Charlotte Tilbury’s beauty Advent calendar review: inside the 12 day treasure chest

Price on writing: £175 (worth £264) | Buy now from Charlotte Tilbury

My verdict

For 2025, Charlotte Tilbury has given her sell-out beauty Advent calendar a ‘Star Confidence glow-up’. This year’s Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest maintains everything I loved about last year’s edition, all while addressing one of our main critiques - the value proposition. 

The most significant improvement this year? There’s five full-sized products instead of three. This includes a full-size Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara (a welcome upgrade from last year’s mini Pillow Talk mascara), plus full-size versions of the Pillow Talk Lip Cheat, Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath, Rock ‘N’ Kohl eyeliner and the beloved Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wand. 

The celestial star constellation design gives this year's chest an ethereal, cosmic feel

The packaging has evolved, too, and features Charlotte’s ‘Star Confidence constellation print’ - a celestial design that’s rather sophisticated and very eye-catching. While maintaining the signature bedazzled aesthetic Charlotte Tilbury fans expect, the cosmic theme feels fresh and modern. 

At £175 (worth £264), it’s only a £5 increase from 2024’s £170 price point - which IMO, is reasonable considering we’re getting two additional full-sized products. After all, individual Charlotte TIlbury lipsticks start from £28 and her legendary Magic Cream retails at £79 for 50ml. So, the value proposition has genuinely improved. 

How I’ve tested the Charlotte Tilbury beauty Advent calendar

I’ve had my hands on this year’s Charlotte Tilbury calendar for a few weeks now, and I’ve been enjoying trying out the products - most products recently for a date night and others on a daily basis. Although in all honesty, a couple of the products I already use, like the Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath and the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.

The drawers aren't numbered so you can open them in whatever order you want

During testing, I’ve been scoring this year’s calendar across eight years, and my results are then converted into a star rating. This includes four key criteria (out of 15), and four category-specific criteria (out of 10), so you can rest assured knowing I’ve taken everything into consideration before you decide if this is the calendar for you this year. 

Here are my final verdicts for each criteria: 

• Performance, 14/15: the calendar includes cult products like Magic Cream and Pillow Talk items that have proven track records. And the mascara definitely delivers results! 

• Quality and durability, 13/15: Charlotte Tilbury maintains high manufacturing standards, and the premium packaging is simply gorgeous. 

• Ease of us, 13/15: The jewel-handled drawers are easy to open and close, and the lack of numbers allow you to open a drawer at random.

• Value for money, 11/15: It’s £175 and you get £264 worth of products, which is only a 34% saving. Not huge compared to other calendars, but it’s worth it for lovers of Charlotte Tilbury. Plus the addition of two full-sized items is welcomed. 

• Selection of products, 7/10: There’s a mix of makeup and some skincare (nine makeup items versus three skincare items)... Although, that’s unsurprising given the brand and Charlotte Tilbury’s expertise. There’s limited suitability for diverse skin tones, too. 

• Product safety and authenticity, 10/10: Given it’s direct from Charlotte Tilbury, you’re guaranteed authenticity with this calendar. Plus, the brand is well established, has a proven safety record and an already very loyal customer base out there. 

• Seasonality and usage patterns, 8/10: There’s a nice mix of everyday and special occasion products in the calendar that you can use at various points throughout the year. Though, there’s nothing specifically tailored to winter needs. 

• Overall presentation: 9/10: The calendar’s stunning design is luxurious and true to brand. Plus, the fact the chest doubles as a jewellery or makeup box is a win IMO. Although, it’s not clear how sustainable the packaging is. 

Overall score: 85/100

How much is Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest for 2025?

Priced at £175, the 2025 edition from Charlotte Tilbury is only a fiver dearer than last year’s edition. It contains products worth a combined value of £264, so admittedly, not a huge, jaw-dropping saving compared to the likes of Harvey Nichols and LOOKFANTASTIC, but it is superb value for those loyal to the brand and its products. 

What’s inside Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest 2025? 

There’s 12 products inside this year’s edition, with five full-sized and nine travel-sized. Compared to 2024, the addition of two more full-sized items this year is a standout improvement. 

There's 12 items altogether and each one is individually secured in its own drawer

The inclusion of Charlotte’s Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser addresses skincare concerns, and I’m thrilled to see the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray return as it was a standout product from last year’s version for me. It’s a staple in my makeup routine! 

Finally, the inclusion of a full-sized Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara is a significant upgrade from last year’s mini.

Here are five of my favourites in this year’s Charlotte Tilbury beauty Advent calendar: 

Favourite #1: Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath

This has been a holy grail of mine for six years now - and there’s a reason I keep repurchasing it. The subtle Pillow Talk tint gives you a ‘your lips but better’ look while the collagen formula genuinely plumps and hydrates your lips without stinging. So, I was thrilled to find it again in this year’s calendar.

Favourite #2: Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara

I’m always building up my mascara stash so I never run out, and this one’s a welcome addition. It creates a false-lash effect without clumping, even with multiple coats - which is great for when I want my eyes to really pop. 

Favourite #3: Pillow Talk Beauty Light Wand

This little wand is pure magic for adding that final touch of glow that elevates any makeup look. The liquid formula blends nicely and gives that Charlotte Tilbury signature dewiness that makes you look like you’re glowing from within. 

Favourite #4: Charlotte's Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser 30ml

Every little helps when it comes to skincare, and this cleanser is like a drink of water for your skin. It removes makeup gently without stripping natural oils or leaving that tight, dry feeling. 

Favourite #5: Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray 34ml

This has been a firm favourite of mine from Charlotte Tilbury ever since I got it in last year’s calendar. It’s become my insurance policy against makeup meltdowns! I spray it before and after a heavier makeup look to keep everything in place, and it never leaves that stiff, mask-like feeling. 

What are Charlotte Tilbury's delivery options for the beauty Advent calendar?

The beauty chest automatically qualifies for free standard delivery in the UK as it's over the £49 minimum spend threshold at Charlotte Tilbury. This is a nice bonus since you don't need to factor in extra shipping costs.

Who is the Charlotte Tilbury beauty Advent calendar 2025 most suited for? 

I’d highly recommend this particular calendar for Charlotte Tilbury fans and luxury makeup enthusiasts. For those seeking diversity in their calendar or more skincare-focused offerings, have a look at other beauty Advent calendars available for 2025. 

About the author

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to prioritise yourself when you become a mother. So, she’s on a quest to find the best beauty and fashion products that are both practical and affordable, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a local playgroup, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices correct at time of publication

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