The team behind the Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026 have finally given us a closer look at what’s behind its doors, with another five products (totalling 10, since the start of August) now revealed, including beauty favourites from Sunday Riley and Laneige.
As the search for the best beauty advent calendars begins to amp up, Cult Beauty joins the likes of Liberty, Harrods, John Lewis and, most recently, Selfridges in unveiling their 2026 countdowns. While some retailers have already revealed the entirety of their edits, Cult Beauty (along with Space NK and Lookfantastic) takes a more gradual approach, with each set of new products announced in stages. The latest five, including Medik8 and The Ordinary, bring even more big-name skincare and beauty brands into the mix, adding to the handful of products, from Westman Atelier, Patrick Ta and more already revealed.
There’s still plenty we don’t know, including the full product line-up, launch date and overall number of items, but this latest reveal undoubtedly gives us more to work with. Here’s everything I know so far about the Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026, including the newly revealed products and what to expect from this year’s beauty countdown.
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While much of the Cult Beauty advent calendar 2026 is still being kept under wraps, the retailer has now confirmed 10 products hidden behind this year's doors. The first five were revealed last week, with another five added to the line-up this week:
- 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
- Hourglass unlocked satin creme lipstick
- Medik8 advanced pro-collagen+ peptide cream
- Laneige cream skin cerapeptide mist
- The Ordinary multi-active delivery essence
- Sunday Riley tidal deep hydration and plumping serum
- Byoma foaming rice deep cleanser
These reveals have 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.
As of this week, with five new formulas to get excited about, Cult Beauty seems to have clawed back favour, especially with two particularly high-value full-size products in the mix. Namely, a £74 Medik8 cream and £70 Sunday Riley serum, which certainly make the calendar look more compelling. Though, only time will tell whether the products behind the remaining 15 doors prove as equally wow-worthy.
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.
What to know
- 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, Medik8 advanced pro-collagen+ peptide cream, Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless setting spray
- Available:Not disclosed, waitlist open now
Read more: Everything to know about Sephora’s 2026 advent calendar