A store-bought beauty Advent calendar looks pretty—but half the products often end up unused in a drawer. If you want to fill the Advent calendar yourself, you get to decide what goes behind the 24 little doors: your favorite products instead of filler items. The good news: This doesn’t have to be an expensive project. In this guide, you’ll find 24 specific beauty ideas for under 10 francs—with actual retail prices, so you can keep your budget under control from the start.
Filling an Advent calendar: How to plan your budget and sizes
Before you order, it’s worth making a quick plan. Three rules of thumb have proven useful:
- Set a budget: With a mix of small items (1–3 francs) and medium-sized ones (4–8 francs), you can spend between 80 and 150 francs on all 24 doors—depending on your preferences—which is significantly less than the price of many ready-made calendars, while giving you full control over the contents.
- Check sizes: Cloth face masks, sticks, and patches are flat and lightweight—they’ll fit in any little bag. Bulky items like bath bombs or soap sponges require larger doors or a separate “bonus package.”
- Plan the build-up: Small basics during the week, something special on Saturday—and the highlight on December 24.
24 beauty ideas under 10 francs—with specific prices
Lip care (starting at CHF 3.50): The classic for the door. A CARMEX Classic Stick with SPF 15 costs CHF 3.50 and fits in any advent calendar pocket. CARMEX is also available in tubes or jars (CHF 3.50 each) as well as scented varieties ranging from cherry to vanilla (CHF 3.50–3.60)—so you can fill nearly an entire week with different lip care gifts. Our lip balm guide explains which texture suits whom.
Sheet masks (starting at CHF 1.48): The most affordable category with the greatest “try-it-out” appeal. The BUBBLE T Berries sheet mask costs CHF 1.48—Matcha, Jasmine, and Tropical are also available at this price. A bit higher-end: the SKIN REPUBLIC Collagen Sheet Mask for CHF 4.95 or the Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen version (also CHF 4.95). Our comparison of sheet masks vs. hydrogel masks vs. peel-off masks shows the differences between these mask types.
Eye Care (starting at CHF 6.95): SKIN REPUBLIC Collagen Eye Patches (3 pairs, CHF 6.95) or Retinol Eye Patches (CHF 6.95) offer little moments of pampering during the Advent season—flat-packed, ideal for narrow Advent calendar doors.
Bath & Body (starting at CHF 2.95): BUBBLE T Bath Fizzer bath bombs are available starting at CHF 2.95—a sure hit for anyone who loves bath nights. The cult-favorite ESPONJABÓN Aloe Vera soap sponge (CHF 4.95) combines soap and a massage sponge in one product—read the ESPONJABÓN Guide to find out why the original from Mexico is so popular.
Acne Treatment & Extras (starting at CHF 6.95): SKIN REPUBLIC Spot Clear Patches (48 pieces, CHF 6.95) are a handy treat for teens and anyone who deals with occasional breakouts. Charcoal Nose Strips (CHF 6.95) or a Hand Repair Mask (CHF 5.95) also add some variety to the second week of Advent.
This way, you’ll have 24 doors without spending more than 10 francs even once—and every product will actually be used.
Filling Advent Calendars for Different Recipients
- For your best friend or partner: a mix of masks from BUBBLE T and SKIN REPUBLIC, plus eye patches and two to three CARMEX Aroma Sticks—a little ritual every week.
- For teens: Spot Clear Patches, Nose Strips, affordable sheet masks, and an ESPONJABÓN—practical, trendy, and budget-friendly.
- For men: CARMEX Classic, an Energizing men’s sheet mask (CHF 5.95), Anti-Fatigue eye patches, and an ESPONJABÓN Charcoal—simple skincare without any frills.
- For office Secret Santa: Individual doors also work on their own as mini-gifts under 5 francs.
Practical Tips for Filling and Wrapping
You can roll or fold flat products like sheet masks—that way, they’ll fit into standard gift bags. Number the products before wrapping them to build anticipation: basics at the start, favorite products on the Advent Sundays. And plan for a little build-up—behind the 24th door, feel free to include the product with the biggest “wow” factor, such as a gold hydrogel mask (CHF 7.95). You’ll find ready-made sets and other seasonal ideas in our Beauty Advent Calendars & Christmas Sets category.
Right in the shop
Advent ideas from CHF 1.48 to 10 francs
Masks, sticks, and bath treats for your calendar—shipped from our Swiss warehouse within 24 hours.
Shop Advent ideas →Frequently Asked Questions About Filling an Advent Calendar
How much does it cost to fill a beauty Advent calendar yourself?
With a mix of sheet masks (starting at CHF 1.48), lip care (starting at CHF 3.50), and little extras, you’ll spend around 80 to 150 francs for all 24 doors. This usually keeps you under the price of ready-made calendars—and lets you choose every item yourself.
Which beauty products work best for small doors?
Flat and lightweight products: sheet masks, eye patches, spot patches, nose strips, and lip balm sticks. Bulkier products like bath bombs or soap sponges are best suited for larger pouches or as highlight doors.
When should I start filling the calendar?
By mid-November at the latest. That way, you’ll have enough time to order products, plan the order, and pack them at your leisure—without the December rush and without having to compromise if certain favorite products are sold out.
Does a DIY beauty Advent calendar work for men, too?
Yes, very well. Stick to simple products: lip balm with SPF, men’s sheet masks, anti-fatigue eye patches, and a soap sponge with activated charcoal. It’s important that the products are actually used in everyday life.
Are affordable sheet masks under 2 francs any good at all?
Affordable doesn’t mean inferior: sheet masks like those from BUBBLE T rely on proven moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and niacinamide. They don’t replace a complete skincare routine, but they do offer a nourishing moment of refreshment—perfect for an Advent calendar.
For retailers: Do you run a perfume shop, pharmacy, drugstore, or online beauty store in Switzerland? As an official distributor, BONSANA supplies you with CARMEX, SKIN REPUBLIC, ESPONJABÓN, BUBBLE T, and other brands for your holiday season—become a retailer now.
