First Impressions
There's a particular kind of magic in the air when the holiday season rolls around—the crisp chill, the twinkling lights, and the promise of little surprises each day. As a beauty editor who's seen more advent calendars than I care to count, I've learned to temper my excitement with a healthy dose of skepticism. But when I saw James Charles's latest video, I felt that familiar flutter of anticipation mixed with dread. He spent over $1,600—yes, you read that right—on a lineup of 2025 beauty advent calendars, from the affordable Elf to the jaw-droppingly expensive Dior. My first thought? This is either going to be a treasure trove or a cautionary tale. Spoiler: it's mostly the latter.
I pressed play with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, ready for the ride. James, in his signature festive pajamas, wasted no time diving into the chaos. The MAC calendar, priced at $245, was the first victim. The packaging was undeniably chic—a little vanity with a mirror, very Instagram-worthy. But as he began pulling out the contents, my heart sank. A lipstick in "Modesty" (fine, but nothing special), a taupe eyeshadow stick that looked like it belonged in a 19th-century vanity, and then the pièce de résistance: a gel eyeliner that was completely empty. The product had somehow ended up in the cap. For $245, that's not just disappointing—it's insulting.
The Deep Dive
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of what these calendars actually offer. The MAC calendar, despite its promising start, quickly devolved into a collection of items that felt like clearance bin leftovers. There was a gua sha (since when does MAC sell gua shas?), a single brown eyeshadow with minimal pigment, and a pair of lashes that looked like they cost 30 cents at the drugstore. The "All That Glitters" eyeshadow was a particular low point—barely any shimmer, no dimension. I've swatched better pigments from kids' makeup sets. James's frustration was palpable, and honestly, I felt it too.
Then there's the Dior calendar, which I haven't even opened yet in the video, but at $750, it better come with a personal makeup artist. The Elf calendar, at $45, is the budget-friendly option, but as James noted, you get what you pay for. The Amazon beauty advent calendar is a wild card—first time in the game, and I'm curious but cautious. And P. Louise, the UK diva, always brings the drama with absurdly oversized calendars. But the real question is: are any of these worth your hard-earned cash?
What struck me most was the pattern. Many of these calendars are filled with products that brands couldn't sell—old stock, unpopular shades, and travel-sized samples that should be gratis. The MAC calendar had a Hyper Real Ceramizer serum that nobody uses, a cream-to-foam cleanser that was barely a one-time use, and multiple lip liners in shades that felt dated. It's a classic bait-and-switch: pretty packaging, but inside, it's a graveyard of unsold inventory.
Real Results
After watching James unbox all 24 doors of the MAC calendar, I felt a mix of anger and validation. The only standout items were a few lipsticks—"Russian Red" and "Forever Curious"—that were actually wearable. But even those were overshadowed by the sheer volume of duds. If I had spent $245 on this, I'd be returning it faster than you can say "fraud." James's suggestion to mark it as fraud with your credit card company is extreme, but not entirely unwarranted.
For the budget-conscious, the Elf calendar might be a safer bet—at $45, the stakes are lower. But if you're looking for genuine value, your money is better spent on individual products you'll actually use. The Dior calendar remains an enigma, but given the track record of luxury advent calendars, I'm not holding my breath. The P. Louise calendar, while viral for its absurdity, is more about the spectacle than the skincare.
I've been testing beauty products for over a decade, and I've learned that advent calendars are rarely a good deal. They prey on the excitement of the season, but the math rarely adds up. If you tally the retail value of the items, you might save a few bucks, but only if you actually want every single product. Most of the time, you're paying for the privilege of being disappointed 24 times.
The Honest Truth
Let's be real: the beauty advent calendar industry is a scam. Brands have caught on to the virality and are using these calendars as a way to offload products that aren't selling. James called it out perfectly—these items should be on the clearance rack, not in a $245 box. The MAC calendar was a masterclass in disappointment. The broken eyeliner, the cheap lashes, the single shadows that barely swatch—it's all designed to look good on the outside while delivering minimal value.
Who should skip these? Anyone who values their money and sanity. If you're a makeup enthusiast with a curated collection, you'll likely be disappointed by the filler. If you're buying for a beginner, you're better off with a gift card or a curated set from a brand you trust. The only exception might be the Elf calendar, which is low-risk, or the Dior calendar, which at least has a reputation for quality (though we'll have to wait and see).
Pro Tips
If you're dead set on buying an advent calendar, here's my advice: do your research. Watch unboxing videos like this one before you buy. Look for calendars that offer full-size products, not minis. Check the shade range—if it's all nudes and mauves, it's probably leftover stock. And most importantly, calculate the value per day. If it's more than $10 a day, you better be getting something you actually want.
Another tip: consider making your own advent calendar. Buy 24 mini or deluxe samples from your favorite brands and wrap them yourself. It's more personal, and you'll actually use everything. Brands like Sephora and Ulta offer sample sets that you can customize. It takes more effort, but the payoff is worth it.
Final Verdict
Would I buy any of these calendars? Absolutely not. The MAC calendar was a $245 lesson in disappointment, and the Dior one is likely more of the same. The only calendar that piqued my interest was the P. Louise one, but that's more for the entertainment value than the actual products. If you're looking for a genuine holiday treat, skip the advent calendars and invest in a single high-quality item you'll treasure. Your wallet—and your makeup collection—will thank you.
James Charles's video is a must-watch for anyone considering a beauty advent calendar. It's honest, unflinching, and a much-needed reality check. The holiday season should be about joy, not regret. So save your money, and let this be your cautionary tale.
