Our Must-Have Products This December
With fresh and innovative new beauty brands landing on The Handbook beauty desk every single day, the choice of products is fast becoming overwhelming, even for us. So, we’ve done the hard work for you and filtered out the products which really are worth parting with your hard-earned cash. From LED eye brighteners and a supermodel scent to charity wash bags and luxe hairspray, these are the products that have made our beauty editor squeal with excitement this month.
It’s not often you smell a scent created by a celebrity and it actually smells bloody fabulous. This award-winning scent by supermodel Kate Moss, is not new, but deserves a place on this list mainly because strangers keep stopping to ask me what scent I’m wearing – and it’s this! Warm woody notes of Tonika Bean, Cedarwood, Bergamot and Jasmine mixed with florals from Kate’s own back garden(!!) make this fragrance mood-boosting and it seems, stops people in their tracks too.rnrn
After the sell-out collection five years ago, that raised over £35,000 for charity, the distinctive fashion brand with its lightning bolt motif, has returned with a new collection of funky cosmetics bags that give back to charities like Future Dreams, Refuge and Beauty Banks. Teaming up with big names in beauty including Hannah Martin, Ruby Hammer, Caroline Hirons to name few, who designed their very own cosmetic bag that spreads tonnes of joy and charity.rnrn
Consider this seasonal therapy in a box with a selection of some of the best Soil Association certified beauty brands, carefully curated by Suzanne Duckett, journalist, author, and podcast host, who knows everything there is to know about green beauty and wellbeing while taking care of the planet too. This bundle of sustainable swaps is a great intro into brands that support your inner and outer beauty. It makes a wonderful gift and saves you pounds too.rnrn
A hair essential for controlling flyways and keeping styles in place. This barely-there spray (that dries quickly) is humidity-resistant yet flexible with a natural, touchable finish – minus any crunchiness. It’s easy to brush out at the end of the day but the incredible scent is what really had me at hello! Haircare doesn’t come more luxurious than this.rnrn
Adding to its’ existing iconic mascara portfolio, comes this supercharged mascara that creates a lot of drama with thicker lashes that delivers instant volume and length. The substantial wand picks up lots of pigment, which is brilliant for party lashes but perhaps a little too much for a daytime look. It has a 12-hour staying power which honestly didn’t budge or flake when I tested it on my own lashes.rnrn
Whether you’re planning on spending the festive season late night partying or cosying up indoors near the fire/radiator, your skin will be crying out for deep hydration from either scenario. This aptly named rich velvety formula, is an overnight leave-on cream mask that deeply penetrates to revitalise and repair mature skin for a re-energised appearance come morning, working together with the body’s natural repairing cycle to promote healthier skin. After many late nights, sadly working, rather than partying, I can vouch for its skincare wonders.rnrn
Already a huge fan of Barr’s healing patches, the period pain relief patches are a herbal formula made to support women during painful and uncomfortable monthly cycles. Incredibly discreet, place over specific acupuncture points on the lower back and sacrum and enjoy the heat from the herbs which will quickly soothe your cramps. Top tip: As an IBS sufferer, I regularly rely on these to ease pain in my stomach when I’m having a bad episode.rnrn
I’m always trying to convert friends to introducing a face oil into their skincare regime, particularly at this time of the year when skin is crying out for extra hydration. This lightweight oil is brilliantly versatile – mix into your moisturiser or foundation, layer on top of your night cream or simply wear alone. It gives skin a lovely glow and feels very soothing, and like the rest of this impressive range, it’s affordable.rnrn
Calendar jam-packed this month? Give tired eyes a boost with this mini but mighty LED device which is designed to brighten dark circles, diminish under eye-bags and smooth wrinkles fast. Just pop a peptide and niacinamide infused single-use patch (there’s 14 in each box) on the device and place it where you want it. It’s handsfree, wireless with zero discomfort. I’ve been wearing mine while wrapping Christmas presents – everyone’s a winner!rnrn
This limited-edition eyeshadow is literally all you need to dress up party eyes. A luxurious shimmer eye shadow that makes the eyelids sparkle – but in a grown-up way. Easily buildable. Pat on with fingertips into the inner corner of your eye and then sweep across for a gleaming sheen. Plus, the opulent gold leaf packaging, makes this a seriously special purchase.rnrn
After years fighting with false lash application, I have finally cracked it with the help of this genius kit that has a handy applicator (that basically plays the part of your tweezers or fingers but easier to control) and pre-glued lashes that uses pre-bond technology, so they don’t budge for up to 24-hours – which is seriously impressive. With 20 clusters in each pack this will see you through Christmas, New Year and beyond.rnrn
Before you gasp at the staggering pricetag, let me explain the following. This plant-based super serum is a testament to over 35 years of research and development. It’s strong in effect, but gentle in action with just two key ingredients (Alpine Plant Melatonin and Vitamin E) that get to work at speed. It’s suitable for every skin type, even sensitive skins and backed by clinical evidence that claims to deliver smoother, youthful skin with more bounce within just four weeks. Since using this, I have seen a definite improvement in redness. My skin seems calmer and hasn’t reacted to the drop in temperature like it has done in the past.rnrn
Whatever your skin type, natural collagen begins to deplete from 20 years plus, so frankly we could all do with a daily top up. These marine-based collagen individual sachets, are a handy way to get your collagen fix. Your skin, hair and nails will visibly look and feel better after just eight weeks. Plus, unlike so many collagen supps on the market, these taste delicious – blood orange, ginger, and raspberry. Consider them a mocktail for your skin.rnrn
If like me you lie in bed desperate to get your forty winks, but struggle to turn off and tune out, this sleep balm will be the best partner that you’ve ever gone to bed with! Rub a 20p-size amount on the inside of your palms and temples while making sure to breathe in the aromatic aromas of lavender, chamomile, and orange blossom. Bliss.rnrn
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
