New beauty editor-approved buys worthy of your time and money

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas. Why? Jo Malone London has dropped its seasonal selection and, in my humble opinion, nothing marks the start of sparkly season quite like a luxury scent or three. There’s the Orange Bitters Cologne – a citrus cocktail of sweet orange and zesty, fresh mandarin with a base of sandalwood and amber.

The bestselling English Pear & Freesia Cologne has been granted special edition status and wrapped in so 2024 candy stripes. And finally the delicious Ginger Biscuit Cologne – spiced with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon, with a warming tonka bean base that, yes, smells as tasty as it sounds. 

The No1 gift idea for people who are tricky to buy for, because who doesn’t love a selection box? But these ones are packed with the very best beauty treats. First up, there’s a Wellbeing Edit, which is £45 and *spoiler alert* contains: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Mask; Patchology Rose Hand Mask; Crème De La Mer Moisturising Cream; Ren Sleep Spray; Murad Youth Renewal Serum; This Works Body Cocoon; Olverum Bath Oil; Votary Intense Night Oil. 

Next, there’s a Haircare Edit, which is £45 and has (deep breath): Briogeo Deep Conditioning Mask; Ouai Leave In Conditioner; Philip Kingsley Elasticizer; Living Proof Triple Bond Complex; Aveda Botanical Repair; Christophe Robin Regenerating Shampoo; Virtue Hair Oil. Phew! Destined to be as popular as you come Christmas Day. 

The Ordinary’s much hyped suits-all-skins pink serum looks cool – but is it really as good as TikTok-types say it is? 

What’s in it? Actives (niacinamide and ceramides) to help repair the skin barrier, soothe discomfort and reduce the look of redness.

How to apply? Use two drops every morning and night – apply to palms, then press into skin to activate (a bit like applying aftershave). 

Does it work? After seven days, my thirsty, combination skin felt more hydrated. And after three weeks, it looks noticeably smoother, minus my usual cold weather flare ups. In a word? Yes, it works.

Caramel, chestnut, espresso, hot choc – whichever nail polish you reach for this winter, make it brown. Why? This suits-all shade is an easier, more affordable alternative to the ‘latte makeup’ movement, plus – much like traditional burgundy – brown manicures manage to make the rest of you look sophisticated too.

Now’s the time to give your skincare regime a cool-weather overhaul. The first step? Overnight skincare heroes that repair, renew and nourish.