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Gone are the days of plain chocolate advent calendars, with huge beauty brands launching advents packed full of best-selling goodies that have us itching to get through the first 25 days of December.

When Charlotte Tilbury announced the launch of its 2024 advent, my hand was up in an instant to test out the calendar and see if it lives up to the rave reviews.

Zoe Bennetts

The 2024 Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar[/caption]

Charlotte Tilbury 2024 Beauty Advent Calendar, £170 (worth £243)

With so many different options on the market it can be hard to know which one to go for, which is why big beauty brands like Charlotte Tilbury dominate the space due to its reputable name.

When you’re forking out £100+ on an advent calendar you want to know that you’re getting your money’s worth. I opened my calendar three months ahead of schedule to answer that question for you.

Pros

• Beautifully boxed with sturdy, high-quality packaging
• The box can be reused for makeup storage
• Has a good variety of products across skincare and makeup

Cons

• Mainly mini-sized products
• Missing some key hero products (Flawless Filter)
• Only 12 days as opposed to 25

Rating: 4/5

Charlotte Tilbury 2024 Beauty Advent Calendar, £170 (worth £243)

Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar review: how we tested

With so many advent calendars on the market, we want to ensure that you have all of the information you need before spending your hard-earned pennies.

As a makeup and skincare fanatic, my previous years of experience as a beauty product copywriter are coming in handy as I comb through some of the top advent calendars on the market.

Below are my impartial, honest thoughts and feelings about Charlotte Tilbury’s 2024 advent calendar and whether it’s worth the money.

Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar review: quick summary

Of all the advent calendars I’ve had, this is by far the most luxurious. Right from the moment I unboxed it, I was blown away by the quality of the packaging as it made from really sturdy materials meaning you can absolutely keep it and reuse it for storage.

As a Charlotte Tilbury customer, I had high hopes for what would be in the advent calendar and it delivered on a lot of the expectations – although there were a few products I definitely felt the absence of. Namely: Flawless Filter.

I was a little disappointed to see that most of the products are in mini size, which is not totally unexpected but it would have been nice if some of the lip products were the full size versions.

£170 is a lot to spend on an advent calendar, and I would say it is good value for money in terms of the products you get – especially for Charlotte Tilbury fans. If you’re keen to try out a range of the brand’s products then this is also a great option.

Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar review: full review

First impressions

I was first struck with how weighty the advent calendar is. For a small box, it was surprisingly heavy which really built up the anticipation of what could be contained within.

When I took the heart-shaped advent calendar out of the box I was taken aback by the quality and how beautiful it was. The shimmering deep red body is covered in delicate red and gold stars, with 12 drawers adorned with metal and clear heart and star shaped handles.

Each draw pulls out seamlessly and the product sits perfectly within, meaning the entire chest is secure.

The top also has a lid which makes it perfect for reusing as a makeup storage solution after December 25th.

What’s inside the Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar?

Unlike many on the market, Charlotte Tilbury’s advent calendar is only 12 days as opposed to 25 which does ensure that the products are high quality, however maybe not one for someone who wants a treat every day in the run up to Christmas.

Each of the 12 drawers contains a cult product that is known and loved by many of us. Only three of the products are full sized which I don’t really mind as travel-sizes are perfect for on-the-go, however when there’s only 12 treats in there I was hoping that around half would be full size.

Sizing aside, the advent calendar strikes the perfect balance of skincare vs makeup. Many on the market often go too heavy on one and forget about the other, while Charlotte Tilbury’s Love Chest provides a full selection.

From a 15ml pot of the viral Magic Cream to a full sized Beauty Light Wand, I was impressed with what hid beneath each drawer.

As I’ve mentioned, I am an existing Charlotte Tilbury shopper so I was excited to see that some of my favourites featured.

I absolutely love the Lip Cheat liner and Matte Revolution lipstick (both in Pillow Talk – obviously), so was thrilled to see both in the chest.

I’ve also been desperate to try the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray so was very excited when that revealed itself.

Other products that are in the advent calendar are Hyaluronic Happikiss lipstick (full size), Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir (full size), Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes mascara (4ml), Pillow Talk Eyeliner (travel-size), Hollywood Beauty Icon lipstick (travel-size), Glow Toner (30ml), and Magic Serum Crystal Elixir (8ml).

Sadly, there was a fan favourite missing: Flawless Filter. I was convinced that the little bottle of goodness would feature but it was nowhere to be seen – which does make sense as everyone is a different shade so it would be difficult to accommodate the different requirements.

Despite there only being 12 drawers, I do feel like the array of products combined with the undeniable quality of each and every formula makes this advent calendar a must-have for beauty lovers.

How much is the Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar?

The Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar does come in at a pricey £170, however the total value of the contents totals up to a heft £243 so you’ll be bagging yourself a £73 saving.

I do think that it is worth the investment – particularly for those that already love and use the brand, and also for those that are looking to try out some of Charlotte Tilbury’s cult products.

I think if you’re more of a beauty generalist and are looking to test a broader range of products, then maybe this one isn’t for you – however I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to treat themselves.

I’d also suggest this as the perfect gift for anyone in your life that loves skincare and makeup.

The impeccable quality and finish of the chest is undeniable and would make a great gift to someone special in your life. Not only will they be able to enjoy all of the products, they can keep the chest to store their goodies afterwards.

I’d say for the packaging alone, the price is definitely justifiable as there are others on the market that have skimped in this area and it does affect the overall experience.

Where to buy the Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar

You can get your hands on the Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar on their site now – it went on sale today (September 17th) so you’ll have to be quick to ensure you’re not disappointed.

The advent is exclusive to the site and app, so make sure you don’t miss out and shop it here.

The verdict: is the Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar worth it?

There is no denying that £170 is a lot of money to spend on an advent calendar, however I would definitely say that Charlotte Tilbury’s iteration is definitely worth the price.

I think that if you’re in the market for a beauty advent calendar, this one should definitely be high on your hit list and think it is perfect for gifting – whether that’s to yourself or someone else!

The Charlotte Tilbury advent calendar notoriously sells out every year so don’t delay in getting your hands on it and take my word that you will not be disappointed come December.

I do give money -- but not to this cause.

THE twisted pensioner dubbed the ‘Monster of Avignon’ today admitted drugging his wife and recruiting men to rape her in a chilling confession in court.

After dodging giving evidence in court due to ill health, Dominique Pelicot, 71, finally took the stand at the Vaucluse Criminal Court, in Avignon.

Rex

Gisele Pelicotarriving at the Vaucluse Criminal Court, in Avignon[/caption]

Speaking for the first time about his crimes, the grandfather said “I am a rapist, like everyone else in this courtroom.”

A SUPERCOMPUTER has predicted the entire Champions League group stage and knockout fixtures.

But there are some shock results with Liverpool tipped to finish 18^th and Arsenal once again battling to get past the quarter-finals.

Getty

Getty

Man City are hoping to win their second European title under Pep Guardiola[/caption]

Getty

Arsenal and Aston Villa are also out to impress this season[/caption]

The new European season kicks off tonight as giants like Real Madrid, Man City and Barcelona look to make their mark.

It also features a bold fresh format, with no less than 36 teams in action.

Each side now plays eight matches instead of six, with NO return fixtures – meaning there is a different opponent every time.

The top eight go through to the quarters automatically, while 9^th-24^th battle it out for the remaining fixtures in a special knockout round.

And Grosvenor Sport’s supercomputer has now predicted who will qualify from the group stage while going all the way to win this season’s competition.

Man City and Aston Villa are both tipped to finish in the top eight, with Atalanta a shock name in there too.

It means big names like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen will have to play an extra round.

While Slovan Bratislava are set to finish dead last with eight straight defeats.

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Meanwhile, Arsenal are backed for the knockouts with a 10^th-place finish.

And Liverpool will also have to go the long way round as they are expected to finish 18^th.

Both English sides are expected to eventually make it to the last-16 though.

And they will join Man City in the quarters, with Aston Villa failing to make the last eight.

City are then backed to beat Barcelona and set up a semi-final against RB Leipzig.

While Arsenal are tipped for another quarter-final KO, this time against Liverpool.

The Reds are then expected to lose to Real Madrid in the semis, with the reigning champs taking on City in the final.

But Pep Guardiola is backed to win his second Champions League trophy by defeating Los Blancos with a 2-0 win.

Meanwhile, two-time Champions League winner Owen Hargreaves has delivered some interesting predictions regarding this season’s competition.

Deciding on his dark horses, he said: “PSG, just in the way Luis Enrique plays. He plays such aggressive football and they’ve got so many really good ball players.

“I’m happy to see they’re focused on young French players. That’s probably what they should have done long ago.

“Inter are really good. They’ve got a clear identity to how they play under Simone Inzaghi.

“Marcus Thuram came on a free, it’s amazing no one else picked him up.

“They’re not the most offensive team but often those teams do really well in the Champions League.

“They don’t make mistakes in silly moments.”

On the chances of England’s quartet, he added: “Man City have the best squad and they’re using four centre-backs so defensively they’re a bit more stable.

“Arsenal need a little bit more experience in the Champions League. 

“To win the Champions League might take a little bit more time in the transfer windows. But they’re going to win trophies, it’s a question of when.

“Liverpool have crazy firepower. Federico Chiesa is an amazing player and he’ll suit the Premier League because he’s crazy explosive.

“I’m excited for Aston Villa as Villa Park is going to be one of the best atmospheres in Europe this season.”

SHOPPERS are going wild and are running to Primark, eager to nab the new ‘IT bag of Autumn’.

So if you fancy treating yourself to a new handbag, but are on a budget and don’t have loads of spare cash to splash, then you’ve come to the right place.

tiktok/@hollys.travels

tiktok/@hollys.travels

Not only is it stylish and versatile, but it’s super affordable too[/caption]

tiktok/@hollys.travels

Primark

According to Holly Ash, the bucket-style shopper tote bag is the new ‘IT bag for Autumn’[/caption]

One fashion fan, named Holly Ash, was thrilled when she got her hands on the new viral bag from Primark.

And with leopard print super on trend this season, if you want to look stylish but without breaking the bank, then you’ll have to move fast. 

Posting on social media, the Primark fan gave her followers a close-up look at her new bag.

Priced at just £14, the fashion and beauty enthusiast was overjoyed with the affordable bucket-style shopper tote bag.

Alongside the short clip, whereby we saw the brunette beauty pose alongside her new bag in her local Primark store, the content creator penned: “Must have viral bag for Autumn.”

She also described the cheap buy as “the IT bag of Autumn”.

The high-street find is not only sure to make any outfit look fierce, but it’s super practical too.

This large slouchy shoulder bag is incredibly versatile and is sure to be a comfortable carry.

It has a single popper fastening, is spacious enough for all of your daily essentials and holds no compromise on comfort or style.

Whilst it’s great for running errands, it would also work as a work bag, or even a stylish gym bag too. 

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @hollys.travels, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly amassed 91,100 views. 

Social media users were impressed with the new Primark bag and many took to the comments to express this. 

I have this bag and it’s incredible

Primark fan

One person said: “Need this.” 

Another added: “Love it.” 

A third commented: “I wish my Primark had it in!” 

Meanwhile, one fashion fan beamed: “I have this bag and it’s incredible.”

To this, Holly replied: “Isn’t it gorg!” 

At the same time, one leopard print lover wrote: “Anyone get me this bag, I’ll pay for it and deliver to Northern Ireland as I can’t get it here.”

A MUM has hit back at trolls who say she should move form her council house – announcing she never plans to move.

Ashlan Hindle took to social media to reveal why she would never move, even if the rent is too expensive.

tiktok/@ashlan_hindle

The mum showed off her large three-bed council house as she explained why she would never move[/caption]

tiktok/@ashlan_hindle

Ashlan revealed the rent was more expensive than the private property she had rented[/caption]

tiktok/@ashlan_hindle

But it offered stability she couldn’t find anywhere else[/caption]

The mum-of-one responded to a comment that asked how people could hold onto council houses for decades when there were families more in need.

But Ashlan was quick to defend herself and her three-bed council house admitting she would have been homeless if it wasn’t for being offered social housing.

She said: “So when you get a council house, you receive a lifetime tenancy, which basically means so long as you cause no issues to your neighbours, your property is looked after, and you’re always up to date on your rent and your bills you’re here for life you also have the option to buy the property after so long.”

It’s important to note that every council has it’s own rules on this – some have five year contracts that can be reviewed and others have stopped the Right to Buy scheme.

She added one of the best parts about securing a council house was that she was stable and didn’t have to worry about rent increasing or moving every year like you would do in private housing.

Ashlan also debunked the myth that all council houses were cheap adding that it was more expensive than her privately rented home.

“My private was £545 and this is £745,” she revealed.

The mum continued: “We were desperate for a property because we were just about to be made homeless.

“But we were also umming and ahing because of the price of the property, and we were worried that would be living on the breadline.

“But when we sat down and looked at the bigger picture obviously we had the stability and we did have the income to pay the rent.

“It just didn’t leave us much left over.”

The mum shared the clip on her TikTok account @ashlan_hindle where it went viral with over 274k views and 8,000 likes.

People were quick to share their thoughts in the comments.

One person wrote: “It’s wrong you should only have a council house for the time you need it and get rid of the option to buy it’s for the next person that needs it.”

“That would be temporary accommodation then not a council house,” Ashlan replied.

Another commented: “How cruel are people, that they think someone should be given a place to make home and then chucked out later on.”

“I’ve been in my council house for 20 years now and have no plans to move,” penned a third.

Meanwhile a fourth said: “Your house looks gorgeous. Congratulations.”

“It’s lovely, great you got one,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “This is such a brilliant scheme and we need more of it. People are poor and can’t afford our own houses. Council housing for all.”

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MARRIED At First Sight groom Kieran raised eyebrows after asking unusual questions about his wife.

The Newcastle-born lad and Kristina were the first of the couple’s to tie the knot and Kieran was desperate to know the smallest details.

Channel 4

Kieran said that he didn’t want his wife to be too tall due to his height[/caption]

Channel 4

Kristen works as an animal reiki practitioner[/caption]

Before the big reveal, he said that he wanted to know how tall she is, how she smells and interestingly: how long her fingers are.

This odd intrigue sparked reaction online, resulting in many asking why he needed to know the length of her fingers.

“Why do you want to know how long her fingers are…” one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“How long are her fingers? U ok hun?”

How long are her fingers? What you two going to be doing?

As he waited he said what he would like in his future wife.

“I expect my partner to be loving, supportive, just everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

“I expect her to look like a woman who’s no taller than five foot six because obviously I’m a short wee man.

“And I just can’t wait to see her beautiful smile.”

Kieran decided to show his cheeky side in a very risky way by wearing false teeth on his wedding day.

There was definitely a mixed response among fans of the show, with some thinking it was ‘cruel’, while others thought it was hilarious.

But luckily for Kieran, his bride Kristina found it hilarious, but appeared relieved when she discovered they were fake.

Kieran revealed that he ran away with the circus to become a clown – which explains the constant jokes.

Kristina works as an animal reiki practitioner, which is a natural healing method aimed to help soothe and calm.

She is also a dog walker by trade and runs her own animal care business.

Kristina said how she’s struggled to meet anyone new due to living in a small seaside town where “everyone knows everyone”. 

She suffers from premenstrual dysphoric disorder [PMDD] and wants to find a “tall, dark, cheeky chappy” who can support her with her symptoms. 

Kristina said: “I wanted to sign up because I felt like I was ready to meet the love of my life.”

Kieran also performed for his new wife at the wedding reception, singing a song he’d written himself.

Whilst she giggled through the performance, his mum was clearly not amused by the lyric: “You can take a s*** on my chest”.

“I don’t know how I would take it if my future husband was talking about s******* on his chest,” she said.

Kristina’s mum was also not impressed, she was seen shaking her head and said: “Unbelievable.”

Channel 4

Kieran wore a pair of fake teeth on his wedding day[/caption]

The lead engineer has told a hearing he felt pressured to get the vessel ready to dive and had earlier refused to pilot it.