Christmas has once again come early in the beauty world – all of the biggest retailers and brands have unveiled some of this year’s best beauty advent calendars. While heavy hitters like Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges come with a hefty price tag, there is one reliable favourite that sets you back less than £100: M&S’s beauty advent calendar.
The high street stalwart’s 2026 lineup has finally launched, and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s packed with household names – Estee Lauder, Sam McKnight, ColorWow, Clinique, Benefit – and the roster has an overall value of nearly £500.
I’ve been reviewing the best beauty advent calendars for years, testing brands from Cult Beauty to John Lewis. However, M&S remains my favourite. Not only is it affordable (the calendar costs £75), but the contents include brands you can really trust and crowd-pleasing variety.
M&S beauty advent calendar at a glance
Worth: £460
Number of products: 25 (10 full-size)
Advent calendar highlights: Estée Lauder Double Wear primer, Clinique’s All About Eyes cream, Benefit mascara, and ColorWow money mist.
The products always appeal to mothers, grandmas and daughters alike. Here’s my full review – plus everything you need to know about M&S’s beauty advent calendar that’s sure to sell out.
How I tested
Daisy Lester/The Standard
Opening each drawer ahead of December (someone had to do it), I sought to see how the M&S calendar compares to previous years, as well as against stiff competition from the likes of Lookfantastic, Boots, Selfridges, Liberty and more. I considered value for money, the variety of products inside, the packaging and festive appeal.
M&S
★★★★★
What we love: Premium brands like Estée Lauder and Clinique, impressive haircare offering from Color Wow and Aveda, everyday make-up products, good variety, pretty box and affordable
Take note: Despite 10 advertised full-size products, most feel mini and travel-size, not as premium as other multi-brand calendars, and skincare isn’t overly exciting
For less than £100, you’re treated to 25 beauty products, packaged in a playful pink stripe box that has stylish, festive appeal in your home – while being evergreen enough to repurpose beyond Christmas
As in previous years, haircare is excellent. Giving your locks some much-needed winter TLC, Color Wow’s money mist, Philip Kingsley’s leave-in conditioner, an Aveda rosemary shampoo and conditioner, and Sam McKnight softening balm are all personal favourites. Outside the calendar, each is deserving of a spot in your bathroom cabinet.
The other leading category is makeup. You’re treated to a full-size Estée Lauder Double Wear primer, Benefit’s badgal mascara – my secret to clump-free lashes – and a Bare Minerals bronzer and blush hybrid cream that gives cheeks a warm, natural-looking flush.
The haircare and makeup offering is full of everyday essentials
Daisy Lester/The Standard
When it comes to fragrance, the calendar is your chance to try M&S’s TikTok-viral perfume line, including the Discover pink pepper and midnight blossom – a budget alternative to Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium – and the &Sleep lavender-infused pillow spray.
Bodycare caters for all needs, from Espa’s firming body butter to Hello Sunday’s SPF hand cream (an overlooked essential), ThisWork’s body whip overnight cream, and Prai’s neck and décolletage serum (a deserving cult favourite).
As usual, there are plenty of products ready-made for gifting in a loved one’s stocking – think Cowshed’s indulge shower gel, Sweed’s lip stick or Floral Street’s ylang ylang espresso fragrance.
Is the M&S beauty advent calendar worth it?
Daisy Lester/The Standard
The M&S beauty advent calendar is packed with household brands and familiar favourites – from fragrances and make-up to elevate your festive looks, to skincare and haircare to combat the effects of one too many parties. It’s also among the cheapest calendars available, at £75.
Haircare (Color Wow, Aveda, Philip Kingsley, Sam McKnight) and makeup (Benefit, Iconic, Bare Minerals and Estee Lauder) are where the calendar really excels, but the skincare offering offers great value for money with two full-size formulas from M&S’s in-house Formula brand and The Organic Pharmacy.
Overall, I would have liked to see more full-size products across every category, so you can get your use long beyond the festive period. However, for the price, it’s a crowd-pleasing countdown to Christmas that will delight beauty lovers of any generation. Plus, the pink striped calendar looks gorgeous on display.
Costing £75 but worth £460, the calendar is now – and I predict a sell-out.