Christmas has a rather expensive beauty routine this year, and Harrods managed to fit it into 25 little drawers. The London department store's 2026 Beauty Advent Calendar costs £270, with 34 products from luxury names including Gucci, Sisley, Augustinus Bader, and Charlotte Tilbury. Better still, 21 of those treats are full-sized, giving the traditional Christmas countdown a glamorous upgrade.
The calendar looks dressed for a festive gala. Its champagne-gold exterior features an elaborate illustration of Harrods' Knightsbridge flagship, while the doors open to reveal an assortment of skincare, makeup, fragrances, and haircare. It's practically a beauty department in miniature, minus the queues and the temptation to wander into the handbag section.
Beauty influencer Sean Anthony recently gave the calendar an early unboxing on TikTok. He was immediately impressed by the packaging, calling it one of the most gorgeous Advent calendars he'd seen. However, the real test was waiting behind those decorative doors. At that price, he wanted full-sized surprises, not 25 tiny consolation prizes. Starting the holidays off jolly, Harrods delivered Advent items just as beautiful as the packaging.
A Little Blush, a Lot of Luxury
Day one delivered an Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in travel size. Philip Kingsley shampoo and conditioner followed on day two, earning approval without completely settling his concerns about product sizes.
Then came Augustinus Bader's Rich Eye Cream. The full-sized 15ml product, which retails for £170, had Anthony doing a double take. He estimated its value at $290 before declaring, 'I'm shocked.'
Day four brought CurrentBody face and eye masks alongside a £75 voucher. That unexpected addition was a welcome surprise. Who wouldn't like the gift of choice?
A Montale Crazy in Love fragrance arrived next, followed by a full-size NARS eyeshadow stick. Anthony noticed what appeared to be a damaged tip, but wasn't about to let a little imperfection ruin the festive spirit.
'A win is a win,' he concluded.
The Beauty Counter Keeps Giving
The next drawers revealed REHAB hair oil, Valmont's Prime Renewing Pack, and a full-sized Sisley lipstick complete with its own protective pouch. Anthony admired the latter's presentation, joking that anything arriving with a dust bag must be particularly luxurious.
RéVive and U Beauty skincare joined the collection, followed by Color Wow hairspray and a UK Lash serum. By day 12, a full-sized Gucci Éclat de Beauté gel gloss had entered the picture, and Anthony was already calling it one of the best Advent calendars he'd encountered.
There's more waiting behind the remaining doors. Harrods' official contents list includes Tatcha's Dewy Skin Cream, a Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick, Huda Beauty lip gloss, and Shiseido skincare. For anyone who wants beauty for Christmas, Harrods seems to be campaigning as a top stocking filler choice.
Does £270 Buy a Beautiful Christmas?
With 34 products spread across 25 days, Harrods offers a generous assortment of luxury beauty finds. The mix of full-sized makeup, premium skincare, and festive presentation gives beauty lovers plenty to unwrap. The first surprise may have been a mini, but Harrods certainly didn't think small when filling the rest of the calendar.
