December’s Best New Beauty Buys

At this time of year, a luxe candle is such a treat. You can always expect to pay more for a designer label but Loewe’s genuinely live up to the hype. Crafted with quality ingredients and powerful enough to properly fill a room with scent, they’re always distinctive. There are three newcomers to choose from: aromatic floral Earl Grey, spicy gourmand Sweet Almond and finally, Black Sesame – think toasty, enveloping nuttiness. Plus, the sculptural vessel adds textural elegance to any room.

Available at PERFUMESLOEWE.COM

Full of party energy, this new liquid eyeliner by French cool-girl label Violette delivers on drama. Simultaneously playful and striking, the iridescent chrome effect nods to the festive season but still feels more wearable and grown-up than full-on disco-grade glitter. With an ultra-fine applicator and designed to stay put for up to 16 hours, this is the key to effortless impact. 

Available at VIOLETTEFR.COM

As the days are getting darker and colder, a product that has the power to elevate your morning shower – and tempt you out of bed – goes a long way. Swedish newcomer Gun Ana has really impressed us. Its Reset Body Cleanser is formulated with vitamin E, aloe vera and gentle, plant-based surfactants, so it works up into a satisfying lather but won’t strip winter-weathered skin. If you’re into subtle warmth, try ‘Deep Wood’, otherwise ‘Cloudy Citrus’ has a soothing, uplifting quality.

Available at GUN-ANA.COM

Created by influencer Victoria Magrath, Byfrow has only just dropped and yet its Pigment Pencil has already earned high praise from beauty editors. Buttery and blendable, this is brilliant for creating the appearance of a fuller pout. Available in a flattering range of wearable naturals, it glides on so smoothly thanks to the inclusion of vitamin E and plant-based waxes, subtly enhancing your natural lip shape, while delivering comfort and creaminess. Blend with a sheer balm for an easy, everyday lip.

Available at BYFROW.COM

Toner pads are officially back but the K-beauty versions that exist today are much more sophisticated. Mediheal’s Madecassoside Blemish Pads have already built up a cult following across Asia and the US, but now they’re available to bag at Boots. Ideal for anyone dealing with congestion, at the heart of the formula is twice-extracted madecassoside which comes from the centella asiatica plant and works to soothe and encourage the skin’s natural repair mechanisms.

Available at BOOTS.COM

In case it somehow passed you by, Dua Lipa has teamed up with results-backed Augustinus Bader to launch her debut skincare line. The three-piece collection is intentionally streamlined but the standout is the Renewal Cream. Powered by the brand’s patented TFC5 complex – a cocktail of peptides, proteins and antioxidants – it works to plump, strengthen and support long-term skin health, while preventing early signs of ageing. Created with younger skin in mind, it also comes in at a more accessible price point than AB’s classics, making it a worthy entry point if you’ve been coveting Dua’s superstar glow. 

Available at DUABYAB.COM

Beauty Pie’s original bestselling LED mask is a fan favourite, but the newer Dynamo Deep design takes things up a notch – a solid investment if you’re wanting to address the signs of ageing. Combining three different wavelengths (630nm, 830nm and 1070nm), this treats multiple concerns at once by boosting blood flow, supercharging collagen production and smoothing fine lines, leaving you feeling visibly bouncier and brighter. Use it between three and five times a week for the best results.

Available at  BEAUTYPIE.COM

Rimmel’s latest addition to its much-loved Thrill Seeker line is one to know if you’re after a full, wide-awake flutter. Not managed to bag those all-important eight hours? This helps you appear more well-rested by lifting your lashes up to 28° and the clever tapered wand design allows you to coat each individual lash, including those hard-to-reach inner corners. Available exclusively on TikTok Shop, it comes in either inky black or a softer espresso shade. 

Available at TIKTOK.COM