Martin Lewis says M&S’s beauty advent calendar is ‘the big one’ – here’s how to buy it

The festive offering contains products from Stila, Ren, L’Occitane and more

It’s worth £300 but will cost just £40 when you spend £30 in-store (Getty/iStock/The Independent)

M&S is known for launching one of the most hotly-anticipated of beauty advent calendars of the festive season each year, often with sell-out success.

But, with so many to choose from, is the retailer’s offering really the best that money can buy? Well, according to money saving expert Martin Lewis, it is. The consumer champion who regularly dishes out great financial advice has given this year’s calendar his seal of approval, hailing it as the “big one” to buy for 2021.

During a recent episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, Lewis told viewers that the M&S calendar was one of the best value and urged them to snap one up before it’s too late. “This is the big one. I reckon it’s worth around £230, costs you £40, but you can only get it if you spend £30 on non-food stuff in M&S,” he said. “This is a way that you can bag beauty products at a fraction of the normal cost and they often sell out early.”

The presenter also explained how shoppers could save a small fortune by dividing the contents up to give as individual presents for Christmas or birthdays in the coming months, adding that they shouldn’t be put off about having to spend £30 upfront. “The fact you have to spend £30, you may as well do that anyway because, even for £70, if you want the stuff in it, it’s worth it,” he explained.

Lewis’s co-host Angelica Bell showed off one of the boxes to viewers and agreed, adding: “It’s brilliant, it’s packed full of good things but what I love more is that you could use the tin as a cake tin afterwards.”

Read more:

• M&S beauty advent calendar review: Aveda, L’Occitane and more
• Our full guide to this year’s beauty advent calendars
• Liberty’s 2021 beauty advent calendar lives up to the hype

If you’re tempted to pick one up, we’ve got the inside scoop on the M&S calendar thanks to our full pre-launch review. Read on for everything you need to know, from how much it costs to what’s inside.

M&S beauty advent calendar: £40, Marksandspencer.com

(M&S)

How much is the Marks & Spencer beauty advent calendar 2021?

While Lewis estimated that the M&S calendar is worth around £230, its actual value comes out at a whopping £300. However, it will cost you far less to buy, which is why the shopping expert thinks it’s such a treat.

The calendar costs £40 and you must spend at least £30 on clothing, home or beauty in-store or online to get your hands on one. We don’t know about you, but we think that’s a pretty great deal.

In our review of this year’s offering, our tester agreed with Lewis, saying that “just two of the six full-size products within it combined would cost more than the entire advent calendar”.

What beauty products are inside this year’s calendar? 

(M&S)

The M&S calendar is packed full of 25 products, some of which are from the retailer’s own beauty brand, while others come courtesy of cult names you’re sure to be familiar with including Stila, L’Occitane, This Works, Emma Hardie, Philip Kingsley and more.

Housed in a tin box that’s decorated with blue and gold detailing, our tester shared some of their favourite products inside such as – spoiler alert – a full-size Aveda strengthening leave-in treatment (£28, Marksandspencer.com), a full-size Percy & Reed wonder balm hair primer (£19, Marksandpsencer.com) and a Stila brown waterproof eyeliner (£16, Marksandpsencer.com).

Other top picks included a travel size Emma Hardie moringa cleansing balm (full size £47, Marksandpsencer.com), a full-size Ultrasun lip protection SPF30 and a mini L’Occitane shower oil (full-size £19.50, Marksandspencer.com).

When does the M&S beauty advent calendar go on sale?

The calendar launched on Thursday 28 October, and is available to buy online and in M&S stores now.

Buy now

Voucher codes

For the latest offers on skincare and beauty products, try the links below:

• Lookfantastic discount codes
• Elemis discount codes
• Boots discount codes

Read more about the best beauty advent calendars for 2021

Beauty advent calendars 2021 – our ultimate guide to this year’s Christmas treats from M&S, Cult Beauty and more

Fortnum & Mason advent calendar – from traditional to 3D pop-ups versions, food fit for a feast and of course, the beauty advent calendar, you’re spoilt for choice

The Body Shop advent calendar – this year’s calendar features a selection of the ethically conscious brand’s cult classics

Cult Beauty advent calendar – it’s overflowing with skincare and make-up from Charlotte Tilbury, Sunday Riley and more

Benefit advent calendar – calling all Bene-babes, the gift you’ve been waiting for all year is here

Lookfantastic advent calendar – brimming with skincare, haircare, make-up and bath treats from all your favourite brands

Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar – the luxury beauty brand has gone all out for 2021, but is it worth the money?

The White Company advent calendar – sink into 25 days of utter indulgence with the brand’s seasonal offering

Clarins advent calendar – there are festive options for men and women this year and both are busting with cult products

Lush advent calendar – the eco-conscious brand has revealed its joyous gift set with a sustainable focus

Asos advent calendar – we got our hands on the fashion retailer’s festive box and there’s plenty to shout about

Next advent calendar – this year’s offering is packed with treats from big names such as Clarins and Mac

Liberty advent calendar – with treats from Augustinus Bader and Olaplex, this year’s calendar lives up to the hype

Jo Malone advent calendar – it’s stuffed with bestselling candles and bougie bathroom treats

Diptyque advent calendar – the French perfume house has unveiled a cabinet of curiosities

John Lewis advent calendar – with £600 worth of beauty products, is it worth the hype?

Mac advent calendar – packed with bestsellers, this one will sell out fast

Net-A-Porter advent calendar – with £1,300 worth of products for just £255, this is worth considering

Selfridges advent calendar – this one comes with a 45-minute beauty concierge appointment

Rituals advent calendar – this year’s offering is a 3D set up in the style of a Nordic festive village

Aldi advent calendar – the budget supermarket’s first-ever beauty advent calendar is full of cult brand dupes