After unveiling its design and a scant few details last week, the reveal for what’s behind Cult Beauty’s advent calendar’s doors has finally started – and beauty fans are already divided. While the retailer has only confirmed a handful of products so far, one inclusion in particular has sparked debate online, raising questions over whether this year's line-up can match the excitement of previous sell-out editions.
With the race for the best beauty advent calendar well under way, retailers are steadily lifting the lid on their festive offerings. Cult Beauty joins the likes of Liberty, Harrods, Space NK and Lookfantastic in teasing its 2026 edit, opening the waitlist and giving advent hopefuls an early taste of what's to come. As always, I'll be updating this guide as more details are announced, from the complete product roster and illusive launch dates to whether this year's calendar lives up to its reputation.
Here's everything we know so far about the Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026, how much it's worth and the first five products featured.
Read more: Everything inside the John Lewis beauty advent calendar 2026
Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026
Price: £245 (up £5 on last year)
Worth: £1,100+ (down £100 on last year)
Number of products: Not disclosed, but 17 full-sizes confirmed
Number of days: 25
Advent calendar highlights: Westman Atelier eye want you mascara, Huda Beauty lip contour 2.0, Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless setting spray
Available: Not disclosed, waitlist open now
While much of the Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026 is still being kept under wraps, the retailer has now confirmed the first five products hidden behind this year's doors. So far, beauty buffs can look forward to a Westman Atelier eye want you mascara, Huda Beauty lip contour 2.0, Patrick Ta major headlines double-take cream and powder blush duo, Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless setting spray and an Hourglass unlocked satin creme lipstick.
The reveal has largely gone down well, but one product has already prompted debate. While the Patrick Ta blush was a exciting inclusion in last year's calendar, its return in a different shade has left some beauty fans underwhelmed, with several taking to social media to question the colour choice. TikTok creator @fashionableforecast even described it, alongside the liner and lipstick hue, as "possibly the most unwearable shades I've ever seen.” While I’m not sure I agree entirely, another red lipstick does feel ever so slightly uninspiring.
Beyond those first reveals, Cult Beauty has promised 12 launches from the past 12 months, meaning there should still be plenty of fresh discoveries to come. As a beauty writer, I'm hoping that includes recent innovations such as K18's futureIQ biomimetic hair longevity serum and the new Color Wow money laundering shampoo and conditioner.
As for the remains of what we do know, Cult Beauty fans are set to receive "more customer favourite brands than ever", which, when you browse the retailer's trending section, could point to the likes of Vieve, Medik8, Gisou and more. We also know that those buying the calendar will have the chance to win one of three £1,000 Cult Beauty vouchers and that there will be a total 17 full-size products. Unfortunately, this is a three-product decrease year on year, despite a £5 increase in price. I'm holding off on judging that just yet, though, because Cult Beauty has a knack for thoughtful curation, and there's every chance the smaller line-up will be offset by stronger product choices.
The retailer always delights fans with a unique calendar design, and this year it's been created in collaboration with Swindler & Swindler, whose Victorian-inspired botanical illustrations feel elegant rather than overtly festive.
The waitlist for the 2026 advent calendar is now live, and this is one sign-up you don't want to skip. Not only will you'll get priority access before the general sale, but you'll also receive a £20 Cult Beauty gift card to redeem when purchasing on launch day.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates as they come in. I'll be keeping this guide updated with every new product reveal, launch detail and spoiler as soon as it's announced.
Buy now £245, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Read more: Everything to know about Sephora’s 2026 advent calendar
