Fragrant advent calendars (or at least, advent calendars featuring a number of scented offerings) are the way we’re going this year. Because goodness, it’s been quite a year, hasn’t it?
Although many of the beauty calendars sell out literally within hours, there are still some fabulously fragrant ones around. And whether you’re using the calendars as a countdown to the end (we hope!) of #lockdown2, or simply as a way of treating yourself a little every single day: you and/or someone you love but can’t be with, deserve one… or maybe, well, several!
Diptyque Limited-edition Advent Calendar £320
Selfridges says: ‘The lead-up to Christmas is always an exciting time, but it becomes even more thrilling with this limited-edition advent calendar from Diptyque. A festive treat in hand-illustrated packaging by none other than Ugo Gattoni, it’s home to this year’s seasonal signatures – the Moonlit Fir candle and yuletide decorations – and a selection of the brand’s most coveted candles, fragrances, body creams and scrubs. Hint: dream for a spritz of Eau Capitale or Do Son and you might just get it.’
We say: Who wouldn’t just adore this bumper offering by Diptyque?! Yes, it’s spendy, but it’s exclusive to Selfridges and you know you’ll love everything. The Eau Capitale was one of our favourite launches of late – the first Chypre for the house, and oh so worth waiting for…
Harrods of London Beauty Advent Calendar £250
Harrods says: ‘Delight in the Christmas countdown – all while feeling your very best self – with the Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar for 2020. Bringing together some of the most popular skincare, make-up and fragrance products from our hallowed Beauty Halls, each day will unveil a new surprise, with a mix of full-sized and mini offerings worth over £700 in total.’
We say: Of course our eyes (and noses) went straight to the dinky 6ml of iconic Acqua di Parma Colonia, and the stunning Maison Francis Kurkdijan Baccarat Rouge 540 Mini Candle 35g; but oh goodness what a treasure trove of luxurious treats awaits you!
Molton Brown 2020 Luxury Advent Calendar £120
Molton Brown says: ‘Celebrate in style this year and count down to the joyful Christmas day with our sensational luxury advent calendar, filled with intriguing new fragrances, bathing classics and much more. Inspired by the liberating glamour of the Roaring Twenties, this elegant calendar shimmers with holographic foil to evoke a 1920s chandelier. With a striking new design, it’s secured by a hidden magnet and opens from the side to reveal your 24 stellar indulgences.’
We say: Wow, what a sophisticated selection of gifts, worth £259. The new Juniper Jazz, Geranium Nefertum and classic Black Pepper fragrances amidst a fragrant flurry of candles, body and bath oils and pampering treats, oh my! A perfect one to ‘share’ (or at least pretend to) with a partner, we feel…
Psst! Are you interested in WINNING this Molton Brown Advent Calendar for yourself? Keep your eyes peeled for our competion on Saturday…
L’OCCITANE Hand Illustrated Reusable Advent Calendar £160 (web exclusive)
L’OCCITANE Says: ‘Created in collaboration with UK illustrator Isla Simpson, this hand illustrated Advent Calendar is made from recycled cotton and reusable for years to come. Inspired by nature and the magic of Provence, each pocket unveils a luxury size product.’
We Say: Worth a whopping £230 we love the saving, but even more the fact you can re-use this and stuff with your own scented treats for years to come. The floral illustrations are simply goregous, and inside you’ll find the herbaceously fresh 5ml Herbae par L’OCCITANE Eau de Parfum.
If you prefer to make your own calendars, why not fill some days with fragrant frivolity by adding minis and samples from our own Perfume Society Discovery Boxes, or the luxurious niche Brand Sets we have in store?
Maybe make one for yourself and one for a best friend who you’re missing – you can compare smelling notes each day of December! Fragrantly counting down the days ’til freedom, or simply scenting each day, was never more needed…
By Suzy Nightingale
