M&S's affordable beauty advent calendar has been unveiled – here's what's inside

Christmas has once again come early in the beauty world – all of the biggest retailers and brands have unveiled some of this year’s best beauty advent calendars. While heavy hitters like Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges come with a hefty price tag, there is one reliable favourite that sets you back less than £100: M&S’s beauty advent calendar.The high street stalwart’s 2026 lineup has finally been unveiled, and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s packed with household names – Estee Lauder, Sam McKnight, ColorWow, Clinique, Benefit – and the roster has an overall value of nearly £500. I’ve been reviewing the best beauty advent calendars for years, testing brands from Cult Beauty to John Lewis. However, M&S remains my favourite. Not only is it affordable (the calendar costs £75), but the contents include brands you can really trust and crowd-pleasing variety. The products always appeal to both mums, grandmas and daughters alike. Ahead of my full review, here’s everything you need to know about M&S’s beauty advent calendar for 2026. What’s inside the M&S beauty advent calendar 2026?M&SFor less than £100, you’re treated to 25 beauty products, packaged in a playful pink stripe box that’s evergreen enough to repurpose long beyond Christmas. Highlights include a full-size Estée Lauder Double Wear primer, Clinique’s All About Eyes cream, Benefit mascara, and ColorWow money mist. When it comes to fragrance, the calendar is your chance to try M&S’s TikTok-viral perfume line, including the Discover pink pepper and midnight blossom – a budget alternative to Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium – and a &Sleep pillow spray. Makeup standouts span bareMinerals Blonzer in Gen Nude, an ICONIC London Prep Set Blur and lip gloss, and a full-size Sweed Le Lipstick. Sam McKnight’s happy ending balm and Aveda’s rosemart shampoo and conditioner duo kit out your bathroom, alongside This Works sleep body whip. When does the M&S beauty advent calendar launch?Costing £75 but worth £460, the calendar is available from 13 October, but you can sign up to Sparks for early access between 1-7 October 2026.