After the unexpected success of its 2022 release, the PrettyLittleThing Beauty Advent Calendar is back for 2023 — priced at just £48, with a stated value of £198. The calendar promises 24 beauty treats, mixing PrettyLittleThing’s own line with high-street favourites and cult classics. But after a strong debut last year, does this one deliver the same excitement? Here's a full breakdown of what’s behind each door.
Day 1 – Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Dew Cream – Mini
The calendar starts off with a skincare staple, Mario Badescu’s Hyaluronic Dew Cream. This lightweight gel-cream is packed with a sodium hyaluronate complex that promises multi-level hydration for a fresh, dewy glow. The texture is refreshing, perfect for layering under makeup or as part of a morning routine. That said, the size is frustratingly small — there’s no volume indicated, and it feels more like a sample sachet than a deluxe mini. While it’s a decent introduction to the brand, it doesn’t offer enough product to form a real opinion.
Day 2 – PrettyLittleThing Eyelash Curlers – Full Size
Branded under PLT’s own beauty line, these eyelash curlers are a full-size tool with a sleek rose-gold finish. While not the most exciting inclusion, they’re practical — especially if you don’t already have one in your kit. They have a standard curved frame and cushioned pad, ideal for prepping lashes before mascara. Although eyelash curlers aren’t for everyone, they do the job, and it’s nice to see a tool included early on.
Day 3 – Land of Lashes 'Girl Boss' Lashes – Full Size
Bold and unapologetically dramatic, these faux lashes by Land of Lashes are designed to mimic semi-permanent extensions with fluttery volume. They're part of the brand’s newer volume collection and retail for around £7. While vegan and cruelty-free, the style may not be universally loved — they’re thick, long, and quite full-on. If you're into bold lash looks, they’ll impress. If not, this might feel like a throwaway day.
Day 4 – STARSKIN Dreamkiss Lip Mask – Full Size
This hydrating lip mask is a welcome treat. STARSKIN’s Dreamkiss Lip Mask is made from bio-cellulose and infused with plumping, nourishing ingredients that soften and prep lips. You apply it to clean, dry lips and leave on for 15–20 minutes. The mask is generously sized, covering not just the lips but the surrounding area, making it ideal for a pampering session before lipstick or gloss. A solid inclusion, especially during winter.
Day 5 – PrettyLittleThing Dual Sharpener
Functional but far from exciting, PLT’s dual sharpener fits standard and jumbo pencils. It’s handy if you’re receiving lip liners, but it’s a stretch to call it a beauty treat. These items are essential, but in an advent calendar, they tend to fall flat. Still, it’s at least branded and of decent quality.
Day 6 – Aroma Active Soothing Universal Repair Cream – 15ml
This gentle, lavender-infused cream from Aroma Active aims to calm irritated skin, rebuild the skin barrier, and hydrate dry patches. At 15ml, it’s enough for a few uses — ideal for patch testing or travel. It absorbs quickly, has a pleasant, natural scent, and feels soothing on stressed skin. It’s a nice inclusion for the colder months, even if not everyone will be familiar with the brand.
Day 7 – This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray – 5ml
A cult favourite makes its appearance here. This Works’ Deep Sleep Pillow Spray is a relaxing blend of lavender, chamomile, and vetiver. Spritz it on your pillow before bed to help ease into sleep. While 5ml is small, it’s standard for a sample, and it actually lasts a while since you only need a light mist. A thoughtful nod to wellness and nighttime routines.
Day 8 – Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – 29ml
This gentle skin cleanser is beloved by dermatologists for a reason — it’s fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin, and helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier. However, this version is the ‘not for resale’ sample, the kind often given away for free. That diminishes its value here. It’s useful, but its presence feels more like filler than a premium offering.
Day 9 – Peaches & Cream PC17 Highlight Brush – Full Size
A genuinely exciting addition, this highlighter brush from Peaches & Cream is soft, well-made, and perfectly shaped for sweeping glow across cheekbones or setting under eyes. The fluffy bristles and sleek handle give it a luxe feel. At £5, it’s good value and a staple tool that most will find useful. One of the better entries so far.
Day 10 – Carmex Vanilla Lip Balm – Full Size
A winter classic, this Carmex balm delivers moisture and SPF 15 in a sweet vanilla scent. The formula is thick, protective, and effective for dry or chapped lips. It’s a practical product you’ll likely use, even if it’s not thrilling. The tube makes for mess-free application, ideal for bags and coat pockets.
Day 11 – PLT 'Lucky Dip' Beauty Product (Happy Lash)
This mystery product turns out to be a second set of lashes — lighter than Day 3’s, but still dramatic. They come in a chic black box with PLT branding. While they look decent and feel higher-end than expected, getting a second pair of lashes without adhesive feels repetitive. A bit of variety here would have been better.
Day 12 – Brushworks Satin Scrunchies (2-Pack)
Soft, silky, and gentle on hair, these Brushworks satin scrunchies come in blush pink and ivory. They help reduce breakage and creasing — ideal for overnight wear or throwing hair up without damage. Lightweight and well-made, they’re a crowd-pleaser. A simple yet effective addition to the calendar.
Day 13 – Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops – 40ml (Full Size)
One of the strongest products in the calendar, these tanning drops mix seamlessly with your usual moisturiser for a customisable glow. With hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and a fragrance-free formula, they’re a hit for sensitive or acne-prone skin. At nearly £15 in value, this full-size product adds real weight to the lineup.
Day 14 – Biovène Perfect Hair Protecting Treatment – 50ml
A bit of a curveball here — the box lists a clay face mask, but instead you get a hair treatment. This mask is enriched with argan oil, peppermint, and aloe to hydrate and repair dry strands. The texture is creamy, it smells fresh, and it’s easy to use in the shower. A welcome switch if you love haircare.
Day 15 – Revolution Skincare Gua Sha
Facial massage gets a mention with this white quartz Gua Sha tool from Revolution. While useful for boosting circulation and serum absorption, this particular one looks repurposed — the logo is faded, and there’s sticky residue, suggesting it was taken from another set. Still, it works as intended, just lacks polish.
Day 16 – Morphe Make It Big Mascara – Mini
This miniature Morphe Make It Big Mascara delivers length and volume with an oversized wand and inky black pigment. It’s a strong performer, especially for a travel-friendly size, and great for sampling if you’ve never used Morphe mascaras before. Not groundbreaking, but a solid inclusion.
Day 17 – PLT Pink Beauty Blender
A mystery sponge that’s soft and squishy enough to work well, but arrives in basic plastic packaging with no branding. While it’s presumably a PLT tool, the lack of presentation and logo makes it feel a bit cheap. Functionally it’s fine — great for applying cream products — but a missed opportunity to impress.
Day 18 – Mascara Wands (10-Pack)
Arguably the least exciting item in the calendar. These pink glittery mascara spoolies are handy for separating lashes or brushing brows, but they feel more like a backstage kit extra than a gift-worthy inclusion. Valued around £1, they’re definitely a filler.
Day 19 – Pixi Glow Tonic x Hello Kitty – 100ml
A hero product from Pixi in a playful limited-edition bottle. This cult-favourite toner contains 5% glycolic acid to gently exfoliate, brighten, and refresh the skin. Great for refining texture and evening tone, it’s alcohol-free and gentle enough for most skin types. One of the calendar’s highlights.
Day 20 – Brushworks Triangular Powder Puff – Full Size
Soft, velvety, and surprisingly luxe, this Brushworks powder puff is perfect for precise setting around the eyes and nose. The triangular tip allows targeted application, and the satin strap makes it comfortable to hold. A trendy, TikTok-approved tool that earns its place.
Day 21 – Stila Smudge Stick Eyeliner in 'Vivid Labradorite' – Full Size
A real standout from Stila. This creamy, waterproof eyeliner glides on effortlessly and sets to a smudge-resistant finish. The shade is a smoky deep grey — a modern alternative to classic black. With a 12-hour wear time and full-size packaging, this is one of the most valuable and high-performing items in the box.
Day 22 – Carmex Cherry Lip Balm Pot – Full Size
The second Carmex product in the calendar, this cherry-scented balm comes in a pot format. It’s effective, smells great, and includes SPF 15. But with another Carmex balm already included, it feels like a repeat. Practical, but uninspiring.
Day 23 – Project Lip Plump & Fill Lip Liner in 'Chase' – Full Size
A lovely pink-nude lip liner that shapes and fills with ease. Designed to subtly plump and contour lips, the Project Lip Plump & Fill Liner is smooth and easy to blend. At £15, it’s a great value item that pairs nicely with glosses or lipsticks. A satisfying penultimate day.
Day 24 – Plump It! Hyaluronic Lip Plumper – Full Size
Finally, this lip plumper uses hyaluronic acid to mimic filler effects over time, promising up to 82% increase in lip volume. It delivers a high-gloss finish with a mild tingle, offering both instant and long-term results. At £23, it’s the most expensive product in the calendar and a decent final treat.
The PrettyLittleThing Beauty Advent Calendar 2023 offers a generous 24-product count for under £50 — and the value is certainly there. However, the overall experience is a bit of a mixed bag. Several inclusions feel like filler or underwhelming repeats: two Carmex balms, multiple lashes, unbranded tools, and freebie samples diminish the wow factor.
That said, it’s not without merit. The Bondi Sands tanning drops, Stila eyeliner, Pixi Glow Tonic, and Project Lip liner are all excellent. The Peaches & Cream brush and Brushworks accessories add useful variety, and the lip plumper is an ambitious finale.
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable countdown with a few gems — and don’t mind a few duds — this is still a decent buy. But compared to last year, the excitement and product curation feel a little less polished. Worth it on sale, or as a second calendar — but not the strongest of the year.
🎥 Watch the full unboxing on Youtube: