Confession: I was always envious of the kids whose families purchased a yearly chocolate advent calendar. The thought of being able to open a small box each day and indulge in a special piece of candy enthralled me. For better or for worse, my family never participated in the tradition, and I never ended up incorporating it into my own holiday activities. But if there’s one thing that excites me more than a daily sweet treat, it’s a daily beauty treat, and that’s exactly what the best makeup advent calendars of 2024 have to offer.
Our top picks for the best makeup advent calendars of 2024
From the trendiest lip products to enough cheek products to last you all year, these kits are brimming with goodies and offer up to 25 days of surprises to help you count down to Christmas. The ones on our list also include a variety of other little indulgences, like luxe skin care and intoxicating fragrances. Because they comprise both full-size and mini-size products, it’s an amazing way to try a bunch of formulas at once while getting the best bang for your buck.
If you’re ready to shop for one of the best beauty gifts of the year, whether it’s for a loved one or yourself (we don’t blame you), keep scrolling for a guide to the five best makeup advent calendars of 2024. Some of the other ones we loved already sold out, so we’d recommend acting fast!
At this point, so many of Charlotte Tilbury products have achieved virality that it’s safe to say that the brand is pretty much universally beloved. As a result, her advent calendars sell out every single year. This year’s version comes in a stunning heart-shaped box that houses a selection of fan-favorite products. In terms of makeup, there’s a highlighter-blush hybrid, mascara, setting spray, and multiple lip products.
Days: 12
Type: Makeup, skincare
Value: $300
An ELLE editor says: “I always look forward to seeing what Charlotte Tilbury dreams up for her yearly advent calendar. I don’t think I have a single friend who wouldn’t appreciate receiving one, and this year’s contains quite a few of my all-time favorite products. To me, the highlight of the box is the Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm; I’ve gotten multiple compliments on how glowy and pretty my cheekbones look when I wear it. If you haven’t tried a lot of products from Charlotte Tilbury, I’d highly recommend using this opportunity to test a bunch of them at once.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Bloomingdale’s carries some of the most covetable beauty brands on the market, and its advent calendar is chock-full of high-end and luxury surprises. The makeup brands include favorites like Laura Mercier, Charlotte Tilbury, and Armani Beauty. Also, Bloomingdale’s other advent calendar has already sold out, so act fast if this one tickles your fancy.
Days: 25
Type: Makeup, skin care, body care, hair care, fragrance
Value: $900
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To a makeup lover, this advent calendar is as good as gold. The kit contains a bevy of full-size and mini MAC Cosmetics classics, including multiple M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipsticks, Eyeshadows, and even a silky black sleeping mask. If you’re looking to win some major brownie points, this is the way to go.
Days: 24
Type: Makeup, skin care
Value: $471
This box is worth four times what it’ll actually cost you. It’s no wonder, considering the fact that it includes deluxe-size products from luxury and premium brands like SK-II, La Mer, and Maison Francis Kurkdjian—if you know, you know.
Days: 25
Type: Makeup, skin care, body care, hair care, fragrance
Value: $980
A Neiman Marcus reviewer says: “Remarkable gift! Our daughters are grown and living on their own, so they no longer do their childhood advent calendar. I decided to give them this to start opening on December 1. I’m so excited to see their reaction. Quality products and beautifully packaged.”
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Best Drugstore
NYX Professional Makeup Home Alone Kevin’s House 24 Piece Advent Calendar Holiday Gift
Now 40% Off
You don’t have to be Kevin McCallister to enjoy all the full-size treats hidden in NYX’s version of his house. The brand packed it with 24 different fan-favorite products, from lip glosses to jumbo eyeshadow pencils.
Days: 24
Type: Makeup, skin care
An Ulta reviewer says: “I love Home Alone, and when I saw this, I knew I had to get it. I got on Ulta the second it came out and bought it. This is my favorite holiday set so far this year! Thank you NYX for doing this. I love it!”
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty writer Carol Lee combed through the internet and the websites of popular makeup brands and retailers for the best makeup advent calendars, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.
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