This week, our regular testing pile took a very festive turn – with all the new beauty products arriving boxed, bundled and beautifully ribbon-ready. So, while this week’s lineup is suspiciously stacked with Christmas gift sets, rest assured: we didn’t approach them like a regular Xmas gift guide. Instead, we tried them, wore them, washed with them, glossed with them – and in several cases, quietly decided they were coming home with us. Consider this less “what to gift” and more “what we tested this week and accidentally kept,” with a little extra Christmas sparkle thrown in.
Ultimate Repair Trio – Limited Edition, $119.95, by Wella Professionals at Adore Beauty
This trio of tress saviours (shampoo, mask and Miracel Rescu repair serum) quietly staged a hair intervention — just in time for party season. One wash in and lengths felt smoother, stronger and suspiciously well-behaved, like they’d been professionally styled and told to behave themselves. The mask is the standout: rich, restorative and the kind you “accidentally” leave on while wrapping presents. Technically a gift set, emotionally a December hair survival kit.
Limited Edition Pout Preserve Lip Vault Glimmer Set, $116, by Ole Henriksen at Sephora
If you’re planning to sneak a peck under the mistletoe, may we suggest you slap on this limited edition lip set before you pucker up? Each balm delivers hydration, shine and a subtle plumping effect that feels festive without being overdone. The shades cover every mood – from cosy nights to full glam. We fully intended to share and immediately changed our minds.
Infinite Shine Holiday ’25 Quad Gift Set, $61.95, by OPI
OPI’s annual Xmas set comes through with the festive vibes … Even if the rest of your life is a mess. Bubble Bath and Big Apple Red feel especially right for December — timeless, glossy and zero second-guessing. The base and top coat do all the hard work, so your manicure survives cooking, clinking glasses and last-minute errands. It’s the kind of nail set you reach for when you want to look put together with minimal effort.
The Ginger Deluxe Christmas Gift Bundle, $81.94, by Cooki
Festive without being gimmicky, this bundle for your locks will ensure they make the move from naughty to nice list. The ginger shampoo and conditioner bars deliver real lift — perfect for hair that’s been heat-styled within an inch of its life. The gingerbread man adds a playful holiday touch, but the scalp massager is the real treat. It’s wholesome, effective and very easy to get attached to.
Marshmallow Lips Overnight Mask & Lip Balm Set, $16.99, by DB Cosmetics
Who needs to debate the merits of Pav v Pudding, when this lip duo deliver dessert for your lips — minus the sugar crash. The vanilla balm keeps lips glossy through the day, while the chocolate overnight mask repairs the damage done by festive fizz and late nights. We woke up with genuinely softer lips, not just “I think it worked” lips. Cute, cosy and perfect for December dryness.
Ready To Jelly Vault Set (Limited Edition), $164, by Milk Makeup at Sephora
Cooling, sheer and ridiculously easy to use, these tinsel-free tints deliver that fresh, flushed festive look that works from daytime lunches to night-time catch-ups. Minus the sparkle. Every shade feels wearable, buildable and forgiving after a long December day. We tried one, then kept swiping like it was a festive ritual.
For Fresh Starts Set, $70, by Kit at Mecca
There’s something very end-of-year about a clean, simple skin care reset. This simple set strips things back to the essentials, leaving skin calm, hydrated and quietly glowing. No overload, no overthinking — just a routine that works when your brain is tired. Perfect for those in-between days where you want to feel refreshed without committing to “new year, new me.”
Limited Edition Oi Kit, $128.95, by Davines at Adore Beauty
If you want hair that looks expensive at every holiday event, this limited edition kit delivers. The shampoo and conditioner smooth instantly, while the Liquid Luster adds that glassy, light-catching finish. It’s quick, weightless and impossible not to admire in reflective surfaces. Party hair, minus the stress.
On-The-Glow Blush Duo (Holiday Limited Edition), $37, by Pixi at Sephora
These merry minis are made for festive touch-ups. The formula melts into skin, giving that “just had a mulled wine” flush without shimmer overload. Ruby and Juicy work on cheeks and lips, making them ideal for quick reapplications between plans. Small, glowy and very easy to love.
Hollywood Iconic Mini Lip Trio, $49, by Charlotte Tilbury
This tiny trio punches well above its weight. And, is basically three tubes of instant holiday confidence – with Icon Baby, 90s Pink and Rose to Fame delivering flattering, glossy pinks for every festive mood and moment. Packaged in a limited-edition pink tin, it’s small, shiny and dangerously easy to carry everywhere this party season.
The Lot (Festive Addition), $195, by Brillo Beauty
Thoughtful, nurturing and deeply comforting — this set feels like care wrapped in a bow. The butter and oil became instant December staples for dry, stretched or tired skin. Everything is fragrance-free and gentle, which feels especially grounding at this time of year. A slow, soothing counterpoint to festive chaos.
Gift Of Kings Guidance Eau De Parfum Gift Set, $599, by Amouage
This fragrance pack is big, luxurious, end-of-year energy. Guidance unfolds slowly, revealing warm amber, soft florals and a depth that feels especially fitting for nights out and special occasions. The shower gel and lotion turn getting ready into a full sensory moment. It’s indulgent, dramatic and unapologetically festive.
Facial SPF, Lip Balm, Beauty Bag & Scrunchie Set, $160, by Mecca Cosmetica x E Nolan at Mecca
This set feels made for December running around. The SPF is lightweight and glowy, ideal for long sunny days that turn into late nights, while the lip balm quietly saves lips from heat and dehydration. The beauty bag and scrunchie make it feel pulled-together without trying. It’s the kind of kit that earns a permanent spot in your holiday tote.
No.04 Bois De Balincourt Set, $210, by Maison Louis Marie at Sephora
Earthy, warm and quietly intoxicating, this fragrance set feels like slipping away from the noise. The mix of sandalwood, cedar and spice develops beautifully on skin, especially in cooler evenings. Having both oil and spray lets you tailor the mood depending on the occasion. Cozy, romantic and very December-appropriate
Day & Night Duo Pack, $32, by Lanolips at Priceline
A classic year-round, this duo works overtime during festive season. The cult 101 Ointment keeps lips comfortable through the day, while the overnight mask repairs the damage done by dry air and celebratory drinks. Simple, effective and excellent value. Consider it lip insurance for December.
Santa said we’ve been nice …
Given that it’s the season of giving, we’re adding an additional option to our Xmas Wish List – the Neroli Orchidee Fragrance Collection, $155, by L’Occitane. We love all things L’Occitane – and this luminous trio of scents that blends fresh citrus, soft white orchid and subtle fruity notes for effortless festive elegance is no exception. Featuring a perfumed shower gel, eau de toilette and nourishing hand cream, it turns everyday rituals into a moment of holiday indulgence. Talk about a gift that sleights!
