5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar

There are few things that say ‘me time’ like the act of languidly getting ready – ideally undisturbed – before heading out for the evening, and the skincare heroes in this year’s calendar promise to take your prep to the next level. To remove any signs of the previous night's merriment (we’re not judging), begin with MZ Skin’s Microtox Tightening Eye Serum, which is packed with peptides and brightening actives to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. To restore moisture to the eye area, Augustinus Bader’s The Rich Eye Cream is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerine as well as the brand’s proprietary TFC8 complex to facilitate cell renewal.

For the rest of the face, Medik8’s C-Tetra Advanced serum is formulated with vitamin C and green-tea extract to reduce dullness and bestow a well-rested radiance to the skin. Next is Tatcha’s famed The Dewy Skin Cream, known and loved for imparting skin with a beautiful bounce and glow. As a final step to prepare the skin for make-up, complete the ritual with Clé de Peau Beauté’s Correcting Cream Veil to lock in all the hard work of your skincare and provide a beautifully blurred effect.

This year’s calendar contains our best edit of make-up to date, with each versatile staple designed to leave you feeling fresh-faced for any occasion. Start with ByTerry’s Tea to Tan Face & Body for a sun-kissed glow that looks so natural everyone will be wondering if you’ve just returned from a getaway in the real sun. Next, use Otis Batterbee’s handy Rocket Blender Brush to buff Skin|Cycles' DNA Defence Sun Shield onto the skin. This hybrid hero doubles up as a skin tint and SPF, delivering a subtle radiant finish. For a natural flush, apply Hourglass’s Ambient Lighting Blush, which mirrors the effect of happily glowing cheeks.

For eyes, use Otis Batterbee’s Luxe Eyelash Curler for a lifted, fluttering lash effect followed by Nars’ Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick in the shade Laguna. Apply one swipe for subtle definition or – if the occasion requires – layer on the outer lid for a more glamourous effect. To complete the look, apply Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk Medium for a bold rosy-nude hue, and sweep Gucci’s Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière across the cheeks and lips for a subtle gleam that will catch the light all evening.

Once the night is over and it’s time to return home, there’s still one thing to look forward to: an indulgent evening routine. La Prairie’s Foam Cleanser gently removes make-up and impurities without leaving skin feeling tight, thanks to soothing botanicals and hydrating humectants. If you’re partial to an ‘everything shower’ after an evening out, follow with Templespa’s calming Peace Be Still Skin Balm, infused with soothing essential oils and an aromatherapeutic blend of citrus notes to leave skin silky smooth and the mind relaxed.

For your evening skincare, begin with Shiseido’s Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream. It forms a protective blurring film around the delicate eye and lip areas to help soften the appearance of fine lines as you sleep. Next, apply Bioeffect’s EGF Serum – which supports skin’s renewal via its epidermal growth factor – followed by Révive’s Renewal Moisturizing Night Cream to seal it in with barrier-supporting squalane and plumping actives. For skin that needs a little more TLC, Valmont’s iconic Prime Renewing Pack is powered by peptides and a PDRN derivative to boost cell regeneration and diminish signs of fatigue. Use a thin layer alongside your night cream or apply more generously for a weekly mask. And the ritual doesn’t have to stop at skincare: UKLash’s brilliant Lash Grow Serum is enriched with amino acids to support keratin production, working overnight for thicker, longer lashes.