While we know that the countdown to Christmas isn't on quite yet - who says there's anything wrong with being prepared? Because, let's face it, if you leave it until November 30th to treat yourself to an advent calendar, chances are that the best ones will have already been snapped up.
From snack advent calendars to offerings for pets and even sex toy advent calendars, there really is something for everyone when it comes to counting down to Christmas.
There are so many beauty calendars on the market at the moment, but many of them are a little pricey for our liking. Luckily, there are still lots of great affordable options out there to get you excited in the run-up to Christmas. Opting for a cheaper calendar doesn't mean missing out on big brands either because cult faves like Sephora, Avon, and Makeup Revolution are all offering calendars that won't break the bank.
Closer's pick of the best beauty advent calendars under £50, at a glance
We've done some digging and found the best beauty calendars on the market this year for under £50.
SHOP: Beauty advent calendars under £50
ELFwww.elfcosmetics.co.uk
Containing products worth £64, this calendar includes a little bit of everything, from skincare essentials to beauty tools and must-have products. With 12 products to open, you can enjoy some of e.l.f's must-have beauty and skincare products, including a face primer, a setting spray and three lip products. We love that it also contains a makeup sponge and two tools or brushes.
Pros
- £64 worth of products for £45
- Includes limited-edition holiday shades
- Features both makeup and skincare
Cons
- Only has 12 days worth of products
| Release date | Coming soon - you can sign up to be notified when the calendar is released |
| How much is it worth? | £64 |
| Number of days | 12 |
| Number of products | 12 |
| Closer's highlight | 3 lip products |
Sephorawww.sephora.co.uk
We all know that Sephora can be super spenny, so we were pleasantly surprised to find this calendar for just under £50 with £99 worth of goodies inside. There are 24 makeup, skincare, bath, and accessory treats to enjoy, as well as an exclusive surprise on the last day! This calendar includes 24 of Sephora's brilliant own-brand products.
Pros
- Variety of makeup, skincare, bath and accessory surprises
- Exclusive surprise on the last day
- The cardboard was produced using sustainably managed forests
Cons
- Only contains Sephora Collection products
| Release date | Out now |
| How much is it worth? | £99 |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 24 and an extra surprise |
| Closer's highlight | Cherry lip mask |
Body Shop Advent of Wonderswww.thebodyshop.com
Worth £119, we think that this calendar is fab value. There are 24 of The Body Shop's best sellers to enjoy, including fruity shower gels, body butter, and hand balms.
Pros
- Contains 24 products
- £119 worth of products
- The advent calendar supports the Body Shop's Community Fair Trade programme
Cons
- Might not be for makeup lovers
| Release date | Out now |
| How much is it worth? | £119 |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 24 |
| Closer's highlight | Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash |
Revolution Beauty Advent Calendar 2024www.revolutionbeauty.com
This glitzy calendar is packed full of products to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas. Keep your eyes peeled for sparkly glosses, nourishing lip masks, makeup brushes and brow gels. Highlights include two Satin Kiss lipsticks, a strawberry lip mask and a mini Reloaded eyeshadow palette.
Pros
- An ideal choice for makeup lovers
- Suitable for vegans
- Includes a variety of makeup products
Cons
- One reviewer said they felt the products were a little small
| Release date | Out now |
| How much is it worth? | £97 |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 24 |
| Closer's highlight | Revolution Mini Reloaded Palette |
Cath Kidston Advent CalendarThis calendar wins all the awards for presentation. The stunning festive packaging has truly won us over, and we're sure everything inside is equally as cute. Expect lots of hand creams, lotions, scrubs and lip balms, with 24 travel-size products to enjoy. There's eight gorgeous fragrances inside, including red berry and cedar, vanilla cloud and fig tree.
Pros
- Attractive packaging
- Suitable for vegans
- Contains a variety of beauty treats
Cons
- Products are travel-sized
| Release date | Out now |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 24 |
| Closer's highlight | Vanilla cloud body spray |
17 Countdown of Joy Advent Calendarwww.boots.com
This hot pink star-shaped calendar is right up our street and is jam-packed with a great selection of mini 17 makeup products. Behind each door, you'll find everything from eyeshadow and highlighter to tweezers and a headband, with a whopping 25 products included.
Pros
- Contains 25 products
- Great for makeup lovers
- Attractive packaging
Cons
- Lots of mini products
| Release date | Out now |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 25 |
| Closer's highlight | Nude lipstick |
Soap and Glory www.boots.com
You just can't go wrong with Soap and Glory, especially at Christmas time. This calendar has everything you'd possibly need for the ultimate festive pamper night, including body lotions, shower gels, body scrubs and sheet masks. Enjoy 24 brilliant Soap & Glory products this festive period.
Pros
- Perfect for pampering
- 24 products included
- Attractive packaging
Cons
- Doesn't contain makeup products
| Release date | Out now |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 24 |
| Closer's highlight | Hand Food hand cream |
Baylis and HardingThis calendar contains a mixture of gorgeous pampering products in calming Jojoba, Vanilla, and Almond Oil scents - exactly what everyone needs during the busy festive period. There's a brilliant 24 products included in the popular moonlight fig and jojoba, sweet mandarin and grapefruit and vanilla and almond oil scents.
Pros
- Suitable for vegans
- 24 products included
- Indulgent scents
Cons
- One reviewer felt that there could be more reviewer
| Release date | Out now |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 24 |
| Closer's highlight | Jojoba, vanilla and almond oil shower creme |
12 Days of Self-Care Advent Calendaravon.uk.com
This 12 Days of Self-Care calendar is full of wellness-orientated goodies. Enjoy a brilliant array of products, including a facial roller, eye roller and serums. This is an ideal choice for those looking to pamper themselves during the busy festive period.
Pros
- Includes full-sized and mini products
- Ideal for self-care
- Attractive packaging
Cons
- Only includes 12 products
| Release date | Out now |
| Number of days | 12 |
| Number of products | 12 |
| Closer's highlight | Anew Skin Renewal Power Eye Cream |
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Snap up this gorgeous M&S advent calendar for £50 when you spend £35 on full-price clothing, homeware or beauty. Enjoy an array of makeup, body and hair products worth over £300, with six full-sized products included. Some of the brilliant brands in this calendar include Benefit, Pixi, Color Wow and Clinique.
Pros
- Worth over £300
- Great mix of makeup, hair and body products
- Comes in a handy zip-around case
Cons
- You have to spend £35 to get it for £50
| Release date | Out now |
| How much is it worth? | Over £300 |
| Number of products | 25 |
| Closer's highlight | Full-size Benefit Fan Fest mascara |
Holland and Barrett
www.hollandandbarrett.com
This 26-piece advent calendar from Holland and Barrett contains a whopping 16 full-sized products. There's an array of brilliant brands to enjoy, including Faith in Nature, Wild and Weleda. Our highlights include the full-size Weleda Skin Food cleansing balm and the Dr Paw Paw lip and eye balm.
| Release date | Out now |
| How much is it worth? | Over £219 |
| Number of days | 25 |
| Number of products | 26 |
| Closer's highlight | Full-size Weleda Skin Food cleansing balm |
Bootswww.boots.com
If you're looking to splash out on this year's advent calendar, this pick from Boots is the perfect choice. 24 treats are included - half of which are full-sized, while the rest are travel-sized. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to great brands, with Sol de Janeiro, Drunk Elephant, Fenty Beauty and NARS products included.
| Release date | Out now |
| How much is it worth? | £357.83 |
| Number of days | 24 |
| Number of products | 24 |
| Closer's highlight | Sol De Janeiro Cheirosa Fragrance Mist '76 30ml |
Beauty advent calendar frequently asked questions
Which beauty advent calendar is worth the most?
In terms of the advent calendars we've included in our round-up, the Boots 24 Days of Christmas advent calendar allows you to bag £357.83 worth of products for £99. For those who are looking to splurge on this year's advent calendar, the Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar costs £260, but is worth a whopping £1,205.
What are the best makeup advent calendars?
There's an abundance of brilliant advent calendars out there for makeup lovers. For those after a more budget-friendly pick, opt for a calendar from e.l.f, Revolution or 17. If you fancy treating yourself this year, you could opt for Charlotte Tilbury's Treasure Chest of Love, which includes 12 of the brand's popular products for £170.
Are beauty advent calendars worth the money?
If you're looking to try out some new products, then beauty advent calendars are most definitely worth it. For example, the SEPHORA COLLECTION Moving Lights advent calendar is available for £49.99, but includes £99 worth of products - meaning you get great value for money.
Which brands have beauty advent calendars?
There's a host of popular beauty brands that have released advent calendars for 2024. From much-loved brands like Soap & Glory to Elemis, to retailers including Boots and M&S, there's bound to be a calendar out there for you.
When do beauty advent calendars go on sale in the UK?
Most beauty advent calendars are already on sale and available to purchase or pre-order, with many available to shop from September or October. Some advent calendars from popular brands, including Cult Beauty and Space NK, have already sold out, so you'll have to be quick if you don't want to miss out on your favourite.
Lucy Brownis a Life and Style Writer covering everything travel, interiors, celeb wellness and fitness across both print and online for Closer, heat ,Bella, Take a Break, Yours and That's Life.