The best beauty advent calendars of 2026: which one suits you?
The best beauty advent calendar of 2026 depends on what you like to use. Want a mix of make-up, skincare, hair and K-beauty with mostly full size products? Then the Boozyshop Advent Calendar 2026 is the most complete choice. For make-up on a smaller budget, look at Essence or Catrice, for nails at Essie, and if you'd rather have tools or bath & body, Brushworks and Mad Beauty have you covered. All of this season's calendars are together in our advent calendars collection.
Which advent calendar suits you?
The main differences are in what's inside, how many full size products you get and the budget. This overview puts them side by side.
| Calendar | What's inside | Contents | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boozyshop Advent Calendar 2026 | Make-up, skincare, haircare, K-beauty, tools and accessories | 23 full size and 2 minis | Mid-range |
| Essence The Holiday Tree | Make-up for eyes, lips, face and nails, plus tools | 24 surprises | Affordable |
| Catrice House Of Gold | Highlighters, eyeshadow and lip products | 24 doors | Affordable |
| Revolution Advent Calendar 2026 | Make-up and accessories | 10 full size, 8 minis, 6 accessories | Mid-range |
| L'Oréal Paris Advent Calendar 2026 | Make-up and care | 24 doors | Higher |
| Essie Advent Calendar 2026 | Nail polish and nail care | 24 complete products | Mid-range |
| Brushworks Beauty Countdown 2026 | Brushes, skincare tools and hair accessories | 18 full size and 6 travel size | Affordable |
| Mad Beauty Harry Potter Hogwarts | Bath & body | 24 surprises | Affordable |
What's inside the Boozyshop Advent Calendar 2026?
Our own calendar holds 25 products: 23 full size and 2 minis. You'll find make-up, skincare, haircare, beauty tools and accessories, from brands like Jeffree Star Cosmetics, Danessa Myricks Beauty, Cetaphil, Centellian24, Catrice, Essence, Holika Holika, Unleashia, Geek & Gorgeous and Revolution. Think of an eyeshadow by Jeffree Star, the Madeca Cream Time Reverse by Centellian24, a mugwort sheet mask by Holika Holika, a hair perfume by NEQI and a satin sleep cap by Boozyshop.
Thanks to the Korean brands, this is also the calendar for K-beauty lovers. You start on 1 December and open one door every day. It's cruelty free.
Which make-up advent calendar is best?
If you're mainly after make-up, there are three clear picks. The Essence The Holiday Tree Advent Calendar has 24 surprises for your eyes, lips, nails and face, plus a few tools. Every box is decorated and can be hung up, so the calendar doubles as Christmas decoration. It's the most affordable calendar in this overview and it's full of limited products.
The Catrice House Of Gold Advent Calendar is a golden little house with 24 doors, all about glow: highlighters, eyeshadow and lip products with shiny and shimmery finishes. Great if you love festive looks.
Want more full size products? Then the Revolution Advent Calendar 2026 is a step up, with 10 full size products, 8 minis and 6 beauty accessories.
Which advent calendar for skincare and K-beauty?
We don't have a skincare-only calendar this year. If care is what you're after, the Boozyshop Advent Calendar is your best bet: it includes the Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion by Cetaphil, a glow serum by Danessa Myricks Beauty, a cleanser by Geek & Gorgeous and Korean skincare by Centellian24 and Holika Holika. The L'Oréal Paris Advent Calendar 2026 combines make-up and care from one brand in 24 doors and is the priciest calendar in this overview.
Is there an advent calendar for nails?
Yes, the Essie Advent Calendar 2026. Behind each of the 24 doors is a complete product, and nine of them are 13.5 ml bottles, just like the ones you buy separately. You get Essie Original, Gel by essie, Expressie which dries in 60 seconds, and nail care from Essie Care, including a strengthener, a hardener and a top coat. The calendar is vegan and cruelty free. More shades are waiting in nail polish.
An advent calendar without make-up
Not everyone needs more lip gloss. The Brushworks Beauty Countdown Advent Calendar 2026 has 24 doors with make-up brushes, beauty and skincare tools and hair accessories, 18 of them full size and 6 travel size.
For a Harry Potter fan there's the Mad Beauty Harry Potter Hogwarts 24 Day Advent Calendar, with 24 bath & body products such as foot lotion, bubble bath, clay masks, bath milk and bath salts. Behind door 1 you'll find a UV wand that reveals the dates on the calendar.
What to look for when choosing
- Full size or mini: you actually use up full size products, while minis are mostly handy for trying something new.
- What you already use: a calendar full of products from a category you never use will just sit there. Pick the type that fits your routine.
- One brand or a mix: a brand calendar is recognisable and consistent, a mix lets you discover new brands.
- For yourself or as a gift: for someone else, a broad mix often works better than a calendar with one product type.
Want to put your new make-up straight to work on a party look? Read the most beautiful holiday make-up looks.
Frequently asked questions
When do you open the first door?
On 1 December. After that you open one door every day until Christmas.
What's the difference between full size and mini?
A full size product is the same size as when you buy it on its own. A mini or travel size is smaller, handy for trying out or taking with you.
When is the best time to buy an advent calendar?
Advent calendars are only around in the run-up to December. Got a favourite? Don't wait until the end of November.
Is an advent calendar a good gift?
Yes, especially if you match the type to the person: make-up for a make-up fan, Essie for someone who loves painting her nails, and bath & body or tools for someone who'd rather get something other than make-up.