Gone are the days when I’d count down to the holidays with an advent calendar that housed tiny pieces of candy, which would be gone each day in a single bite (devastating, I know). Now, anything can hide behind those cute paper doors, but it’s the beauty advent calendars for me. They make for an easy way to introduce myself to a new brand and discover what makes it special. So if you’re looking for a little makeup and skincare refresh, take this beauty director’s advice: Don’t sleep on Chantecaille’s 12 Days of Botanical Beauty Holiday Box (which, by the way, has a $671 value but will only run you $375).
It’s special for a number of reasons. First of all, it comes in a luxe, wildlife-inspired gift box with 12 drawers, which are decorated with images of nature, botanical ingredients, and wildlife (all things that the brand holds close to its heart). Each drawer has one best-selling product from the brand’s makeup or skincare line. About half of the products in the advent calendar are full size (seriously!), while the other half are deluxe samples. The product formulas are made using smart science and pure ingredients found in flowers and plants (and are all vegan and cruelty-free!), and the brand makes a point to give back to charities that protect wild species and spaces. It’s really hard to not feel good about supporting a brand like that (all year, not just during the holidays).
In the image above, you can see the full lineup of beauty goods that come with the advent calendar. There’s a ton of makeup (I’m talking mascara, cheek shade, lip color, and eye shadow), but there’s even more skincare, including the most luxurious mask and face oil. Want to see my favorites? Keep scrolling. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot of skincare.
Shop My Personal Favorites From the Advent Calendar
I’m very picky with my lip balms, but this one is rich in macadamia, shea butter, and aloe, so my lips basically feel amazing at all times.
*A full-size version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
I have many face oils, but this one has a prominent spot on my bathroom vanity. It not only rejuvenates and brightens my skin, but it’s made with four luxurious rose oils (and other powerful plant extracts), so it smells like a dream. I like to finish my skincare routine with it. Once it starts to get colder, I imagine I’ll top it off with a moisturizer.
*A 15ml-sized version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
This is such an indulgent cream, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s rich and creamy, and it basically keeps my skin hydrated all day. It’s infused with five plant stem cells—bionymph, plantago, caffeine-free coffee, daphne, and raspberry—all of which help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while lifting and plumping skin.
*A 15ml-sized version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
This mask is pure luxury (and not just because it comes in a gold pot). It’s infused with 24k gold, silk extract with antioxidant properties, a probiotic, and a combination of peptides that help firm and tone skin while adding a nice glow. I also appreciate that it’s made with black currant seed oil, which helps reduce visible redness. (I’ve struggled with rosy cheeks for as long as I can remember.) The mask itself almost has a whipped consistency. I like to slather a generous amount on my face and go do something else for 15 minutes until it’s time to rinse it off. My skin always looks and feels like heaven afterward. Pro tip: Slather your skin with this before bed and wake up to an incredibly glowy complexion.
*A 5ml-sized version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
I’m a total brow gal—the fuller the better. This brow-boosting gel not only defines, sets, and holds my brows in place, but the formula also helps promote brow growth, which is a total game changer.
*A full-size version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
The texture of this serum is incredible. From the looks of it, I thought it was going to be sticky, but I was so wrong. It absorbs fast and feels lovely on my skin. It’s made with a unique blend of botanicals and peptides that smoothes the appearance of lines while moisturizing, lifting, and firming skin. It also has cocoa peptides, which help fight blue-light pollution.
*A 15ml-sized version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
I hope I’m not scrutinized for saying this, but I’ve never been a big toner person. My skin always feels tight after using it, almost as if all of the moisture has been completely sucked out of my face. But this is one of the few toning treatments that doesn’t make me feel that way. It’s a gentle exfoliator that’s made with a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids, willow-bark extract, and glucono delta-lactone, and it really makes my skin smooth and clear. After using it for a bit, my pores also look smaller, which I don’t hate.
*A 10ml-sized version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
Shop Other Products in the Advent Calendar
This is Chantecaille’s first-ever philanthropy lipstick that supports Space for Giants, a conservation team working to preserve the safety of elephants in Africa. Plus, it’s a really good lipstick. It’s infused with baobab oil that leaves a luminous veil of color on the lips.
*A full-size version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
This cheek shade is made using finely milled pigments that give it its feather-weight texture. It gives cheeks a natural flush of color that brushes on lightly and blends in easily. A portion of its proceeds is donated to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to support its efforts to protect elephants.
*A full-size version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
What do you get when you mix a refining lipopeptide, wrinkle-fighting hexapeptide, and de-puffing botanicals? An eye area that’s de-puffed, brighter, smoother, and visibly lifted.
*A 3ml-sized version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
This is the most gorgeous rose-gold shadow ever. It’s really buildable, too. You can easily sheer out the color or intensify it without it creasing. Plus, if you buy one, you’ll be supporting Grevy’s Zebra Trust, which works to monitor zebra populations, protect zebras from poaching, and restore healthy grasslands for grazing.
*A full-size version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
This mascara is made with a lash peptide that helps enhance your natural lash length, thickness, and fullness. It doesn’t clump, and the double-helix brush lets you comb and feather lashes to your desire.
*A 4g-sized version of this product is included in the advent calendar.
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