PART 3
Nordic skincare, Korean glow, products for hair and beard, and 24 days of MAC glam. In part three of this year’s big advent calendar test, we take a closer look at four new beauty calendars.
There’s still quite a while until Christmas, but beauty calendars keep disappearing from the shelves. Many are already sold out, but this time we’ve tested some you can still get hold of. Some tempt with full-size products, others with staggering values and exclusive surprises you can’t buy separately.
But a high product value isn’t necessarily the same as a good buy. The calendar needs to contain products you’ll actually use, and ideally enough variety that you look forward to opening the next door.
This time, we’ve taken a closer look at this year’s calendars from Lumene, a few more from Lyko, and MAC Cosmetics.
Lumene Advent Calendar 2026A Nordic beauty garden with skincare, makeup and plenty of winter magic.
This year’s advent calendar from Lumene draws inspiration from Nordic winter nature. Behind the 24 doors are 14 skincare products and ten makeup products, wrapped in a blooming, wintry universe.
Half of the contents are full size. The calendar also contains two limited-edition products that are only available in this year’s calendar.
The price is NOK 1,155, while the stated product value is NOK 3,159. You’ll find the calendar HERE (Adlink)
Who it’s for: Anyone who likes Lumene and wants a good mix of skincare and makeup. Also a nice choice if you prefer glow, hydration and a more natural beauty look over a calendar full of glitter and bold colours.
What we like: The balance between skincare and makeup. 12 full-size products is very good at this price, and the two calendar-exclusive products give the contents a little extra novelty. The design also feels well executed without tipping over into excessive Christmas decoration.
Could be better: As with all single-brand calendars, you need to be quite fond of Lumene to get the most out of the contents. The 14 skincare products also make the calendar more nurturing than playful, so it’s less suited to those who mainly want lots of makeup.
M&H verdict: ★★★★½
Nordic glow, 12 full size and two exclusive surprises. Lumene has found the perfect balance.
Man-datories Advent Calendar by LYKO
Finally, a men’s calendar that offers more than shower gel, deodorant and a half-hearted beard product.
Lyko’s Man-datories is filled with products for hair, beard, body and skin. Behind the 24 doors we find both safe classics and newer, more hyped products, with everything from shaving to moisturising.
This is a calendar that takes self-care seriously, but still keeps the contents accessible for those who don’t already have a twelve-step skincare routine.
The price is NOK 1,320, while the stated product value is approximately NOK 6,119. You’ll find it HERE (Adlink)
Who it’s for: The man who likes good products for hair, skin, body and beard, but doesn’t necessarily buy them himself. Also a gift-friendly calendar for the partner who’s tired of buying yet another pair of socks.
What we like: That the calendar covers several categories and doesn’t reduce men’s grooming to shaving and shower gel. The price is relatively accessible, while the stated value is high. The mix of well-known products and newer favourites also means the contents can suit both beginners and more experienced grooming enthusiasts.
Could be better: We’d like information on how many products are full size. The calendar is also clearly built around a traditional men’s grooming universe, so it may feel less relevant to those without a beard or who don’t use hair styling products.
M&H verdict: ★★★★☆
For the bon vivant who knows what he wants!
The K-alendar Advent Calendar by LYKO
24 doors of Korean skincare, and potentially enough glow to get through the whole winter.
Lyko’s K-Beauty calendar brings together both new brands and Korean products you’ve already seen on TikTok. It’s all about hydration, glow and skincare routines with more steps than we usually manage before our morning coffee.
The calendar is made for both experienced K-Beauty enthusiasts and beginners who want to explore Korean skincare.
The price is NOK 1,825, while the stated product value is approximately NOK 6,410. You’ll find it HERE (Adlink)
Who it’s for: The skincare nerd who already knows the difference between toner, essence and ampoule. Or the beginner who wants to find out. Either way, a good choice if you prioritise skincare over makeup.
What we like: The concept is clear, and the calendar offers the chance to discover several Korean brands and product categories. K-Beauty is often about combining several products in the same routine, which is why the calendar format makes extra sense here. The stated value is also solid compared with the price.
Could be better: A calendar full of skincare can be overwhelming if you already have a set routine, and your skin hardly needs 24 new products at once.
M&H verdict: ★★★★½
A Korean tasting menu with extra hydration? Yes, please.
MAC Cosmetics Advent Calendar
24 days of lipsticks, bestsellers and enough glamour to cover the whole Christmas party season.
MAC Cosmetics counts down to Christmas with a limited-edition calendar filled with 24 surprises in both full and mini sizes. The contents include several of the brand’s bestselling shades, wrapped in an exclusive, sparkling Christmas box.
In other words, this is a calendar for anyone who wants classic MAC glam throughout December and doesn’t mind their makeup collection growing considerably before New Year.
The price is NOK 2,545, while the stated product value is NOK 6,790. You’ll find it HERE (Adlink)
Who it’s for: MAC fans, makeup enthusiasts and anyone who’d rather have colour, finish and party products behind the doors. Also a very gift-friendly calendar if the recipient already has several MAC favourites in their makeup bag.
What we like: MAC has many products and shades that already have icon status, so the calendar offers more than random seasonal launches. The mix of full size and minis also leaves room for both big favourites and products that are easy to take with you.
Could be better: NOK 2,545 is a lot of money, even with a stated value of almost NOK 6,800. Bestselling shades aren’t necessarily universal shades either, especially when it comes to lip and base products.
M&H verdict: ★★★★☆
24 days of MAC glam? Your makeup for party season is sorted, at least.