Best affordable makeup advent calendars

Start with the W7 Beauty Blast 24-day calendar — it's the best value of the bunch: 24 numbered boxes mixing minis and full-size W7 makeup, and it's the highest-rated here by a wide margin (4.9 from 117 ratings). A safe pick if you don't know the recipient's taste.

Who the others suit:

• W7 Holiday Haul (full-size) — if you'd rather give fewer, bigger items than a long countdown.
• Revolution 24-piece — a step up in brand recognition with a solid rating, still a full month of doors.
• MCoBeauty Limited Edition — a cheap, cheerful door-style calendar for a casual gift.
• Laura Geller 12 Days — for someone who loves classic powder-and-glow makeup; 12 doors, full sizes and minis.
• BRUBAKER XXL — body care and spa bits rather than colour makeup.
• MInHoues — the cheapest way to have a calendar at all; treat it as a fun extra, not a beauty haul.

Skip the P. Louise and Fenty sets if affordable is the goal — they're the premium end.