Hidden treasures

From affordable to luxury, KATIE WRIGHT selects the season’s finest cosmetic countdowns to Christmas

ONCE a niche offering, there are now masses of beauty Advent calendars to choose from, helping you countdown to Christmas with a glamorous gift every day. While they may seem on the pricey side, when you tot up the value of what’s inside – a wealth of products that will last well into next year – these curated collections are worth the investment. And who doesn’t deserve a bit of indulgence at the end of what’s been a really difficult year?

So whether you’re gifting a loved one or treating yourself, here are eight of the best beauty Advent calendars...

1HOLLAND

& BARRETT 25 DAYS OF NATURAL BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR, £40

FEATURING 14 full-sized products and 11 minis from brands such as Weleda and Upcircle, and valued at more than £170, this is the best value beauty Advent calendar we’ve found. No wonder the impressive selection, which is vegan-friendly and comes in a fully recyclable box, has proved so popular.

2SOAP

& GLORY 24 DAYS TO ROAM THE FOAM ADVENT CALENDAR, £42, BOOTS

PACKED with scrumptioussmelling body washes, scrubs, lotions and butters, plus skin-boosting masks and a few make-up minis, this sweet selection, worth

£85.73, contains everything you need to create a spa experience at home.

3L’OCCITANE

CLASSIC BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR, £53, UKLOCCITANE.COM

FEATURING cult favourites such as Shea Butter Hand Cream and Overnight Reset Serum as well as the latest L’occitane launches, this beautifully illustrated box of treats from the much-loved French brand, valued at £87, makes a fantastic discovery set or gift for a long-time fan.

4CIATE

MINI MANI MONTH, £59, CIATELONDON.COM

BACK for a fifth year running, Mini Mani Month 2020 brings the festive season to your fingertips with a Ciate selection worth £150. As well as 18 mini polishes, one full-size pot and two nail toppers, you’ll get a surprise gift and a sneak peek of a hot new nail care launch.

5THE

BODY SHOP MAKE IT REAL TOGETHER BIG ADVENT CALENDAR, £70

ALONGSIDE 20 mini versions of bath and body favourites, this bumper box features five full-size products, including the Banana Truly Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner duo, and is valued at an impressive £140.

6DR.

HAUSCHKA ADVENT CALENDAR, £85

ONE for the natural beauty lover, Dr Hauschka’s 24-piece festive countdown, valued at £116, brings together a sleigh-load of skincare and body essentials plus the star on top of the tree: a full-size tube of the brand’s ultimate hero, Rose Day Cream.

7FREEDM

STREET 2020 ADVENT CALENDAR, £149

CURATED by eco retailer Freedm Street, the UK’S first vegan, plasticfree and cruelty-free beauty Advent calendar houses a selection of full-size skincare and make-up products from sustainable brands as well as a couple of plant-based snacks. Not only that, three ‘good deed’ doors provide donations to charities, with the whole lot worth a whopping £325.

8CHARLOTTE

TILBURY’S CHEST OF BEAUTY TREASURES ADVENT CALENDAR, £150, JOHN LEWIS, CHARLOTTE.TILBURY.COM

FOR the lover of luxury make-up, this chest from beauty guru Charlotte Tilbury is a real treat. Complete with 12 magic full size and travel size make-up and skincare items, it includes a full size Hollywood Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight highlighter; Colour Chameleon eye shadow in Copper Lights and a full size matte revolution lipstick in Pillow Talk: Charlotte’s iconic best-selling shade.