Dior has sparked outrage across the beauty community after releasing a US$3,500 advent calendar consisting mostly of sample size fragrances and bars of soap.
It comes after Jackie Aina, a prominent beauty influencer, created a series of videos unboxing the 24-day calendar on her TikTok account.
Aina’s impressions were initially positive, and she complemented the overall design of the product.
The advent calendar was created in collaboration with French artist Pietro Ruffo, and designed to reflect Dior’s boutique at 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris.
Her attitude changed, however, after discovering that many of the boxes contained small-sized perfumes and candles.
The tipping point came when Aina opened the 6 December box, which contained nothing but a lid for one of the candles found in an earlier box.
A later box also featured a single coaster.
The videos, which have been viewed more than 37 million times, saw her followers call out the eclectic collection of items.
“This woman bought the $3500 Dior advent calendar and you’re telling me one of the days included a candle and then a SEPARATE day was the LID to the CANDLE. This is so goofy,” one user commented.
Another said: “The lid having its own day is flooring me.”
Aina’s verdict was equally damning.
“Each item is apparently worth $145,” the influencer said in a separate video.
“I definitely don’t think the sample-size fragrances are worth $145.
“The soaps are not $145 soaps, I’m so sorry.”
It is not the first time a luxury advent calendar has drawn ire from beauty enthusiasts.
Luxury beauty house Chanel faced social media backlash over its $825 2021 calendar.
The contents featured branded stickers, flip books and a dust bag, leading many customers to feel short-changed by the hefty cost.
In October this year, Kylie Jenner was also accused of charging consumers US$117 for what was essentially a cardboard box.
Kylie Cosmetics’s $175 Birthday PR Box included the brand’s three-piece Birthday Lip Crayon Set and Lip Gloss Set.
However, the brand’s Birthday Bundle, featuring the same Birthday Lip Crayon and Lip Gloss Set, is available on kyliecosmetics.com for $58.
Cosmetics Business has reached out to Dior for comment.
