A ReviewBinge Exclusive Deep Dive Into This Year’s Most Giftable Beauty Box

There’s something magical about the holiday season, the lights, the music, and of course… the advent calendars. And if you’re a beauty lover like me, the countdown becomes even sweeter when you’re opening mini luxury treats every morning. This year, I thought of giving myself something special and behold the Macy’s 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar landed on my desk, and wow this one deserves a moment of appreciation.

Priced at $49.50 (50% OFF!), this Black Friday deal is easily one of the best-value beauty advent calendars of the season. Packed with skincare, makeup, fragrances, and even a candle, it feels like Macy’s curated a miniature beauty boutique just for us.

Here’s my full ReviewBinge breakdown after opening, testing, and (in some cases) immediately falling in love with these 25 products.

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Quick Snapshot

Here’s your fast-glance summary before we dive in:

CategoryVerdict
Value for MoneyOutstanding — 25 brand-name items for under $50
Brand VarietyA+ (Jo Malone, Shiseido, Caudalie, Bobbi Brown & more)
Best ForGifting, beauty discovery, travel lovers
VibeLuxurious and surprisingly generous

The Unboxing Experience

The calendar itself is gorgeous sturdy, festive, and laid out like a 25-door treasure chest. Opening each day genuinely felt like a little burst of happiness. Macy’s did a great job mixing prestige brands with trendy newer names.

Let’s go through the highlights starting with my personal favorite category…

Skincare That Actually Delivers

This is where the calendar shines brightest. If you love trying high-end skincare without committing to a full-size price tag, this set is basically skincare paradise.

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

A creamy, luxurious primer/moisturizer hybrid. It instantly smooths the skin and gives makeup that soft-focus finish I crave on winter mornings.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum

This was a huge win. Caudalie’s brightening serum is lightweight, gentle, and perfect for dull winter skin. I started noticing smoother texture within days.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

Rich, bouncy, and spa-like. Elemis never disappoints and this was one of the most generous deluxe sizes in the entire box.

Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Hydrator

A classic. If your skin gets tight or flaky during colder months, this gel formula brings instant relief.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream

Simple, effective, hydrating. The kind of product everyone needs in their routine at some point.

And then there are the surprises:

  • Shiseido Ultimune Serum – silky and instantly firming.
  • Elizabeth Arden Brightening Capsules – power-packed and ideal for dark spots.
  • Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser – creamy, gentle, and soothing.

This entire skincare lineup easily justifies the calendar’s price.

Masks & Treatments Worth Trying

One thing I love about advent calendars is the freedom to experiment. This one didn’t disappoint.

  • Cardon Cactus Soothing Face Mask – surprisingly refreshing.
  • Diana Madison Matcha Eye Patch – a lifesaver on tired mornings.
  • Sutra Heat Guard Hair Mask – softens and protects before styling.
  • TONYMOLY Squishmallows Foot Mask – adorable and ultra-moisturizing.

Every “pamper yourself” moment has its place here.

Makeup Moments

While not makeup-heavy, the choices were excellent:

tarte™ Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

Lightweight, fluttery, and lengthening. A staple.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

The drama queen of mascaras; voluminous, bold, and perfect for holiday parties.

These are the kind of minis that last surprisingly long and fit in any makeup bag.

A Luxe Fragrance Selection

For fragrance lovers, this calendar is basically an adventure:

  • Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt – fresh and universally loved
  • Carolina Herrera Very Good Girl Elixir – sweet, sexy, and perfect for nights out
  • Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Le Parfum – warm with a hint of sparkle
  • Guerlain Shalimar L’Essence – a timeless, sensual classic

Getting four prestige fragrances in one advent calendar? Major win.

Hair & Body Extras

These small-but-mighty products round out the experience beautifully:

  • Bumble & Bumble Dryspun Texture Spray Light – instant volume without crunch
  • Fatboy Styling Cream – one of the largest items in the box
  • Buttah CocoShea Cream – softens elbows, hands, and dry patches
  • Lovery Sandalwood Candle – yes, they even included a candle!

It’s thoughtful touches like that candle that make this set feel more like a curated gift than a simple collection of samples.

Final ReviewBinge Verdict: Is It Worth It?

100% YES.

The Macy’s 25 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is one of the best-value beauty calendars of the year. With 25 diverse, high-quality items from premium brands, it feels luxurious without the luxury price tag.

If you love beauty exploration, if you want a gift that feels personal, or if you simply enjoy treating yourself during the holidays, this is one you won’t regret buying.

It’s festive, fun, surprisingly generous and absolutely ReviewBinge approved.

Give the Gift of 25 Days of Beauty