Beauty advent calendar season has arrived earlier than expected, with Liberty London becoming the first major retailer to reveal its full 2026 contents and open pre-orders. The luxury department store's calendar boasts its highest-ever value at over £1,300, featuring 29 products—21 of which are full-sized. Priced at £285, it averages less than £10 per item, offering significant savings on premium brands like Jones Road, ILIA, Augustinus Bader, and Sunday Riley. Liberty's calendar has sold out for 11 consecutive years, making early pre-orders essential.
Selfridges and Harrods Join the Race
Selfridges has confirmed its 2026 beauty advent calendar, priced at £250, though contents remain under wraps. Last year's edition was worth £1,136. Joining the Selfridges Unlocked mailing list provides early access. Harrods also announced its calendar's return, expected around £250 with a value exceeding £1,000, featuring luxury skincare and fragrance. Both retailers typically sell out quickly.
LookFantastic and P.Louise Offer Alternatives
LookFantastic has opened a waitlist for its 2026 calendar, promising 25 days of beauty from brands like Elemis and Medik8. Last year's £105 calendar was worth over £655, with 17 full-sized products among 28 items. P.Louise offers a full-size-only calendar for £250, featuring 25 products including new formulas and exclusive launches. This appeals to loyal fans but lacks multi-brand variety.
Neal's Yard and Harvey Nichols Enter the Fray
Neal's Yard Remedies celebrates its 45th anniversary with a limited-edition advent calendar priced at £195, featuring 24 doors of natural skincare and aromatherapy products. Pre-orders are open, with delivery expected by end of October. Harvey Nichols has confirmed both beauty and fragrance calendars for 2026, though details are pending. Previous editions showcased luxury brands and dedicated fragrance options.
Avant Odyssey Returns for Skincare Enthusiasts
Avant's Odyssey Advent Calendar, which sold out for four consecutive years, returns with 25 skincare products. Priced competitively, it focuses exclusively on serums, moisturisers, and treatments, making it ideal for skincare devotees but less suitable for those seeking makeup or haircare.
While Liberty leads the early announcements, shoppers may want to wait for Boots, Glossybox, and Space NK, which are expected to launch their calendars in coming weeks. This article will be updated as new options become available.
