Shoppers who spend £35 at M&S can bag £300 calendar for £50

The highly anticipated Marks and Spencer beauty advent calendar has finally hit the shelves this week (October 24), much to the excitement of makeup and skincare fans. It comes as many retailers, like Space NK, Harrods and John Lewis, have already sold out of their countdowns. 

Priced at £50, this year’s M&S calendar is packed with over £300 worth of makeup, skincare, fragrance and more from the retailer’s beauty hall. It includes 25 products, six of which are full-sized, perfect for pampering yourself all the way to Christmas Day. Shoppers will find a mix of familiar and new brands such as Clinique, Benefit, REN, Prai and more. But unlike most retailers, where shoppers can simply purchase their calendars at the lower price, M&S shoppers must first meet a spend threshold. 

In order to qualify to buy the calendar, customers will need to spend £35 on full-priced beauty, fashion or home products to be able to pick up the festive haul for £50. But according to those who have unboxed it – like our content editor, Ruth Ovens – it’s ‘worth the effort’.

Ruth added: “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.”

And M&S shoppers have also been leaving the calendar some five star reviews, with one commenting: “Very happy with the beauty calendar this year. Super products which I share with my daughter and daughter in law as added Christmas presents.”

Another added: “£300 worth of beauty for only £50 when you spend £35 in store. Lots of full size products inside. What’s not to love. Have been waiting on this being released and it is a Christmas present for myself!”

“This is such a great value advent calendar from Marks,” penned a third. “It’s become a Christmas staple. Compared to the price of lesser quality calendars being able to pick this one up for £50 when you spend £35 is such a bargain. I usually need to start stocking up on Christmas presents at this time of year so this was an easy decision.”

However, some people said they’d have preferred fewer products in certain categories. One review added: “Have treated myself to this every Christmas but won’t bother this year. Too many hair products that l will never use . Just not for me this year . Would like more makeup and skin products to test.”

But the only way to know for sure if this M&S calendar is for you is to check out the full list of contents. Here’s everything inside the Marks and Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar 2024:

• 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

While having to spend £35 to qualify to buy the calendar may be a downside for some, for others, it could be the perfect excuse to get some Christmas shopping ticked off, or the opportunity to find your festive party look for the season.

If you’re in need of some inspiration, this Leather Look Metallic Midi A-Line Skirt costs £35 and is bound to make you stand out at the Christmas do, while these £55 Sequin Elasticated Waist Wide Leg Trousers are perfect for a party-ready look.

For something cosier, how about this £35 Cloud-Yarn Fairisle Roll Neck Jumper, which is perfect for festive markets, or for living your best Taylor Swift life at a Christmas tree farm. Alternatively, there are these Pure Cotton Revere Pyjamas, which give spa day vibes and are perfect for gifting.

There are plenty of options to choose from this year, with dozens of brands having released beauty countdowns, including Sephora and Harvey Nichols , which are both worth more than £1,000. But if you’re after something even more purse-friendly, there are plenty of budget options and purse-friendly mid-priced calendars available at Boots. Or you can pick up the M&S beauty advent calendar for £50 when you spend £35 here.