CANDY-filled Advent calendars may be delicious, but the sad thing is those chocs disappear rapidly as the days go by (while the sugar guilt doesn't).
A box of 24 beauty treats, on the other hand, brings you weeks of fun as you play with all those make-up minis and finally get your hands on the skincare heroes you've been meaning to try for years.
And this year, there are more than ever to choose from.
From surprisingly affordable to the seriously luxurious, these are the calendars that will ensure you wake up happy this Advent...
THE BARGAIN BUY
Perfect for teens and tweens who are just starting to experiment with make-up, the Flutter Beauty Advent Calendar, currently £8, down from £12, Superdrug, is packed with eyeshadows, lip glosses and balms, all housed in an adorable pooch-covered package (www.superdrug.com).
THE BATHTIME COMPANION
If hot, steamy baths are your favourite winter pastime, The Bomb Advent Calendar Gift Pack, £19.99, which contains a mix of fizzy bath blasters and scented soaps, is the one for you (bombcosmetics.co.uk).
THE SHOP OF DREAMS
Now reduced from £25 to £20, the House of Fraser Exclusive Advent Calendar 2016, offers excellent value for money. Behind each door of the snowy department store box is a product from the Colour Couture make-up range, everything from brow pencils and mascara, to nail polish and glitter (www.houseoffraser.co.uk).
THE STRESS RELIEVER
Candles, eye masks, bath soaks and more... Sanctuary Let Go Days Of Christmas Advent Calendar, £25, Boots, has everything you need to counteract festive stress (and a few more treats besides), all 24 minis beautifully scented of course (www.boots.com).
THE CULT COLLECTION
Worth more than £150, the No7 Bright Lights Big City Beauty Calendar, £39, Boots, is great to try out (or stock up on) the Protect & Perfect range, as it comes with five favourites from the line, as well as heaps of No7 make-up, so you can get glam for all those Crimbo parties (www.boots.com).
THE BEST OF BOX
So popular that it's sold out online, you'll have to head in store to get your hands on a L'Occitane Christmas Beauty Advent Calendar, £42, which contains many of the brands bestselling hand creams and a bevy of bathing miniatures too (www.loccitane.com)
THE TREE OF TREATS
There's a bit of a catch here, because the Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar, £35, is only purchasable when you spend £35 on clothing, beauty or home. But, since the Christmas-tree shaped edit of 25 branded beauty must-haves is worth a massive £250, we think it's totally worth it (www.marksandspencer.com).
THE COOL CROWD
Featuring beloved brands like Dermalogica, Cowshed, Elemis and Philosophy, ASOS The Beauty Advent Calendar, £50, is as cool on the inside as it's marble-patterned exterior suggests. And with a total value of £175, it's a beauty junkie's idea of heaven (www.asos.com).
THE POLISHED PALETTE
For manicure maniacs, it simply has to be Ciate's Mini Mani Month, £50. The London skyline-themed calendar comes with one full size and 18 mini polishes, plus nail-art goodies and a limited-edition surprise, so you'll have months of perfect manis to look forward to (www.ciatelondon.com).
THE COSMETIC COUNTDOWN
BareMinerals debuted their first Advent calendar this year and boy, are we glad they did. Countdown to Gorgeous, £75, brings together 24 of the brand's make-up must-tries, including six gorgeous Marvelous Moxie lipglosses and the famous Lash Domination Mascara (www.bareminerals.co.uk).
THE SWEET SELECTION
This year the Clarins Advent Calendar, £95, comes in a cute, candy coloured box. Featuring a selection of the brand's uber-effective skincare, plus make-up, bag charms and gift tags, the 24-piece haul is worth nearly £150 (www.clarins.co.uk).
THE FABULOUS THREE
One of the first beauty brands to launch an Advent calendar, this year the Body Shop has a trio to choose from at £60, £80 and £99 price points, with every purchase helping to support rainforest preservation. The 24 Happy Days Ultimate Advent Calendar, £80, is a pretty pink box filled with bath and make-up minis worth £127.50 (www.thebodyshop.com).
THE HOUSE OF HAPPINESS
It's one of the most expensive Advent calendars on the market, but that hasn't stopped the Jo Malone Advent Calendar, £280, being extremely popular. At the time of writing, the luxurious 24-drawer townhouse was sold out online, but more stock is on the way and it's still available in boutiques. Nestled in each compartment, you'll find a fragrant little something from the iconic British brand, including candles, cologne and body creme (www.jomalone.co.uk).
TRIED AND TESTED
:: A full beard remains the number one follicular fashion for men, so a top-notch trimmer is a must. Sam Priddy tries Braun's latest grooming gadget...
As beard trimmers go, the Braun BT5050 is a thing of beauty. The sleek black and blue device is ergonomically shaped, making it feel like a natural extension of your hand. It has a 'precision wheel' that comes with 25 different length settings, and while it's unlikely you'll need them all, it's reassuring to know they're there, in case you ever feel like getting experimental. The blades are sharp (very sharp – go easy while getting used to it) meaning a perfectly precise trim, and the whole thing can be washed under the tap after use, saving you the faff of trying to ease the little iron filings out with a paintbrush. It has a battery life of about 50 minutes, so I easily got three or four trims out of each charge.
:: Braun Beard Trimmer BT5050, currently £34.99, down from £49.99, Tesco Direct (www.tesco.com)
BUY IT NOW
The same floral notes are found in countless perfumes, but the latest addition to Diptyque's 34 Bazaar collection is a true rarity. Kimonanthe, £130, is centred around the osmanthus flower, an Asian bloom that has a sweet, creamy scent, paired with spices and incense powder, which brings a rich, smoky intensity to this beautifully unique fragrance (www.diptyqueparis.co.uk).
BEAUTY BULLETIN
:: STARS IN THEIR EYES
Make-up madness descended upon the department stores of Britain last week when the Yves Saint Laurent holiday collection landed and fans vied to get their hands on a star-embossed Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick or the collector's edition Sparkle Clash palette. At John Lewis Cardiff, shoppers were queuing from 6am, while in London, the line snaked down Oxford Street, and at House of Fraser Bath, the whole range sold out in 14 minutes. You can still get the same lippie shades and Touche Eclat, but they won't come with those all-important stars.
STEAL OF THE WEEK
When make-up guru Wendy Rowe says a beauty product works, you should listen up. This month, the Burberry artistic consultant has assembled a Glossybox edit of her skincare heroes, including Sisley's Black Rose Cream, Rodin Face Oil and a Roloxin Mask, alongside Burberry Fresh Glow foundation and a Lip Velvet in one of two signature shades. The foundation alone costs £35, making the expert-approved box, worth £138, seriously good value.
:: Glossybox & Wendy Rowe The Edit, £40 (£35 for subscribers; launches November 14; www.glossybox.co.uk)
