Cult Beauty has unveiled its 2026 advent calendar, offering two versions: the signature edition with 33 products and the special edition with 38 products. Both calendars are priced at £245, a £5 increase from the 2025 versions. This marks a continuation of a trend where the number of products included in such calendars has decreased in recent years, a pattern also seen with other high-end retailers like Harvey Nichols. The special edition, which includes fragrance products not found in the signature version, has a total estimated value of £1,185, while the signature edition is valued at £1,105. The special edition offers a broader range of product types, including makeup, skincare, haircare, bodycare, and fragrance, whereas the signature edition focuses on makeup, skincare, haircare, and bodycare. Some consumers have noted that the special edition excludes brands like Augustinus Bader, which they feel are overrepresented in other calendars. One product that has sparked discussion is the return of Patrick Ta's blush in a new shade. Some beauty enthusiasts have found the color unappealing, with TikTok creator @fashionableforecast calling it "possibly the most unwearable shades I've ever seen." However, several high-value full-size products are included, such as Allies of Skin's azelaic & kojic advanced clarifying serum (worth £94), Sulwhasoo's first care activating serum (worth £45), and Anua's PDRN hyaluronic acid 100 moisturising cream (worth £24). The Huda Beauty lip contour has received particular praise for its soft, creamy formula that is also long-lasting and resistant to smudging from drinks. The calendar features products from a range of brands, including Vieve, Medik8, and Gisou, among others. However, some products from brands like Westman Atelier, Hourglass, and Elemis are considered less aligned with their core strengths. For instance, Westman Atelier is known for complexion products, not mascara, and Elemis’s inclusion of an SPF was seen as a positive but not the most impactful choice. Cult Beauty's calendar is often praised for its thoughtful curation compared to other calendars in the same price range, such as those from Harrods and Liberty, which have faced criticism for repeating brand selections. The inclusion of nine new product launches from the past year and a complete skincare routine from cleansing to retinol were highlighted as strong points. The special edition features a selection of fragrances, including Fugazzi pomegranoudh extrait de parfum, Escentric Molecules M01, and Kilian angels’ share eau de parfum. The calendar is expected to sell out quickly, as in previous years, and is recommended for its careful selection and value, despite some less inspiring inclusions in the signature edition.