Beauty Advent Calendars have become very successful in recent years. For the consumer it is a great buy, as cosmetic companies fill them with items they want you to try, hoping you will like them and become a regular customer in the future.

I think it is a great way to sample more expensive ranges, as these calendars are very generous with their contents. You often have to be quick, as with seasonal packaging they can only be sold for this time slot, and tend to sell out quickly.

Boots’ famed No7 is always highly sought after and often customers sign a waiting list in advance so as not to miss out; be warned! The great thing about Boots is not only does it stock their own products but numerous other brands, so during these difficult times it is useful as a one stop shop.

Clarins
The Clarins 12 Days of Christmas calendar is a great gift for both men and women. The ladies’ is £60 but is worth over £135. It has pretty packaging and contains a full size lip perfector and an SOS primer, alongside various great Clarins skin products.

The men’s, also at £60, contains twelve festive treats including a full size moisture balm (great at this time of year) anti fatigue eye cream, after shave, face scrub – all he will need to look his best over the holidays!

Benefit
This quirky packaged brand offers their Shake your Beauty calendar at £49.72 from Boots. They are well known for terrific mascaras and you have the chance to sample the Big Bang and Roller Lash mascaras in the smaller size, which sell for £11 each. They certainly live up to their names and can make your eyes look super special. Benefit’s pore minimiser is also really effective – I always have this product in my make-up collection.

Lynx Africa
Any man would be delighted to open this and it certainly looks like it’s worth more than £20. Perfect for future travel, as it has so much in it from, body wash and spray, a comb, toothbrush and even a limited edition pair of Lynx socks. What’s not to like?

Ted Baker
Ted Baker don’t just sell fabulous clothes – they also have a great advent calendar. The House of Blooms advent calendar is exceptionally pretty with lots of pink and feels very uplifting. For £45 it is packed with so many exciting products, lotions, creams, body wash, an eye mask, and even an Eau De Toilette – a very generous collection.

Boots No7
This Advent Calendar as always offers a superb range of No7 products, from skin care to make up and nail polish. This year they are including seven golden tickets which will be hidden inside and the lucky recipients will not only be getting a great gift but a bonus £700 to spend on No7 products; good luck!

M&S
Not to be outdone, M&S has a lovely box of generous high-end products including Nuxe Murad and Stilla. Another good value calendar at £40; all you have to do is spend £25 on clothing, which should be easily done at M&S.

Advent Calendars are here to stay and really do make an excellent gift, with lots of surprises behind their cute little closed doors. I hope you find the perfect one for you or your loved one. Happy holidays!