TINY TREASURES
By MICHELE MEYER
Why should Christmas last a mere 24 hours —or even 12 days?
Thanks to beauty-themed advent calendars, you can sample the best of a beauty line without investing in full sizes or the five-star hotel stay otherwise needed to gather travel-size versions.
Here are our favorites to give—or receive.
DIPTYQUE’S PORTE BONHEUR
Why It’s So Fabulous: Appropriately called the door to happiness, this year’s calendar wards off evil spirits while protecting and providing harmony, and despite the cost is sold out. Next year, order before Halloween, or you’ll likely be out of luck.
What You Get: This balancing act includes a limited-edition 70g Pine Protector candle, plus 13 mini candles, multiple eau de parfum and eau de toilette, a scented patch, cream and oils for shower and face, in a broad range of scents, including lilies, tuberose, fig tree, roses and amber.
Bonus: Not only are the aromas delicious, but the packaging is too, thanks to the art of German illustrator Olaf Hajek.
Days: 25.
Buy: $425, diptyqueparis.com.
JO MALONE LONDON
Why It’s So Fabulous: You can trust Jo Malone London’s indulgent colognes, bath gels and body creams, found here in popular and rich aromas including seasonal Pine & Eucalyptus, understated Wood Sage & Sea Salt and luscious Peony & Blush Suede.
What You Get: Jo Malone London isn’t spilling what’s within each drawer, but given their loyal customers, it’s a safe bet they deliver on their promise of “a scented spectacular.”
Bonus: The calendar is both chic and playful, thanks to packaging by Brit fashion designer Jonathan Saunders.
Days: 24
Buy: $450, jomalone.com.
M.A.C’S STARS FOR DAYS
Why It’s So Fabulous: Expect to be dazzled, if not bedazzled. Glamorous lipsticks, eye shadows and highlighters shimmer in highly wearable shades for cool and warm skin tones.
What You Get: Instagram-opulent minis, including six lipsticks, four Lipglasses, Prep + Prime Lip and Natural Radiance, five eye shadows, three pigments, clear Brow Set, Strobe cream and Cleanse Off Oil.
Bonus: A purple star-shaped key chain. Buy between Nov. 28-Dec. 3 and you save 25 percent. Small gifts will accompany Black Friday-Cyber Monday purchases.
Days: 24.
Buy: $195, maccosmetics.com.
BABOR
Why It’s So Fabulous: This German skincare line is the secret weapon of estheticians at Europe’s finest spas —delivering fabulous skin. That’s why beauty hounds who’ve experienced Babor treatments scoop up these calendars quickly.
What You Get: 24 one-time use ampoules of intensive elixirs, blending the exotic (yellow-horned poppy) and the indulgent (truffles). For the first time, two each of the coveted Grand Cru The Black, The White and The Rose concentrates will be included. Filling out the wish list are two to three each of Beauty Rescue, Algae Vitalizer, Perfect Glow, Active Night, 3D Firming and Lift Express.
Bonus: $170 value—and by New Year’s a glow.
Days: 24.
Buy: $99, us.babor.com
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