The Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar 2023 has officially landed, and with it comes a familiar blend of iconic products, glamorous packaging, and some recurring grumbles. Retailing at £160, this year's calendar maintains its signature twelve-drawer format in a beautifully designed keepsake chest—but does it deliver enough value to justify the price hike?
Visually, the calendar continues its legacy of luxury. The jewel-handled drawers and deep burgundy tone exude Charlotte Tilbury's trademark glamour, and it's as reusable as ever. However, unlike previous years which featured five full-sized products, this edition includes only two, with the rest being travel sizes or miniatures. Let's unbox the full contents and see what treasures (or repeats) lie inside.
Drawer 1: Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Walk of No Shame (2.6ml – worth approx £8.88)
Kicking off the calendar is a miniature Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in the universally flattering berry-toned shade Walk of No Shame. While small, this high-shine gloss offers a sheer, glossy finish and can be built up for more impact. Infused with collagen and a super lip peptide, it aims to plump and hydrate while enhancing the natural colour of your lips. Though slightly sticky in texture, the colour payoff and smoothing finish make this a solid start.
Drawer 2: Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir (8ml – worth £27)
Next, we have a deluxe travel size of the beloved Charlotte's Magic Serum. At 8ml, this mini version still packs in the full ingredient punch, including Replexium, golden vitamin C, polyglutamic acid, and niacinamide. It's designed to deliver hydration, brightness, and smoother skin texture. Despite being a repeat from previous years, it remains a welcome addition for fans of the skincare line.
Drawer 3: Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in Spotlight (5ml – worth £12.50)
In the third drawer sits a tiny, but mighty Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand in the shade Spotlight. This rose-gold liquid highlighter offers a luminous, soft-focus glow perfect for cheekbones, the bridge of the nose, or even collarbones. Though smaller than previous years (we've seen a full-size version before), the blendable formula and flattering shade make it a keeper, especially for travel - so cute!
Drawer 4: Charlotte's Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir (8ml full size – worth £28)
The first full-sized item makes its appearance with Charlotte's Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir. This nourishing treatment uses hyaluronic acid and natural extracts to plump and hydrate. It features a rollerball applicator and dual function as a daytime conditioner or overnight mask. Unfortunately, for some (including me!), it can be irritating—but its cult status earns it a spot.
Drawer 5: Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara (4ml – worth £14)
A reliable travel size of the Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara is up next! This deep black formula is known for adding volume and lift with its flat-bristled, dual-sided wand. It grips at the base of lashes to provide curl and separation, delivering dramatic results in just a few swipes. Though it would've been ideal in full size, the travel version is still practical and should last a while!
Drawer 6: Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Hot Gossip (0.8g – worth £13.33)
This creamy, long-wearing Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Hot Gossip is a makeup bag staple. The flattering rose-pink shade pairs effortlessly with a variety of lip products and glides on smoothly to shape and define. Waterproof and transfer-resistant, it's ideal for longevity, making it one of the more useful mini products in the calendar.
Drawer 7: Rock 'n' Kohl Eyeliner in Barbarella Brown (0.8g – worth £14.66)
Another eye essential joins the lineup: the Rock 'n' Kohl Iconic Liquid Eye Pencil in Barbarella Brown. This deep brown shade softens the look of your eyeliner for daytime wear, while still offering intensity and definition. Whether smoked out for drama or subtly lining the waterline, this creamy pencil offers versatility.
Drawer 8: Hollywood Complexion Brush (mini – £20)
Compact yet surprisingly functional, the Hollywood Complexion Brush is the perfect travel companion for makeup touch-ups. With a flat-top foundation head and angled end for contour or concealer, this dual-sided brush is ideal for cream products. Though the handle is tiny, the soft bristles perform beautifully.
Drawer 9: Hot Lips Lipstick in Glowing Jen (full size – worth £29)
The second and final full-size product is the Hot Lips Lipstick in Glowing Jen. Housed in a leopard-print refillable case, this rose hue is hydrating and universally flattering. The formula offers a satin finish that glides on effortlessly, delivering colour and care in one swipe. It's the kind of shade you can reach for daily.
Drawer 10: Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand (5ml – worth £12.50)
Another trending favourite appears with the Matte Beauty Blush Wand in the iconic Pillow Talk shade. This easy-to-use liquid blush brings a natural flush to the cheeks, and its soft applicator allows for seamless blending. Fans have been loving this one, so it's a nice touch—even in its reduced size.
Drawer 11: Charlotte's Magic Cream (15ml – worth £26)
Charlotte's iconic Magic Cream returns once more, nestled predictably in the penultimate drawer. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, it's ideal for dry or winter-weary skin. The rich texture and floral scent may not suit everyone, but for those who love it, this travel size is perfect for weekends away.
Drawer 12: Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (34ml – worth £17)
Finally, we close the calendar with a travel-sized Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. Designed to keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours, this lightweight mist also helps to smooth and refresh the complexion. It's another repeat, but a decent one, and the handbag-friendly bottle is super convenient.
Despite its undeniably luxurious presentation and the charm of the Charlotte Tilbury brand, this year's advent calendar feels less generous than in years past. With only two full-sized products and several repeat items, long-time fans might feel a little underwhelmed. That said, the product selection does cater well to a wide audience and provides almost everything for a full face—except foundation and eyeshadow.
At £160, the value is there on paper (around £223 RRP), but compared to previous editions and competitors in the beauty advent space, it might leave some hoping for more. Still, if you're a Charlotte Tilbury devotee or gifting to one, the packaging alone makes this a gorgeous pick.
🎥 Watch the full unboxing on Youtube: