Countdown to Glam: Makeup and Skincare Advent Calendars and Why They’re Worth It!

By Victoria Benitez

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The e.l.f. beauty advent calendar will return for 2026
  • Sign up for Beauty Squad to stay informed
  • e.l.f. advent calendars are 100% cruelty-free and vegan

More is more, and everything’s better in small packages! With so many 12-day to 24-day advent calendars out there you can choose from, there’s no shortage of delights to wow everyone on your list. This holiday season, countdown to Christmas in a fun, festive way and check off your gift list with e.l.f.’s beauty advent calendar.


A brand-new 2026 advent calendar is on the way, and you won't want to miss out on this year's selection. While we're keeping the 2026 details under wraps for now, here's everything that made last year's calendar one of the best beauty advent calendars of the season, so you know what kind of magic to expect.


From skincare staples to mini makeup treats and self-care essentials, there’s something for every beauty lover. Celebrate the season with our beauty advent calendars and add a touch of pampering to their holiday!


From skincare staples to mini makeup treats and self-care essentials, there was something for every beauty lover. Celebrate the season with our beauty advent calendars and add a touch of pampering to their holiday!

What are Makeup Advent Calendars?

Each year, we’ve taken the guilt out of opening a gift from under the tree early with our beauty advent calendar. Build up the excitement for the festive holiday season with these countdown gift sets designed to mark the days leading up to Christmas.


Beauty advent calendars make perfect gifts for the beauty lovers in your life who enjoy pampering themselves and trying new products. Truly, what better gift to give than a blend of holiday anticipation and beauty?

e.l.f. holiday cards and cheer

Beauty advent calendars make perfect gifts for the beauty lovers in your life who enjoy pampering themselves and trying new products. Truly, what better gift to give than a blend of holiday anticipation and beauty?

Is the e.l.f. Beauty Advent Calendar Worth It?

Yes! Last year's 2025 calendar was one of the best beauty advent calendars under $100. The 24-day edition delivered $165 worth of beauty products for just $95, which means you saved $70.


If you’re looking to score a few deals during the upcoming gift-giving season, advent calendars typically are a steal! They’re an easy way to bundle a variety of products at a lower cost than if you were to purchase each item individually.


Woman holding up an e.l.f. holiday stamp

What we love most about this amazing value is that you can find both full-size and travel-size products offered within our calendar, truly the best of both worlds! From holy grails, new makeup must-haves, to skincare staples, our calendar offers an affordable option without breaking the bank for anyone on your list.


It's a perfect gift to give to beauty lovers (or even yourself) who love to experiment and try new products without committing to the full-sized versions. Keep things budget-friendly while enjoying a little luxury and fun!

What Are the Different Kinds of Advent Calendars?

Raise a toast to being the best gift-giver this season! Spark joy this holiday season with a beauty advent calendar that has your makeup- and skincare-obsessed friend's name all over it. Advent calendars come in all sorts of categories, products, and brands, but there are two main types: 12-day and 24-day.


If you’re looking to build the excitement through the entire month, a 24-day advent calendar will do the trick! It begins on December 1st and goes until Christmas Eve, December 24th, with one box or gift to open each day.

e.l.f. cosmetics holiday gingerbread cookies

In comparison, the 12-day advent calendars typically start on December 12th or 13th, counting down to December 24th or Christmas day. Add a fun surprise to someone special’s holiday while offering a variety of beauty treats to enjoy along the way!

Is the e.l.f. Beauty Advent Calendar a Great Gift?

Advent calendars are truly the gift that keeps on giving! With daily surprises, it’s easy to make advent calendars a yearly tradition during the holidays. You can easily cross off multiple loved ones on your list as they make perfect gifts for anyone dipping their toes into beauty or for those who love trying new products.


Who is the e.l.f. beauty advent calendar a great gift for?

  • For her: The mix of makeup and skincare staples makes it a thoughtful gift for the beauty lover in your life, whether that's a partner, sister, or friend.
  • For teens: With gone-viral products and trendy shades, it's a hit for teens who love experimenting with makeup and discovering new favorites.
  • For mom: The skincare essentials and complexion staples make it a pampering pick for moms who deserve a little extra self-care this season.
  • For yourself: Treating yourself? This is the perfect way to count down to the holidays with a daily dose of beauty.


Also, these calendars make an ideal gift for those on your list who you might be unsure what to give! With 12 or 24 skincare and makeup gifts to explore and build a routine with, beauty advent calendars are not only practical but an exciting holiday gift option for beauty lovers of all levels.

What was inside e.l.f.'s beauty advent calendar for 2025?

Behind each of the 24 doors of last year's calendar, you discovered a mix of gone-viral and holy grail makeup and skincare products, including both full-size and travel-size products valued at $165 for $95.


The 2025 edition of The Glitz is e.l.f.ing Glitzing 24-Day Advent Calendar featured a fresh variety of our favorite makeup and skincare picks, and was a newer, different collection than the advent calendars available on Amazon.

e.l.f. cosmetics holiday letters

Our beauty advent calendar also includes complexion essentials such as our iconic Power Grip Matte Face Primer, Putty Blush, and a Power Grip Dewy Setting Mist. For your lips, you'll receive our glossy Lip Lacquer and Hydrating Core Lip Shine.


Skincare lovers will appreciate the mini Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm and Enhancing Lash & Brow Serum, while the collection is rounded out with professional-quality tools including makeup brushes, an eyelash curler, a makeup sponge in an exclusive limited-edition color available only in this advent calendar, and even festive face gems for added sparkle.

Shop e.l.f. Cosmetics Makeup Advent Calendars

Hopefully, we’ve built up enough excitement and you’re feeling as ready as we are to count down to the holidays.


Our advent calendar will be sure to elevate anyone's beauty routine with a gift that is filled with a mix of skincare and makeup must-haves.


Make sure to check back for our 2026 advent calendar, as we aren't expecting this festive find to stick around for long!

e.l.f. cosmetics makeup and skincare holiday cookies

Related Articles

Model Before And After Applying Green Color Corrector Makeup
Color Correcting Makeup Guide