Let’s be real for a second. The hype cycle for a 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024 usually starts in September when we're all still sweating in t-shirts, and by the time December actually rolls around, half of them are sold out or being hawked on eBay for double the price. It’s chaotic. But now that we’ve actually seen the guts of these boxes—the full-sized lipsticks, the tiny "deluxe" samples that are basically one-time use, and the filler stickers nobody asked for—it’s time to talk about what actually went down this year.
Buying one of these isn't just about the "joy of discovery." It’s a math problem. You’re essentially gambling that the retail value of 24 items outweighs the $200+ price tag you just slapped on your credit card.
Some brands absolutely crushed it. Others? Kinda lazy.
The Math Behind the 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024
Most people see a big "Value: $600" sticker on a box and assume they’re getting a steal. That’s how they get you. When you look at a 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024, you have to look at the "hero" products versus the "filler."
Take the Charlotte Tilbury "Beauty Treasure Chest" for instance. It’s technically a 12-day situation, but it sets the tone for the 24-day giants. If you’re paying for a full-scale 24-day experience from a brand like Cult Beauty or Liberty London, you’re looking for at least 15 full-sized products. If the calendar is stuffed with "vouchers" or "accessories" like cheap hair ties and pencil sharpeners, you're being fleeced. Honestly, a pencil sharpener in a $200 calendar feels like a personal insult.
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Why the 24-Day Format is Stressful
It’s a commitment. You have to open a door every single morning. Miss three days because you were rushing to work? Now you’re staring at a backlog of tiny cardboard doors, and the magic is sort of gone.
The 24-day cadence is the "gold standard" because it carries you right to Christmas Eve. This year, we saw a massive shift toward "prestige" skincare being mixed into makeup calendars. This is a double-edged sword. Sure, a 15ml pot of Augustinus Bader is worth a lot of money, but if you bought the calendar for the viral lip glosses, you might feel a bit cheated by a clinical-looking moisturizer.
The Standouts and the Letdowns
If we’re talking about who actually won the 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024 wars, Sephora usually stays in the conversation purely because of variety. Their "Favorites" calendar is basically a "Greatest Hits" album. You get a bit of Rare Beauty, a splash of Milk Makeup, and maybe some Drunk Elephant. It's safe. It's reliable.
Then you have the high-end luxury players.
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Liberty London is the one people literally queue for. It’s not just makeup; it’s a lifestyle flex. This year, their curation focused heavily on "clean beauty," which is a buzzword that’s starting to lose its teeth, but people still eat it up. The sheer weight of the Liberty box is enough to give you a workout.
- MAC Cosmetics: They went heavy on the "24-Day" count with a mix of full-sized lipsticks and those "Mini MACs."
- Revolution Beauty: The budget king. It’s affordable, but let’s be honest, the quality is hit or miss. You’re getting 24 items, but you might only use six of them regularly.
- Cult Beauty: Arguably the best value-to-cost ratio every single year. They include things people actually use, like the Glow Recipe Toner or Paula’s Choice BHA.
The Problem with "Limited Edition" Shades
Here is a secret: Brands often use the 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024 to offload shades that aren't selling well. That bright purple eyeliner or the frost-finish lipstick that looks like it’s from 1998? Yeah, those are filler. True "expert" buyers look for calendars that promise "cult favorites" or "best-sellers" specifically. If the box is full of "exclusive shades," be wary. "Exclusive" is often code for "we didn't think this would sell on its own."
Is It Too Late to Buy One?
We are in the "post-peak" phase. If you are looking for a 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024 right now, you’re likely looking at clearance stock or resale. This is actually where the smartest buys happen.
Retailers like LookFantastic or ASOS often slash prices by 30% or 50% once the "advent" part of the season has technically started or passed. If you don't care about the ritual of opening one door a day and just want $500 worth of makeup for $150, now is your time.
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However, you have to watch out for the "Best Before" dates. Skincare has a shelf life. Makeup—especially creams and "clean" formulas without heavy preservatives—starts a countdown the moment it's manufactured. A calendar that’s been sitting in a hot warehouse since August might have some funky textures by the time you open it in late December.
How to Audit a Calendar Before You Tap 'Pay'
Don't just look at the brand. Look at the weight. Look at the "Full Size" count.
- Count the Full Sizes: If there are fewer than 10 full-sized items in a 24-day box, it’s a pass.
- The "Throwaway" Test: Scan the list of contents. How many of those things would you actually buy at Sephora or Ulta on a random Tuesday? If the answer is "only three," the calendar is a waste of money.
- Check for "Tools": Sponges, brushes, and mirrors are fine, but they shouldn't make up more than 15% of the box. You're there for the formulas, not a plastic compact mirror.
The 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024 market is saturated. There are too many options. This year proved that consumers are getting smarter. We're seeing more "unboxing" videos where influencers are actually calling out brands for poor value. That’s a good thing. It forces the industry to stop giving us stickers and start giving us the good stuff.
What to Do With the Leftovers
Let's say you bought the 24 days makeup advent calendar 2024 and you're stuck with six shades of nude lipstick that make you look like a ghost. Don't throw them away.
The smartest move is the "re-gift pile." These mini products are perfect for stocking stuffers next year or for "emergency" kits in your car or gym bag. Some people even take the empty, beautiful boxes (like the ones from Diptyque or Liberty) and reuse them as jewelry storage. It's a way to justify the carbon footprint of all that cardboard.
Ultimately, these calendars are about dopamine. It’s a little treat in a month that’s usually stressful and expensive. If opening a little door and finding a new mascara makes your morning 10% better, then the math doesn't really matter as much as the feeling does. Just don't let the marketing smoke and mirrors trick you into thinking it's a "financial investment." It’s a hobby.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Clearance Sections Instantly: Sites like Sephora, Cult Beauty, and Space NK are currently purging their 2024 advent stock. Look for discounts of 40% or more.
- Verify the Contents List: Search for "2024 Makeup Advent Calendar Full Spoilers" on Reddit or specialized beauty blogs. Never buy blind.
- Calculate the "True Value": Ignore the MSRP. Take the 5 items you actually want, find their individual prices, and add them up. If that sum is higher than the discounted price of the calendar, buy it. If not, just buy those 5 items separately and save the clutter.
- Inspect Expiry Dates: Upon arrival, check the PAO (Period After Opening) symbols—the little open jar icon—especially on "clean beauty" items which lack parabens and spoil faster.