Unboxing the Truth: Are Beauty Advent Calendars Truly Inclusive?
Unboxing the Truth: Are Beauty Advent Calendars Truly Inclusive?
The festive season has arrived, and with it comes the annual parade of beauty advent calendars. These glossy, gift-filled boxes promise daily delights—a miniature perfume here, a luxury lipstick there. They’re marketed as the ultimate indulgence, with some claiming contents worth over £1,000 for a mere £250. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? But beneath the shiny packaging lies a question worth asking: who are these calendars really for?
Let’s talk about money first. Beauty advent calendars come in all price ranges, from budget-friendly picks under £50 to the high-end, wallet-wincing options topping £300. Take the Cult Beauty Advent Calendar 2023, priced at £225 and boasting products worth over £1,000. Or the Liberty London calendar, which retails for £250 with a similar value claim. On paper, it sounds like a steal. In reality, how many people can afford to drop hundreds of pounds on a box of miniatures in one go? For many, this upfront cost is a dealbreaker, turning these calendars into a luxury reserved for the few, not the many.
Now, let’s dive into what’s inside. There’s a lot to love about 24 surprise beauty treats, but there’s also a glaring issue: they’re not exactly made with everyone in mind. Take the Revolution Beauty Advent Calendar, priced at £48. It’s packed with makeup staples—lip glosses, eyeshadows, brow gels—but reviews often point out that these shades tend to cater to lighter skin tones. If you have a darker complexion, you might find yourself with products that just don’t work for you. And it’s not just makeup. Haircare items often cater to straight or wavy hair, leaving those with curly or coily textures out in the cold. It’s 2024, yet the beauty industry still seems stuck in a bubble of Eurocentric standards.
Some brands are trying to do better. The Boots Macmillan 24 Doors of Joy Beauty Advent Calendar, for example, includes a mix of products from brands like No7, Soap & Glory, Ted Baker, and Liz Earle. It’s a step in the right direction, but questions remain. Are these products truly inclusive? Do they work across a range of skin tones and hair types? And are brands being transparent about this.
Then there’s the cultural angle. The advent calendar tradition is rooted in Christianity, which can feel alienating for those who don’t celebrate Christmas. Despite living in a diverse, multicultural society, the beauty industry has been slow to adapt. Why not create calendars celebrating Diwali, Hanukkah, or Lunar New Year? Imagine the joy of opening a box that resonates with your own traditions. It’s a missed opportunity for brands to show they’re listening and genuinely care about all their customers, not just the Christmas crowd.
There’s no doubt that beauty advent calendars bring excitement to the festive season. But they also highlight some uncomfortable truths about the industry—its exclusivity, its lack of diversity, and its narrow focus. These calendars could be so much more than a luxury treat. They could be a celebration of beauty in all its forms, a chance for everyone to feel included and seen.