The annual surge in beauty advent calendar popularity continues, with retailers releasing these highly anticipated collections earlier each year. To determine which offer the best value, Daily Mail journalists Claire Coleman and Antonia Lenon meticulously analyzed the contents and pricing of numerous calendars.

Their evaluation focused on the actual worth of the products included, comparing the retail price (RRP) to the selling price. For items not sold in standard sizes, they calculated a price based on the cost per milliliter or gram of the full-sized product. This rigorous assessment revealed significant discrepancies between brands' advertised values and their expert calculations.

Marks & Spencer's £75 Beauty Advent Calendar emerged as the clear winner in terms of value for money, offering products with a calculated worth more than five times its selling price. John Lewis's calendar secured second place, with contents valued at over £1,000 for a £250 purchase.

Top Picks and Their Value

  • Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar (£75): This calendar is lauded for its exceptional value, featuring 10 full-size and 16 miniature products from brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, and Benefit. The calculated value reached £460.93, representing a saving of 515%.
  • LookFantastic Beauty Calendar (£120): Curated by beauty experts, this offering includes 12 full-size products, four travel sizes, and eight accessories, with a calculated value of £673.90. It features brands such as Laura Mercier, Medik8, and MAC.
  • John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar (£250): With 23 full-size and 18 miniature products, this calendar boasts a calculated value of £1,207.09. Its contents span skincare, makeup, haircare, and fragrance, including a Foreo UFO 3 Mini.
  • Cult Beauty Advent Calendar (£245): This calendar contains 19 full-size and 14 miniature products, valued at £1,127.79. It offers a diverse range of items, though reviewers noted a potential for some products to appeal to different audience segments.
  • Fortnum & Mason Advent Calendar (£275): Positioned as a luxury option, this calendar includes 14 full-size and one miniature product, with a calculated value of £1,217. It focuses heavily on skincare and fragrance, featuring brands like Aromatherapy Associates and Delilah.
  • Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar (£275): This calendar offers 26 full-size and nine miniature products, valued at £1,197.41. It leans towards skincare and includes brands such as Augustinus Bader and Medik8.
  • Sephora Favourites Advent Calendar (£235): Aimed at younger consumers, this calendar features 27 full-size and 13 miniatures, valued at £1,039.96. It includes popular social media brands and items like the K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask.
  • No7 Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar (£180): This calendar contains 24 full-size products, primarily from No7's anti-aging Future Renew range, making it a targeted choice for older consumers. The calculated value is £516.80.
  • Boots 24 Days of Luxe Advent Calendar (£150): This offering includes 20 full-size and eight miniature products, valued at £709.99. It provides a mix of popular brands like Laneige, Floral Street, and Nars.
  • Sephora Collection Advent Calendar (£59.99): The most affordable option, this calendar presents 12 full-size products, four travel sizes, and eight accessories, valued at £179. It is considered a suitable choice for younger beauty enthusiasts.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Advent Calendar (£170): This smaller calendar contains four full-size products, seven miniatures, and two accessories, valued at £367.50. It is recommended for makeup enthusiasts.
  • Clinique Beauty Advent Calendar (£180): With nine full-size products and 14 miniatures, this calendar is valued at £418.72. It is best suited for devoted Clinique fans looking to restock their favorites.
  • Beauty Pie Better Than An Advent Calendar (£249): This option offers 14 full-size products and a year's membership. Its value is calculated differently due to Beauty Pie's membership model, with a non-member price of £555 and a member price of £333.50.
  • Byredo Advent Calendar (£650): This high-end calendar focuses on fragrance, with five full-size products, 15 miniatures, and five accessories. Its calculated value is at least £673, making it a luxury purchase for fragrance aficionados.

The review also highlighted the YOU Beauty Advent Calendar, available for £115 and worth over £635, featuring brands like Sunday Riley and Lisa Eldridge.