The festive season brings with it a tradition that has captivated beauty enthusiasts and those seeking a touch of daily indulgence alike: the beauty advent calendar. These carefully curated collections transform the countdown to Christmas into a journey of discovery, offering a delightful surprise behind each door. In 2019, the range of advent calendars available expanded to include luxurious skincare, vibrant makeup, and pampering body care products, making them an ideal choice for both gifting and personal enjoyment. With offerings from prestigious brands and high street favourites, navigating the selection can feel overwhelming, yet the reward of finding the perfect calendar is well worth the effort.
Discovering the Best Beauty Advent Calendars of 2019
This year has seen an impressive array of beauty advent calendars, each designed to cater to different tastes and preferences. From renowned skincare houses to beloved high street retailers, the variety ensures that there is something for everyone. The allure of these calendars lies not only in the anticipation of daily surprises but also in the quality and diversity of the products they contain. Whether you are a skincare devotee or a makeup aficionado, the selection available in 2019 promises to deliver a memorable festive experience.
Premium beauty brands leading the festive calendar trend
Among the standout offerings this year, several premium brands have set the benchmark for luxury and quality. L'Occitane has introduced two distinct options for those seeking a touch of French elegance. The Luxury Advent Calendar, priced at eighty-nine pounds, features twenty-four products that showcase the brand's commitment to natural ingredients and sophisticated formulations. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the Classic Advent Calendar presents favourite products in a charming book format, making it a delightful choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Elemis has also made a significant impact with its advent calendar, which carries a price tag of one hundred and sixty-five pounds. This premium offering includes twenty-five skincare products, with the inclusion of a full-size Pro-Collagen Marine Cream serving as a highlight. The brand's focus on marine-based formulations and anti-ageing solutions makes this calendar particularly appealing to those who prioritise high-performance skincare in their daily routines.
Look Fantastic has positioned itself as a strong contender with a calendar that costs seventy-nine pounds yet contains twenty-five products valued at over four hundred and twenty pounds. This exceptional value, combined with the convenience of its availability from the first of October, has made it a popular choice among beauty lovers who appreciate both variety and affordability. Similarly, Lush has captured the imagination of many with its Beauty Advent Calendar, which features twenty-four full-sized products and became available from the twenty-ninth of August, allowing early planners to secure their festive treat well ahead of the holiday rush.
Harrods has entered the market with a truly opulent offering, a beauty advent calendar valued at over six hundred pounds. This collection includes twenty-five products and represents the pinnacle of luxury, catering to those who seek the finest in beauty and skincare. Meanwhile, Boots has embraced a playful and nostalgic theme with its Harry Potter Beauty Advent Calendar, priced at thirty-five pounds. This calendar includes themed products and became available online from the first of October, appealing to fans of the beloved series and those looking for a whimsical twist on the traditional advent calendar.
What makes 2019's advent calendar selection stand out
The 2019 selection of beauty advent calendars distinguishes itself through the sheer diversity of offerings and the emphasis on quality over quantity. Many brands have moved beyond simply including sample-sized products, instead opting to feature full-sized items that provide genuine value and allow users to experience products in their entirety. This shift reflects a growing understanding of consumer preferences and a desire to offer calendars that feel truly special and worth the investment.
Another notable trend is the early release dates, with some calendars becoming available as early as late August. This strategic timing allows enthusiasts to plan ahead and secure their chosen calendar before stocks run out, a common occurrence given the popularity of these festive products. The variety in themes and price points also ensures that whether you are a dedicated skincare enthusiast, a makeup lover, or someone seeking a unique gift, there is a calendar tailored to your needs.
Navigating prices and value: finding your perfect match
When selecting an advent calendar, understanding the relationship between price and value is essential. The range of options available in 2019 spans from affordable high street offerings to luxurious collections that command a premium price. The key to making an informed decision lies in assessing not only the cost but also the total value of the products included and how well they align with your personal preferences or the tastes of the recipient if the calendar is intended as a gift.
Understanding the price range across different retailers
The advent calendars available this year vary significantly in price, reflecting the diversity of brands and product selections. At the more accessible end of the spectrum, options such as the Harry Potter Beauty Advent Calendar from Boots, priced at thirty-five pounds, offer a fun and thematic experience without requiring a substantial financial commitment. This makes it an attractive choice for younger enthusiasts or those new to the world of beauty advent calendars.
Mid-range options, such as the Look Fantastic Advent Calendar at seventy-nine pounds or the L'Occitane Luxury Advent Calendar at eighty-nine pounds, strike a balance between affordability and quality. These calendars provide a curated selection of products that often exceed their purchase price in terms of total value, making them a wise investment for those looking to explore new brands and formulations.
At the higher end, the Elemis Advent Calendar at one hundred and sixty-five pounds and the Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar valued at over six hundred pounds cater to those who seek the ultimate in luxury and are willing to invest in premium skincare and beauty products. These calendars are ideal for serious beauty enthusiasts or as an extravagant gift for someone special, offering an unparalleled experience of indulgence throughout the festive period.
Maximising Savings with Promotional Codes and Special Offers
Savvy shoppers know that the listed price is not always the final cost. Many retailers offer promotional codes and special offers throughout the year, particularly in the lead-up to the festive season. Signing up for newsletters, following brands on social media, and checking dedicated discount websites can uncover opportunities to save on your chosen advent calendar. Some retailers also offer loyalty programmes that provide exclusive discounts or early access to new releases, adding further value to your purchase.
It is also worth considering the timing of your purchase. Calendars released in late August or early October may be subject to promotional pricing as retailers seek to build momentum ahead of the peak shopping period. Conversely, waiting until closer to Christmas can sometimes result in clearance pricing, although this approach carries the risk of popular calendars selling out before you have the chance to secure one.
From Skincare to Makeup: Exploring What's Inside the Calendars
The contents of beauty advent calendars have evolved considerably, with brands now offering a thoughtful mix of skincare, makeup, body care, and fragrance products. This diversity ensures that each day of the countdown brings a new discovery, allowing users to experiment with different formulations and find new favourites. Understanding what to expect inside each calendar can help you choose one that aligns with your beauty routine and personal preferences.
Full-size versus travel-size products: which calendar suits you
One of the most significant considerations when selecting an advent calendar is the size of the products included. Traditionally, advent calendars featured deluxe sample sizes or travel-sized products, which allowed for a greater variety but often left users wishing for more. In 2019, several brands have shifted towards including full-sized products, a trend that has been warmly received by consumers.
The Lush Beauty Advent Calendar exemplifies this approach, featuring twenty-four full-sized products that provide genuine value and allow users to fully experience each item. Similarly, the Elemis Advent Calendar includes a full-size Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, a product that alone represents a significant portion of the calendar's value. For those who prefer to commit to a product and incorporate it into their routine, calendars with full-sized items offer the best experience.
On the other hand, calendars that feature travel-sized or deluxe sample products, such as the Look Fantastic Advent Calendar, provide an opportunity to explore a wider range of brands and formulations without the commitment of a full-sized product. This approach is ideal for those who enjoy variety and wish to discover new favourites before investing in full-sized versions. The choice between full-sized and travel-sized products ultimately depends on whether you value depth or breadth in your festive beauty experience.
Top Retailers and Their Unique Calendar Offerings for the Season
The landscape of beauty advent calendars in 2019 is populated by a diverse range of retailers, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. L'Occitane continues to enchant with its focus on natural, Provencal-inspired formulations, offering both a luxury and a classic calendar to suit different preferences. Elemis appeals to those who prioritise advanced skincare with its marine-based formulations and inclusion of full-sized hero products.
Look Fantastic has carved out a niche for itself by offering exceptional value, with a calendar that contains products worth over four hundred and twenty pounds for less than eighty pounds. This approach, combined with the convenience of an early October release, makes it a favourite among budget-conscious beauty lovers. Lush, with its commitment to ethical sourcing and handmade products, offers a calendar that resonates with consumers who value sustainability and full-sized offerings.
Harrods represents the pinnacle of luxury, with a calendar that is as much a statement piece as it is a collection of beauty products. The inclusion of twenty-five products valued at over six hundred pounds ensures that each day of the countdown is a truly special experience. Boots, meanwhile, has tapped into the enduring popularity of the Harry Potter franchise, offering a themed calendar that combines nostalgia with beauty, making it a unique choice for fans and gift-givers alike.
As the festive season approaches, the beauty advent calendar remains a cherished tradition that brings joy, anticipation, and a touch of luxury into everyday life. Whether you are drawn to the premium offerings of Elemis and Harrods, the exceptional value of Look Fantastic, the full-sized indulgence of Lush, or the playful charm of the Harry Potter calendar from Boots, the selection available in 2019 ensures that there is a perfect match for every beauty enthusiast. By considering your preferences, budget, and the value offered by each calendar, you can make an informed choice that transforms the countdown to Christmas into a truly memorable experience.
