Heather Widdows Says Beauty Calendars May Offer Good Value

For many, the appeal lies in the daily ritual of discovery.

Beauty advent calendars provide a way to turn the countdown to the holidays into an opportunity to try skin care, makeup, fragrances, and hair care from favorite brands.

These sets are often marketed as an efficient way to sample high-end items or restock favorites at a lower cost than purchasing each item at retail prices. The products are frequently packaged in keepsakes, such as decorative boxes or illustrated townhouse designs featuring individual doors and windows.

“Beauty calendars may offer you lots of products for a really good price. They can also be a bit of fun and feel sensuous,” said Heather Widdows, a philosophy professor and beauty expert, according to BBC News.

However, the financial benefit remains a point of debate. While a consumer might spend £99 on a fragrance calendar, the actual utility depends on how many items inside the box they intend to use.

“But it is exceptionally unlikely that you would use all the products inside them, so they're probably not worth it,” philosophy professor and beauty expert Heather Widdows said. As one consumer noted, “The ones I keep are already a lot cheaper per mililitre than if you bought them at retail.”

Other options are more comprehensive; a 24-day set from Dermstore includes 13 full-size and 11 travel-size products, such as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray, and Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

The variety is extensive for those interested in specific brand experiences. Lush offers a 25-day calendar containing exclusives and favorites like the Sticky Dates Shower Gel and Dream Cream Body Lotion. Meanwhile, makeup-focused sets, such as the 24-day E.l.f. calendar, provide 18 full-size products and two calendar-only exclusives.

Other curated sets include products like the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel, OPI Nail Lacquer, Peach & Lily Glass Skin Ginseng Collagen Mask, and Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment. Some calendars even include keepsakes like 2026 Christmas ornaments and hand cream tube keys.

For shoppers seeking smaller options, some brands provide 10-day calendars packed with sheet masks, hand creams, lip gloss, under-eye masks, hand sanitizer, pimple patches, and plush headbands. As the holiday season approaches, these products remain a fixture for those looking to rotate their beauty routines or gift curated selections to others.