December’s Best New Beauty Buys

We love lifestyle brand Commune – especially for its luxury candles, which are all crafted into recyclable and reusable aluminium jars. ‘Vetiveria’ has a church-like smell, thanks to notes of frankincense, black tea and tobacco leaf. Thyme and vetiver are in there to give it a green, damp quality. Made from soy and beeswax, it doesn’t contain any chemicals and you can expect a nice, long and clean burn. 

Available at HARRODS.COM

It’s no secret BIBBI fragrances have been some of the best to hit the market in the last 12 moths. Now, the brand is launching a range of candles. Like the scents, each one is unique and long-lasting. ‘Wolf Mother’ is for those who like fresh, eucalyptus-like scents, while ‘Birth Country’ is on the deeper side, with patchouli and cinnamon taking centre stage. Finally, floral fans will enjoy ‘Magic Melancholy’, which balances notes of rose and tangerine with a little leather to ensure it’s never sickly.  

Coming soon to BIBBI-PARFUM.COM

Sandalwood, saffron, cumin, nutmeg and cardamom combine in this heady, winter scent that’s perfect for the evening. It envelops you in a velvety, earthy, smoky aroma that’s guaranteed to give you a confidence boost when you want to feel strong and empowered.  

Available at CULTBEAUTY.CO.UK

It’s not Christmas without Diptyque’s ‘Sapin’ fragrance, which is now available in a room spray. Pine scented, it’s like walking through a festive woodland full of sticky birch sap. We’ll be spritzing this everywhere to create the perfect ambience this season. 

Available at DIPTYQUEPARIS.COM

Relatively few aluminium-free deodorants have worked for us, but this one from MUTHA is impressive. Containing natural arrowroot powder, it soaks up sweat and controls odours without suffocating the skin underneath. There are softening shea butter and coconut oils in there to nourish and moisture. Suitable for all skin types, it never causes irritation, nor does it feel wet or sticky – unlike other natural formulas we’ve tried. So far, so very good. 

Available at NICHE-BEAUTY.COM

This large gua sha-style tool has several curved sides which hug the contours of your neck, face and scalp to alleviate tension. Easy to grip, it glides gently around the skin to stimulate blood flow and reduce puffiness. We love to use it on the body too. It’s even better when left to cool in the fridge. 

Available at ISAMAYA.CO.UK

If you want easy, quick party make-up, try this liner from Urban Decay. Delivering an elegant amount of shimmer, it glides easily along lids and has impressive longevity. You can use it all along the lids or just as a flick at the outer edges – either way, it’s super flattering and easy to use. 

Available at JOHNLEWIS.COM

There are plenty of cuticle trimmers out there, but we’ve found this to be one of the most effective. With great grab and hold, it nips away flakiness without the risk of nicks and cuts. Expect a clean, well-shaped nail every time. 

Available at REVOLVE.COM

Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, this pretty pouch is ideal for storing your make-up essentials. Plus, it doubles up as a night-time or party bag. Very chic, just like all the Les Filles en Rouje make-up. 

Available at ROUJE.COM

This Soothe & Illuminate Cream from Trish McEvoy is hydrating but weightless, with ingredients like green tea, willow bark and bisabolol – the last of which is proven to reduce redness. Immediately, it revives dull skin and tops up moisture reserves, giving a glow that is hard to achieve at this time of year. 

Available at LIBERTYLONDON.COM

These clever mood and health-boosting patches are a godsend for those who are fed up with the supplement faff – or anyone who just wants an easier way to absorb vitamin D. Simply wear these small stickers for eight hours anywhere on the body. Vitamin D3 and K2 absorb gradually to support energy, boost red blood cell development and help promote stronger, healthier bones. Proven to work, these patches were shown to reduce vitamin D3 deficiency in a group of testers from 23% to 0% after eight weeks. 

Available at MYBARRIERE.COM