Consider this your shortcut to the good stuff. Every season our editors field a steady stream of new launches, cult reformulations, and under-the-radar finds — and as the cooler months settle in, we’re pulling back the curtain on the products actually making it into our routines. From skin-saving serums to the lip colours earning repeat purchases, these are the beauty buys we’re genuinely reaching for right now.
Sarah Murray
Editor-in-chief
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa, $66, from MECCA. “I’m obsessed… It gives a more subtle line than a black and is so soft it melts into your skin.”
Davines OI Shampoo, $64, and Conditioner, $67. “I can’t live without this duo. I always go back to it as it keeps my hair sleek and silky.”
Raeso Sun Milk Drops Tinted SPF 50, $115. “Literally the chicest facial sunscreen around.”
Yumi Lash Lift & Tint from Lash Noir, $155. “I’ve been going there for years and they still do the best lash lift in town.”
Georgia Bramley
Creative director
Shark CryoGlow Cooling LED Face Mask, $850. “I’ve been using this constantly lately. I love how easy it is to seamlessly slip into my routine.”
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Crème Cleanser, $84. “One of the few cleansers that actually leaves my skin feeling hydrated instead of stripped.”
Byré After Dark Coco, $85. “I make one before bed every night, it curbs cravings and has become part of my wind-down routine.”
Sans [ceuticals] Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil, $89. “So nourishing and a product I always come back to.”
Lucy Slight
Beauty editor-at-large
Murad Lipid-Enriched Double Cleansing Balm, $89. “It melts away make-up, sunscreen, and everything else… while leaving my skin feeling nourished.”
Chloe Zara Hair Glossifying Mist, $59. “[It] helps reduce frizz, define waves, and condition dry ends without weighing my hair down at all.”
Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, $60. “A recent discovery, this super-hydrating moisturiser has become a key part of my routine.”
Cuti Cuticle Oil, $49. “It doesn’t take much for my cuticles to get dry and rough, but this oil keeps them in good condition through winter.”
Natalia Didovich
Digital producer
Essie Wicked 49 Nail Polish, $19. “I never feel fully dressed without my nails done. This deep burgundy polish is my shade du jour this winter.”
ghd Speed Ionic Hair Dryer, $645. “The new ghd speed is a miracle worker for thick-haired, time-poor people everywhere. I’ve managed to whittle down my 40-minute blow-dry routine to just under 15 minutes. Even better, the finish holds up. My hair feels smooth, polished, and healthier than ever.”
Sans [ceuticals] Nourishing Hair Hydratant Ultra+, $47. “Natural, nourishing, and it combats frizz? What more could you want.”
Aesop Fabulous Face Oil, $87. “If glowing, well-rested skin could be bottled, it would probably look something like this.”
Dan Ahwa
Fashion editor-at-large
Hydee Mixed Electrolytes Pack, $46. “I mix electrolytes with creatine in my water every day: functional and very gym-adjacent.”
Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream, $33. “I’ve got combination skin, so I tend to be fairly specific about hydration in winter. This one does the job without being too heavy or greasy.”
Kate Somerville Mega-A Skin Transforming Serum, $166, from MECCA. “This is probably as extravagant as I would go for skincare, but using something like this at my age with retinal… feels like I’m doing something good for my skin.”
HINU Hair Growth Oil, $105. “It’s perfect for fine, wavy hair like mine that requires significant hydration and support. I also love the fresh scent and the way it looks on the shelf. An emerald bottle filled with some great oils: Argan, rosemary, camellia, peppermint… Sublime.”
Sophie de Renzy
Multimedia content co-ordinator
Kosas Revealer Concealer, $63, from MECCA. “I’m foundation-free most days, but refuse to leave the house without this Kosas concealer on. It’s super light on the skin but still provides great coverage.”
BONNIE Golden Gradual Tanning Lotion, $47. “BONNIE keeps me golden year-round. It’s easy to apply and it lasts.”
Aesop Sculpt Hair Polish, $57. “My slickback holy grail — no product will ever replace this for me! It’s light, smells fantastic, and stays in place all day.”
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Eye Patches, $48, from MECCA. “I’ve been on the hunt for eye patches that actually tame that morning ‘puff’ and these deliver. They’re cooling, super hydrating, and leave my under-eyes looking refreshed and awake. 10/10.”
Vanessa Bathfield
Commercial editor
Pure Mama Belly & Body Oil, $74. “Comforting hydration for my ever-growing bump! This oil helps soften tightness and has me feeling well-cared-for throughout pregnancy.”
Aesop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm, $51. “This cream deeply nourishes my dry hands and the herbaceous scent is instantly comforting.”
Kérastase Genesis Anti-Hairfall Heat Protectant Spray, $84. from MECCA. “I’m always careful to protect my long hair when heat styling and this spray does just that.”
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $83. “My go-to serum for an instant boost of hydration, it makes my skin feel plumper, smoother and more refreshed day by day.”
Tiffany Bernardini
Commercial director
Olaplex No.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment, $84, from MECCA. “I’ve recently started using this treatment and I’m finding it’s very hydrating, especially for winter where my usual combination skin can become dry.”
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint Nourishing Glaze in Toast, $39, from MECCA. “Even if I’ve got hardly any make-up on, it freshens the look, which is handy when I’m running from meeting to meeting.”
Twyg Renewing Antioxidant Facial Oil, $135. “I find this extremely hydrating and when I wake up, my skin looks visibly brighter. It has a subtle fragrance, which I believe is the tomato extract.”
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, $141, from MECCA. “My go-to for glowing skin. I love mixing a small amount into my foundation to sheer it out, creating a lighter, more natural, clean-skin finish.”
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of Fashion Quarterly.
Imagery: Supplied.
