The Beauty Advent Calendar from Marks and Spencer usually retails at £330, but there’s a way to get it for £60 when shopping the brand’s fashion and homeware range
Many people will concur that Marks and Spencer has always been the place to go for high-quality wardrobe staples like thermals, underwear, and top tier basics. However, in the last few years, it has really upped the ante with its own-brand fashion and has even begun rivalling high-street brands, leaving many of us wanting more.
But it’s clear from the consensus amongst M&S lovers, the Mirror fashion team included, that it’s most certainly the former. With collections from the likes of Sienna Miller, Bella Freud and Claudia Winkleman, the brand is packed with some seriously swoon-worthy yet affordable garments for all ages – like its sell-out barn coat – as well as premium beauty buys including its £330 Beauty Advent Calendar.
And in a sweet offer from M&S, shoppers can get the beauty calendar for £60. All shoppers need to do is add the calendar to their bag, bag themselves a full price fashion, homeware or beauty item for £35 or more, and it’ll be automatically discounted to just £60 – saving £270.
Launching last week on October 9, the Beauty Advent Calendar from Marks and Spencer contains some high-end products ranging from skincare to help smooth dry skin and iron out fine lines, to makeup that’ll lengthen lashes to self-care, to help lure shoppers into a deep sleep.
For shoppers taking advantage of the offer, the calendar will cost less than the combined cost of just three of the products. For example, the This Works Deep Sleep Body Cocoon retails at £28, the Benefit Benetint Lip And Cheek Stain at £22.50, and the Clinique High Impact Mascara at £26. These three items alone total £76.50.
How to get the M&S beauty advent calendar
Shoppers can get the M&S beauty advent calendar for £60 when they spend £35 or more on full-price fashion, homeware or beauty. nside are 25 products, eight of which are full sizes, with a combined value of £330 from top brands from the M&S beauty hall, including Prai, Estée Lauder, Living Proof, Weleda, Clinique and more.
With this pretty nifty offer in mind, our in-house shoppers experts have shared some of our top autumn and winter picks from M&S that are £35 or more. This will make it a whole lot easier for people to bag the calendar at a discounted price.
Cotton Rich Striped Rugby Sweatshirt, £36
Rugby shirts have had a renaissance of late, and M&S has jumped on the bandwagon with its new navy-and-white design, which fashion writer Eve is loving for its lush, relaxed fit that’d look good with workout leggings or wide-leg jeans. Costing £36, it just about meets the threshold for the beauty calendar deal.
Paired with some gold jewellery, it can even be dressed up for days when you want something comfy but cool – pair it with a satin skirt and boots for a shabby-chic vibe. Its cosy heavyweight fabric is excellent for winter days and would look fab layered over a turtle neck when the weather gets chilly.
Its thicker stripes are so chic too contrast nicely the white collar and background – although for those who prefer a navy collar and thinner stripes, H&M has a style for £11.05 on sale that’s described as a polo shirt. To lean into the brown trend of autumn, ASOS Design’s khaki striped oversized rugby shirt (£28) features thick stripes outlined in a white.
Leather Look Textured Barrel Leg Trousers, £40
The second Beth laid eyes on these Leather Look Textured Barrel Leg Trousers, she knew they’d be going home with her. She explains: “Coming in a rich wine burgundy shade, they’re prime for pairing with 2025’s other trending shades like butter yellow and chocolate.
“As for the shape, barrel trousers have quietly taken centre stage this year. The high waist appeals to the millennials and above among us who are not ready to reconsider a low-rise trouser, with the sculpted leg being effortlessly cool. The fabric is relaxed enough to be comfortable every day, but still structured enough to wear to the office or for evening occasions.
“Finally, the leather-look finish looks way more expensive than the £40 price tag suggests. Faux leather can often look cheap and feel clammy, but not here, with the textured fabric looking seriously elevated while remaining breathable.
“For those who prefer real leather, HUSH has these Leather Jack Barrel Trousers, coming in considerably more expensive at £320. This pull-on pair is designed with an elasticated waistband for ultimate comfort and is made in ‘buttery soft’ leather.”
Checked Midi Cami Dress – £36
Shopping writer Lauren has this checked cami dress at the top of her autumnal wish list. She said: “Just because it’s autumn doesn’t mean dresses are off the cards. This checked midi dress from M&S proves it’s a piece that works just as well in the warmer months as it does in colder weather.
“With its ’90s-inspired fit and classic check print, it’s giving mature Cher Horowitz vibes in the best way. Style it over a turtleneck jumper and pair with knee-high boots for a chic, layered look that’s perfect for the chillier season.
“I’d recommend sizing up for layering up, though, otherwise fans may find it hard to stretch it over woolly jumpers.”
Argyle Crew Neck Jumper, £38
Jumpers in winter? Groundbreaking. But seriously, I live in knits when the weather drops, as they are warm and easy to style. In the past, I have always opted for a plain jumper, but this year the argyle print is really catching my eye.
In comparison to other ones I have seen, I like this M&S crew neck jumper because its muted tones make it look less busy. I have spotted other argyle prints in other stores, but they have been brighter hues, and it is all a bit too much for my style.
I envision wearing this with ballet pumps, a trench coat, and tousled locks. Priced at £38, it’s available in extra small, small, medium and large sizes.
From the pictures, it appears to be made from a fluffy material, so I hope it doesn’t shed or transfer onto coats.
Metallic Lace Up Side Detail Trainers, £40
As someone who has been known to spend the wintry half of the year in Ugg Minis and the warmer half of the year in Crocs sandals, we’re not used to editor Narin getting excited about footwear. But she impulse-bought a cheery £40 pair of sparkly sneakers from M&S a few weeks ago and they’ve already become a wardrobe staple to brighten up grey days.
She explains: “I’d been looking for something that look a bit smarter than Uggs to wear with dresses while out and about in winter and, when I spotted these on a rare trip in-store, they literally stopped me in my tracks. These waterproof trainers have a cushioned sole and were as comfortable as a pair of slippers from the first moment I put them on.
“The pictures make them look silvery at first glance but, depending on the light, they shimmer to a kind of purpley blue and even bronze meaning they work well with most things. I’ve worn them with dresses and jeans so far and for me they’re the perfect mix of smart casual and a bit quirky.
“I’ve also been stopped several times by people telling me they like how cheerful they are. I’m clearly not the only person who likes a bit of sparkle!”
Faux Fur Buckle Trim Coat, £75
Last year’s buckle coat trend isn’t slowing down any time soon so shopping writer Lucy Addicott headed to Marks and Spencer to try on the brand’s latest fashion-forward piece. She said: “I was instantly drawn to this black option, thanks to the vintage gold-tone buckles and cosy faux fur fabric.”
The Faux Fur Buckle Trim Coat is only available in one colour, black, however this is perfect for someone who commutes and would be wearing the coat on muddy walks. Lucy went on to say: “Priced at £75, it felt really soft and high quality, fastened with both poppers and the buckles. It’s certainly a coat that will keep you warm when temperatures drop.”
It has been noted that the jacket does take a little time to take on and off, a small price to pay for those beautiful buckles, but it’s worth taking into account when in a rush out the door. This coat is a chic take on the trend and should see you through many seasons to come.
Those wanting a lighter version of the look can find a similar cream version at Next. The Ecru Cream Borg Duffle Fleece Jacket is slightly more expensive at £82, but shoppers say it ‘looks much more expensive than it cost’.
Croc Faux Leather Belted Longline Trench Coat, £90
At £90, this Croc Faux Leather Belted Longline Trench Coat might be an investment, but fashion writer Jess thinks it looks way more expensive than its price tag. Having tried it on in store, Jess says it comes up roomy so suggests going down a size.
It’s already selling fast, so we’d recommend any fashion lovers who have their eye on it adding the item to their basket ASAP. Keep the look tonal and team with burgundy or brown hues, or elevate dark denim by styling it with a cosy knit to make the most out of the contrasting textures.
One slight downside is that the longer length may not be to some customer’s liking, as Jess noted that even at 5’7 the cover-up hit her lower calf. Overall, though, this is one of the chicest coats we’ve spotted on the high street this season.
Stormwear Utility Trench Coat, £110
There’s nothing worse than realising a favourite (and trendy) coat is far from practical. So here’s another trench coat to inspire your new wardrobe. Shopping editor, Harriet, has had her eye on this standout green trench. It’s only available in the khaki green, but it would add a subtle touch of colour to any autumnal outfit.
It can add a touch of style to basic blue jeans and trainers or be paired with sleek trousers and heels for an office or evening fit. There’s a belt to cinch in the waist, and despite being longline, it also comes in a petite length – so anyone (like Harriet at 5ft2) can make the most of the trendy style without it being a trip hazard.
Practicality is a huge perk to this stylish piece, the coat is made from a water-repellent coating to help keep wearers dry in light rain. Of course it’s price at £110 is reletively pricey for high street and it’s worth pointing out there are other trendy alternatives out there, like £60 Belted Trench from Miss Selfridge at ASOS.
Cream Cloud-Yarn Ribbed V-Neck Jumper, £36
Jess has also been on the hunt for the perfect cream jumper to wear this autumn/winter, and thinks she might just have found it in this classic V-neck number. After stumbling across it in store, she was left impressed with the quality and the cut.
As someone who loves an oversized knit but sometimes finds the bulk left by slouchy knits unflattering, Jess likes that this V-neck version shows a little more skin at the top whilst also remaining cosy for layering. Available in multiple colours (some of which are nearly sold out already), the jumper is also a decent price at £36.
As a fashion writer, Jess is a fan of keeping good quality basics in her wardrobe to make getting dressed on chilly mornings that much easier. This cream knit not only works well with jeans, a jacket and some layered jewellery, but it could also be dressed up for the office with a chic coat and wide leg trousers, giving maximum cost per wear.
