The Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2023 is finally here — and as always, it’s a big one. Retailing at £225 (or less with a discount code), it’s worth over £1,000 and includes a whopping 39 products, with 20 of them being full-size. That’s huge. Even better, it’s £10 cheaper than last year, and the value hasn’t dropped at all. Win-win.
The packaging is seriously pretty this year. It’s a collaboration with artist Gemma O’Brien, and it’s all very chic and elegant — not overly festive but still giving that December excitement. You also get a little booklet with all the info inside, and as always, Cult Beauty is donating £60,000 to Mental Health UK and planting a tree for every calendar sold. Let's dive into each of the doors!
Day 1 – Saie Glowy Super Gel in 'Starglow' 30ml – Worth £22
Kicking off with a full-size glowy base from Saie. Their Glowy Super Gel is one of those multitasking products — you can wear it under makeup, mix it with your foundation, or dab it on top as a highlighter. It gives your skin a dewy finish without looking glittery or oily.
The shade 'Starglow' is the original — a champagne glow that works across a lot of skin tones. It’s lightweight and gives you that healthy skin-from-within look. Super easy to wear and great for perking up your complexion, especially in winter.
Day 2 – Jo Loves Roasted Chestnuts Candle 70g – Worth approx. £20
It’s not Christmas without a festive candle, right? This one from Jo Loves is in the scent Roasted Chestnuts — cosy, warm, and perfect for setting a Christmassy vibe. If you liked last year’s Christmas Tree scent, this one brings a little more sweetness.
The size is travel-friendly, but still gives off a strong throw. It’s perfect for popping on in the evening when you’re winding down. Definitely a comforting scent to have burning while you’re doing your skincare or watching festive films.
Day 3 – Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 15ml – Worth £42
Medik8 is such a reliable brand for skincare, and this eye cream is no exception. It's a gentle retinal formula specifically designed for the delicate eye area. You get all the anti-ageing benefits without the risk of irritation that some stronger retinols can cause.
It helps with fine lines, brightens the under-eye, and feels really nourishing. This version is strength 3, which is a great starting point if you’re new to retinal — and even if you’re not, it still works brilliantly. Plus, it layers well with other products.
Day 4 – Kinship Supermelt Vegan Lip Jelly Mask 10g – Worth £20
A lip mask is always welcome in an advent calendar — especially one like this. Kinship’s Supermelt Lip Jelly is hydrating, slightly exfoliating, and feels lovely going on. It’s got papaya enzymes for gentle smoothing, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.
It’s also vegan and comes in really cute packaging. Use it as an overnight lip mask or just whenever your lips need a little TLC during the day. It smells fruity too, which is always a bonus.
Day 5 – Hair Gain Hair Gummies (60 Gummies) – Worth £29.99
Supplements can be hit or miss in beauty calendars, but if you’re into haircare, these are worth trying. Hair Gain’s gummies are packed with biotin, zinc, and other nutrients to support hair health and shine.
They taste like apple and berry, and you get a full month’s supply in the bottle — so it’s not just a token sample. If you’re already using similar supplements, this is a great one to sub in. If you’re new to them, it’s an easy and tasty way to give them a go.
Day 6 – Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick in 'Coral Cutie' – Worth £23
Huda’s blush stick is super creamy, easy to blend, and gives such a healthy-looking flush. The shade 'Coral Cutie' is a warm, peachy coral that suits loads of skin tones and adds a real glow to your cheeks.
You can use it on your lips too, which makes it great for on-the-go. It’s water-resistant and buildable, so whether you want a sheer tint or something bolder, it’s got you. Definitely one I’ll be reaching for all season.
Day 7 – Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 15ml – Worth £17
This sunscreen is a cult favourite, and for good reason. It’s completely clear, doesn’t leave a white cast, and works really well under makeup as a primer. It has a silky, silicone-y texture that’s super lightweight on the skin.
It protects against UVA, UVB, blue light and more, making it a great all-rounder. If you haven’t tried it before, this is a perfect way to see what the hype is about. Especially handy for travel too.
Day 8 – Summer Fridays CC Me Serum 30ml – Worth £65
A proper skincare treat — Summer Fridays' CC Me Serum is a brightening powerhouse. It contains two types of vitamin C plus niacinamide and squalane, so it hydrates while tackling dark spots and evening out skin tone.
It feels lightweight on the skin and layers beautifully under SPF and makeup. Perfect for morning routines, especially when skin’s looking a bit dull or uneven. Love that this one’s full size too!
Day 9 – Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum 3ml & Paula’s Choice Cleanser 30ml – Worth approx. £35
This tiny Dr. Barbara Sturm serum is small but mighty — and so pricey, even in miniature! It delivers deep hydration with a mix of hyaluronic molecules to plump and smooth the skin. Perfect for those dry winter days.
Paired with Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser, you’ve got a great little duo. It’s gentle but still works well to clear congestion and rebalance oily or blemish-prone skin. Together, these are great for travel or trying something new.
Day 10 – Dr. Levy R3 Cell Matrix Mask 50ml – Worth £69
Now this is a proper luxury face mask. The R3 Cell Matrix Mask is all about firming, repairing, and deeply hydrating. It’s designed to support collagen and elastin while giving your skin that smooth, post-facial glow.
It feels creamy and rich going on, and after rinsing, skin feels noticeably softer and more refreshed. Definitely one to reach for when your face is feeling a bit tired or dull — a real Sunday night staple.
Day 11 – bareMinerals Mineralist Lip Gloss-Balm in 'Heart' – Worth £22
This gloss-balm hybrid feels nourishing like a balm but gives the glossy finish of a lip gloss. The shade 'Heart' is a soft pink — wearable, flattering, and not too sticky.
It’s comfy enough for everyday wear and has that slightly minty freshness BareMinerals is known for. It’s one of those shades you can throw on without a mirror and still look put together.
Day 12 – Herlum Copper Dew Nourishing Oil 50ml – Worth £29
A multi-use oil that works for face, body and hair? Yes please. This one’s got white tea, cedarwood and loads of nourishing oils to lock in moisture and add radiance.
Use it on damp skin after a shower, mix a few drops into your moisturiser, or run a bit through the ends of your hair for a glossy finish. One of those hero products that does it all.
Day 13 – Haircare Trio: Hair by Sam McKnight Nourishing Balm 30ml, Amika Leave-In Conditioner 30ml, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer 75ml – Worth £60+
First up, the Hair by Sam McKnight Nourishing Balm. This rich cream smooths split ends, tames frizz and defines curls. Perfect on damp hair before styling — or even on dry hair to refresh your look. I'm not personally a fan of the scent of Hair by Sam McKnight products so this is a pass for me.
Then there’s Amika’s Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner. A lightweight spray packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and soften hair. Great on towel-dried strands or to tame flyaways.
And finally, the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer in limited edition Bluebell Woods. This pre-shampoo treatment is an icon. It hydrates, adds shine and boosts elasticity — perfect for damaged or dry hair. Use it once a week for best results.
Day 14 – Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector 30ml – Worth £16
Another cult classic. This bond-building treatment from Olaplex repairs and strengthens hair — especially good if you colour or heat style regularly.
Apply to damp hair before shampooing, leave on for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and follow up with shampoo and conditioner. It makes a real difference.
Day 15 – The Seated Queen Cold Cream Cleanser 50ml – Worth £32
This creamy balm is a cleanser, mask and overnight moisturiser in one. Great for lazy skincare nights or travel when you don’t want to pack loads of products.
It melts away makeup, nourishes the skin, and leaves it feeling soft and supple. Bonus points for the chic packaging.
Day 16 – Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 15ml – Worth £71
This one always gets a lot of buzz. With TFC8 tech and a whole list of actives, the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream promises to hydrate, plump and smooth.
It’s rich (hence the name) but doesn’t feel greasy. Ideal as a night cream or as a treat when your skin’s feeling a bit blah.
Top tip - When the bottle seems empty, twist off the top and pull out the pouch, cut it open with nail scissors and you have another two days use!
Day 17 – Natasha Denona Bronze & Glow Palette – Worth £17
A compact little bronzer and highlighter duo in warm, wearable shades. The bronzer gives a soft warmth, and the highlighter adds a glowy finish without glitter.
The Bronze & Glow Palette is ideal for travel or keeping in your bag for touch-ups. A little goes a long way, and the texture is buttery smooth.
Day 18 – Five-Piece Makeup Set: Byredo Mascara, Roen Eyeshadow Quad, 19/99 Pencil, Benefit Brow Wax, Cult Beauty Mirror – Worth £130+
Day 18 is packed with goodies. The Byredo Astronomical Mascara is mini but dramatic, adding lift and length. The Benefit Fluff Up Brow Wax is a clear, flexible formula that sets brows all day. And there’s a mirror in the Cult Beauty Christmas design — so cute and actually useful.
You also get the Roen Eyeshadow Quad in warm, coppery shades (hello festive glam) and the 19/99 Precision Colour Pencil in a dark brown shade — perfect for eyeliner or even faux freckles. Basically, your whole eye look sorted in one drawer.
Day 19 – Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel (3 Treatments) – Worth £20
These two-step exfoliating pads from Dr Dennis Gross are great for glow. You swipe step one over clean skin, wait two minutes, then follow with step two to neutralise. Skin looks fresher and feels smoother almost instantly.
They’re great for travel or for those days when your face needs a bit of a reset.
Day 20 – OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub (Deluxe) & Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream 50ml – Worth £20+
The OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub in Melrose Place is gently exfoliating and smells amazing — sweet, floral, a bit fresh. It works great as a body scrub but can also be used on the scalp to remove buildup.
Then there’s the Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream — a rich, luxurious body wash that smells like a tropical spa. One of those products that turns your shower into a self-care moment.
Day 21 – Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream 20ml – Worth £19
This gel-cream moisturiser is perfect for morning routines. It hydrates with five types of hyaluronic acid and has a lovely bouncy texture.
The Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream sinks in fast and layers well under SPF and makeup. Plus the packaging is adorable — like a little glass plum.
Day 22 – Conserving Beauty Face Oil 30ml – Worth £35
A lightweight oil that gives skin a dewy finish without feeling greasy. It has Blue Tansy and other calming ingredients to soothe and protect against daily stressors.
You can use it morning or night — or even mix a drop into your foundation for a glow boost. Also great for massage tools like gua sha.
Day 23 – Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment 30ml – Worth £70
Good Genes is one of those products that just works. It exfoliates with glycolic acid to smooth texture, even out tone and add radiance.
Use it overnight a few times a week and wake up with brighter skin. The full size is a big win — especially if you already love this formula.
Day 24 – Verden Bath Oil 'Herbanum' 55ml – Worth £45
Christmas Eve brings a relaxing bath moment. The Verden Bath Oil smells herbal and fresh, and it turns your tub into a mini spa. Great for de-stressing before the big day.
It’s pricey for a bath oil, but a little goes a long way. Lovely if you enjoy a bit of luxury in your bath routine.
Day 25 – Final Treats – Worth £200+
Votary Super Sensitive Cleansing Cream - 100ml
Christmas Day comes packed with goodies. First up, there’s the Votary Super Seed Cleansing Cream — a fragrance-free cleanser that removes makeup and soothes stressed skin. It’s 100ml and worth £55, ideal for winter skin.
It’s free from fragrance and essential oils, making it ideal for sensitive complexions, and contains a blend of 21 super seed oils to restore and calm.
REN - Bio Retinoid Youth Serum - 30ml
You also get the REN Bio Retinoid Youth Serum — full size and packed with a gentle retinoid alternative, niacinamide, and ceramides. It helps with fine lines, dullness, and texture, and is perfect for those who want results without irritation.
Dieux Beauty Forever Eye Mask
Then there’s the Dieux Beauty Forever Eye Mask — a reusable set of under-eye patches that hold your eye cream or serum in place and help boost absorption. Great for minimising waste and getting the most out of your products. They also come in a super handy tin to keep them clean and dry.
Cult Beauty Satin Pillowcase
Beauty meets comfort with the Cult Beauty-branded silk pillowcase and matching silk eye mask, both presented in the 2023 calendar’s exclusive print. Designed to reduce friction and protect both skin and hair, these luxury sleep accessories elevate your evening routine.
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Oil - 14.4ml
The Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-wash Hair Oil (14.4ml) is a travel-size gem designed to nourish the scalp and strengthen roots. Featuring a blend of Ayurvedic ingredients like ashwagandha, it can be left overnight or used as a quick 10-minute treatment before washing.
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream - 15ml
Completing the day is the Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream (15ml). This full-size pot delivers deep hydration and firms the delicate under-eye area. Powered by squalane and algae extract, it helps soften the appearance of fine lines while brightening and smoothing the skin.
The Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2023 is generous, thoughtful, and varied. It leans heavily on skincare and haircare with splashes of makeup and lifestyle touches. While some days felt slightly underwhelming compared to previous years, others—like Day 18 and Day 25—offered standout value and a sense of occasion.
For £225, you’re getting a beautifully curated collection of high-performance favourites and exciting discoveries. From cult skincare to reusable eye masks, and from designer fragrances to nourishing oils, it’s a full beauty regime in one box. A strong contender—especially if you value quality over quantity.
Yes, a couple of the drawers could’ve had a bit more wow-factor (especially Christmas Eve), and there were a few hair product repeats — but overall? Still one of the best value calendars out there.
If you’re looking for a calendar that sets you up with skincare staples for the whole year, this one’s a winner.
🎥 Watch the full unboxing on Youtube: