Best makeup advent calendars of 2025
So, advent calendar season is here again, and we’re not even going to pretend we’re not excited about it.
There’s something weirdly addictive about that little daily surprise – you wake up, grab your coffee, and get to unwrap something new. Sometimes it’s a tiny mascara that ends up being better than your expensive one, sometimes it’s a lipstick in a color you’d never buy but actually love.
Makeup advent calendars 2025 basically turn December into this month-long experiment with new products, which is pretty much our ideal way to spend the holidays.
We went through all the best makeup advent calendar 2025 options because, let’s be real, someone needs to separate the good stuff from the overhyped disappointments.
This year’s lineup is actually solid – there are decent budget options that won’t make you wince at checkout, plus some fancier ones if you want to treat yourself properly.
Here’s what’s actually worth your money this year (from cheapest to most expensive).
Revolution Beauty Advent Calendar 2025
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LOOKFANTASTIC Beauty Advent Calendar 2025
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BEAUTY BAY Advent Calendar 2025
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MAC Cosmetics Beauty Advent Calendar 2025
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Charlotte Tilbury Treasure Chest Beauty Advent Calendar 2025
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Cult Beauty Classic Curation Advent Calendar 2025
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FAQ
When do makeup advent calendars usually go on sale?
Most brands start dropping their calendars in October and November, but some jump the gun in September. Fair warning: the good ones sell out stupid fast. Like, one day they’re there, next day they’re gone. We always recommend people sign up for brand emails because they usually give subscribers first dibs. It’s annoying getting more emails, but missing out on a calendar you actually wanted is worse.
Are makeup advent calendars worth the money?
Depends on what you’re looking for. If you do the math, most calendars give you way more product value than what you pay – sometimes twice as much.
Plus, there’s the whole fun factor, which you can’t really put a price on. They’re great for trying stuff you wouldn’t normally buy, and that can actually save you money long-term instead of buying full-size products you end up hating.
But if you’re someone who sticks to the same three products religiously, probably skip it.
What's typically inside a makeup advent calendar?
Usually a mix of mini everything: lipsticks, mascaras, eyeshadows, skincare samples, brushes. The pricier ones throw in actual full-size products.
Budget calendars stick mostly to minis and samples, but honestly, that’s still plenty to try out. Most calendars include at least one weird thing you’d never think to buy, and half the time those end up being the products you actually love.
Can I buy makeup advent calendars after the holidays?
Some stores mark down whatever’s left in January, but it’s a total gamble.
The calendars that are still available are usually the ones no one wanted in the first place. If you’re just looking for discounted beauty products and don’t care about specific brands, it might be worth checking out.
But don’t expect to find that Charlotte Tilbury calendar you were eyeing – those will be long gone.
Which makeup advent calendar brands are the most popular?
Sephora and Ulta always do solid advent calendars because they can pull from multiple brands.
Charlotte Tilbury’s is consistently good if you want to feel fancy.
The department store exclusives are usually pretty decent, too.
Honestly, the newer beauty brands are getting into it now, and some of them are doing interesting stuff, so it’s worth keeping an eye out beyond just the obvious choices.
