I usually avoid 12-day advent calendars but the Sentier fragrance one changed my mind

I have a confession: I have a bit of an issue with 12-day advent calendars. For me, an advent calendar should have 24 days, or even better, 25 if you’re lucky enough to get that extra Christmas Day treat. So when I was asked to try the Sentier Fragrance Advent Calendar 2026, I wasn't immediately convinced. But after opening all 12 doors, I have to admit this is one of the few 12-day calendars I think is actually worth buying.

Priced at £109 but with a value of £529, the Sentier calendar contains six 10ml fragrances and six 60g scented candles, all presented in a beautiful illustrated keepsake box. It’s no wonder it has sold out two years in a row.

I’ve used Sentier perfume before, so I already knew the brand's fragrances were a little different from the usual scents you might find on the high street. I was excited to discover some new ones, and there were a few that really surprised me.

What I liked about the Sentier Fragrance Advent Calendar

First impressions really do count with an advent calendar. The artwork is beautiful and gives it a real winter feel. Inside, the there are six perfumes (10ml) and six scented candles (60g). I actually think that's a really nice combination because you're getting something for yourself as well as something to make your home smell lovely.

The six fragrances are all 10ml, which I think is a good size for discovering a new scent. The standout for me was Ardent Cherry Extrait de Parfum. It combines black cherry, warm spices, incense, amber and sandalwood to create a much richer scent than the name might initially suggest.

There are five other fragrances to discover too, each with a very different feel. Parisian Embrace, Path of Lemons, Balade in Autumn, Noor Riviera and Méribel. The candle selection includes Ombre de Miel, Botanical Sanctuary, Alpine Chalet, Land of Dreams, Whispering Spell and Lait de Feu.

What I didn't like about the Sentier Fragrance Advent Calendar

My biggest problem is also the most obvious one: there are only 12 doors. I know that is the whole point of this calendar and it's called 12 Days for a reason, but I still can't quite get over the fact that I'd be finished with my advent calendar before Christmas is even in sight.

The other thing I'd have liked is a full-size fragrance. Ardent Cherry was such a standout for me that having a full-size bottle as the centrepiece would have made the calendar feel even more special.

But there's a trade-off here. At £109 compared with the stated £529 value of the contents, I can understand why the advent calendar has been designed around discovery sizes rather than putting a full-size bottle inside.

Overall verdict

I went into this review slightly sceptical because of the 12-day format, and I have to admit the Sentier Fragrance Advent Calendar 2026 has changed my mind somewhat.

I still don't think 12 days can replace the excitement of opening a traditional 24 or 25-day advent calendar. But I do think there's a difference between a 12-day calendar that feels like a shortened version of a bigger one and one that feels like a carefully put-together fragrance collection.

Would I buy a 12-day advent calendar normally? Probably not. Would I make an exception for this one? Yes. I just wish Ardent Cherry came in a bigger bottle.

Get 10% off the Sentier Fragrance Advent Calendar with code ADVENT10 at checkout.

Natalie Dixon is our Lifestyle reporter, if you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here