Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty advent calendar is packed with cult favourites, but I have one criticism

The days are getting shorter, the temperature is dropping, and somewhere in the distance… Mariah Carey is starting to defrost. Christmas might still feel a comfortably long way off, but the beauty world operates on its own festive clock.While most of us are still soaking up the last drops of summer, Christmas advent calendars have already started to drop, and there aren’t many that generate as much hype as Charlotte Tilbury’s annual treat.Priced at £170, ‘Charlotte’s Hollywood Beauty Wonderland’ sits alongside some of the biggest names in the beauty industry, which are claiming to offer up to a thousand pounds in savings. But Charlotte Tilbury’s 12 door chest remains a much-loved classic for makeup fans who prefer guaranteed hits over a pile of random samples. Confession time – I’m no seasoned beauty editor. That being said, Charlotte Tilbury’s products have been a long-standing staple in my makeup bag, hence why I couldn’t wait to dive in and unbox all 12 doors early to see if this year’s calendar lives up to my expectations, and whether it warrants a spot on your wishlist. How I testedMadelaine Dowds/The Standard Looking at the mix of 15 products hidden inside the 12 drawers, I considered the ratio of full-size items to travel minis, the inclusion of brand-new 2026 launches versus repeat favourites, and whether the £170 price tag offers genuine value compared to rival department store calendars.Charlotte Tilbury★★★★☆What we love: Price drop to £170 while adding more total products (15 items across 12 doors), inclusion of the viral new Unreal Blush Glow Stick, cult skincare classics like Magic Cream, and sweet exclusive non-beauty keepsakes.Take note: Only four full-size items (fewer than last year), returning repeats for loyal buyers, total monetary value can't compete with Harrods or Liberty, and no base complexion products like concealers or powders.Visually, Charlotte Tilbury always delivers that signature Hollywood drama. The 12-drawer chest feels substantial, sparkly, and glamorous. It’s also reusable, fit for storing jewellery, skincare, or everyday trinkets long after December ends (perhaps it could even replace your spice rack – the world’s your oyster). Building on past feedback, the brand has cut the price by £5, while squeezing in a total of 15 items behind the twelve doors. The makeup lineup emphasises the big-hitters: you get full-sized versions of the iconic Pillow Talk Matte Revolution Lipstick (RRP £29.50), a Beauty Light Wand (RRP £31), a Lip Cheat Contour Duo (RRP £22), and my personal favourite, an Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick in Rosy Glow (RRP £32), which gives an effortless, dewy flush.Unsurprisingly, makeup takes the spotlight in Charlotte Tilbury’s calendar, but skincare isn’t neglected either. Inside the jewel-handled drawers, you’ll find travel-sized versions of Charlotte’s Magic Serum, Collagen Facial Oil and the viral Magic Cream Moisturiser – which I rave about for leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated, though I’ve heard mixed opinions from friends who say it does no favours for oily skin. What sets this calendar apart is its advent exclusives: a white quartz Magic Sculpting Gua Sha tool and a mini Pillow Talk cosmetic bag. These fun extras add a novelty touch beyond the standard beauty items. Though I will say, I hopped on the gua sha hype train back in 2021, and sadly it’s been collecting dust in my drawer ever since (my own fault – I was too impatient and gave up before seeing any results). Perhaps it’s time I give it another go with Charlotte’s white quartz tool. Full size cult favourites Madelaine Dowds/The Standard Where the calendar falls back slightly is its variety. If you bought last year’s version, you’ll notice several products are repeated. While this might please fans looking for a restock of their favourite bestsellers, the feeling of familiarity slightly dampens the excitement and spectacle. It’s also heavily weighted towards lip products – not a surprise considering the staggering popularity of Charlotte’s Pillow Talk collection. Though given the hype around the brand’s much-loved base products, some might be disappointed to find foundation and concealer have been skipped entirely – a missed opportunity given Tilbury's popular skin launches this year. Other brands’ beauty advent calendars have skirted around the shade-match dilemma by incorporating vouchers, such as the No.7 voucher for a free foundation included in the Boots beauty calendar. Worth: Not disclosed Number of days: 12 Number of products: 12 Advent calendar highlights: Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, Beauty Light Wand in 'Pillow Talk', Lip Cheat Lip Liner in 'Pillow Talk' Available: 10 September Is Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty advent calendar worth it?At £170, it doesn't boast the enormous £1,000+ total worth of a Harrods or Cult Beauty calendar selection. But for Charlotte Tilbury lovers or anyone wanting a curated and beautifully presented chest of reliable crowd-pleasers, it delivers plenty of festive joy.