Every December, the hunt for a compact, festive way to test new products begins. An Advent calendar is a small box with 12 or 24 doors, each hiding a surprise treat. Target has taken that tradition into the beauty aisle, launching five distinct calendars that all cost just $20. For a seasoned beauty lover, that price point removes the usual hesitation of choosing one line over another, allowing shoppers to experiment across categories without breaking the bank.
All five calendars share a common structure: twelve curated items, a blend of full-size favourites and travel-size samples, and a brand roster that reads like a “best-of” list for 2026. Expect contributors such as E.l.f., Supergoop!, La Roche-Posay and the indie scent house Saltair. The total retail value of each collection ranges from $70 to nearly $100, meaning the $20 tag represents a substantial discount. Whether you are after a full-face routine, a spa-day at home, or a fragrance fix, there is a calendar tailored to that desire.
Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar – the all-rounder
This flagship box leans heavily on E.l.f. staples, delivering four full-size bestsellers: a smoothing primer, a liquid blush, a highlighter wand and a lip-plumping gloss. Add the cult-favorite Essence Lash Princess mascara, Dashing Diva nail strips, and the Makeup Eraser for quick makeup removal. Among the tiny treasures sits the viral Sacheu Stay-N Lip Liner and a tube of Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, reinforcing the idea that SPF is a year-round essential. With eight of the twelve items at regular size, this calendar feels less like a sampler and more like a mini-beauty kit.
Skincare Sampler Advent Calendar – for routine builders
Target’s skincare-focused box packs miniatures of high-impact actives. Highlights include La Roche-Posay’s Mela-B3 dark-spot serum, Loops Exfoliating Toner Pads, PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash and Byoma’s Rich Cream. A full-size Cocokind Ceramide Lip Blur Balm provides an extra touch of comfort. The selection encourages experimentation—try a new serum one day, a soothing wash the next—without committing to full bottles. For anyone looking to refurbish a morning or evening routine, the calendar offers a low-risk way to test trending formulas.
Self-Care Spa Advent Calendar – a weekend retreat at home
If you crave relaxation more than a flawless complexion, the spa-themed calendar delivers exactly that. Inside you’ll find a fizzy bath bomb, a strawberry-scented face mask, Pixi DetoxifEYE patches and a lavender-infused Dr. Teal’s bubble bath. Skincare staples from Naturium and La Roche-Posay round out the experience, turning a regular night into a mini-spa ritual. The focus on indulgent textures and calming aromas makes this collection perfect for a weekend spent unwinding on the couch.
Fragrance Fan Advent Calendar – for scent enthusiasts
Perfume addicts get a vanilla-heavy lineup that still offers variety. Full-size sprays include MCoBeauty’s Black Plum & Vanilla Mist and Daise Vanilla Foaming Body Wash, while a Saltair Body Wash in Santal Bloom adds a woody contrast. Hair and body mists, alongside miniature Eau de Parfums, give you a chance to layer scents throughout the month. The calendar captures the joy of discovering a new signature scent without the commitment of a full-size bottle.
Hair Hero Advent Calendar – the tress-tamer
Hair-care fans will appreciate the mix of full-size and travel-size goodies. The star is a Not Your Mother’s Haircare Wax Stick for instant fly-away control, complemented by mini shampoos and conditioners from viral brands such as Mielle Organics, Hask and CeraVe. Kitsch and 12 hair accessories, plus an Unbrush mini detangler, ensure you have tools as well as products. Whether you’re polishing a polished look or managing curls, this set supplies the essentials for daily styling.
How to pick the calendar that fits your routine
When deciding which box to add to the cart, think about your current beauty priorities. If you want a comprehensive makeup refill, the Ultimate Beauty calendar covers the basics with full-size staples. For those focused on skin health, the Skincare Sampler offers a spectrum of actives in miniature form. If relaxation is your goal, the Spa edition transforms your bathroom into a sanctuary. Fragrance lovers should gravitate toward the scented collection, while anyone with a busy hair routine will find the Hair Hero calendar most useful. All options ship for $20, making it easy to treat yourself—or a beauty-obsessed friend—without overspending.
