Copyright manchestereveningnews
In recent years, beauty advent calendars have become a beloved December tradition, growing more impressive with each passing winter. And now, fragrance fans and skincare enthusiasts can snap up a countdown from a little-known retailer that rivals the likes of Boots - and I would know. I worked at the popular health and beauty chain for four years, and saw the popularity of No7 and Soap & Glory advent calendars first-hand. But I’ve discovered a calendar for under £80 that could give not just Boots, but also the likes of M&S and Next a run for their money. Allbeauty's exclusive 12 Days of Christmas Collection is priced at £79.95 and contains everything from skincare items to hair treatment delights. Despite being only 12 days, it contains 15 premium products, valued at over £360, from renowned brands like ESPA, Perricone MD and Phillip Kingsley. The retailer describes their advent calendar as "thoughtfully curated to enhance your beauty regime, offering more than just a daily surprise", positioning it as the ideal method to deliver a treat-packed dozen days of festive beauty bliss. Their 12 Days of Christmas Collection sees seven skincare products, four fragrances, three haircare items, two cleansers and a candle, reports the Mirror . There is, however, a notable lack of makeup products, which could disappoint some beauty lovers. For perfume enthusiasts, there’s a duo of scents featured from British brand Sentier . The company, known for its genderless fragrances, states that "belief in self-expression" is at the core of their brand philosophy. Included in this advent calendar are Parisian Embrace 10ml and Noor Riviera 10ml, collectively valued at £64. To experience the sensation of 'strolling through the weekend banks of the Seine', customers can spritz on Parisian Embrace, while Noor Riviera features jasmine and gardenia as the main notes. Additional fragrances include Shay and Blue's Black Tulip Fragrance 10ml and Atropa Belladonna Fragrance 10ml, worth £50. Shay and Blue's unisex scents reflect their belief that "fragrance should be fun, for everyone and free from stereotypes of big brands". They describe Black Tulip as an "oriental plum flirts with creamy white chocolate and wood", while Atropa Belladonna is portrayed as a heady yet trippy fragrance that is "not just for hippies". For those seeking a skin rejuvenation, the calendar also contains a Perricone MD Vitamin C Citrus Brightening Cleanser 177ml, priced at £37. The brand claims this product leaves skin looking radiant due to its proprietary Vitamin C Ester, described as a "more potent and less irritating form of vitamin C, to visibly smooth and brighten." Also included is Nip and Fab's Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow Extreme , £29.95, which is a chemical exfoliant centred around glycolic acid, enhanced by fruit acids and moisturising components. The concept is to apply it to clean, dry skin so the active ingredients can function without being watered down. At 100ml, it gently removes dull surface cells to reveal clearer and smoother skin. Another product comes from ESPA's Overnight Glow Enzyme Peel, worth £45. It's a 30ml evening treatment that utilises fruit enzymes rather than acids to tackle dull skin whilst shoppers enjoy their beauty sleep. For hair, there is Philip Kingsley's Bond Builder Restructuring Treatment , £30, designed for hair that's endured too many blow-dries or colouring sessions in the salon chair. At 150ml, it's a pre-shampoo mask that reconstructs damaged bonds within the hair shaft, enhancing elasticity and shine. Additional treats shoppers will discover are the Lierac Cleansing Foam 50ml and the Phyto Nutrition Nourishing Shampoo 100ml, valued at £6. Lierac's foaming cleanser is made up of 99% natural ingredients, whilst Phyto's core formula contains jojoba oil, the brand claims. They also state their shampoo contains no silicones, no sulphates and no added colourings. For those with hands in need of some TLC, the box includes a full-size Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream (65ml, £18). This cream is enriched with vitamin E and orange peel extract to rejuvenate tired skin, leaving it soft and smooth without any residue. The brand claims that the formula helps restore elasticity and strengthen the skin's barrier, while the fresh citrus scent provides a subtle lift. Also included is a Weleda moisturiser worth £15.95, as well as a travel-sized NEOM candle valued at £20. Many of the brands included in the Allbeauty calendar are ones we’re at least familiar with, if not are already staples in our kits. For those seeking more products, another option is Boots' 24 Days Of Skincare Advent Calendar, available for £70. Shoppers will discover brands like Bubble, PIXI, BYOMA and Inkey List, Soap and Glory and Garnier, as well as K Beauty gems from Anua, Haruharu, Tocobo and Round Lab, according to the brand. Meanwhile, at M&S, their advent calendar is valued at £330, but is discounted to £60 when customers spend £35 on full-priced fashion, beauty or home items. With 25 products inside, shoppers can pamper themselves with self-care brands like Bloom and Blossom, L'Occitane, Floral Street and This Works, as well as skincare and makeup from Emma Hardie, Prai Beauty, Stila, Clinique and Benefit - just to mention a few. Though it does mean customers have to spend at least £95 to claim the offer. Back at Allbeauty, one glowing review of the 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar stated: "Not opened yet, but list of contents appears to give me plenty of options to try new products." Meanwhile, another satisfied customer praised the company on Trustpilot, saying: "Excellent and prompt service, really good choice of products and prices for everyone, highly recommended." However, one person felt the packaging was excessive, noting on Trustpilot that the box was too large for the product inside. Another customer remarked: "Good prices and good service . It's a pity you don't deliver directly to Malta." A third commented: "Very good value and prompt delivery, well packed to avoid any damage. Love this advent calendar." The Allbeauty 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar can be purchased on their website.
