Can you hear it? Jingle Bells are (almost) ringing, which can only mean one thing... It's that time of the year again where I round up my favourite advent calendars, of course! So without further ado, here is my selection of the best 2016 advent calendars :
The Beauty Calendars
Whether you're a beauty girl through and through, are into skincare or just fancy trying something new, there's a beauty calendar for everyone! Here are a few of my favourites, this year :
Charlotte Tilbury 'World of Legendary Parties' Calendar, £150
The Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar is always one to look out for. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, it is also a great way to discover the brand's many best-sellers. From lipsticks to skincare, this is a good one.
Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar, £35
Filled with some of the best-sellers from the M&S Beauty Hall and with a retail value of over £250 this is quite the bargain. The only catch? You have to spend £35 on clothes, gift or beauty in store or online to be able to get this gem. Not that it should be too hard considering Alexa's new Autograph range just came out. My advice, be quick when this one comes out on the 10th, because it is bound to sell out on the day.
Space NK '25 Days of Beauty' Advent Calendar, Free with purchase
Filled with a £50 gift card and 24 luxury beauty products - including a travel-size Sunday Riley Luna serum, a mini Nars Laguna bronzer and a small full-size Diptyque Baie candle -, this is perhaps the biggest bargain of the year, considering this Space NK calendar is completely free. Yes, that's right. It is free. All you have to do is spend £250 or more on the Space NK website and enter the code "BEAUTY25" at checkout to get it. So why not start your Christmas shopping early and treat yourself to this as a reward? I think you should.
Estée Lauder's Holiday Countdown Set, £205 / $323
With a price tag of £205, this is not the cheapest advent calendar out there, but it is well worth splurging on if you want to treat yourself to a little something luxurious. This calendar is filled with mini versions of the brand's classics, such as their infamous Advanced Night Repair serum, Bronze Goddess bronzer and even some of their fragrances, making it the perfect festive treat in the run-up to Christmas.
Selfridges's 'Eclectic Little Luxuries' Calendar, £95
Behind each door of this Selfridges calendar hides a different beauty product made famous in their beauty hall, including some of Kiehl's best sellers, but also some Lancôme skincare, deluxe perfume samples and even some make-up. This is definitely one for those who, like me, can never seem to leave the iconic Oxford Street store empty-handed.
LookFantastic 'The Beauty Secret : Volume II' Advent Calendar, £70
This created quite the buzz last month, since the people at Look Fantastic decided keep the content of this calendar under wrap, making this the beauty world's best kept secret. Of course, there are plenty of spoilers available out there if you wish to know what's inside, but I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for anyone. All I'll say is, it's a good one. Unfortunately, this is already sold out online, but you can already pre-order the 2017 edition, which if this one is anything to go by, is definitely worth it.
Dirty Works Advent Calendar, £15
Available exclusively at Sainsbury's from mid-November, this is one of the best value for money calendar you will find, this year. Think indulgent bath bombs, shower caps and creamy body scrubs for only £15. If you like the idea of a beauty advent calendar, but don't want to break the bank, this one's for you.
Feel Unique Advent Calendar, 'The Magic of Beauty', £30 / $40
With a retail value of over £80, this calendar from Feel Unique hides 12 of the website's best sellers , from brands such as Percy & Reed, Decléor, Nuxe and more. If the idea of adding 24 products to your already overflowing stash is a little bit too overwhelming for you, this is the calendar you need.
Diptyque Advent Calendar, £250
Every beauty girl's favourite, this year's Diptyqye calendar is the perfect introduction to the brand's most iconic scents if you're not already familiar with them. Behind each door hides some of their favourite candles, indulgent body polishes and infused facial waters. It is the ultimate luxury treat - whether you get this one for yourself, or as a gift.
NYX 'Wanderlust' Advent Calendar, £60 / $50
Filled with 24 of the brand's popular soft matte lip-creams and eyeshadows, this NYX Advent Calendar is definitely one to look forward to opening each morning. The colours range from everyday neutrals to party favourites, meaning there is something for everyone.
Liberty Advent Calendar, £165
Liberty never disappoints when it comes to their advent calendar, and this year's rendition is no exception. With a retail value of £500, this calendar is filled with everything from fragrance to make-up and skincare. Some of the highlights include a Byredo hand cream, a full-size mini candle from Diptyque and one of Bobbi Brown's most iconic products, the Pot Rouge. If the products alone aren't enough to convince you, the packaging this year is absolutely gorgeous, with rose gold accents and the classic liberty print we all love. Be quick though, as this one is known to sell out in a matter of days.
Bare Minerals 'Countdown to Gorgeous', £75 / $79
Filled with some of the brand's best sellers, this calendar is the perfect introduction to Bare Minerals and a great way to see beyond the classic mineral powder foundation we all know and love. With a retail value of over £150, this calendar is filled with everything you will need to do your makeup - from blusher to eyeshadow, lipstick and even mascara. It is every neutral girl's dream so don't wait too long or you might miss out.
YOU Beauty Advent Calendar, £69.95
With over £250 worth of products, the YOU beauty advent calendar is definitely one you don't want to miss. Filled with skincare, make-up and even haircare from brands such as The White Company, Nuxe and Moroccan Oil, it is a great value for money and is bound to sell out quickly so hurry up and grab yourself one of these little gems. And the best thing is, I have a discount code for you! Just enter the code 'AC10YOUADVENT' for £10 off your first calendar. You're welcome.
Kiehl’s Advent Calendar, £95
Whether you already know and love Kiehl's or are just discovering the brand, this calendar has everything you might ever need in your beauty cabinet - from hand cream to their award-winning Crème de Corps body moisturiser and various serums.
'It's Kissmas' Beauty Advent Calendar, £5 (Wilkinson)
From blush, to lipgloss and even eyeshadow, everything in this calendar is soft and wearable, making it the perfect option for young teens just starting out with makeup. And for only £5, you cannot really go wrong.
ClarinsMen '12 Days of Christmas' Set, £65
Men have been notably left out of the whole beauty calendar trend in the past few years, but not this time. As a matter of fact, Clarins just came out with a 12 days of Christmas skincare calendar especially for them. No more reason to steal your other half's skincare, misters!
Ciaté 'Mini Mani Month', £50 / $59
Ciaté's Mini Mani Month calendar needs no introduction, these days. Filled with 22 of their mini nail paints, a full size polish and a glittery nail file, this year's offering is definitely a good one. And do I even need to mention the rose gold accents? It's definitely one not to miss.
Jo Malone Advent Calendar, £280
The Jo Malone Townhouse calendar is definitely not the cheapest at £280, but it is also one of the most luxurious offerings on the market. Filled with the brand's best sellers, it is one you will love and cherish in the run-up to Christmas.
Benefit 'Girl O’Clock Rock' Advent Calendar, £34.50 / $45
Filled with 12 of the brand's best releases, this Benefit calendar is perfect for those who might not be too familiar with their products, but if you already love the brand, chances are, you will already own most - if not all - of these. Still, this calendar makes for a great present for those just starting out in makeup.
L’Occitane Countdown to Christmas, £42 / $55
Having been born and raised in the South of France, L'Occitane is a brand I hold near and dear to my heart, so it should come as no surprise that their 2016 calendar made it onto my shortlist. Unfortunately, this calendar is already sold out online, but I hear you can still easily get your hands on it at your local store or counter, so be quick or you might just miss out on 24 of the brand's best-selling products.
Cowshed Advent Calendar, £85
Filled with 24 of the brand's most-loved product, this deluxe advent calendar is filled with natural skincare, hand care and bath and body treats to make sure you pamper yourself throughout the holiday season. And did I mention that all of these were made in England? Well, now you know.
Clarins 'Beauty Delights' Advent Calendar, £95
Clarins may not seem like the obvious choice for a fun, exciting advent calendar, however the brand has really upped their game this year and not only included skincare, but also makeup in their 2016 advent calendar. This is definitely one everyone will love, no matter their age.
Rodial '12 Days of Magic' Advent Calendar, £100
Behind each of this calendar's 12 doors hides one of Rodial's best-selling product, from luxury skincare to makeup - think sculpting lip liners, smokey gel eye pencils and of course, the brand's iconic bee venom range. If you love your skincare, this one's for you.
ASOS Beauty Advent Calendar, £50 / $76
ASOS's first foray into the world of advent calendars is a good one, if I may say so myself. Not only is the packaging oh so Instagramable, the contents of this marble box are also incredible for the price, with products from brands such as Cowshed, Dermalogica and even Philosophy. It's perfect if you're looking for something affordable, yet indulgent.
The Bomb Advent Calendar, £19.99
100% vegan and cruelty-free, this calendar from The Bomb hides a different surprise behind each of its 24 doors. Whether it's a delicious-smelling bath bomb or one of their fun and fruity soaps, there is something to look forward to discovering each day. And at only £19.99, it is also a great alternative to the Lush 12 Days of Christmas calendar.
The Body Shop’s Advent Calendars, £60-£99 / $105-$175
This year, the Body Shop does not only have two but three advent calendars. Ranging from £60 to £99, there is definitely something for everyone. My personal pick would be the £60 'Cheeky Surprise', which just so happens to include some of my favourite products, such as their spiced apple shower gel, camomille eye make-up remover and Vitamin E moisture cream, but it is worth checking which one of the three suits you best before you commit to one.
Cheeky Advent Calendar, £50
Filled with 24 of the brand's gorgeous shades, this calendar is definitely a treat for those who enjoy getting their nails done at Cheeky on the regular or just anyone who likes to pamper themselves throughout the party season.
The Traditional Calendars
If you prefer the traditional chocolate filled-calendars or even the old-school pop-up kind, these are for you :
Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate Advent Calendar, £50
Behind each door of this Charbonnel et Walker calendar hides one of their delicious chocolate truffles, all individually wrapped for you to enjoy. You can expect to find flavors such as raspberry with a fondant centre, orange and dark chocolate and even their delicious caramel vanille truffle, which is filled with vanilla flavored sugars and boasts a caramelized hard centre.
Quill & Fox Advent Calendar, £16 / $18
If you're looking for a pop-up illustrated advent calendar that is still modern, this one from Quill & Fox is for you.
Godiva Christmas Advent Calendar, £24
With 25 of Godiva's signature chocolates, this calendar is the perfect budget - and yet surprisingly luxurious - option for the foodies amongst us. Believe me, December has never tasted so sweet.
The Not-So-Traditional Calendars
If you want something different and original, why not give these a try?
David's Tea '24 Days of Tea' Advent Calendar, $40
One for my Canadian and American readers, this David's Tea advent calendar offers a new blend of tea for each day of Advent, making it the perfect morning treat in the run-up to Christmas Day. Based in the UK? Fortnum & Mason offers a much-appreciated alternative with their Tea Lover Advent Calendar.
H&M Advent Calendar, £29.99 / $34.99
If you love jewellery as much as I do, you will love this H&M advent calendar. Filled with 24 fun and festive pieces, this is the best jewellery advent calendar on the market, in my opinion, but you might also want to check out these ones from Accessorize, Topshop and Oliver Bonas.
Merry Piggin' Christmas Advent Calendar, £12.50
Filled with 6 delicious flavours of pork crackling - including the ever festive Pigs in Blanket, Low & Slow BBQ and Maple to name a few -, this calendar from the Snaffling Pig Co. will definitely satisfy your savory tooth.
Yankee Candle Advent Calendar, £32
Each door reveals a tea light candle in one of the brand's signature festive scents, which include 'Snowflake Cookie', 'Festive Cocktail' and 'Star Anise & Orange' to name a few.
Chase '24 Days of Christmas Spirit' Advent Calendar, £130
Because 'tis the season to be jolly after all, why not splurge on one of these booze calendars? You could go for the now classic Ginvent Advent Calendar or its whisky counterpart, but this '24 Days of Christmas Spirit' calendar by Chase is definitely the most original booze calendar out there. Filled with rhubarb vodka, orange gin and many more festive-flavoured alcohol, it is the perfect calendar if you want to try your hand at cocktail making this December.
Still can't find anything you like? Did you know you could find more advent calendars on my shop page?
So, which calendar will you go for this year? I know which one I'm getting, but can you guess?
- Elodie x