OK! has released an extravagant advent calendar packed with premium beauty and skincare products. The calendar, which has been crafted in partnership with A-list makeup artist Hannah Martin, is enclosed in a striking red box, priced at £100 (although a current offer reduces the cost to £95). The total worth of the products contained inside is an impressive £570. This considerable saving was one of the primary factors that motivated me to try out the calendar ahead of the festive period.
Kicking off Day one on a high, I was greeted with a full-sized bottle of Rodial Soft Focus Glow Drops, which are usually sold for £75. This product offers an ‘illuminating’, ‘lit from within’ result – precisely what I hope for from my makeup. The drops contain a clear-drying, rose-hued tint and are infused with niacinamide, a skincare ingredient known for evening-out skin tones. They also feature a refreshing orange scent.
A standout item that has become an immediate favourite is the Origins Ginzing Energizing Gel Cream. This full-sized tub, which usually retails for £38.50, gives you the calming atmosphere of a tranquil spa with its soothing ginger scent. The gel-like texture of the cream means a little goes a long way, ensuring the product’s longevity. The cream quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving a glossy finish. After using it both morning and night for a week, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the brightness and hydration of my skin – a much-welcomed boost during the colder weather and the dull, dry condition of my skin.
Moving onto the makeup, I was delighted to find a Kosas Weightless Lip Colour in the shade Turned On. This lipstick is a mauve brownish-pink shade, which I believe would be suitable for a wide range of skin tones. As someone with a tanned complexion, I found it pairs best with a brown lip liner. It applies like a cream, ensuring my lips don’t become dry, despite its matte finish.
The luxury advent calendar also comprises a selection of wellness products, a considerate choice given that the holiday season can be exhausting and overwhelming. Included is a full-size bottle of De-Stress Muscle Bath and Shower Oil from Aromatherapy Associates. As a first-time user of the brand, I was eager to incorporate it into my nighttime winter skin and body care routine. The oil exudes a divine, luxurious aroma, crafted from rosemary, lavender and ginger. The smell is heavy, and definitely herbal.
The product list for the OK! Beauty Box Advent Calendar contains a balanced mix of familiar brands like Rodial, Espa, REN, Ole Henriksen, and up-and-coming brands like Kosas and LH Cosmetics, along with complete discoveries like Aromatherapy Associates. It’s a diverse mix that allows you to experiment with a wide array of quality products that I believe offer an excellent value for money.
One drawback, however, is the advent calendar’s packaging format. If you are someone who enjoys displaying your advent calendar as part of your Christmas decor, the box’s design might be disappointing as it doesn’t leave much space to showcase the products. Despite the attractive and reusable red box, having the products stored in pullout drawers would have been a nice touch. Yet, with 26 of Hannah’s personally selected items, including 17 full-sized products, the box leaves a lot to discover and enjoy, regardless of its packaging style.
