Editor's Picks: The Only New Beauty Launches Worth Buying Right Now

The beginning of December is probably my favourite time of year. The sun comes out, after-work beach hangs start happening, and the world is a festive place. It also marks the onset of gifting season, which is fun for so many reasons. Not only does it afford me the opportunity to let my people know how much I love them c/o their favourite beauty brands, all of which I know by heart (me = a great pal), it also inspires me to freshen up my own beauty stash. If there's a better way to upgrade my routine than with a stunning limited edition highlighter palette, or martian green toner, I don't know it. Take it from me—the amazing beauty launches on offer this December really can't be beat.
Keep scrolling for my edit.
Laura Mercier Fall in Love Face Illuminator Collection ($65)
Do I even need to go into why this palette is a must-have? JUST LOOK AT IT. Laura Mercier's illuminators are incredible all on their own, but this limited edition foursome is truly all you need for the cheekbones of your dreams. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, I'm coming for you.
This product launches on December 18 and is exclusive to Sephora.
L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Mask Detoxifying & Brightening Charcoal ($20)
My favourite of a trio of new clay masks from L'Oreal Paris, this drugstore gem is perfect for giving your face a deep cleanse. (Ideal for detoxing from party season makeup.) Unlike other charcoal-infused formulas, it doesn't leave skin feeling stripped and tight. Plus, it smells really good—like a fresh bunch of blooms.
Mecca Sarah Moon Collection Nail Polish in Never Tamed ($28)
Nars' entire holiday collab with Sarah Moon is beyond incredible, but this geranium nail shade reminds me of the French photographer's richly-coloured images in particular. The perfect balance of bright and bold, it's a no-brainer year-round.
James Read H2O Tan Mist ($38)
This gradual tanning mist allows you to build up natural-looking colour on your face without ever touching the product. (Read: You'll never have tanned palms again.) Made with Damask rose oil and aloe vera juice, it's also refreshing and smells delightful. I wish I invented it—it's that good.
L'Oreal Professionnel Tecni.Art French Girl Hair Messy Cliche ($33)
Designed to replicate the effortless, tousled French-girl hair we can't get enough of, this texturising spray makes achieving mussed up strands easy. For bedhead vibes, spritz into damp hair, twist small sections around your fingers, then dry with a diffuser.
Moonshot Jelly Pot in Biscotti ($33)
From the magical beauty land of Korea comes another can't-live-without-it beauty brand. Introducing: Moonshot. Known for their fun colourways and interesting textures, my favourite SKUs are these Jelly Pots. They're essentially cream shadows with one difference—a unique jelly-mousse consistency that glides over lids without creasing.
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in Bombshell ($35)
It's true, Huda Beauty is FINALLY available in Australia. The brand's cult rose gold eyeshadow palette is predictably selling its socks off, but I'm just as enamoured with these liquid lips. They paint on smoothly, smell *exactly* like vanilla essence, and don't dry out lips. It's love.
Sunday Riley Martian Mattifying Melting Water-Gel Toner ($80)
This stuff is targeted towards blemish-prone skin (which I don't have), but I wanted to try it SO BADLY I just went ahead and did. (#Rebel.) The good news is, even though it effectively absorbs and balances oil production thanks to a combo of clay and witch hazel, it doesn't dry out skin. I'm currently using it just on my T-zone, and my daily blotting sessions have reduced dramatically.
MAC x Mariah Carey Extra Dimension Skinfinish in My Mimi ($51)
I don't really know what to say about this heavenly highlighter other than you need it as much as you think you do... If you've ever wanted to gleam like Mariah on the cover of her Rainbow album (look it up—thank me later), you'll want to get your mitts on this.
This product launches on December 26.
Theseeke Breathe Floral Facial Steam ($30)
As soon as I opened the box, I was hooked. (Lift up the top and you'll see "hello beautiful" printed inside.) The product itself is just as happy-making, it's a lush floral blend made of rose buds and petals, calendula and jasmine all infused with geranium oil. Sprinkle some in a bowl, add hot water, and let the all-natural facial steam begin.
Rimmel Magnif'Eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Keep Calm & Wear Gold ($20)
Eyeshadow palettes you can use 'til they're empty are RARE, and even more uncommon if you're only looking at drugstore brands. Rimmel's latest offering is the hypothetical needle in the haystack, delivering 8 neutral shades that work on anyone.
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