If you love luxury beauty and a festive surprise, the Boots 12-Day Advent Calendar is the perfect treat – but is it worth the splurge? Our beauty writer Shani Cohen unboxes it a few months early to find out…
As a beauty lover, one of my favourite things about the festive season is the chance to indulge in beauty advent calendars. So, when I got my hands on the Boots Premium Beauty 12-Day Advent Calendar, I couldn’t wait to see what luxury treats were hiding behind those doors.
Priced at £99, this calendar promises an impressive £359.49 worth of products inside, but is it worth the hype (and the price tag)? Let’s dive in. First things first, let’s talk about the packaging.
The box itself feels super luxurious with a gorgeous, festive twist. The deep navy blue and gold design gives off “premium” vibes, and it’s sturdy enough to repurpose for storing beauty bits after the countdown is over.
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It also feels very giftable – the kind of calendar that would look stunning under the tree or on a beauty lover’s shelf. Now, onto the best part…the products.
One thing that makes the Boots calendar stand out is the impressive lineup of brands. You’ve got some seriously big hitters here: Huda Beauty, Sol de Janeiro, Drunk Elephant, KVD, Bobbi Brown, and Too Faced, to name a few. Plus, this calendar isn’t skimping on sizes – many of the items are full-sized, which is definitely a win when you’re forking out nearly £100.
One of my personal highlights is the Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Wash which RRP’s for £23. I’m a sucker for anything from this brand because it always makes me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation. This body wash smells incredible and leaves your skin feeling so soft – perfect for getting that summer glow in the middle of winter.
Next up, the Huda Beauty Matte Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette Warm (£29) which made me swoon. Huda’s palettes are known for their pigmentation and this one is no exception. The warm, golden shades are perfect for creating festive eye looks, whether you’re going for a subtle sparkle or a full glam moment.
And let’s not forget the star of the show, Drunk Elephant’s A-Gloei™ Maretinol Oil which RRP’s for a whopping £66. The standout product has become a cult favourite amongst beauty fans for a reason. That being, it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and instantly hydrates and brightens your skin – ideal for keeping that winter dryness at bay.
Now, let’s talk about the price. At £99, you’re getting 12 products, which breaks down to about £8.25 per item. Girl math moment: since the total value is £359.49, you’re saving quite a bit if you think about it that way. However, I did find the price a little disappointing, especially when you compare it to other advent calendars on the market.
For example, ASOS offers a 25-day calendar for £95, which includes a whopping 26 products. You’re getting more than double the items for less money. It’s hard not to feel like you’re getting better value for your money there. Another great alternative is the Glossybox 2024 Advent Calendar, which is packed with products worth over £585, all for £85. If value for money is your top priority, these other options might be more appealing.
That said, the Boots calendar still holds its own with the quality of the products inside. The mix of brands and full-sized items means you’re definitely getting a luxe experience, and it’s a fab gift for any beauty lover (or yourself, because why not?).
All in all, I’m impressed with the Boots Premium Beauty 12-Day Advent Calendar. The range of brands and products is fantastic, and it’s a treat to open each day. However, if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, there are definitely other calendars out there that offer better value. If luxury brands and indulgent full-sized products are what you’re after, though, this one might just be the perfect festive beauty treat for you!
