These 2024 beauty advent calendars are better than any gift you’ll get come Christmas Day

$320 at Charlotte Tilbury

Number of products: 12

The packaging: A burgundy and rose gold heart-shaped ‘hat box’ with crystal heart knobs that open each enticing drawer

Why we’re obsessed: Honestly, we feel silly even answering this. Ummmm, because it’s the Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar? Hello! And you know how we mentioned time being of the essence? It really is when it comes to this calendar. Some people (us) wait all year for it. And those people (ahem, again, us) add it to cart promptly to ensure we don’t miss out. Aside from the pull to purchase we feel from the packaging alone, Tilbury simply never misses with her calendar curation...

What’s inside: Okay, let’s get it out of the way: there are only 12 drawers. But again, it’s Charlotte Tilbury and her selection of what’s hidden behind each one more than makes up for it. First up? The three full size products. There’s the viral Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm (a pearlescent pink blush), the Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk (a glossy balm), and Charlotte’s Magic Oil Crystal Elixir (a gloss/lip mask hybrid). In the travel-size territory, you can expect to find the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes! Mascara, Pillow Talk Eyeliner, Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk, Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick in ‘Hollywood Vixe’, Lip Cheat in ‘Pillow Talk’, Glow Toner, Charlotte’s Magic Cream, and Charlotte’s Magic Serum Crystal Elixir. In a nutshell, you’re gonna be glossy. And it’s gonna be glorious.

Available at:

• $320 from Charlotte Tilbury

$655 at David Jones

Number of products: 24

The packaging: A glorious red envelope-style advent calendar featuring gold stamping, boasting packaging as luxe as anything bearing the name ‘Giorgio Armani’ should be.

Why we’re obsessed: On top of the fact that every Armani product is stellar and this calendar contains 24, there’s also the extremely enticing fact that the pressie behind door #24 is a secret only able to be revealed by those who own it - AKA us in ten minutes because we have zero self-control and a high need for mini Armani products.

What’s inside: We can’t quite confirm the mysterious ‘gift’ slated for Christmas Eve (yes, we’ll obviously be purchasing to solve the mystery), but we can confirm that this luxurious Armani advent calendar features eight full-size products, as well as 15 miniatures. And if you’ve ever laid eyes on an Ar-mini (we’re coining that), you’ll know they’re a category worth collecting. The offering spans skin, makeup, and fragrance, with four mini My Way scents (EDP, Parfum, Floral and Nectar), three Si scents (EDP, EDP Intense, Pasione), a Lip Power, Lip Maestro Satin, Lip Power Matte, two Prisma Glass shades, a Luminous Silk Glow Blush, Eyes to Kill Classico Mascara, three Eye Tints, Smooth Silk Eye Pencil, Mini Lip Power, Acqua di Gioia EDP, Eyes to Kill Mascara, Crema Nera Reviving Cream, Crema Nera Light Eye Cream, and to finish off the pretty (yet practical) product edit, an Eye Mirror.

Available at:

• $655 from David Jones

$795 at David Jones

Number of products: 25 (um, score)

The packaging: A classic cream and black Jo Malone box that opens up to reveal a world of Christmas-sy colours and designs (plus obviously, products).

Why we’re obsessed: Jo Malone really said ‘you deserve a gift on Christmas as well’ with their 25 door advent calendar. And we wholeheartedly agree! Is the price tag steep? Er, yes. But does it get both our ‘beauty editor-approved’ and ‘completely worth it’ stamps of approval? Absolutely.

What’s inside: For $795, we know you’re going to want to seriously weigh up what’s behind each of these drawers. We must say it’s a strong mix of categories: cologne is the biggest one (with 13 of the 25 products dedicated to it), with seven body products and five delicious candles also included. Now let’s get down to business (AKA decoding the scents). In the cologne category, you’ll be treated to the Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense, English Pear & Freesia Cologne, Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne, English Pear & Sweet Pea Cologne, Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense, Wild Bluebell Cologne, Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne, Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense, Red Hibiscus Cologne Intense, Blackberry & Bay Cologne, and Fir & Artemisia Cologne all in the 9ml size, as well as the delectably fresh Orange Bitters Cologne in the 30ml variant. The candles come in two sizes - travel (in the Wood Sage & Sea Salt and Orange Bitters aromas) and mini (with Myrrh & Tonka, Pomegranate Noir and Peony & Blush Suede making up that trio). As for the hand and body treats, you’ll find two 50ml Body Cremes (Wood Sage & Sea Salt and Peony & Blush Suede), a Blackberry & Bay soap, an English Pear & Freesia Body & Hand Wash, a Poppy & Barley Body & Hand Lotion, and a Lime Basil & Mandarin Hand Cream. We told you it was worth it!

Available at:

• $795 from David Jones

$275 at Myer

Number of products: 24

The packaging: A red and pink jewellery box housed in a red, green and pink printed box (wrapped with a precious green bow and decorated with gold hardware)

Why we’re obsessed: Some may say a calendar filled with candles seems excessive, and to those people we say please stay away from us come December. Because nothing gets us in the Christmas spirit like ripping into mini gift boxes filled with seasonal scents, and we refuse to be judged for that.

What’s inside: Oh, besides joy? Allow us to elaborate. We’re gonna break this down into three different (delectably-scented) categories: candles, body, perfume, and ‘majestic items that don’t fit in the other categories’. But of course, we’re starting with wicks, because we can’t contain ourselves any longer. The calendar comes packed with five 30g candles in scents ranging from A Tahaa Affair (our personal fave) and Lost in Amalfi to One Night in Rio, The Hamptons and Kyoto in Bloom. And of course, the big prize (AKA the Christmas eve treat) is a 60g Night Before Christmas candle - fitting! In the ‘perfume’ category, you’ll receive five 5ml perfumes (Kyoto in Bloom, A Tahaa Affair Devotion, Forever Florence, Midnight in Milan, and Sunsets in Capri), as well as three interior fragrances (A Tahaa Affair, Kyoto in Bloom, and Lost in Amalfi), plus, a perfume ‘pencil’ (clever!) in the scent ‘Kyoto in Bloom’. Now onto body: there are two body lotions (Midnight in Milan and Kyoto in Bloom), two body bars (Lost in Amalfi and A Tahaa Affair), two hand creams (Kyoto in Bloom and Lost in Amalfi), and one lip balm: the delectable A Tahaa Affair, a sweet treat we want gracing our lips all season long. As for the miscellaneous majestic products, we can confirm they’re the Midnight in Milan Scent Stems and Metal Vessel (AKA a diffuser that looks like a chic decor item), and a precious Christmas ornament to add to your tree.

Available at:

• $275 from Myer

from $299 at Myer

Number of products: 24

The packaging: A reusable shopping basket in Benefit’s signature shade of crimson-pink

Why we’re obsessed: This cal has been billed by the brand as ‘a basket of bestsellers’, but honestly, we’d reframe that to ‘a shopping cart that has seemingly been curated by our innermost desires’. It genuinely has everything we buy from Benefit on the regular (yes, including that Hoola Bronzer restock you’ve been putting off from a price POV).

What’s inside: Let’s talk specifics and sizes, shall we? The full-size products on the cards are plentiful: Professional Smoothing Face Primer, Badgal Bang! Bigger, Badder Volumizing Mascara, 24-hr Brow Setter, 24-hour Invisible Shaping & Setting Gel, Roller Liner Eyeliner, and a True Matte Liquid Eyeliner.

As for the minis, yes we can confirm they’re as cute as you’d expect, and yes, there are many. You can expect to find precious minis of Benefit’s viral blush pans behind many of the doors (with shades ranging from Willa and Cloudia, two of your pinkier shades, to Terra and Starlaa, the more ‘blonzer’-esque hues). And of course, the aforementioned Hoola Bronzer also comes housed in an almost annoyingly cute mini palette.

Next up? The plethora of ‘fun-size’ products rounding out the calendar’s offering: The Porefessional Good Cleanup Pore-Purifying Foaming Cleanser, The Porefessional Deep Retreat Pore-Clearing Clay Mask, The Porefessional Super Setter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, The Porefessional Tight n Toned Pore-Refining AHA PHA Toning Foam, Plushtint Moisturizing Matte Lip Tint and Splashtint Moisturizing dewy lip tint in several statement shades, three separate mascaras (we kid you not - Roller Lash, Fan Fest and They’re Real Beyond) are all included, and lastly, of course, some stellar brow products. And FYI, the Fluff Up Brow Wax Flexible Brow-Texturizing Wax, The Porefessional Super Setter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray, and the Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra-Fine Brow Defining pencil are all petite enough to pop in your bag, whilst still offering enough formula to get you through a few months. Saving the littlest (but most precious) for last, there’s also a Benetint rose-tinted lip & cheek stain you’ll get a real kick out of.

Available at:

• $299 from Myer

$364 at Myer

Number of products: 24

The packaging: A dreamy navy blue fold-out calendar that reveals ‘boxes’ of goodies (and can be reused as a makeup case), designed by French artist Safia Ouares to replicate a journey of discovering the iconic monuments of Paris

Why we’re obsessed: Lancôme doesn’t play when it comes to advent calendars, so we really weren’t shocked when the 2024 drop was stellar, but we were a bit taken aback by the price. Like, in a good way. 24 Lancôme products for just $364 is unheard of, and we couldn't be more appreciative.

What’s inside: With 24 products in the mix, it’s a real spread of skin care, makeup, and fragrance, with a balance of 5 full-size products and 19 travel size goodies. First, let’s cover fragrance: the La Vie est Belle Eau De Parfum is behind the doors in both its 10ml and 30ml sizes, as well as in the accompanying body lotion. You'll also be getting the Tresor eau de Parfum and Idole Eau de Parfum. Makeup wise, you’re in for a real treat: we’re talking L'absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick in shades 196 and 505, Lash Idole mascara, Hypnose mascara, L'absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick in shades 888 and 299, and (here’s the big winner if you ask us): the Hypnose Eye Palette (with 5 stunning shades built in). And as for skin care, the Hydra Zen Gel Cream, Renergie h.p.n. 300-Peptide Cream, Renergie Lift Multi-Action Night Cream, Advanced Genifique Eye Cream, Tonique Douceur Softening Hydrating Toner, Lait Galatee Confort Makeup Remover Milk, Advanced Genifique Anti-Aging Serum, Absolue The Eye Cream, Tonique Confort Re-Hydrating Comforting Toner, and Absolue Soft Cream are all included.

Available at:

• $364 from Myer

$195 at David Jones

Number of products: 24

The packaging: A jewellery box shape adorned in Jurlique’s signature Christmas floral print, with tiny ‘jewel’ boxes of product inside

Why we’re obsessed: A skin-specific advent calendar is one of our very favourite types. It’s like having your own little department store in a box, where you can test out an array of various formulas to find what works best for you. And because it’s all created by one brand, everything is designed to play harmoniously together.

What’s inside: Let’s get a few things out of the way. First, yes, we said it was skin-specific - and it is! However, Jurlique have also packed in a few handy accessories/aromatherapy treats: namely a headband (great for applying said skin care without sabotaging your Sabrina Carpenter-inspired swooping bangs), and an Energy Roll-On. Everything else is for your face! Rose is a major ingredient in the calendar’s contents, with the Rare Rose Oil, Rare Rose Serum, Rare Rose Cream, Rose Hydrating Mask, Rose Hand Cream, Rose Body Lotion, Rose Shower Gel, Rose Body Oil and Rosewater Balancing Mist all inside. Anyone else relaxed just reading that? Aside from that, you can expect offerings from two of the brand's standout ranges: Herbal Recovery (the Face Oil, and Cream are both included) and Nutri-Define (expect the Eye Contour Balm, Serum, Rich Cream, and Mask). Rounding out the collection you'll be the proud new owner of are Jurlique’s cult-classic Lavender Hand Cream, Moisture Replenishing Cream, Nourishing Cleansing Oil, Activating Water Essence+, and Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil. Again, our skin feels fresher even thinking about this kind of routine.

Available at:

• $195 from David Jones

$250 at Adore Beauty

Number of products: 24

The packaging: We’re going to need a minute to recover from this one - it’s Home Alone-themed and so we’re crowning it the kitschiest calendar of the year. The entire calendar is shaped like Kevin McAllister’s famous house, with product windows hidden in everything from the staircase illustration to the cartoon bed. Cute!

Why we’re obsessed: TBH if we were the bad guys, we’d break into a house packed with NYX makeup, too, especially considering every single one of the 24 products is full-size. We’re set on buying this based on theme alone. It’s nostalgia meets NYX, and we can’t think of a better Christmas combo.

What’s inside: So what are Harry and Marv so set on nabbing from Kevin’s, er, cosmetic collection? Sure, we’ll go with it! Inside the calendar, you’ll be treated to three Smooth Whip Matte Lip Creams, three Fat Oil Slick Clicks, three Soft Matte Lip Creams, three Fat Oil Lip Drips, five Butter Gloss Shades, two shades in the Jumbo Highlight Sticks, three Sweet Cheeks Soft Cheek Tints, and an Ultimate Edit Petite Shadow Palette. Honestly, 'Kevin' has great taste in makeup.

Available at:

• $250 from Adore Beauty

$149.95 at Look Fantastic

Number of products: 12

The packaging: Built like a white and gold printed wardrobe, the doors to this cute calendar open up to reveal the vibrant dated boxes inside.

Why we’re obsessed: Because who doesn’t want to be the sweetest-smelling person all December long? With scents spanning the ‘room mist’, ‘body wash’, ‘hand lotion’ and ‘candle’ categories, plus more (spoiler alert: scented discs, people), every facet of your life will be festively fragranced to the nines.

What’s inside: So what scents will you be spritzing/burning/applying, you ask? The range of fragrances is as varied as the formats: two room mists (one in ‘Coastal Cypress’ and one in ‘Tropical Sunrise’), a body wash and body lotion pairing (‘Tropical Sunrise’), one hand lotion (‘Fig Tree’), one classic EDP (‘Pistachio Rose’), two perfume mists (‘Neon Cherry’ and ‘Fig Tree’), two candles (a 70g ‘Coastal Cypress’ and a 50g ‘Neon Cherry’), a fragrance diffuser (‘Fig Tree’), and a ceramic scented disc (for your car/cupboards etc.) in the ever-festive ‘Pine Needles’. Phew, we’re tired. Tired of not owning this calendar, that is. To the checkout…

Available at:

• $149.95 from Look Fantastic

$74.95 at David Jones

Number of products: 12

The packaging: As you’d expect considering the Wicked theme, this offering from OPI is an Oz-inspired pink and green storybook-style advent calendar, with Ariana Grande’s Galinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba gracing the front.

Why we’re obsessed: It’s Wicked, need we say more? If you or someone you’re gifting for is an Ariana/Cynthia/Wicked/Broadway/nail polish fan, there really is no greater gift. And considering Elphaba herself isn’t a fan of things that “come at much too higher cost”, the under $75 price tag is a win.

What’s inside: This OPI x Wicked collab calendar is home to 12 Oz-inspired Nail Lacquer shades, and the names are as stellar as the shades. ‘Ga-linda’ is a fitting pearlescent pale pink, ‘Oh For Oz Sake’ is a pearlescent ‘glazed donut’ chrome white, ‘Ozitively Elphaba’ is the character’s signature green with a metallic twist, ‘I’m The Wonderfullest’ is a shimmer-spiked royal blue, ‘Glinda The Good’ is a bright matte fuschia, ‘Love You So Munchkin’ is a golden-yellow metallic mix, ‘Deflying Gravity’ is a metallic gunmetal grey-black, ‘Nessa-ist Rose’ is a rich red, ‘Let’s Rejoicify’ is a berry glitter, ‘Oz-mazing’ is a pale, glimmering gold, ‘Witch O’Clock’ is a matte khaki, and ‘Fiyero’s My Mani’ is a deep, regal navy.

Available at:

• $74.95 from David Jones