You might think December is all about gift sets when it comes to beauty, and although the gift sets are great [1], the month also happens to be a busy one for general launches and newness.
There definitely wasn't a lack of products for our editors to try this month, from interesting eyebrow formulas that are easy to use with great results to glittery makeup that will make you glisten at your Christmas parties (because secretly we all want that). We've been busy discovering our favourites and are ready to sing their praises and shine our way into the festive season.
Novel Beauty Love Letters B5 — Overnight Facial Repair
"Novel Beauty Love Letters B5 — Overnight Facial Repair [2] (£26) is much more than just skincare. Novel Beauty takes you through a journal of chapters with your skin. Bonus: the products come in a book shaped box. I can't think of a more lovely way to gift skincare to a friend, family member, or of course, yourself." — Tori Crowther, assistant editor
Topshop Longwear Illuminating Primer in Out All Night
"When life serves you early lease dates and emotional baggage, you may just lose your shine. Fortunately, when this was my experience, I had Topshop Longwear Illuminating Primer in Out All Night [3] (£14) in my arsenal to help maintain my glow. And if she can handle all of that, you know she's a winner." — Lucy Kenny, assistant editor
Olverum Dry Body Oil
"The Olverum Dry Body Oil [4] (£38) is the first product launch for the brand in over 80 years. The packaging is beautiful, your friends would not be disappointed to receive this as a gift, and the product feels as luxurious as it looks. A real treat for the Winter months." — TC
Nip + Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Eye Masks
"While colour correctors and heavy coverage concealer can hide a multitude of skin sins, the puffy eye takes a little extra work. If your under eye is in need of TLC, look to Nip + Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Eye Masks [5] (£8) to brighten, lift, and hydrate." — LK
Bali Body Deep Tanning Mousse
When Bali Body Deep Tanning Mousse [6] (£26) landed on my desk it didn't take long before I slathered it all over my body, and boy, am I glad I did. This is the first tan product for the brand and it didn't disappoint. It gives a golden (but definitely not orange) glow, doesn't transfer to sheets, and doesn't smell like biscuits. It's a Christmas party must-have for me. — TC
Elf+ Glow Coco Glow Highlighter in Moonlight Glow
"In the event that I'm longing to be on a Caribbean island at any point, I simply turn to Elf+ Glow Coco Glow Highlighter in Moonlight Glow [7] (£7.50). Its coconut scent is no lie. Neither is its silky application and eye-popping glow." — LK
Lee Stafford Cactus Crush Hydration Hit
"If you like your hair to smell like a tropical cocktail, even in the depths of Winter, this Lee Stafford Cactus Crush Hydration Hit [8] (£8) is for you. It's great for giving an instant moisture boost to hair that's been parched by dry weather and central heating, and the melon and lime scent is a little reminder of what's to come once the temperatures start to rise again." — Gemma Cartwright, senior editor
Revlon Photoready Instant Cheek Maker
"If you want to combine your blush and highlight application, Revlon created a product to do just that. The Revlon Photoready Instant Cheek Maker [9] (£11) is perfectly shaped for a quick swipe and smudge and all you're all good to go." — TC
Seche Vite Special Effects Holographic Top Coat
If you want to become a holographic master at home, we've got a tutorial for that [10], but if you can't be bothered with the effort, Seche Vite (aka creators of the best top coat) created Seche Vite Special Effects Holographic Top Coat [11] (£15) in opal and holographic effect. It's possibly the easiest way to ramp up any manicure, perfect for the party season. — TC
Delilah Colour Intense Eyeshadow Palette
"Delilah is one of my favourite British beauty discoveries, and the Delilah Colour Intense Eyeshadow Palette [12] (£34) doesn't disappoint. The butter-soft colours in this nine-pan palette are wearable, blendable, and long-lasting, and the Jezebel shade is perfect for creating a grown-up smoky eye." — GC
Schwarzkopf Got2b Oh My Nude Silky Done Detangling Spray
"This Schwarzkopf Got2b Oh My Nude Silky Done Detangling Spray [13] (£3, originally £4) does what it says on the bottle. It detangles even the most knotty of hair, leaves a silky smooth finish, and smells great." — TC
3INA Glide 'n' Shine Silver Pop
"The 3INA Glide 'n' Shine Silver Pop [14] (£13) will take you to destination dance, turning those peepers into disco balls with intergalactic silver powder-to-gel shadow." — LK
Elf+ Mattifying Primer
"If you and your oily T-zone are still trying to make the friendship work, I recommend adding Elf+ Mattifying Primer [15] (£13) to the mix for a touch of mattification. Made with kaolin clay to help control excess shine and tea tree oil to clarify the skin, this isn't just your average primer." — LK
Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil
"If you're after an all-in-one solution when it comes to oils this Winter, meet Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil [16] (£39)." — TC
Topshop Glow Powder Highlighter in Sunbeam
"Thanks to its easy, wearable glow, this Topshop Glow Powder Highlighter in Sunbeam [17] (£15) has quickly become the latest daily essential thrown into my handbag." — LK
Barbara Sturm Lip Balm
"Judging by the other incredible Barbara Sturm products [18], I knew the new Lip Balm (£40, launching Dec. 4) would be just as good. It's not heavily fragranced, doesn't leave a sticky residue, and nourishes lips as the cold looms in. So if you've got money to spend on lip balm, this is it." — TC
Flawless Lashes by Loreta Duo Brow Pen
"I've never been a huge fan of pencil eyebrow tools. To me, they require too much work, I get bored of sharpening them (lazy, I know), so I'm always on the hunt for new formulas and textures. When I came across Flawless Lashes by Loreta Duo Brow Pen [19] (£17), I was pleasantly surprised with the powdery, spongey application. A little product goes a long way and this will stay in my makeup bag well into 2019." — TC
Mavala Cyber Chic Nail Polish Collection
"The nail art combinations are infinite with the new Mavala Cyber Chic Nail Polish Collection [20] (£5 each), and you won't be able to peel your eyes of the incredible colours. We're not sure whether to keep these simply for display or douse every nail we see in the hues — we'll likely do both." — TC