Beauty advent calendars are one of the most exciting launches in the run-up to the festive season. With more brands than ever releasing their own versions each year, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to invest in. Whether you're treating yourself or gifting someone else, it’s important to choose wisely – not every advent calendar is worth the money.
Here are 10 essential tips (plus two bonus ones) to help you choose the right beauty advent calendar for 2025, from how to spot good value to ensuring you won’t be left disappointed.
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Advent calendars can range anywhere from £20 to over £500, with luxury brands like Dior offering calendars priced well beyond the £550 mark. Before diving into the seasonal shopping spree, it’s important to decide how much you're willing to spend. Knowing your limit – whether it's £50 or £250 – helps narrow down your options and keeps you from overspending.
Many calendars stay at similar price points year after year, but small increases are common. For example, the Harrods calendar has remained at £250 for several years, while others see £5–£10 price jumps annually. Having a budget in mind is the first step in making a practical purchase.
2. Check the Product Breakdown
Most brands reveal a full product list ahead of launch, either all at once or in stages. It's always worth checking how many full-size products are included compared to minis. Full sizes usually offer better value and more usability, while minis can feel like filler.
It’s also smart to assess how many of the products are already in your collection. Buying a calendar filled with duplicates isn’t the best investment. And remember: just because something is trending doesn’t mean it suits your skin type or needs. Avoid the hype and look at whether the products are genuinely useful for you.
3. Focus on the Product Categories
What are you actually hoping to receive in an advent calendar? Skincare? Makeup? A mix of both?
Some calendars focus entirely on skincare – think brands like Elemis – while others mix beauty with lifestyle, such as Vogue’s annual release. Most popular multi-brand calendars like Cult Beauty, LookFantastic, and Sephora offer a bit of everything. If you’re only interested in one category, look for brands or boxes that cater specifically to that.
4. Compare the Total Value
Brands often advertise high savings compared to the calendar’s retail value. It’s common to see claims like “£300+ worth of products for just £90.” But it’s always worth doing a little homework to see if the value really adds up.
Multi-brand calendars tend to offer better value than single-brand ones. If you're looking for a good mix and high overall worth, the larger beauty retailers usually deliver. However, if you’re loyal to a specific skincare brand, the overall value may be less important than product suitability.
5. Look for Exclusive or Limited Edition Items
Some brands go the extra mile by including exclusive products in their advent calendars – think limited edition shades, packaging, or accessories that aren’t available elsewhere. This adds a special touch and can make the calendar feel more luxurious.
In past years, brands like LookFantastic and Vogue have included exclusive items such as custom makeup brush pouches or silk sleep masks. These thoughtful extras can help tip the balance when deciding between multiple options.
6. Watch for Repeats from Previous Years
It’s not unusual to see bestselling or viral products reappear in calendars year after year. This can be great if it's a favourite product, but if you’ve already tried it and weren’t impressed, it may feel repetitive.
If surprises are important to you, it's worth comparing the upcoming year's calendar with last year's version. Brands often follow similar patterns, so familiarising yourself with previous releases can help you spot repeats in advance.
7. Consider Storage Space
Beauty advent calendars can be surprisingly bulky – especially the more creatively designed ones like Vogue’s towering boxes or MAC’s stackable “gift tower” packaging. While these look great, they can take up significant space in your home.
If you’re short on room or want something easy to display, look at the calendar's dimensions before purchasing. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference during the festive season.
8. Think About Packaging & Sustainability
Sustainability has become a key consideration for many shoppers. Some advent calendars are designed to be reused as storage boxes or jewellery organisers after Christmas. If that matters to you, look out for options that feature high-quality, reusable packaging.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to recycle your calendar, make sure the materials used are recyclable and that there aren’t unnecessary layers of plastic or glitter that make them harder to dispose of sustainably.
9. Pay Attention to Shipping & Release Dates
Calendars often launch on different dates depending on the brand, with many offering early access or pre-orders. Keep an eye out for shipping timelines – especially if you're ordering internationally – to ensure your calendar arrives before December.
Calendars that launch on pre-order often ship earlier than general sale versions, so if there’s one you have your eye on, ordering early can help avoid disappointment.
10. Look for Everyday Essentials
While it’s tempting to be swayed by novelty or viral products, the best value often comes from everyday essentials like moisturisers, mascaras, and cleansers. These are the products you’re more likely to use throughout the year, giving you better return on your investment.
While bold lipsticks or one-time-use glitters might be fun, they may not offer the same long-term value as a really good moisturiser you’ll use to the last drop.
Bonus Tip: Look for Hero Products
Most beauty advent calendars feature a hero product — often a high-value item hidden behind door 24 or 25. This might be a luxury serum, a full-size palette, or a best-selling treatment. If it’s a product you already love (or had your eye on), the calendar may be worth buying for that item alone — and you can repurpose the other products as gifts.
Bonus Tip: Stay Updated
To make sure you don’t miss any advent calendar launches, restocks or waitlists, subscribe to MissBoux.com. You’ll get email notifications every time a new post goes live, so you’ll stay up to date without needing to check the site constantly. I’ll be sharing updates, launch dates, full product breakdowns, price comparisons and more — all in one place. It’s free to subscribe, and you’ll have everything you need to make the best decision on your 2025 beauty advent calendar.
Advent calendar season is one of the most exciting times in the beauty calendar — but also one of the most competitive. With limited stock, early sell-outs, and dozens of choices, making a smart, well-informed decision is key. By knowing your budget, understanding what you want from your calendar, and staying up-to-date with launches and contents, you can pick the perfect one for 2025 — without the regret.
Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a beauty lover, these tips should help you shop with confidence and avoid any festive letdowns.
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