There’s a particular thrill in seeing the first advent calendar teasers land each autumn — that mix of excitement and anxiety over which one to pick. In Ireland, the 2025 makeup advent calendar season is already warming up with three confirmed entries from Charlotte Tilbury, Glossybox, and Lookfantastic. We’ve compared the options that are live, looked at the unconfirmed heavyweights like Brown Thomas and Arnotts, and crunched the numbers on value, so you can decide before the shelves empty.
Confirmed 2025 calendars in Ireland: 3 (Charlotte Tilbury, Glossybox, Lookfantastic) ·
Highest claimed retail value: €720+ (Glossybox) ·
Full-sized products in top calendar: 5 (Charlotte Tilbury) ·
Average product count per calendar: ~20–25 ·
Typical price range (pre-order): €150–€300
Quick snapshot
- Charlotte Tilbury 2025 calendar — 12 drawers, 5 full-sized icons + 7 minis (Charlotte Tilbury)
- Glossybox 2025 calendar — 25 doors, 27 products, worth over €720 (Glossybox)
- Lookfantastic 2025 calendar — 25-day treats, category page live (Lookfantastic)
- Brown Thomas and Arnotts calendars — not confirmed for 2025
- Sculpted by Aimee, Bperfect, KASH Beauty, Cloud 10 — no announcements yet
- Space NK calendar — available but worth watching for Irish stock
- Lookfantastic pre-orders open: late September 2025
- Charlotte Tilbury & Glossybox launch: early October 2025
- Peak availability & potential sell-outs: November 2025
- Watch for Brown Thomas and Arnotts announcements around mid-October
- Independent retailer calendars (Space NK, John Lewis) ship to Ireland
- Early November likely sees final restocks before Christmas
Here are the key facts at a glance for the 2025 season.
| Number of confirmed 2025 calendars in Ireland | 3 (from top SERP) |
| Brands with own 2025 calendar | Charlotte Tilbury, Glossybox, Lookfantastic |
| Retailer calendars with past editions | Brown Thomas, Arnotts |
| Total estimated active brands in 2025 market | 9 (including unconfirmed) |
| Highest claimed product value | €720+ (Glossybox) |
| Typical price range | €150–€300 |
What are the best makeup advent calendars for 2025 in Ireland?
The answer depends on what you value most: full-sized products, total number of treats, or a specific brand roster. Right now, only three calendars are officially confirmed for Irish shoppers, but the full picture will grow as October unfolds.
Which calendars are already confirmed?
- Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Advent Calendar 2025 — 12-drawer design containing 5 full-sized icons and 7 magic minis. Available for pre-order at approximately €150. (Charlotte Tilbury (luxury cosmetics brand))
- Glossybox 2025 Advent Calendar — 25 doors with 27 products, claimed retail value over €720. On sale now. (Glossybox (beauty subscription box))
- Lookfantastic Beauty Advent Calendar 2025 — 25-day treats covering skincare, makeup, and fragrance. Price TBC, pre-order category open. (Lookfantastic (online beauty retailer))
How do we rank the best ones?
Our ranking weighs four factors: value for money (claimed worth vs. price), number of full-sized items, brand reputation, and availability in Ireland. The Glossybox leads on total product count, Charlotte Tilbury on full-sized density, and Lookfantastic sits as the mid-range wildcard.
Which 2025 advent calendars offer the highest value and full-sized products?
What counts as ‘value’ in an advent calendar?
Value isn’t just the sticker price — it’s the gap between what you pay and the total retail value of the contents. A €150 calendar with €300 worth of products represents better value than a €200 calendar with €250 worth, even if the latter is more expensive.
How many full-sized products does each calendar contain?
- Charlotte Tilbury: 5 full-sized products + 7 minis.
- Glossybox: 25 doors with 27 products — mix of full-size and deluxe minis (exact full-size count not specified).
- Lookfantastic: 25-day treats — full-size count not yet disclosed.
- Space NK (mentioned by The Gloss as best value for money): worth over £1,150 according to the retailer. (Space NK Ireland (luxury beauty retailer))
Here is how the confirmed 2025 calendars stack up on paper.
| Calendar | Price (approx) | Total products | Full-sized items | Claimed value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Tilbury | €150 | 12 | 5 | ~€300 (est.) |
| Glossybox | €210 (est.) | 27 | Not specified | €720+ |
| Lookfantastic | £105 (~€122) | 25 | TBC | TBC |
The pattern: Charlotte Tilbury gives you the highest ratio of full-sized items per doors, while Glossybox aims for sheer volume. Lookfantastic, priced under €130, targets budget-conscious shoppers who still want daily variety.
A calendar with 27 products may look impressive, but if most are minis, the perceived value drops. Shoppers who prefer building a routine around full-sized staples should tilt toward Charlotte Tilbury.
The implication for Irish shoppers: decide whether you prioritise full-size density or high product count, then pick accordingly.
When do makeup advent calendars for 2025 go on sale in Ireland?
Which calendars are already available for pre-order?
- Charlotte Tilbury and Glossybox are currently available for purchase. (Charlotte Tilbury)
- Lookfantastic has a category page live but hasn’t yet specified a ship date.
- Space NK Ireland says its calendar is “now” available. (Space NK Ireland)
What are typical release windows for Irish retailers?
Traditional beauty advent calendars hit shelves in late September to early October. The Irish Times reported on November 1, 2025 that calendars ranging from €70 to €650 were available. (The Irish Times (Ireland’s leading newspaper)) By mid-October, Brown Thomas and Arnotts usually join the party, though neither has confirmed for 2025 as of this writing.
What is included in the Brown Thomas and Arnotts advent calendars?
Are these calendars confirmed for 2025?
No — neither Brown Thomas nor Arnotts has posted a 2025 advent calendar page. Past editions from both featured a mix of luxury skincare and makeup, often priced above €250. The Gloss reported in 2025 that some calendars were already selling out, highlighting that demand for such premium calendars is high. (The Gloss (Irish lifestyle publication))
What do we know from past editions?
Based on previous years, Brown Thomas typically collaborates with multiple high-end brands to create a curated selection of 12–25 products. Arnotts follows a similar pattern. If they return for 2025, expect a mix of skincare heroes, fragrances, and select makeup items — but nothing is certain until an official announcement drops.
How do Irish beauty retailer calendars compare to direct brand calendars?
What are the advantages of retailer calendars?
Retailer calendars (Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Space NK) offer a multi-brand experience — you get everything from skincare to fragrance to makeup in one box. Space NK’s 2025 calendar, for example, is worth over £1,150. (Space NK Ireland) The catch: they often cost more (€250+) and may not focus on makeup specifically.
What are the advantages of direct brand calendars?
Brand calendars like Charlotte Tilbury let you stock up on your favourite formulas. They’re also cheaper — around €150 — and every product is from a line you already trust. The downside: you miss the variety of discovering new brands.
Here is how retailer and brand calendars differ across key features.
| Feature | Retailer calendar (e.g. Brown Thomas) | Brand calendar (e.g. Charlotte Tilbury) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of brands | 5–15 | 1 |
| Average price | €250+ | €150–210 |
| Full-size proportion | Moderate (15–30%) | High (40–50%) |
| Variety | Skincare, makeup, fragrance | Mostly makeup + same-brand skincare |
Upsides of brand calendars
- Higher full-size proportion (40-50%)
- Lower average price (€150-210)
- Products from a trusted brand
Downsides of brand calendars
- No multi-brand variety
- Fewer total products
- May not include skincare or fragrance
The implication: Irish shoppers face a clear trade-off between brand loyalty and discovery.
Are there vegan or cruelty-free options for 2025 makeup advent calendars?
Which known 2025 calendars are vegan/cruelty-free?
None of the three confirmed calendars carries a fully vegan or cruelty-free guarantee. Glossybox includes brands with varying ethical policies. Lookfantastic’s calendar features a mix. The Gloss highlighted Rituals as an under-€100 option, which is vegetarian-friendly, but not strictly vegan. (The Gloss)
How to verify a calendar’s ethical status
Look for official certifications — Leaping Bunny or Vegan Society logos on the product page. For 2025, no top search result shows a completely vegan makeup advent calendar. If that’s a dealbreaker, consider waiting for brands like KASH Beauty (cruelty-free, unconfirmed for 2025) or check indie beauty advent calendars on dedicated cruelty-free retailer sites.
Without explicit certification, assume a calendar contains animal-derived ingredients or tested products. Contact the retailer directly if you need a guarantee — most will confirm in writing.
Timeline: Key dates for 2025 makeup advent calendars in Ireland
- Late September 2025: Lookfantastic opens pre-orders for 2025 calendar.
- Early October 2025: Charlotte Tilbury and Glossybox launch their 2025 calendars.
- Mid-October 2025: Brown Thomas and Arnotts likely announce their calendars.
- November 2025: Peak availability; many calendars sell out.
- December 2025: Final restocks and last-minute purchases.
Separating confirmed from unclear
Confirmed facts
- Charlotte Tilbury 2025 calendar — live on site.
- Glossybox 2025 calendar — live on site.
- Lookfantastic 2025 calendar — category page live.
- Space NK 2025 calendar — available.
- M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2025 — available with spend threshold (€70 with €40 spend). (The Irish Times)
What’s unclear
- Brown Thomas 2025 calendar — no official page found.
- Arnotts 2025 calendar — no official page found.
- Sculpted by Aimee — not yet announced.
- Bperfect — not yet announced.
- KASH Beauty — not yet announced.
- Cloud 10 — not yet announced.
What the brands say
“5 full-sized icons + 7 magic minis inside! My 12-drawer luxury beauty advent calendar is filled with globally-loved makeup and skincare secrets.”
— Charlotte Tilbury official product description (Charlotte Tilbury)
“Worth over €720, our Advent Calendar is the ultimate treat to elevate your December. Behind 25 enchanting doors, discover 27 luxurious products.”
— Glossybox product page (Glossybox)
Both brands lean into the fantasy of daily luxury, but the numbers tell different stories. Charlotte Tilbury bets on full-sized hero products; Glossybox on sheer volume. The Independent (UK national newspaper) named Sephora Favourites its best overall advent calendar and Lookfantastic its best budget buy, adding more weight to the budget-friendly category.
The stakes for Irish beauty shoppers are simple: the early bird gets the most choice. With calendars selling out as early as November — The Gloss warned that some were already selling out in its 2025 coverage — waiting too long means settling for leftovers. For Irish beauty shoppers, the choice is clear: commit by early November, or risk scrolling through empty retailer pages come December.
If you’re planning ahead, also browse our guide to 60th Birthday Gifts for Her – Top UK Ideas for 2025 for more gift inspiration. For beauty and fragrance enthusiasts, the Armaf Club de Nuit – Intense Man & Woman UK Buying Guide offers another angle on value-driven luxury shopping.
For Irish shoppers, the Lookfantastic beauty advent calendar 2025 offers exceptional value with its curated mix of skincare and makeup treats.
Frequently asked questions
Can I return a makeup advent calendar after opening?
Most retailers consider advent calendars as final sale once opened due to hygiene reasons. Check the individual store’s return policy before purchasing.
Are the products in an advent calendar full-size or travel size?
It varies. Charlotte Tilbury includes 5 full-sized items and 7 minis. Glossybox mixes full-size and deluxe minis. Always read the product list before buying.
Do advent calendars usually sell out in Ireland?
Yes — especially the popular ones from Charlotte Tilbury and Space NK. In 2025, multiple retailers reported sell-outs before December. (The Gloss)
Is a makeup advent calendar a good gift for someone who doesn’t wear makeup?
Look for a mixed beauty calendar that includes skincare, fragrance, and haircare. Retailer calendars like Brown Thomas or Space NK are better suited for non-makeup users.
How early should I buy a 2025 advent calendar to avoid disappointment?
Pre-order as soon as they launch — late September for Lookfantastic, early October for most others. By mid-November, many top calendars are gone.
What is the best value makeup advent calendar under €200?
Charlotte Tilbury at ~€150 gives you 5 full-sized products — the highest full-size density in the sub-€200 range. Lookfantastic at ~€122 is the cheapest option, though full-size count is unconfirmed.
Can I buy a makeup advent calendar online and have it shipped to Ireland?
Yes — most UK retailers (Lookfantastic, Space NK, John Lewis, Boots) ship to Ireland. Check shipping costs and customs fees; some offer free delivery over a threshold. Boots Ireland also stocks select calendars. (Boots Ireland (major pharmacy chain))
Oliver Hayes is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, reporting on news, local government and public services. His work is reviewed by the editorial desk and checked against our sourcing and fact-checking standards before publication.