Best beauty advent calender

There’s a reason we call this the most wonderful time of the year; and it’s not because of Michael Bublé or Bucks Fizz on tap. Beauty advent calendars are the best thing to come out of Christmas since you found out Santa wasn’t real. The popularity of the beauty calendar has increased massively over the last few years and there are now so many on the market it’s hard to choose just one. From skincare and bath time treats from The Body Shop (£60.00) and Lush (£49.95.00) to a nail polish extravaganza from Ciate (£49.99), many of our favourite brands have jumped on the advent bandwagon - making Christmas even more exciting for beauty-lovers than usual!

One thing is for sure, the price tag can often put a lot of people off making a beauty calendar purchase, however there are a select few that won’t break the bank. M&S beauty’s offering this year is only £25.00 and includes products from Stila, Cowshed and Rodial amongst others. House of Fraser’s version is even cheaper at £20.00 and features make up from their own ‘Colour Couture’ brand. If you are able to damn the expense and are looking for something a bit more luxurious, Charlotte Tilbury’s debut advent calendar is worth looking into. At an eye-watering £150.00, The Book of Makeup Magic includes some of Charlotte’s best-selling products which any makeup enthusiast would dream of having in their collection.

Even though there has been some high competition this year, advent calendar veterans Benefit have once again combined the delights of Christmas with a selection of their most-loved products to create nothing short of a piece of art. At a reasonable £34.50.00 the Party Poppers advent is arguably 2015’s most fun calendar. Not only does it include 12 doors featuring mini versions of our favourite Benefit items, upon opening the set you are treated to an original Christmas themed ‘Bene-song’ which is the icing on the beauty cake. They have managed to pack in Benefit’s most essential pieces including the POREfessional primer, BADgal volumizing mascara and Hoola bronzer; it also includes a couple of items that you wouldn’t necessarily think to head to Benefit for such as eye makeup remover and face cream. This is a great way to try out new products without the commitment of buying full-size bottles.

The set is worth a staggering £71.17, making it great value for money. The variety of products in also a key factor in Benefit taking the crown for this years’ best advent calendar, as you can basically make up your whole face by the time you get to Christmas Day. The only downside is that there are a limited number available and they sell out faster than Mac lip liners the day after Kylie Jenner announces her new favourite shade. So if you have missed the boat, make sure to stay on high alert for next year’s release as if 2015 is anything to go by it is sure to be the best for value and variety.