33 New Beauty Products Our Editors Are Loving This December

Addiction | Colorscience / Sephora and Photo Illustration: Aly Lim
Addiction | Colorscience / Sephora and Photo Illustration: Aly Lim
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Even though the start of fall feels like just yesterday, in a blink, it's already December. Halloween and Thanksgiving have come and gone, and it's time to start (and for some, wrap up) your holiday shopping. Checking off every name from your list can be daunting, but the latest launches from some of your favorite brands make it a whole lot easier.

Month after month, brands have impressed us with new innovations across the hair, makeup, skin, nail, and body categories, and they certainly didn't take the month of December off. From new skin-care tools that make indulging in a little self-care oh so easy to festive makeup palettes that have us audibly gasping with every pigmented swipe, our editors have found no shortage of exciting beauty products to test — and rave about — this month. On this list, not only will you find serums, candles, lip gloss, perfumes, and even a few limited-edition sets, but you also may just find the perfect beauty gift for someone on your list (or yourself). Whether you're looking to revamp your existing beauty routine or need some stocking stuffers for your upcoming holiday celebration, we've got you covered.

Keep reading to dive into the beauty products our editors are loving for December.

Best Eyeshadow Single
sephora.com

Best Eyeshadow Single

KVD Beauty Dazzle Gel Hyper-Metallic Vegan Eyeshadow ($24)

"The KVD Beauty Dazzle Gel Eyeshadow is one of the coolest products I've come across in a while. The metallic finish in the product intensifies as you blend it, so you can start out with a normal purple or blue liner or shadow, but by the time you're finished, you'll have the most gorgeous shimmer on your eye. It's like the product is working double time." — Ariel Baker, assistant editor, Beauty

Best Lip Balm
target.com

Best Lip Balm

Eos Holiday Super Balm Tube ($5)

"I'm already obsessed with the Eos super balms — for someone with perennially chapped lips, its moisture-packed formulas are some of only a few that work for me — but this holiday iteration might be my favorite yet. You still get the same hit of hydration thanks to its cocoa, shea, and avocado butters, but it has a festive peppermint scent that is a close second to sucking on an actual candy cane." — Kelsey Castañon, senior director of Content

Best Liquid Eyeshadow
sephora.com

Best Liquid Eyeshadow

Ami Colé Lid Joy Matte Liquid Eyeshadow ($16)

"The Lid Joys from Ami Cole are the definition of easy to use. A few swipes and my eyeshadow is on, blended, and will not move as I work and run around the city. They're also so easy to travel with, I'll definitely be taking them with me on a trip that I have coming up." — AB

Best Eyeshadow Palette
addictiontokyobeauty.com

Best Eyeshadow Palette

Addition Tokyo Beauty Unknown Familiar Eyeshadow Palette ($62)

"I'm not usually a big eyeshadow person, but in the wintertime, I love a little pop of color on my lids. It feels so festive while also being easy. The Addition Tokyo Beauty Unknown Familiar Eyeshadow Palette contains six easy-to-use hues that can be worn together or alone. The metallic finishes catch the light so beautifully." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty

Best Plumping Gloss
ulta.com

Best Plumping Gloss

Nyx Professional Makeup Duck Plump High Pigment Lip Plumping Gloss ($13)

"Nyx's Duck Plump lip glosses are absolutely stunning. They are a higher-pigment gloss so you can wear them in place of a more traditional lipstick if you'd like, but I've been using them to add a hint more of color to a lip combination when I want it to veer more peach, pink, or neutral, and then topping the entire lip combination with a clear gloss. They do have a pretty strong tingle that lasts for a few minutes, but for these colors, I don't mind at all." — AB

Best Powder Highlighter
chanel.com

Best Powder Highlighter

Chanel Les Symboles de Chanel Oversize Illuminating Powder in Warm Gold ($95)

"Highlighter is the No. 1 makeup product I always reach for. Even if I'm going completely makeup-free otherwise, I'll still swipe a little highlighter on the top of my cheekbones and nose. Lit from within and all that, you know? The new Chanel Illuminating Powder in the warm gold shade is just what I've been needing as my skin begins to lose some of its summer glow. It adds just the right amount of sun-kissed-ness with just a hint of shimmer — it's a two-in-one subtle bronzer and highlighter that has become a staple in my everyday." — Aviel Kanter, director, Branded Content

Best Lip Pencil
sephora.com

Best Lip Pencil

Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Long-Lasting Lip Pencil ($30)

"Nars revamped its Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil, and I have never been more in love with them, especially the shade Bohemian Rhapsody. It's the perfect warm-toned brown for the fall and winter, and I have even used it as blush. However you incorporate it into your routine, expect a matte, long-lasting formula that you won't want to put down." — AB

Best Serum Foundation
sephora.com

Best Serum Foundation

Ciele Tint & Protect Serum Foundation ($44)

"When I heard that one of my favorite makeup artists, Nikki DeRoest, was helping to develop a makeup line, I knew it was going to be good. What I love about DeRoest's technique — which I've been lucky enough to learn from her firsthand — is the attention to accentuating the skin's natural radiance. I learned about the blush-across-the-nose-bridge look from her and have never looked back. Just as I expected, the Tint and Protect Serum from Ciele is just about perfect. It's lightweight but gives a pretty decent amount of coverage if that's what you're looking for. I like to apply it with a damp sponge (which the brand makes) for an extra-dewy look. The best part? SPF 50." — AK

Best Face and Eye Palette
sephora.com

Best Face and Eye Palette

Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V: I Am Palette For Eyes And Face ($125)

"The Danessa Myricks Beauty Lightwork V: I Am Palette is a masterpiece. From the incredible duo-chrome colors to the richly pigmented formula, it feels like a treasured jewel in my collection. Not only is it stunning on the eyes and on any vanity, but the names of each shade are inspired by affirmations that the brand encourages you to say when you are using each color, which I absolutely love." — AB

Best Matte Lipstick
violettefr.com

Best Matte Lipstick

Violette FR Petal Bouche Matte ($28)

"Violette FR's Petal Bouche Matte Lipsticks are hands down one of my favorite lipstick formulas of all time. The brand only releases one color every year, and this year's was Cerise Désir, a gorgeous burgundy shade. Not only can you see the nuance in these colors (they truly do work on every single skin tone), but they feel like a rose petal on the lips (seriously). This product is always a delight to use year-round." — AB

"I'm not much of a lipstick wearer, but when I do decide to swipe some on, I like to go heavy on the pigment. Not only is the buildable color of this new Petal Bouche shade absolutely exquisite, the matte finish stays put for hours. I can personally attest to this as I just wore it to a wedding that started with a ceremony at 4 p.m. and ended with dancing barefoot at my hometown bar at 2 a.m. I may have been a little worse for the wear by the time I rolled into bed, but my lipstick was still picture perfect." — AK

Best Lip Balm Set
burtsbees.com

Best Lip Balm Set

Burt's Bees The OG Balm & Bottle Set ($50, originally $54)

"What's better than two four-packs of the bestselling Burt's Bees lip balms in peak season of dry, chapped lips? I'll tell you what: a water bottle in the shape of the classic lip balm that'll keep you hydrated from the inside out. That's what you call cute and functional." — KC

Best Cleanser
colorescience.com

Best Cleanser

Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser ($46)

"I'm a big (big, big) fan of a double cleanse, so when Colorescience said it was coming out with a one-step cleanser that functioned like a balm and gel formula, I was intrigued. To use the Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser, you massage it into dry skin to break down makeup, then add water to work it into a light suds, and finally rinse it away with more water. It removes makeup like a breeze and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, never dry." — JH

Best Water-Gel Moisturizer
ulta.com

Best Water-Gel Moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer ($28)

"I've come to accept that I should be using moisturizers that cater to my oily skin instead of looking like a dewy dumpling 24/7. While you won't be able to pry some of my thicker top-shelf formulas from my hands, I did get a chance to try the new Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Cream, and it was an immediate hit. My skin felt hydrated and supple, and the glow on my face looked like it came from within and wasn't just sitting on top of my skin. I've already added it to my skin-care rotation, and I'll definitely be buying more once I finish it up." — AB

Best AHA Serum
toty.com

Best AHA Serum

Toty Transforma AHA Serum ($79)

"I have a lot of hyperpigmentation on my face from spending hours in the sun without wearing SPF as a teen. I'm always on the hunt for products that will help reverse sun damage while still being safe for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. Toty's Transforma AHA Serum is made with a mix of glycolic, lactic, and citric acids to soothe and exfoliate, as well as hyaluronic acid to moisturize. It's the perfect product for reducing dark spots while still soothing my skin." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

Best Brow Serum
nuskin.com

Best Brow Serum

Nu Skin Lash + Brow Serum ($72)

"Of all my questionable decisions growing up, I'm proud that I never succumbed to the overplucking trend of the late '90s. Imagine my surprise, then, that in the last few months, I've noticed my brows looking more sparse than ever. Very few products I've tried in the past have worked in a meaningful way, so I've been pleasantly surprised that the Nu Skin Lash + Brow Serum has helped fill in some patchy areas of my eyebrows over this last month of testing, thanks to its blend of peptides that work to boost hair growth." — KC

Best Brightening Serum
eadem.co

Best Brightening Serum

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum ($15)

"I really wish more brands did this — how great would it be if you could try out that $150 serum before buying to make sure you're actually spending your money on something that works? I've seen how well the Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum works to fade dark spots on several of my friends who have more melanated skin, so I already know that the hype for this product is real. I can't wait to start my trial period (which, by the way, comes with a $20 gift card to put toward the full-size bottle)." — AK

Best Face Oil
herbarofficial.com

Best Face Oil

Herbar The Face Oil ($49)

"In the winter months, I'm all about adding extra hydration into my skin-care routine. Herbar's Face Oil has been a lifesaver when it comes to fighting off dry patches, especially around my nose. It's formulated with a calming mushroom blend that soothes my skin in minutes. I love applying it at night before bed and doing a facial massage with the brand's Gua-Shroom, a mushroom-shaped gua sha tool." — RR

Best Toner Pads
sofiepavittface.com

Best Toner Pads

Sofie Pavitt Face Nice Ice Toner Pods ($68)

"I'm a self-proclaimed puffy girl. No matter if I had too many glasses of wine the night before or got 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep, I'm going to wake up puffy. It's just my lot in life. However, facialist Sofie Pavitt has come to my rescue with her Nice Ice cryo toning pads. The pack comes with 12 pods that you pop in the freezer. In the morning (or any time, really), I grab one, take the frozen toner and pop it on a cotton round, and lather it all over my swollen face. I can immediately see a reduction in inflammation, along with soothed skin. Plus, the cold just wakes me right up. The toner formula (which is infused with glycerin, niacinamide, green tea extract, and ashwagandha) sinks right into my skin and preps it for the next step in my morning routine." — AK

Best Pre-Shampoo Treatment
leonorgreyl-usa.com

Best Pre-Shampoo Treatment

Leonor Greyl Paris L'Huile de Leonor Greyl ($60)

"Pre-shampoo treatments are a new thing for me. I never used to do them, and now, I can't get enough, and I've noticed a huge difference in my hair. The Leonor Greyl Paris L'Huile de Leonor Greyl is formulated to deeply hydrate and smooth dry hair with jojoba, coconut, sesame, and sunflower seed oil. You simply leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing it out in the shower and it gives you ultra-shiny, glass-like hair." — JH

Best Body Oil
sephora.com

Best Body Oil

OUI the People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss Oil With Squalane ($65)

"I already loved the Oui the People Body Gloss, but the brand came out with a new version that is Orange Blossom scented, and it is divine. The note is one of my absolute favorites and smells like you just stepped foot out of a shower. Coupled with the glow that this leaves on my skin? I'm never putting this bottle down." — AB

Best Body Powder
eskerbeauty.com

Best Body Powder

Esker Damp to Dry Body Powder ($35)

"Esker's Damp to Dry Body Powder has been an absolute lifesaver on more than one occasion. I switched over to natural deodorant a few years ago, and although it helps mask body odor, it doesn't stop me from sweating. This powder is easy to use and doesn't make a mess, and it's perfect for sopping up sweat (as gross as that mental picture may be — it happens!)." — RR

Best Body Lotion
sephora.com

Best Body Lotion

Sol de Janeiro Biggie Biggie Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($85, originally $105)

"OK, I was planning to give this as a gift, but OMG, when it arrived, I couldn't let her go. She's large, she's definitely in charge, and she smells freakin' delicious. I go through the normal-size tubs of the Bum Bum cream way faster than I'd like to admit, so this XL baby is just what I needed. I like to slather it on before I go to bed so I can fall asleep wrapped in the glorious scent of deep summer. If you can stop yourself from keeping it, it makes a great holiday gift." — AK

Best Hand Cream
walgreens.com

Best Hand Cream

Vaseline Radiant X Deep Nourishment Hand Butter ($6)

"I am extremely particular about my hand lotions because I don't like the feeling of greasy hands. The Vaseline Radiant XDeep Nourishment Hand Butter is not only deeply nourishing, but the most important part is that it doesn't leave any residue behind. I've been carrying this in every purse it can fit in over the last few weeks because I refuse to be without it." — AB

Best Essence Perfume
ulta.com

Best Essence Perfume

Gucci Gulity Elixir de Parfum Pour Femme ($175)

"I'm not typically a fan of perfumes that include vanilla, but the Gucci Guilty Elixir formula has proven to be the exception. The Elixir products in the Gucci line are slightly more intense — Elixir is the strongest concentration of fragrance and has a higher percentage of aromatic compounds. What comes through for me here, more than the vanilla, are the cozy tonka beans and elegant violet accord. This fragrance just wants to be taken out on a hot date." — AK

Best Floral Perfume
saksfifthavenue.com

Best Floral Perfume

Creed Carmina Eau de Parfum ($445)

"Anyone who knows me knows that I often utter the words 'I don't like floral perfumes.' Thankfully, through my job, I've come to realize that all floral scents are not created equal and that the top and bottom notes matter in a scent just as much as the middle ones. One floral perfume that has absolutely blown me away recently is Creed's Carmina. Its heart notes include rose de mai, violet, and peony, but the addition of black cherry, saffron, and amber musk add touches of depth and fruitiness that I honestly didn't expect to love this much. This one is a luxe buy, but it is so worth it." — AB

Best Winter Perfume
nordstrom.com

Best Winter Perfume

Byredo Animalique Eau de Parfum ($205)

"I've been wearing Anamalique for days and still haven't been able to pinpoint quite what it is that makes it so lovely. Is it the blend of both warm (amber, suede, and tobacco leaf) and floral (lemon, mimosa, and violet) notes? Perhaps. Maybe it's the quiet brightness of bergamot that suddenly catches your nose? Whatever it is, it's got me hooked — like the brand says, it taps into the primal instincts and authentic essence inherent in every human being." — AK

"This new Byredo scent feels like a blank canvas in the best way possible. The combination of lemon, violet, and suede creates this beautifully sweet but muted scent that feels like the perfect perfume to layer other scents with or wear by itself if you're prone to fragrance headaches. If you want to be mysterious and hot but without looking like you're trying, this one's for you." — AB

Best Citrus Perfume
dossier.co

Best Citrus Perfume

Dossier Ginger & Grapefruit Zing Perfume ($16, originally $29)

"I typically stick to my go-to fragrances, but the second I got a whiff of the Dossier Ginger & Grapefruit Zing Perfume, I knew I had to add it into my rotation. It's light, fresh, zingy — everything you want a citrus perfume to be." — JH

Best Gourmand Perfume
bergdorfgoodman.com

Best Gourmand Perfume

Mind Games Queening Be the Queen Always ($375)

"On the more gourmand end of the spectrum is Mind Games's Queening. While my favorite scent from the brand used to be Jadoube, it's been quickly replaced by this one, which has notes of clean cotton, saffron, and whipped vanilla bean. I've noticed my fiancé taking a few extra deep sniffs of my neck when I wear this one, so while it's wearable for every day, I'd say this one is definitely date night approved." — AB

Best Candle
caftari.com

Best Candle

Caftari Dolce Far Niente ($60)

"I'm a self-proclaimed candle expert, and it's rare that I stray from my go-to brands. However, the first time I tried the Caftari Dolce Far Niente Candle, I was blown away. Not only does it smell great and throw scent throughout my entire living room, but the fragrance blend is actually meant to enhance the release of serotonin, the neurotransmitter known to promote happiness." — RR

Best Incense
therippleco.com

Best Incense

Droplet Multipack Incense Droplets ($50)

"I've never been a huge fan of incense — I've always found that the products I've tested make a big mess and create way too much smoke. When I tested the Ripple Droplets for the first time, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but I've become obsessed. The multipack comes with a sea-glass holder, and all you have to do is set one droplet on it, light it up, and wait. They have low-smoke burn, so they don't irritate my eyes or nose, the scent is amazing, and the ash is minimal and super easy to clean up." — RR

Best Laundry Detergent For Whites
thelaundress.com

Best Laundry Detergent For Whites

The Laundress Whites Detergent ($26)

"The Laundress is all about elevating a chore (like doing the laundry) into an act of self-care, and though it may sound too good to be true, the products really do make the experience a treat. The Whites Detergent recently made its way into my apartment, and, as someone with all-white bedding, I think it's been a game changer. Not only does it work to brighten white fabrics, but it smells heavenly with notes of citrus, lavender, and cedarwood." — JH

Best Value-Size Laundry Detergent
dedcool.com

Best Value-Size Laundry Detergent

Dedcool Dedtergent Milk ($35)

"Let me preface this by saying: I never thought I would fall in love with a $35 bottle of laundry detergent, but here we are. I've always been of the mind that what you wash your clothes with doesn't matter — until I got contact dermatitis from using a detergent that my skin did not like. Ever since switching over to DedCool's Detergent, not only has my skin been happier, but everything I own smells like a million bucks. The amber and bergamot fragrance isn't too overpowering, but they certainly smell good enough to garner me tons of compliments — even when I forget to wear perfume." — RR

Best Humidifier
heydewy.com

Best Humidifier

Hey Dewy Wellness Humidifier ($100)

"I have dry, acne-prone skin, and I've found that sleeping with a humidifier next to my bed allows me to wake up with hydrated skin and experience fewer breakouts. The Hey Dewy Wellness Humidifier is easy to use, and its sleek design looks perfect on my nightstand. It isn't too bulky, it's quiet, and I love the mood lighting setting for winding down before bed." — RR