeated to find the best of the best.By Christa Joanna LeeSkin9 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums to Deliver All-Day HydrationThey can also help support the skin barrier and smooth fine lines.By Christa Joanna LeeMakeup37 Best Gifts for Teenage Girls, Straight From Their Wish ListsThey're a tough crowd to shop for, but we've got you covered.By Christa Joanna LeeMakeup11 Best Red Lipsticks That Go From Day to NightMeet the LBD of lipsticks.By Lily WohlnerShoppingThese Body Washes Turn Your Shower Into Self-CareThese nourishing formulas go way beyond basic cleansing.By Sarah FelbinShopping10 Best Deodorants and Antiperspirants for Smelling Fresh and Staying DryWe found the best stick, spray, and roll-on formulas that work hard to control odor and keep sweat at bay.By Madison San MiguelCelebrityNara Smith’s 10-Minute Unfiltered Everyday Beauty RoutineNara Smith walks us through her approach to everyday beauty, sharing her go-to products, favorite techniques and the steps she takes to get ready–in just 10 minutes! Watch as she reveals the beauty essentials she reaches for and shows us how she gets ready for her day.SkinDermatologist Answers The 17 Most Important Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) QuestionsAre you struggling to tell the difference between an ingrown hair and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)? Wondering how to safely manage painful flares, odor, or scarring? Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zoe Indigo answers 17 of the most common questions about hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). From breaking down the root causes and progression stages to sharing practical skincare routines, pain-management tips, and treatment options, this comprehensive guide offers expert insight to help you navigate living with HS.Acne6 Best Body Acne Treatments for Smooth Skin From Head to ToeBacne, chest acne, and everything in between.By Lily Wohlner
Leave a Reply