I’m a beauty editor who tests hundreds of new products every month, the best items out there right now
I’VE spent hours and hours testing new beauty products in the run-up to Christmas, with everyone I know asking what should be on their wish lists – and these are the very best on the shelves.
There aren’t many things that me, my younger sister, and my best friend’s mum have in common – but You is one of them. Glossier You EDP, that is.
The cosy, comforting violet and pink pepper based perfume has been a cult hit since it launched in 2017, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love it.
Glossier You EDP, £62 for 50ml
In fact, whenever I wear it, I get at least one compliment.
It’s clean – not in a sterile way, but in a “freshly washed sheets hanging on the line to dry in the sun” kind of way.
It always lifts my mood, is calming at the same time – and has been a failsafe present for years.
THE NEW CULT PERFUMES
You can imagine how excited I was when I saw the brand was launching not one, but two new scents: Glossier You Reve and Glossier You Doux.
Glossier You Reve, £62 for 50ml
They are both recognisable as part of the You family, and share the same powdery, woody heart, but You Reve is the grown-up, sexier version of the original, with the inclusion of plum that makes it almost jammy but still not too sweet.
Glossier You Doux, £62 for 50ml
You Doux is more laid-back. and is my favourite of the two.
With earthy additions of palo santo and myrrh, it’s more warming than the original, which makes it perfect for this time of year, and it lasts longer, too – I can still smell it on my clothes a day later.
YOUR AT-HOME MANI FIX
It’s not the only wait-list-inducing product of the month – if the queue outside the store on launch day is anything to go by, you’ll probably have already seen the new Disney Fantasia X Pleasing collection.
I have to admit, I wasn’t sold at first sight – namely, because Pleasing’s mainstay is nail polish.
I’ve always outsourced my manicures, but the stickers that come with each nail kit in the collection have changed my mind.
Fantasia X Pleasing L’Apprenti Sorcier Nail Polish Set, £65
In the name of research, I put one on each thumb, and then went to stay at a spa hotel in the Swiss mountains – think gloves, lots of hand cream, and even more time spent in the Jacuzzi and steam room.
Well, to my surprise, they lasted all week – and eventually I had to take them off to repaint my nails.
WINTER SKIN, SORTED
It goes against every piece of expert advice I’ve ever received, but I completely overhauled my skincare routine this month.
I’m still using an old-faithful niacinamide serum, but everything else is new.
I have to admit, the wholesale change was unintentional, but I loved a trio of new launches so much that I couldn’t not use them every day.
Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-in-One Face Oil, £55
First up, Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-in-One Face Oil, which almost put me off before I’d even tried it.
I have greasy, spot-prone skin, so I usually steer clear of any oil-based skincare products, but each of the 16 oils included in the blend are non-comedogenic, so won’t cause breakouts – win!
It sinks in quickly, so there’s no residue left to stain my pillow, and it’s doing wonders to prevent the dry, sore skin I usually end up with at this time of year.
Murad Restorative Hydro-Hyaluronic Cream, £65
I’ve been alternating it with Murad Restorative Hydro-Hyaluronic Cream in the morning, which is a super-rich but fast-absorbing cream packed with hydrating, soothing ingredients and brightening antioxidants that sits really well under make-up, and stops it looking dry and dusty by the end of the day.
The last of my new go-tos – and potentially the best – is Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm, £40.
Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm, £40
I say that because it is everything you need from a cleanser in one tub – which is increasingly important as party season rolls around, bringing with it a more slovenly attitude to washing my face.
It cuts through even waterproof mascara, doesn’t sting my eyes and so far, hasn’t caused any spots.
It’s the latest in a long list of Tatcha products I can’t imagine not having in my beauty armoury!
How To Save Money On Beauty Buys
IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes?
Here’s five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but for a fraction of the price.
FACE BASE: If you can’t afford Charlotte Tilbury‘s £52 Magic Cream, why not try a dupe that costs just £5.49 from Superdrug?
TONE IT UP: If Drunk Elephant’s £62 Protini moisturiser is out of your price range, you’ll need to check out the new dupe in Home Bargains.
TINTING IT: With Fenty’s ‘game-changer’ skin tint costing an eye-watering £29, a popular supermarket’s affordable alternative might just be the thing for you.
GET COVERED: At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50.
SPRAY YAY: For those wanting to smell fresh, without the price tag, Aldi’s new Prada and Chloe perfume dupes cost a fraction of the price.
Lanolips Tinted Balm in Rhubarb SPF30, £8.99
I wrote a whole column about tinted lip balms last week, and the day after it went to press, Lanolips Tinted Balm in Rhubarb SPF30, £8.99, landed on my desk.
The fact that it’s already become a go-to shows just how obsessed with it I am.
It feels nice and glossy but isn’t sticky, and the pink hue will suit all skin tones.
CHRISTMAS IN A CANDLE
Jo Malone Roasted Chestnut Home Candle, £59
Finally, I’ve been watching Christmas films for over a month now (thanks, Great! Christmas) so I’m more than in the festive spirit, and Jo Malone Roasted Chestnut Home Candle, £59, is helping counteract the depressing dark nights admirably.
As the name suggests, the scent is similar to that of the street vendors selling the real deal on the street corners of cities uop and down the country – with delicious notes of caramel, cinnamon and nutmeg alongside smoky wood and clove.
It’s the best of Christmas in a candle, without any of the bleach-adjacent pine notes. The countdown is well and truly on!