As we steam towards the festive season, we could all do with some extra pampering to soothe away the stress. Even if you are a die-hard Christmas fan itching to put your tree up already, this time of year can still leave you feeling frazzled.

This is where the Marks & Spencer beauty advent calendar comes in. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for being one of the best high street offerings - this year is no exception.

Packed with a selection of goodies beautifully boxed and presented inside a luxe blue velvet makeup case, opening one box a day would be the perfect way to count down to Christmas. When I opened it, I was thrilled to find a selection of cult favourites stocked by Marks and Spencer, plus some products I'd always wanted to try but could justify splurging on.

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Inside are 25 products, 11 of which are full-sized and the minis are perfect for travelling, trying a product for the first time, or even using as stocking fillers if you are buying the calendar to regift items instead of using it as a countdown.

Available both online and in-store from today (October 24). Customers can buy the advent calendar for £50 when they spend £35 on clothing, home and beauty.

Is it worth the money?
The packaging inside the case feels very special - each is a different shape depending on the product and I enjoyed guessing what was inside (
Image:
Staff)

In my opinion, the calendar is worth the effort of spending £35 at Marks and Spencer to be eligible to buy it for £50. I loved pretty much everything about it, from the miniature boxes to the velvet case to store all the products or any other items you have.

It is the perfect opportunity to try some items I've been lusting for ages but couldn't justify spending on. The selection of treats inside the calendar ranges from premium haircare treats such as Color Wow Colour Security Shampoo and the matching conditioner in 75ml, to a full-size Benefit Fan Fest Mascara - perfect for the party season - and even includes a mini Prai Ageless Throat & Decolletage Crème which is loved by beauty buffs for its anti-ageing effects.

Having tried the Color Wow shampoo, I'd be tempted to treat myself to a full-size version once I've run out of it. At £21.50, I'd have never put it in my basket, even though I love the Color Wow dream coat sprays.
I'd be tempted to treat myself to full-size versions once I've run out of the Color Wow shampoo and conditioner (
Image:
Staff)

As well as the quality of brands, I was really pleased with the range of skincare products. There's Clinique's bestselling cleansing balm and Fresh Elements Glow Day Cream, although I will probably be passing the day cream on as it's fragranced, and I have sensitive skin.

I also liked the fact some everyday hero products are included, Dr PAWPAW Ultimate Red Tinted Lip Balm is perfect for a subtle pop of colour every day, and Nails Inc Nude In Noelle will be my new go-to shade. Some of the items will definitely be passed on to friends and family, as I either use something similar or I know they'll absolutely love trying something a bit more luxurious than usual.

The only thing I would potentially change would be to have one less hair care product as five out of 25 products is quite a lot - even if they are all good items.

Here’s what's inside the Marks and Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar 2024:
The Marks and Spencer beauty advent calendar has launched online and in-store (
Image:
M&S)

  • Floral Street Vanilla Orchid Eau Deu Parfum 10ml

  • Clinique Take the Day off Balm 15ml

  • Color Wow Colour Security Shampoo 75ml

  • Color Wow Colour Security Conditioner 75ml

  • Benefit Fan Fest Mascara 8.5g

  • REN EverCalm Cleansing Milk 50ml

  • Nails Inc Cranberry Me Merry 10ml

  • Percy & Reed Tame That Mane Smoothing Blow Dry Cream 100ml

  • Formula Sleep Cream 15ml

  • L’Occitane Shea Hand Cream 30ml

  • Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 40ml

  • Fresh Elements Glow Day Cream 15ml

  • Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Masque 15ml

  • Nails Inc Nude In Noelle 10ml

  • Pixi Eye Define Waterline Tightline Black 0.35g

  • Cowshed Relax Bath & Body Shower Gel 100ml

  • Margaret Dabbs Nail and Cuticle Serum 15ml

  • This Works Deep Sleep Overnight Whip 200ml

  • Discover Velvet Amber 10ml

  • Cowshed Relax Bath & Body Body Lotion 200ml

  • Dr. PAWPAW Ultimate Red Tinted Lip Balm 10ml

  • Prai Ageless Throat & Decolletage Crème 30ml

  • Living Proof PhD 5-in-1 Styling Treatment 60ml

  • Emma Hardie Purifying Pink Clay Detox Mask 15ml

  • Bloom & Blossom Keep Dancing Foot & Leg Mist 100ml

How to qualify for Marks and Spencer's £50 calendar

While having to spend £35 to qualify to buy the Marks & Spencer beauty advent calendar may be a downside for some, I think it could be the perfect excuse to get some Christmas shopping done early. Or now might be the perfect time to get ready for winter with some new basics.

A two-pack Pointelle Thermal Long Sleeve Tops is £25, and hundreds of shoppers love them; coupled with a pack of Sumptuously Soft Thermal Socks at £10, and not only are you winter-ready, but you'd qualify for the calendar.

If you fancy trying a different calendar or one with a different theme, dozens of brands have released beauty countdowns, including Sephora and Harvey Nichols , which are both worth more than £1,000. You can find all of our top high end calendars here.

But if you’re after something even more purse-friendly, there are plenty of budget options purse-friendly mid-priced calendars available . Or you can pick up the M&S beauty advent calendar for £50 when you spend £35.