With December fast approaching, the race is on for beauty enthusiasts to secure the most coveted advent calendars of the season. Among the frontrunners is the Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2025, a premium offering that promises a month of luxurious discoveries. Shopping writer Lucy Addicott got her hands on one early to conduct a thorough investigation into whether its substantial price tag is justified.
First Impressions: Packaging and Presentation
The calendar, a collaboration with artist Quentin Jones, features a distinctive lilac and grey design. While Lucy found the contemporary aesthetic unique, she noted it might not satisfy those seeking traditional festive packaging. However, the box's quality is undeniable. It feels incredibly sturdy, with doors that snap shut satisfyingly via a metallic closure. Each of the 34 drawers is meticulously lined with paper, ensuring every product arrives in perfect condition.
A Deep Dive into the Product Line-Up
The true value of this calendar lies in its contents. The classic curation is packed with 34 beauty items, 20 of which are full-sized. The selection is a veritable who's who of premium beauty, featuring powerhouse brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Elemis, Medik8, and Sol de Janeiro.
Lucy reported pure joy upon unboxing, finding a mix of long-time favourites and wish-list items. Standouts included the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in 'Spotlight', the Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Body Butter, and the Medik8 C-Tetra Advanced Serum. New discoveries that thrilled her were the Saie Supersuede Radiant Blush Powder in 'Bella', Gisou's Honey Infused Lip Oil, and the cult-favourite K18 Molecular Repair Hair Mask.
While the variety across skincare, makeup, body, and haircare was impressive, Lucy noted one minor drawback: the inclusion of a Makeup Forever lip liner in 'limitless brown' that she didn't find flattering. She also expressed a desire for a pampering face mask or a travel-sized fragrance to complete the experience.
Analysing the Price and Overall Value
Let's talk numbers. The calendar retails for £250, a significant investment. However, the collective value of the products inside is a staggering £1,100. This represents a potential saving of £860 for shoppers. To put this into perspective, a single product—the Augustinus Bader The Eyebrow and Lash Enhancing Serum—typically retails for £120 on its own.
Although this year's calendar is priced higher than the 2024 version (£195), the overall value has increased by over £200, making the 2025 edition a worthy upgrade in terms of bang for your buck. For those seeking a more accessible option, Cult Beauty also offers The Ultimate Holiday Edit at £70, containing products worth £270.
Pros:
- Exceptional value for money
- Features top-tier, luxury beauty brands
- Excellent variety of product types
Cons:
- Packaging may not feel festive enough for some
- Not every product will suit all personal tastes
In conclusion, for the beauty devotee willing to make the initial investment, the Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2025 offers an unrivalled opportunity to explore and enjoy a curated collection of high-end products at a fraction of their retail cost, providing months of beauty enjoyment well beyond the festive season.
