Every holiday season, there is this strange concept called "saving money" that I conveniently forget about. Between all the Secret Santa gift exchanges and embarrassing amount of eggnog lattes consumed, staying on budget seems nearly impossible. If you fear checking your bank balance but still want to indulge in retail therapy during the holidays, then look no further: here are the best sales on 2016 beauty advent calendars.
Though we are already several days into December, it's not too late to snag an advent calendar (or two) for you or a fellow beauty junkie. You'll still get to wake up to the sweet smell of little surprises every morning and you'll be sparing a few dollars — most of them give you a high value for your money, and some are even on sale. Also, who doesn't love a good pocket version of your favorite lippie and facial spray? You can even repurpose the products as stocking stuffers
Whether you're a nail polish hoarder or body butter addict, there's a beauty advent calendar for everyone. And the best part — all of these will get you the most value for your buck. That way, you can still enjoy sampling new and old beauty products without having to resort to ramen-only meals for the next ten years.
Better snatch these advent calendars up before it's too late and you're left penniless sans your favorite mini mascara. I'm having trouble myself deciding which set to get — the options are endless, the savings unbeatable.
1. Nuxe
Beauty Countdown Set, originally $49, now $35, ulta.com
Confession: this advent calendar may or may not already be sitting in my shopping cart. While studying abroad in Paris, I swore by anything and everything Nuxe — it's the secret to that je ne sais quoi, I tell you. This calendar is stocked with 10 of Nuxe's most beloved products, including the Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil (my personal favorite) and the Crème Fraiche de Beauty Soothing and Moisturizing Cream.
2. The Body Shop
Cheeky Surprises Advent Calendar, originally $105, now $60, thebodyshop-usa.com
Oh, Body Shop — you never disappoint in the advent calendar department. Each drawer contains either a bestseller or brand new product, ranging from body and skincare to makeup and even accessories. Personally, I'm keeping posted for that Mango Body Whip and sleeping mask.
3. Target
12 Days of Beauty Faves Advent Calendar, originally $24, now $19.99, target.com
When Target and advent calendars collide, the results are magical. This set comes with 12 popular hits: there's a Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (highly vetted by me), Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic and Pacifica Kale Detox Deep Cleansing Face Wash (can also vouch for this too).
4. Formula X
X In The City Nail Polish Set, originally $36.50, now $18.25, sephora.com
There's nothing quite like a fresh manicure job to start off the new year. This 10-piece set highlights the season's most covetable shades, like the smoky violet Perfection and the antique gold shimmer Epiphany.
5. Ciaté London
Mini Mani Month 2016 Advent Calendar, $59 ($215 value), sephora.com
This one might not be on sale, per se, but look at the value you are getting. Ciaté London knows how to hook a nail polish enthusiast up — this advent calendar contains 18 mini polishes, 2 nail toppers, 2 nail treatments, one full-size polish and a nail file.
6. Dr. Jart+
Snow Time Like The Present Set, $46 ($66 value), birchbox.com
Don't forget to nourish your skin this winter season too! Luckily, Dr. Jart+ has you covered — this 4-piece set features favorites like the Premium Beauty Balm and Dermaclear Micro Water.
7. Benefit
Girl O'Clock Rock Makeup Set, $45 ($86 value), macys.com
Benefit devotees, this one is for you. Don't miss out on the Posietint and Benetint or the cult favorite They're Real! Mascara.
8. The Body Shop (Again)
40 Years Of The Body Shop's Best Set, originally $58, now $40, ulta.com
Inside this set you'll find Body Shop's crowd faves such as the Strawberry Body Polish, British Rose Hand Cream and Shea Body Butter. As for me, I was already sold at the Drops of Youth Concentrate.
Images: Courtesy Brands