Harvey Nichols beauty Advent calendar review - use code HNBEAUTY15 for 15% off

Price on writing: £250, 15% off with code HNBEAUTY15 (worth over £1,000) | Buy now from Harvey Nichols

My verdict

Few beauty Advent calendars make Mumsnet users hand out five-star ratings, but Harvey Nichols usually earns one. This year’s beauty edition is a strong case in point. It’s worth over £1,000 and crammed with 37 products, including 20 full-sized - a rarity in the luxury Advent calendar world.

Highlights include Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, La Mer Renewal Oil, Le Labo Eau de Parfum, Charlotte Tilbury lip blur and Sol de Janeiro’s cult Bum Bum Cream. Alongside old faithfuls, the lineup mixes popular products with newer names like Manucurist and Trinny London.

This year’s calendar is very chic and a gorgeous design - just not very festive

The calendar also looks the part, designed by illustrator Jacky Blue, though I’d have liked more seasonal sparkle since it’s an Advent calendar. Still, if you’re after a beauty Advent calendar that feels genuinely indulgent without tipping into silly money, this is one of the very best and worth seriously considering from this year’s best beauty Advent calendars.

How I’ve tested the Harvey Nichols beauty Advent calendar

Testing has been underway since August, as I’ve dived deep into all the calendar has to offer. After trying the products, I then scored this year’s edition across eight areas, which I converted into a star rating. 

Like for Harvey Nichols’ calendar, I’ll be busy trying out various offerings and scoring them against four key criteria (out of 15) and four category-specific criteria (out of 10), so you can rest assured knowing everything has been taken into consideration before you decide which one to splurge on. Anything that scores 80 points or above is rated five stars in my eyes. 

Just to give you an idea of the size of the calendar - here it is next to my four year old

Afterall, I know a lot of thinking (and spreadsheets!) are involved in what beauty Advent calendar is worth getting each year among our Mumsnet users. It’s my mission to make sure you’re all fully informed before buying. 

Here are my final verdicts for each criteria with my reasonings:

• Performance: 14/15, there’s full sizes of cult products, but there are some unknowns in the mix.

• Quality and durability: 13/15, luxury brands mean good standards in terms of the products. As for the design of the calendar itself, it’d be reusable but is stiff at times opening and closing the drawers. 

• Ease of use: 12/15, some drawers have multiple products (with some not directly related) which could confuse, like it did me at first. 

• Value for money: 15/15, simply put: exceptional.

• Selection of products: 9/10, there’s a great range, but not much shade inclusivity, which is a shame to see.

• Product safety and authenticity: 10/10, all products are from established brands.

• Seasonality: 8/10, they’ve considered winter-friendly skincare, but there’s nothing especially Christmassy.

• Presentation: 9/10, the calendar is a lovely, chic design, but it could be more festive and there’s not a lot of sustainability information included. 

Overall score: 90/100

How much is the Harvey Nichols beauty Advent calendar in 2025?

It’s priced at £250 and contains products worth over £1,000. That includes 20 full-sized items that have been expertly selected by Harvey Nichols’ beauty buyers, which is unusually generous for a luxury Advent calendar IMO. 

Little hands helping me to unbox the calendar

Who is the Harvey Nichols beauty Advent calendar 2025 most suited for?

This one’s for serious beauty fans, I reckon - people who actually use high-end skincare and makeup and want a proper mix of cult products and new discoveries. 

It would also make a very generous gift for someone who lives for beauty counters.

What’s inside the Harvey Nichols beauty Advent calendar 2025?

With 37 products from 28 brands, there’s a lot to love here. But these are the five that stood out most to me as a 33-year-old mum of two:

Favourite #1: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (15ml)

My skin’s permanently knackered from lack of sleep, but this makes it look like I’ve actually rested. It’s rich without being greasy, and a tiny bit goes a long way.

Favourite #2: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur (Walk of No Shame)

A proper grown-up lipstick that doesn’t make me feel overdressed during the day. It’s flattering, easy to wear and somehow makes me look more awake.

(L) Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream and (R) Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Lip Blur

Favourite #3: Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Split End Remedy

Two kids later and my hair has taken a battering, but this smooths out the frazzled ends instantly. It’s like damage control in a bottle - in fact, I’ve been using it since last Christmas and I’m thrilled to have a top up in hand.

Favourite #4: Manucurist Active Glow Raspberry

I am massively into my natural nails at the moment and have ditched manicures and polish altogether. So you can imagine my joy at finding this product that gives me the “I’ve made an effort” look without the faff. A hint of colour and shine that makes my nails look healthy.

(L) Philip Kingsley Bond Builder and (R) Manucurist’s Active Glow and Active Shine

Favourite #5: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Totally unnecessary but completely joyful. It smells like holiday, and on a wet Tuesday in January that’s sometimes exactly what you need.

About the author

Our resident Leeds lass Rebecca Roberts is one of our Senior Content Editors. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. 

After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to prioritise yourself as a mother - not just during postpartum, but for years after. So, she’s on a quest to find the best beauty and fashion products that are both practical and affordable, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a PTA meeting, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking her two little dogs up and down country lanes.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices correct at time of publication

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