Nothing marks the return of the festive gifting season quite like the inaugural launch of the Cult Beauty advent calendar. Yes, Christmas is months away, but everyone knows that the beauty world moves on its own timeline.
You heard it here first: you can already sign up to the Cult Beauty advent calendar waitlist, which will get you one step closer to securing one of the best beauty advent calendars in the biz when it drops– the kind that never fails to secure our editors’ seal of approval.
Filled to the brim with the most ~cult~ makeup, skincare, haircare and fragrance goodness, this year’s launch promises to be the brand’s biggest to date.
Of course, as GLAMOUR’s resident beauty advent calendar connoisseur, I’m also not the easiest to impress – and it’s actually not often that you’ll find me raving about any average product release (this case is especially true when it comes to beauty gifts).
So, you can trust me when I say that, each year, Cult Beauty’s iteration proves to be the Goldilocks of non-chocolate advent calendars. Everything from the carefully curated selection of products that includes a healthy mix of new and all-time classic hero products to the range of sizes and the packaging is juuust right – never unnecessarily over-the-top or underwhelming.
The Cult Beauty advent calendar: what’s the deal?
This year’s launch somehow manages to top the online beauty store’s previous five sold-out advent calendars. Housing a total of 35 products inside (20 of which are full-sized, btw), it’s worth over £1,100 and will retail for £240 (which works out to less than a quarter of the value, might I add). Among those 35 products, 16 are the latest, hottest releases – and three are exclusive to Cult Beauty.
As with last year’s launch, you could also be one of the lucky three to win a Golden Ticket hidden inside the calendar, with each worth a staggering £1,000 worth of credit for you to spend at Cult Beauty. And note: this year, Cult Beauty will be donating £60,000 from its advent-related sales to a top-secret charity, which will be announced closer to the launch date.
As for the packaging (which, in my opinion, is their best yet)? It has been created by artist, filmmaker and photographer Quentin Jones, who delivered a quirky yet fashionable collage-inspired design that can be admired well beyond the festive season. I know I’ll be re-using mine to store my jewellery and other trinkets.
What’s inside the Cult Beauty 2025 Advent Calendar?
Now to the most exciting part: the contents. In true GLAMOUR fashion, I’ve already had the pleasure of unboxing this year’s Cult Beauty advent calendar, and without giving too much away, I’m seriously mind-blown.
Although most of the contents are yet to be revealed (keep your eyes peeled for our updated coverage), I can still share four of my favourite picks from inside the numbered doors. Spoiler alert: the makeup selection is truly top-tier.
If you’re just as impatient as we are, here’s the inside scoop on what awaits every owner of the Cult Beauty advent calendar.
Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Creme and Powder Blush Duo
As a sworn member of the “blush blindness” community, I might be a bit biased when I say that the Patrick Ta cream blush got me practically screaming when I unboxed one of the numbered doors. It comes in the shade She Knows Who She Is, which is a gorgeous, deep cherry shade that’s guaranteed to complement every skin tone. As with all Patrick Ta blushes, you’ll get a cream version and a powdered one to layer or mix interchangeably – whichever one tickles your fancy.
Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara
Next up, the Hourglass Unlocked Instant Extensions Mascara – AKA the best tubing mascara I’ve tried. Although the one you’ll find inside the advent calendar will be travel sized, trust me when I tell you it will last you way longer than you’d think. It manages to cover each lash with just one coat, serving up all the length and volume you’d expect from a brand like Hourglass. The best part? All you need to remove it is just a few gentle wipes using lukewarm water (no eye makeup remover required).
Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil Cherry On The Cake
I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve tried hundreds of lip oils (seriously, I have at least three designated formulas in each purse). Yet, I always find myself going back to my trusty Gisou Honey Lip Oil. So, imagine my excitement when I pulled it out of the Cult Beauty advent calendar – this time, in the gorgeous shimmery red iteration that’s made for my Christmas Eve lip combo.
Huda Beauty Faux Filler Extra Shine Lip Gloss
Huda Beauty’s Faux Filler lip glosses are behind my most-complimented lip combos – there, I’ve said it. And it just so happens that my favourite shade She Flirty is inside the Cult Beauty advent calendar. It’s a neutral cool-toned pink with a subtle wash of shimmer – great if worn on its own or as part of your 90s-inspired lip.
After more advent calendar content? Shop the best jewellery advent calendars, sex toy advent calendars – and discover the LookFantastic advent calendar and Sephora advent calendar, too.