Mirror Mirror on the Wall

with Val Starr

Advent calendar season is back and it would be remiss of me not to share the fantastic beauty advent calendars on offer. This annual treat has become very popular and a major must-have for serious beauty fans.

Every year they seem to get bigger and better as the competition heats up to be crowned the ‘top calendar’. The great thing is that you, the consumer, are always the winner!

Advent calendars are a great way to sample products that might usually be out of your budget range to see if you like them, and may result in you purchasing the full products at a later date. This is what beauty companies hope to achieve. The savings are often quite extraordinary. More and more calendars now offer several full-size products along with the small trial sizes, all set to entice you in. They often sell out fast, so be quick if you want to get your hands on one. Here are a few that I liked the look of this year.

Liberty

all year to store your beauty Martin Lewis gave his seal of items. approval to the Boots No7 John Lewis calendar! At only £49.50 and With a value of £770, the John with a value of £211, this year Lewis calendar (pictured) is athere is an extra surprise as ten great option. It costs £179 andgolden tickets have been placed includes full-size productsinside the calendars, entitling from brands such as Olaplexthe lucky recipients to £1,000 and Sunday Riley. Ten luckyworth of No7 products. customers will also reveal a Boots also offer other brands’ £500 John Lewis gift vouchercalendars at their cosmetic inside door 25 – that would be counters. At £65, the Liz Earle a nice bonus Christmas gift!calendar contains 12 iconic products, including their Marks and Spencer Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth M&S are back with a fabulous Cleanser. Benefit’s costs £59.50 offer on their beauty calendar. and contains 12 of their most With an overall value of £300, The iconic London shop started the calendar craze back in 2014. Their offering comes at a hefty price, but you get a lot for your money. The women’s option costs £245, but is worth £1,065. It contains 30 products, 20 of which are full-size, with brands popular make-up items. Head to the Clarins counter for his and hers. His has 12 products for £65, including SPF moisturiser and an eye gel, while hers costs £75 and includes a double serum and lip comfort oil. you can get your hands on one for only £40 when you spend £30 on clothing, beauty or homeware. Molton Brown A bathtime favourite, this calendar costs £195 and gets you mini candles, bath and shower such as Dr Sebagh. Charlotte Tilbury gels, plus various lotions valued

For the man in your life, the Famed make-up artist to the at £329. calendar will cost £235, with a stars, Charlotte Tilbury offers Whichever one you choose, value of £803. It has an assort- her Diamond Chest of Beauty I hope you thoroughly enjoy ment of 27 items – 16 of which Stars with five full-size and opening each window and are full-size – including groom- seven mini products worth discovering the great products ing essentials, fragrances and £245 for only £150. The jewel- on offer this year! Happy even a signature Liberty tipple. adorned box can then be used holidays! The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 13