PrettyLittleThing's recent launch of its beauty advent calendar has ignited a significant controversy, with the fast-fashion retailer facing intense criticism for charging £60 for what many consumers and influencers are labeling as "cheap tat." Despite the brand's claim that the calendar is allegedly filled with £206 worth of beauty products, the actual contents have led to widespread disappointment.

Influencer Niamh, based in Manchester, gained considerable attention after posting a brutal verdict on TikTok, where she was sent the product for free. She strongly suggested that the majority of the items could easily be purchased from Poundland, directly challenging PrettyLittleThing's marketing of the calendar as being "packed with 24 beauty treats" designed to make "every December day a little more magical" with a "dreamy mix of skincare staples, makeup must-haves, and self-care essentials."

Photo Credit: The Sun

Niamh's unboxing video detailed several items that failed to impress. She showcased a Peter Thomas Roth Instant Firm X Eye Deluxe Sample, a Brushworks Blending Drops Makeup Sponge, a makeup headband, what she controversially called "some stripper lashes," and a makeup remover cloth. Further items included a Project Lip Plump and Fill Lip Liner and a clear claw clip, which Niamh predicted would "snap in 0.3 seconds." The calendar also featured multiple Brushworks products, such as Microfibre Wrist Wash Bands, a Satin Sleep Mask, and Mini Pillow Puffs, prompting Niamh to humorously question if Brushworks sponsored the advent calendars.

Other beauty inclusions were a Doll Smash Devotion Blush Stick,a Filter Tanning Mitt, Oh My Lash Latex Free Eyelash Glue, an eyelash curler, and Pixi Hello Kitty Lip Tone. Niamh noted that on Day 20, just days before Christmas, recipients would receive a Project Lip Lip Buff – Lip Scrub, which retails for £9. This was one of the few items she expressed a genuine need for. Additional lip products found were Barry M Coco Loco Lip Oil/Barry M That's Swell! Peptide Plumping Lip Oil and a Peaches & Cream Lip Liner Celine, priced at £3.95. The calendar culminated with a Spectrum 4 Piece Core Every Day Set of makeup brushes on Christmas Eve, with nothing provided for Christmas Day.

Photo Credit: The Sun

In her final assessment, Niamh unequivocally stated, "Would I say this Advent is worth it? No. I think it's a load of cheap tat that you could go and get from Poundland, except for five products." She humorously added, "That's me never getting a collab with PrettyLittleThing again." Her video quickly went viral, garnering over 35,000 views and 1,400 likes, fueling a wider online outrage. Shoppers echoed her sentiments, with some claiming the contents were nearly identical to the previous year's calendar. A disappointed parent expressed sadness after purchasing it for her daughter, citing it as a major letdown. Many agreed the calendar should be priced at "£28 at most," not £60. However, a contrasting opinion suggested that some individuals found the calendar "sweet" and would be happy with its contents, indicating a divided consumer reaction.