Just like familial debates and It's a Wonderful Life, struggling to choose the right gift is baked right into the holiday season. When you ask your mother, your cousin, or the great-aunt who you've met approximately two times what they want this year, they'll inevitably respond, "I'm not sure." So, how do you find a foolproof gift that will make everyone happy, no matter their taste? The answer lies in advent calendars.
These days, advent calendars look a whole lot different than they did when you were a kid. Those advent calendars hid chocolate and candy; suffice to say, they were your mother's secret weapon for tiding over your enthusiasm for opening presents early. Now, advent calendars are filled with splurge-worthy beauty products, like Sunday Riley face oils and Jo Malone perfume. While the hidden gifts vary, from makeup to perfume to skin care, the goodies inside are a surefire way to satisfy everyone's infuriatingly nondescript wish lists.
Ahead, the best beauty advent calendars to shop for the holidays. But hurry — these sell out fast (and once they do, what are you going to buy your great-aunt?).
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar
In 2019, we had no choice but to stan Dr. Barbara Sturm. Gift the ultimate skin care savant (maybe that's you!) with this epic haul of full and deluxe-sized products, valued at over $1,500.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar 2019, $, available at Net-A-Porter
MAC Stars For Days Advent Calendar
Heads up, MAC devotees: This 24-day calendar is jam-packed with all of your favorite products, ranging from mini Lipglasses, Strobe Cream, eyeshadows, and more.
MAC Stars For Days Advent Calendar, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Clarins 24-Day Advent Calendar
Indulge your whim for fancy French skin care with Clarins' advent calendar, which includes deluxe sizes of fan favorite products including Beauty Flash Balm, Wonder Perfect Mascara, and the Tonic Body Treatment Oil.
Clarins 24-Day Advent Calendar, $, available at Clarins
Anthropologie 12 Days of Party Prep Beauty Advent Calendar
Everyone knows Anthro's beauty section is *chef's kiss* good, so you better believe that this advent calendar stocked with the retailer's best brands won't last for long. The 12 mini gifts inside include chic nail polish from Londontown, cooling eye patches, and a silk scrunchie from our faves at Slip.
Anthropologie 12 Days of Party Prep Beauty Advent Calendar, $, available at Anthropologie
Net-A-Porter 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar
Shopping on a house Chardonnay budget for your mother's Veuve Clicquot taste? Look no further than Net-A-Porter. Why spend half of your paycheck on one full-price item when you can get 25 deluxe products for less than $300? Even better, this set covers the entire beauty gamut, from skin-care necessities, like Joanna Vargas' Bright Eye Hydrating Mask, to makeup must-haves, like Marc Jacobs' Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara. Your mom will be able to restock her entire vanity — and your bank account won't hate you.
Net-A-Porter 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, $, available at Net-A-Porter
L'Occitane Classic Advent Calendar
You may not be spending the winter at a ritzy chalet in Chamonix (and if you are, consider us jealous), but this collection of 24 covetable beauty minis from French brand L'Occitane is the next best thing. From scented soaps to hand creams, it's a must-have for any skin-care savant.
L'Occitane Classic Advent Calendar, $, available at Sephora
Kiehl's Limited Edition Skincare Advent Calendar
Kiehl's advent calendar is always one of the most hotly anticipated items of the gifting season, and they've done it again with this year's storybook-like calendar inspired by New York City in the holidays. In addition to having excellent packaging, it's also a great way to nab $160 worth of skin care for just $90.
Kiehl's Limited Edition Skincare Advent Calendar, $, available at Kiehl's
Space NK Advent Calendar, $, available at Space NK
The Ritual of Advent Calendar
Sure, a complimentary day pass to a five-star spa is good, but a set of 24 tiny luxuries might be even better. Considering how common burnout is these days, mastering the art of self-care at home is essential. Rituals' calendar of rich shower scrubs, cleansing foams, body oils, and candles promises instant R&R.
Charlotte Tilbury Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic!, $, available at Charlotte Tilbury
Sephora Collection Frosted Party Advent Calendar
There are few things as rewarding as bringing the best grab-bag gift to a holiday party (you know, the one everyone wants to trade for). Buy this advent calendar filled with top picks from Sephora's in-house brand and you totally will. Bonus: The under-$50 price tag will keep you within the grab-bag spending limit while still wowing all of your friends.
Sephora Collection Frosted Party Advent Calendar, $, available at Sephora
OPI x Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer Advent Calendar
Nail polish and Hello Kitty — what more could anyone ask for? Make December your most well-manicured month with this set of 24 OPI minis, perfect for sharing with friends as a chic stocking stuffer.
OPI Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer Advent Calendar, $, available at Ulta Beauty
The Body Shop Dream Big This Christmas Deluxe Advent Calendar
After treating everyone else to a gift, we suggest spoiling yourself with this deluxe set from The Body Shop. Nothing makes the holiday season a little less stressful than opening a gift every day of the month. It won't cure your social anxiety, but it will make dealing with distant relatives — and their prying questions — a tiny bit more bearable.
The Body Shop Dream Big This Christmas Deluxe Advent Calendar, $, available at The Body ShopRelated Content:
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