Since becoming a first-time mother over 18 months ago, my beauty routine has dramatically changed. The lengthy skincare rituals I once enjoyed, including applying cleansers, toners, and creams, have mostly vanished. Even the evenings spent relaxing with face and eye masks, aiming to achieve a radiant glow, have become less frequent due to limited time and energy. Additionally, hormonal changes have altered the condition of both my skin and hair, making previous products less effective.
With December approaching, the idea of a beauty advent calendar seemed like the perfect way to revitalise my self-care routine. My attention was drawn to the OK! Beauty Box Advent Calendar curated by renowned make-up artist Hannah Martin, which has proven to be a popular choice in previous years.
This year’s release officially launched on Thursday, 1 October, after being available for pre-order for several weeks. It is expected to sell out quickly once again. Priced originally at £109, applying the code ADVENT2026 at checkout reduces the cost to £98. Despite this competitive price, the contents of the calendar are valued at over £605. Standout items include a Rodial eye cream, worth £145 alone, exceeding the calendar’s total price.
The calendar features 25 beauty products covering makeup, skincare, fragrance, nail care, and self-care essentials. Impressively, 22 of these products are full size. It includes well-known brands such as Bobbi Brown, Rodial, bareMinerals, Hello Sunday, Kosas, Prai, and more.
The packaging is striking, combining shades of pink, burgundy, red, and gold. It maintains a festive yet elegant look suitable for display beyond December. The calendar’s drawers are spacious, offering practical storage for makeup and skincare items afterwards.
Hannah Martin, who has expertly curated the last three sell-out calendars, has delivered a diverse assortment of products this year. Each purchase also grants entry into a prize draw to win a private virtual masterclass with Hannah herself.
Beauty advent calendars like this offer the chance to explore items that might otherwise be outside my regular selection due to price or unfamiliarity, allowing me to try new brands in a convenient format. The mixture of full-sized and mini products is ideal for testing before committing to full-sized purchases and for creating thoughtful stocking fillers or gifts.
Some highlights for me include several Rodial products, notably the Bee Venom Eye Cream, aimed at plumping, smoothing, and firming fine lines-a welcome addition for a new mum. Also included is Rodial’s Glass Powder, which helps to blur imperfections and set makeup. The MUA Makeup Academy Blushed Liquid Cream Blusher adds a delicate pink hue, perfect for my complexion.
Fragrance enthusiasts will appreciate the Arkive Decorated Woods Eau de Parfum for hair and skin. Additionally, the Gatineau Paris Collagene Expert Hydra Essence offers hydrating support, valuable during colder months.
Personal preferences aside, I found the inclusion of a nail polish and false eyelashes less useful, as I regularly have professional manicures and prefer mascara to the lash application. However, the nail polish’s deep burgundy shade suits the autumn and winter seasons beautifully, and I intend to gift it to a friend.
For those considering alternatives, the LookFantastic Beauty Advent Calendar is available to pre-order for £120, with contents valued at over £665, featuring brands like Medik8 and Aveda. Boots’ 24 Days of Luxe Beauty Advent Calendar is priced at £150, valued over £700, and includes brands such as Huda Beauty and Clinique.
Given the popularity of the OK! Beauty Box Advent Calendar in past years, I recommend ordering promptly to avoid disappointment. While customer reviews of this year’s edition are not yet available due to recent shipping, products like the Rodial Bee Venom Firming Eye Cream have received high praise for reducing dark circles and fine lines without greasiness.
In summary, the OK! Beauty Box Advent Calendar offers excellent value, expert curation, and a diverse selection suited for those seeking to rejuvenate their beauty routines or find thoughtful gifts this festive season. It is available for £98 when using the discount code ADVENT2026.