Advent calendars were once very humdrum affairs. In my day [adopts Monty Python-esque Yorkshire accent] they were all flimsy cardboard with inedible chocolates formed into ‘novelty’ shapes, or simply a pictures of a snowflake or somesuch. How times change!
The past few years have seen beauty companies and retailers festooning advent calendars with fragrant wares, and the trend sees no sign of stopping. Many of them seem to sell out in the blink of an eye, too; so if you see something that catches your eye (and nose) below, we suggest you get in quick…
Penhaligon’s A Fragrant Countdown Advent Calendar: £350
Penhaligon’s say: ‘For those who’ve been uncommonly nice, only the Penhaligon’s Advent Calendar will do. What fun – behind each door hides a fragrant surprise! The only question: can one resist opening them all at once?’
Includes
30ml: Halfeti Body & Hand Wash, Empressa Body & Hand Lotion, Endymion Body & Hand Wash, Luna Body & Hand Lotion, Juniper Sling Body & Hand Wash / 10ml: Cairo, Cousin Flora, Cousin Matthew, Heartless Helen, Terrible Teddy, Elisabethan Rose / Artemisia 5ml, Blenheim Bouquet 5ml, Iris Prima 5ml, Juniper Sling 5ml, Luna 5ml, Orange Blossom 5ml, Quercus 5ml, Empressa 5ml, Endymion Concentre 5ml / Rose Lip Balm 15g, Violet Lip Balm 15g, Maduro Leaf Candle 75g
Molton Brown Limited Edition Advent Calendar: £175
Molton Brown say: ‘Count down to the Christmas cheer with our luxury advent calendar, brimming with beloved bath and body icons, home fragrances and beyond. Explore 24 decadent treats, each individually wrapped and presented in a grand Art Deco-inspired box calendar with a hand-tied grosgrain ribbon.’
Includes
3 x 75ml Festive Bauble: Bizarre Brandy, Vintage With Elderflower, Muddled Plum
2 x 50ml Body Lotion: Bizarre Brandy, Muddled Plum
3 x 7.5ml Eau de Toilette: Bizarre Brandy, Vintage With Elderflower, Muddled Plum
1 x 40ml Alba White Truffle Hand Treatment
2 x 50ml Fine Liquid Hand Wash: Re-charge Black Pepper, Fiery Pink Pepper
4 x 50ml Bath & Shower Gel: Jasmine & Sun Rose, Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel, Rosa Absolute, Vetiver & Grapefruit
3 x Mini Scented Candle: Coco & Sandalwood, Delicious Rhubarb & Rose, Russian Leather
1 x 50ml Purifying Shampoo With Indian Cress
1 x 50ml Purifying Conditioner With Indian Cress
1 x 40ml Heavenly Gingerlily Hand Cream
1 x 50ml Body Oil: Rosa Absolute
1 x 50ml Suede Orris Hair Mist
1 x 50ml Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold Bathing Oil
Acqua di Parma Advent Calendar: £325
Acqua di Parma say: ‘Offering a surprise for every day of Christmas, Acqua di Parma presents its 2019 beauty advent calendar. Featuring a miniature version of the signature scent Colonia, it also includes Blu Mediterraneo, Le Nobili and Signature of the Sun miniatures. With roll-on vials, bath and body products, and a special surprise for December 25th, it will keep you invigorated this winter.’
Includes:
Acqua di Parma don’t want to spoil the surprise by listing all the contents, but really, anyone who loves the house will be thrilled by the contents, we’re sure!
Diptyque say: ’25 little pleasures, and so many lucky charms to discover every day before the holidays. The 2019 Advent Calendar brings together in a colorful setting emblematic products in various sizes. It features candles, eau de toilette, eau de parfum and skincare products.’
Rituals say: ‘With The Ritual of Advent Calendar, you can enjoy a luxurious Rituals product behind every window. This is a great way to count down the last 24 days to Christmas and treat yourself or your loved ones to a special moment each day.’
Highlights include:
The Ritual of Namaste Hydrating Ampoule, Ritual of Namasté Velvety Smooth Cleansing Foam, The Ritual of Dao Parfum d’Interieur, The Ritual of Ayurveda Body Cream, Advent Mini Candle Private Collection – Sacred Saffron, Sweet Jasmine Mini Fragrance Sticks, Amsterdam Collection Body Mist, The Ritual of Namasté Pure Face Oil 5ml, The Ritual of Dao Night Balm, The Ritual of Happy Buddha Shower Scrub.
Jo Malone London Advent Calendar: £320
Jo Malone London say: ‘Uncover a scented treat behind every door, including much-loved Blackberry & Bay Cologne (9ml) and English Pear & Freesia Body Crème (15ml) alongside new additions to the line-up such as Bronze Wood & Leather Cologne Intense (9ml).’
