Where to get the best advent calendars of 2019

The countdown to Christmas is here, and we've got the top beauty advent calendars to get you prepped for Dec. 25th.

ACQUA DI PARMA

A calendar in Acqua di Parma's signature color is specially designed by artist, Gio Pastori and filled with recognizable bath and body products in just as recognizable scents like Blu Mediterraneo and Colonia and many others.

Acqua di Parma advent calendar set, $495 at Nordstrom Photographer: Alessandro Sambini Buy Now BALMAIN

Don't forget that your hair is just as important as your skin, especially in the winter. Balmain seems to know the 10 things you need for your tresses. Besides the obvious shampoo and conditioner, this box also includes a revitalizing mask and an Argan Moisturizing Elixir for hair-wear repair.

Balmain "Hair Couture" 10-day advent calendar, $270 at Net-A-PorterCourtesy of Net-a-porter BASTIDE

This calendar consists of 13 best-selling products, based off the Provence, France, tradition of 13 desserts at a holiday meal. Here you'll find eau de toilette, body wash, soaps, lotion and more.

"Les Treize Desserts" holiday gift set, $140 at BastideDW shooting station Buy Now CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Celeb favorite Charlotte Tilbury has her hits on offer in this 12-piece set. Four full-size items include must-haves from the brand: Colour Chameleon in "Champagne Diamonds," Matte Revolution lipstick in "Pillow Talk," Eyes to Mesmerise in "Star Gold" and Superstar Lips in "Sexy Lips." The eight travel-size makeup and skin-care products are musts as well.

"Glittering Galaxy of Makeup Magic," $200 at Charlotte TilburyCourtesy of Charlotte Tilbury Buy Now CIATÉ LONDON

Your 10 fingers and 10 toes are set with Ciaté London's 22 mini paint pots and one full-size bottle, plus an exclusive nail file. Those 23 colors include the magic number of 10 new exclusive shades.

Ciaté London "Mini Mani Month" advent calendar, $60 at SephoraCourtesy of Ciaté Buy Now DIOR

Interior designer and artist Vincent Darré made a whimsical re-creation of 30 Avenue Montaigne for Dior's 2019 advent calendar. With 24 luxurious items behind the tiny doors, it's a dream come true for any Dior fan.

30 Avenue Montaigne advent calendar, $520 at DiorCourtesy of Dior Buy Now DIPTYQUE

Twenty-five tiny treasures can be found in this limited-edition set, including metal pendants ideal for decorating your tree, plus the brand's covetable candles, eau de toilette, eau de parfum and more.

Advent calendar, $425 at DiptyqueCourtesy of Diptyque Buy Now DR. BARBARA STURM

Inspired by Dr. Sturm's mother's yearly advent calendar, this limited-edition, 24-product box has two full-size products and 22 deluxe-size products. Your face and wallet will thank you, since it's a $1,504 value available for a third of the price.

Dr. Barbara Sturm advent calendar, $495 at BluemercuryCourtesy of Bluemercury Buy Now FRESH

This has fewer products than the usual advent calendar but more to go around, with full-size Fresh fan favorites for the face such as the Soy Face Cleanser and Sugar Lip Treatment Advanced Therapy.

"6 Days of Surprises" gift set, $99 at FreshCourtesy of Fresh Buy Now JO MALONE

Jo Malone's much-anticipated advent calendar is full of scented miniatures — 24, to be exact — of everything for the body and more. Colognes, hand wash, candles and shower oils come in some of their most famous fragrances, including basil and neroli and oud and bergamot.

Advent calendar, $450 at Jo MaloneCourtesy of Jo Malone Buy Now KIEHL'S

Kiehl's teamed up with artist Janine Rewell on this 24-piece box of customer faves. Everything from the brand's Lip Balm #1 to Creme de Corps, this set is ideal for any man or woman in your life with a love of beauty products.

Skin-care advent calendar, $90 at Kiehl'sCourtesy of Kiehl's Buy Now L'OCCITANE

If you're looking for a decorative calendar that can also keep your skin from cracking all winter, then this is the one to try. L'Occitane has filled theirs with best sellers such as their shea butter lip balm, lavender hand cream and almond shower oil. Thirst-quenching indeed.

Signature advent calendar, $64 at L'OccitaneCourtesy of L'Occitane Buy Now MOLTON BROWN

Bring luxury back into the bath with this box of fragrant offerings. Shower gels in Jasmine & Sun Rose, Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel, Rosa Absolute and Vetiver & Grapefruit are just the beginning to your discovery of Molton Brown's signature products.

Advent calendar, $250 at Molton BrownCourtesy of Molton Brown Buy Now MOROCCANOIL

This travel-friendly set is key for holiday globe-trotting. It's got everything you need from head to toe, including favorites Moroccanoil Treatment for hair and their Dry Body Oil.

Moroccanoil Beauty Vault, $45 at SephoraJoshua Scott Photo Buy Now SPACE NK

Space NK's exclusive beauty calendar includes top brands' popular products. Oribe's Gold Lust hair oil, Eve Lom's original cleanser and Malin+Goetz's eucalyptus deodorant are just a few, and the $20 Space NK Gift Card will come in handy once you want to replenish your favorite finds come January.

"The Beauty Anthology" advent calendar, $265 at Space NK Buy Now

The Best Hairsprays to Style, Set, and Smooth Your Strands

Hairspray is one of those beauty products that, thanks to the formulas of yesteryear, often gets a bad rep. But if visions of sticky, stiff strands have made you swear it off forever, allow us to reintroduce you to the wonders of hairspray — courtesy of updated iterations that deliver strong yet still touchable hold and flexible, brushable volume.

RELATED: The Most Popular Hair-Styling Product in The U.S. Is One You Probably Hate

Whether you're rocking an intricate updo or simply looking to tame a few flyaways, having the right hairspray on hand can fix just about any hair woe. It's a tried and true beauty arsenal staple — but that's not to say that all hairsprays are considered equal.

Here, we're rounding up the best of the best, from UV and thermal protective hairsprays, to dry shampoo hairspray hybrids, to our favorite non-aerosol option. Behold, the best hairsprays for every need, hair type, and style.

Best Light Hold Hairspray: Bumble and Bumble Does It All Light Hold Hairspray

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If you're at all like celebrity hairstylist Jesus Guerrero, who always looks for "a lightweight hairspray that lives well," this one from Bumble and Bumble is just the thing. The light hold formula provides subtle control (goodbye frizz and flyaways) while still leaving hair brushable and allowing for natural movement. Better yet, it works on all hair types, from pin-straight to tightly coiled.

Shop now: $32; sephora.com

Best Medium Hold Hairspray: Kérastase Laque Couture Medium Hold Hair Spray

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For hairstyles that require just a bit more hold, while still maintaining an overall flexible amount of control, reach for this bestselling option from Kérastase. A few spritzes will provide lasting hold without leaving any crunchy or stiff strands behind. Plus, it also protects against UV rays and humidity.

Shop now: $28; sephora.com

Best Flexible Hold Hairspray: Living Proof Flex Hairspray

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"This is my absolute favorite," says celebrity hairstylist Owen Gould. "Light hold, no build-up, heat protection, and incredible smell." Spray this onto damp or dry hair and Living Proof's patented Flexible Web Technology will provide reworkable, medium hold — plus heat protection up to 450 degrees.

Shop now: $26; ulta.com

RELATED: Over Two Million People Have Bought This Volumizing Hairspray

Best Strong Hold Hairspray: Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray Strong Finish

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Like all Moroccanoil products, this strong-hold hairspray is infused with argan oil to help boost smoothness and shine and condition the hair's outer cuticle layer. It also miraculously provides a firm hold without flaking out the next time you comb or brush — something that many, if not most, strong-hold hairsprays definitely cannot claim.

Shop now: $24; sephora.com

Best Extra Strong Hold Hairspray: L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray

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This drugstore bestseller is a perennial favorite of hairstylists for a reason: It works. The extra strong hold formula is dispensed through an ultra-fine micro mist, so as to leave hair feeling soft and touchable while still providing long-lasting staying power.

Shop now: $11; target.com

Best Volumizing Hairspray: Sexy Hair Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

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Spritz on this fast-drying hairspray whenever you want to really pump up the volume. It promises movable volume, lift, and hold that won't wilt in the face of humidity or heat (it also protects against damaging UV rays).

Shop now: $19; ulta.com

RELATED: This Best-Selling Hairspray Is 'Humidity-Proof' and Will Keep Your Hair Sleek for Days

Best Hairspray with UVA/UVB Protection: Pureology Style + Protect Lock It Down Hairspray

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Formulated with a patented AntiFade Complex, Pureology's Style + Protect Lock It Down Hairspray contains antioxidants and full spectrum UVA + UVB sunscreens, making it the ultimate sun-protective option.

Shop now: $28; ulta.com

Best Hairspray with Heat Protection: Chi Infra Texture Dual Action Hairspray

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We all know that heat styling tools can cause serious wear and tear on our strands, especially those that are color-treated, so using thermal-protective styling products is paramount. In addition to thermal protection, this hairspray also promises to strengthen and condition hair, thanks to positively charged silk molecules in the formula.

Shop now: $17; ulta.com

Best Hairspray for Humidity: Oribe Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray

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There are few beauty-related blunders that are worse than prepping and styling your strands to a tee, only to step outside and have all your efforts instantly undone by humidity. Prevent this with an anti-humidity hairspray, such as this top-rated option from Oribe, which promises to extend the longevity of your hairstyle even in the most humid of climates (it was supposedly tested by the brand in Miami, so you know it's legit).

Shop now: $42; nordstrom.com

Best Hairspray for Curly Hair: Ouidad Going Up! Volumizing Texture Spray

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Curly strands need flexible hold, sans crunchiness, and this new volumizing hairspray from Ouidad delivers all of the above. It's formulated with non-drying raw silk powders, which work to add texture and volume for all curl types, while mongongo oil and manuka honey help tame frizz and keep curls tangle-free.

Shop now: $34; ulta.com

Best Drugstore Hairspray: Nexxus Comb Thru Volume Finishing Mist Hairspray

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When it comes to drugstore hair care and styling options, Nexxus always seems to deliver. This lightweight, fine mist hairspray is the perfect finishing touch to keep frizz and flyaways in place without feeling stiff.

Shop now: $9; target.com

Best Non-Aerosol Hairspray: Aveda firmata Firm Hold Hair Spray

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If you prefer a non-aerosol hairspray, reach for this option from perennial favorite, naturally-based Aveda. It builds up to a firm, brushable hold and can be spritzed onto damp or dry strands. The small, non-aerosol nozzle provides ultimate control, allowing for application on small areas such as around the temples.

Shop now: $23; nordstrom.com

Best Superfine Hair Spray: Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray

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Billing itself as the ideal combo of a dry shampoo and a hairspray, Ouai's ultra-lightweighht Texturizing Hair Spray is formulated with volcanic ash minerals that absorb oil and refresh your strands and scalp while simultaneously building volume and keeping flyaways at bay. What more could you ask for? Oh, a spa-like scent — it has that, too, as does the entire Ouai line.

Shop now: $26; nordstrom.com

Best Bargain Hairspray: Tresemme Tres Two Ultra Fine Mist Aerosol Hairspray

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For an anti-frizz, flexible hairspray (technically, it bills itself as a super fine mist) that doesn't break the bank, look no further than this drugstore favorite from Tresemme, which provides firm control for less than five dollars.

Shop now: $5; target.com

12 Best Natural Shampoos for Every Hair Type, According to Dermatologists

These days, we're hyperaware that harsh chemicals and iffy ingredients are lurking everywhere, including our shampoo. Knowing this, it's only natural (pun totally intended) to want to make the switch to a product that cleanses your strands with ingredients that come from nature instead of a lab—especially if your hair's been looking a little meh lately.

"If you're really struggling with dry brittle hair, breakage, or itchy scalp, it may be that some of the ingredients in your shampoo are to blame," says Erum Ilyas, M.D., a board-dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in Pennsylvania. Traditional shampoos typically contain harsh detergents, such as sulfates, which can strip the hair of natural, protective oils.

Or maybe your hair's in good shape, but you want to switch to a natural shampoo to minimize your exposure to certain chemicals. Just note that many products say they're natural on the bottle, or offer a blend of holistic-sounding ingredients (ex: willow bark), but may not live up to their claims.

That's because there's no medical definition for the word "natural," and there's no regulation on its use. "It's strictly a marketing term," says Dr. Ilyas. Every brand has its own definition of "natural" and that can vary considerably.

"It's difficult to come up with a consensus definition of 'natural' when it comes to beauty products, though most skin experts would recommend products that avoid sulfates, parabens, and BPA," says Zain Husain, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center.

How to choose the best natural shampoo for your hair type

Define "natural" on your own terms: Since there's no one definition to identify a "natural" shampoo, defining what it means to you can help you find a product that aligns with your expectations. "The range of options that seem to qualify as natural can be anywhere from homemade to simply being sulfate- and paraben-free," says Dr. Ilyas

The top ingredients typically avoided by natural shampoo brands? Sulfates, parabens, silicones siloxanes, formaldehyde, ethoxylated ingredients, polysorbates, phenoxyethanol, petrochemicals, triclosan, TEA/DEA, synthetic fragrances, and colors. (Phew.) Many of these have some evidence of negative health impacts, from triggering the development of allergies to causing abnormality in the endocrine system, says Michelle Green, M.D., NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf.com contributor.

Know your hair and scalp type: "I usually recommend more hydrating shampoos for dry scalp and coarse, straight hair," says Dr. Husain. "I like volumizing shampoos for those with thinner and limp hair. For curly hair, I prefer moisturizing shampoos that reduce frizz without feeling heavy on curls."

Familiarizing yourself with natural ingredients will help you reach your desired outcome. "If your hair is brittle and dry, for example, avoid ingredients that are more stripping of buildup, like tea tree and eucalyptus oils, and try more healing ingredients, like coconut and shea butters," says celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago. Or if you're looking to balance oil production, make sure jojoba oil is one of the star ingredients.

Keep an eye out for irritants: Natural ingredients, especially botanicals and fragrance, can still cause adverse reactions. Because the FDA doesn't regulate the use of "hypoallergenic" either, check the label for any natural ingredients you might be sensitive to. The higher they are on the list, the more of the potential irritant the shampoo contains.

Check for certifications. Getting certified might not be necessary for natural products, but looking for brands that certify anyway can save you a ton of time. If the shampoo's label shows certifications from organizations like the Natural Products Association, The Soil Association, COSMOS-standard, EWG, or NATRUE, chances are it really contains natural ingredients.

If choosing a natural product is still an overwhelming concept, we feel you! Ahead, the best expert-recommended and top-rated natural shampoos out there.

Everything You Need To Nail SS20's Playful Pastels Beauty Trend

Jason Lloyd Evans

If you're in the habit of a no-make-up-make-up routine then SS20's obsession with pastels might be the instant way to brighten up your beauty bag. It's all about embracing bright pops of colour and it's not as daunting as you may think.

From lilac frosted lips to a different rainbow shade on every nail, there's a way for even the most au naturale of beauty lovers to adopt this joyful, multi-coloured make-up trend. Trust us, there's a pastel shade for everyone.

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The Key

An array of showstopping powder-effect lips were seen at Self-Portrait SS20. Lean towards cooler colours or rosy or violet pinks to brighten up any skin tone.

The perfect finish should come with a Mr Whippy ice-cream effect. It does cost more than 99p, though, sadly.

The Inspiration

Bold colours were swept onto lids backstage at Balmain – we like to call it 'gelato eyes'. Rainbow brights were diffused into watercolour stains thanks to a refreshingly haphazard application.

To achieve the 'Twiggy' look, apply using a flat brush to keep the vibrancy, then smudge out and top with moisturiser for a glass effect.

The Nail Files

Turns out you no longer have to stick to one nail colour – SS20's 'Skittle' mani says so. At Olivia Rubin, models were spotted with a different pastel tone on each nail.

The Ends

At Moschino, hair was inspired by the art world, so naturally involved splashes of colour. Lengths were parted down the middle, heavily gelled and pulled back into a low bun with strokes of bright paint worked in.

The Beauty Charm

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Nothing bottles playfulness quite like Chanel Chance perfumes, and now the brand is rewriting the game with its Fragrance Pens, £65 for set (available soon).

The three classic scents remain the same, but in a tiny pen that makes application a doodle – sorry, doddle. We've never enjoyed perfume more.

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The Best Shampoo for Every Hair Type

Best shampoo for thinning hair

Regenesis, iStock/zoom-zoom

The folks behind RevitaLash Cosmetics eyelash and eyebrow conditioning products now have a shampoo that can help you stop hair aging and thinning in its tracks. ReGenesis Thickening Shampoo is phyto-infused to fortify the hair cuticle and improve hair shaft thickness, making hair feel fuller and look thicker and more lustrous. Meanwhile, check out the sneaky reasons your hair might be falling out.

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Best shampoo to get rid of buildup

Fekkai, iStock/zoom-zoom

We love our mousse, volumizing spray, gel, cream, and dry shampoo, but all that product builds up on the hair, weighing it down, which is why a clarifying shampoo is a must-have. Inspired by a family beauty secret, Frederik Fekkai's cult-classic Apple Cider Shampoo is an apple and pear-scented, silicone-free cleanser for overworked hair that deep cleans without stripping. Treat yourself to the weekly ritual of renewing hair to its cleanest, purest state.

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Keep Your Hair Looking Clean Between Washes With Dry Shampoo

© Amazon 91ecl0cdrL._SL1500_

When it comes to washing your hair, less is more. Guys tend to keep their hair short and wash it daily since washing and styling time is minimal. But washing your hair every day actually makes it look worse, with the natural oils needed to keep hair shiny and healthy being stripped by shampoo and conditioner. That's why dry shampoo is the holy grail of hair grooming products. It allows users to skip washes without suffering through the dreaded 'greasy-hair' phase that often comes on days when regular shampoo and conditioners aren't used.

Dry shampoo goes on as a powder, paste or spray and helps to absorb excess oil that makes hair look stringy and wet. It often acts as a thickening agent, making hair appear fuller and more voluminous. Dry shampoo can also add texture to hair, making it easier to style. We sometimes use dry shampoo on days when we do wash our hair because it adds fullness.

Dry shampoo is also a hair-saver after sweaty workout sessions. It helps to revitalize hair that is limp with sweat and makes it smell fresh and clean.

If you're ready to shorten shower time and don't want your hair to be a dead giveaway, try one of these great dry shampoos.

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Buy: Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo $10.50

  

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Buy: Duke Cannon News Anchor Quick Fix Dry Shampoo $21.40

  

Buy: Hair Dance Dry Shampoo Volume Powder $9.99

  

Buy: Not Your Mothers Dry Shampoo Clean Freak $4.79

The ultimate way to try different hair colours – with zero commitment

If you've always been curious about switching hair colours for a few days without actually dyeing it, or need to refresh your colour without stepping into the salon, then welcome to the world of colour-depositing masks…

Navigating the world of at-home hair colour can be tricky. Even more so if you're after something less temporary than even temporary hair dyes. Until recently, the only truly temporary options were either hair chalk (too fiddly), hair paint (leaks onto everything), or spray-on shades (turns hair into coloured straw).

If you're a bleached blonde in any way, chances are you've already tried a purple shampoo or conditioner to ice up highlights and tackle brassiness. But there's so much more potential in using these kinds of temporary solutions: enter the colour hair mask. Like your average nurturing mask, but with intense colour pigments that temporarily (and I mean temporary) coat your strands. 

Lasting for a few washes to about a month, they're the perfect way to boost your current colour or experiment with something entirely new – although the end result will be heavily influenced by your base hair colour (so deep brunettes won't go blonde or red, but will take on a tint). Make sure to do a strand test on a small section (ideally at the back) so you can see the final colour.

As someone with bleached highlights that tend to go brassy, I've been using purple hair masks (purple shampoos are too drying) for years to balance my colour out and achieve a unique caramel shade that I've never managed with a hair dye. My hair is really weakened after bleach, so rather than go in with a hair dye and cause further damage, a colour mask is the perfect way to restore lustre while altering the colour. I only need to use one once a month, as I wash my hair twice a week. 

When I started to miss my natural dark brown hair, I picked up one of Moroccanoil's new Colour-Depositing Mask in Cocoa Brown and applied it to most of my hair, leaving a few highlights, and just like that I was back to my natural colour for just three weeks. 

My hair slowly went back to its usual shade, and I really enjoyed the midway point between dark brown and light brown along the way. I'll definitely be experimenting with more colours and different brands – carry on for the most highly recommended.

One day after testing the Moroccanoil mask in Cocoa

Moroccanoil Colour Depositing Mask

These little packets are so ideal for trying different colours without committing to a full-sized tube. Choose from Cocoa (rich medium brown), a warm and a cool blonde, Rose Gold, Hibiscus (bright floral pink), Bordeaux (rich burgundy) and Aquamarine (cool blue).

With apricot kernel oil, amino acids, and Moroccanoil's repairing ArganID technology, hair is left feeling glossy and vibrant. Apply like you would a hair mask (just use gloves or wash your hands thoroughly after, in the shower is best), leave for five minutes, rinse, and admire your new colour. 

Shop Moroccanoil Colour Depositing Mask at Lookfantastic, £6.85

Josh Wood Colour Shade Shot Gloss

Created by legendary hair colourist Josh Wood, these colour treatments serve to amp up colour, stop fading, and impart glossy shine onto virgin or coloured strands. With quinoa, perilla oil, shea butter and UV protection, it's a total treat for hair. 

Choose from four shades: Chestnut Brunette (warm brown), Smoky Brunette (ash brown), Champagne Blonde and Icy Blonde. 

Shop Josh Wood Colour Shade Shot Gloss at Josh Wood, £15

Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask

This creamy, rich treatment gives strength and shine to hair while seriously transforming the colour. They come in Ash Brown, Warm Chestnut, Chic Copper, Baby Blonde (cool) and Golden Blonde (warm).

I've been using the Baby Blonde shade (a vibrant purple-blue) to balance my bleached bits for years, giving me an iced latte shade within just an hour that lasts for up to a month. Try the travel-sized pouches if you don't want to commit.

Buy Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask at Lookfantastic, £15

Joico Colour Butter

Images: Ava Welsing-Kitcher/Courtesy of brands