With Christmas on the horizon, Wicked launching in cinemas and constant innovation in the beauty world, this week’s haul of newness if pretty spectacular (even if we do say so ourselves)
Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy something we mention, we may earn commission
Chat in the GTG office is varied at the best of times, but one conversation topic that is always on the cards is about the products we tried last night/ this morning/ on our commute/ after the gym and why we love them so much. Glossy Picks is our office chats in feature form. This week’s chat has been centred around the budget and brilliant facial gadget that Isla has been loving, the supplement that wellness nay-sayer SJ has time for. Not to mention the Christmas candle that Florence has already lit up and the dry shampoo that has changed the way Marie Louise thinks about refreshing her hair. So get yourself a cuppa, read, scroll and enjoy!
SARAH-JANE CORFIELD-SMITH
GTG Beauty Director
The melts like butter body butter
Soapsmith Body Butter Melt, £20
“When I say a little of this body butter goes a long way, I mean it. The consistency starts off as a true butter, you have to scoop a little out and as soon as you start to massage it in it melts into a silky smooth serum-like texture and sinks in instantly. There are three different scents, each named and inspired by different parts of London. I can highly recommend Bloomsbury with its gorgeous floral scent that not only lingers on the skin but will fill the room you apply it in with it’s loveliness.”
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The evolution of a classic scent
Glossier You Doux EDP, £62 for 50ml
“Having been a huge fan of the original Glossier You scent since it launched in 2017, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the two new versions. However it has been love at first spritz, especially with this woodier, more musky and slightly heavier alternative. Like the original, it is genderless and while it still has those notes that make it smell like a second skin, this is more obvious that you’re wearing something. It’s for those that loved the original You but are looking for a scent that has evolved just as much as they have in 7 years.”
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The wellness powder that works
Humantra Elderberry, £28 for 20 sachets
“When it comes to wellness life hacks, I am lazy. If it’s not easy to incorporate into my daily routine, I give up. If I don’t notice any kind of difference quickly, I give up. However, electrolytes piqued my interest because they speedily boost your hydration levels to help sharpen your mental clarity and reduce headaches (plus other things). And these have done exactly that for me. They are also delicious – 10 out of 10 for the lychee and elderberry flavours. My headaches have gone and I feel focused. I’ve also been giving them to my ten-year-old to drink during and after all her sports, and says she feels brilliant.”
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The high-impact home scent
Rituals The Alchemy Stone Diffuser, £45.90
“Scenting your home can come with a level of faff and bother. Candles require wick trimming, atomisers need to be plugged in or charged and diffusers can run out quickly. So let me introduce you to a new alternative – a stone diffuser. Fill the bowl with the salt stones and then apply 15 drops of the included oil the first time to set it up and after that 5 to 6 drops once a week, or whenever you fancy. The throw of the scent is sensational and it looks great.”
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MARIE LOUISE PUMFREY
GTG Contributor
The skin soother
Alpha-h Daily Dose Multivitamin Body Serum, £27.99
“My body is always itchy, especially my back, which is something that came on during menopause and won’t go away, but this silky body serum has really helped. It provides instant relief to nix the itch-scratch cycle, as well as being particularly good at hydrating dry, rough areas. It’s packed full of skin-loving high-performance ingredients, including niacinamide, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.”
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The dry shampoo with a difference
Hair Gain Peptide Puff Dry Shampoo, £14.99
“If you don’t love aerosol dry shampoos (I find many quite chalky and leave a residue), then this handbag-friendly powder version could be what you need. It comes with a padded puff dispenser that distributes the peptide and biotin-rich formula onto your scalp. Not only does it absorb oil, but it’s also nourishing for the scalp, good for your hair and supports your follicles. It also provides some instant lift and volume.”
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The winter skin addition
Murad Restorative Hydro-Hyaluronic Cream, £65
“As soon as the central heating goes on I can almost feel my skin getting tighter and I need to tweak my skincare routine. Out go the light hydrators and in come the rich moisturisers. If you experience the same then I wholeheartedly recommend this newbie. It contains various weights of hyaluronic acid, which is science speak for saying it delivers instant hydration that penetrates deep into the skin and lasts all day. And it’s formulated to repair the skin barrier so it helps with any soreness and calms redness. A winter skin win, and a new favourite.”
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The seriously luxe scent
Boadicea The Victorious Defender Pure Perfume, £45 for 10ml
“If fine fragrances with high-end price points are your thing, then you need to know about Boadicea. It’s an under-the-radar, British heritage fragrance brand. Like its namesake warrior queen they celebrate beauty and strength and the new scent, The Defender, is a gender-free spritz with a rebellious spirit. There’s a mix of ginger, grapefruit with night-blooming jasmine blended with myrrh and leather accord. It is punchy and sensuous. You only need a couple of sprays as its powerful stuff, and it comes in a 10ml size, which is also easier on the purse.”
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ISLA HUFFADINE
GTG Content Coordinator
The lip gloss with benefits
Too Faced Charmed Life Maximum Plump Lip Gloss and Key Chain Set, £26
“Too Faced’s iconic plumping lip gloss has had a glow-up – literally. This limited-edition version comes in a shimmery pink shade and sweet strawberry lemonade scent and with a reusable keychain so you can attach it to your bag or keys. The formula has remained the same: super hydrating with a tingling sensation for a fuller-looking pout. A great gift for yourself or a lip-gloss-loving friend.”
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The budget-friendly cleansing brush
Stylpro Routine Facial Cleansing Device, £17.99
“Finding affordable skincare tech isn’t always easy, but this cleansing device delivers on quality without breaking the bank. Travel-friendly and effective, it uses sonic vibrations to remove makeup and cleanse skin, with adjustable intensity levels. The silicone bristles are hygienic, easy to clean and gentle on all skin types, while the ring grip on the back makes it comfortable to hold. It’s also USB rechargeable and waterproof – perfect if you cleanse in the shower.”
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The skin brightener
Lucy Bee Vitamin C Face Serum, £25
“You may already be familiar with this vitamin C serum, but it has had a packaging upgrade so that it now comes with a more user-friendly pipette applicator compared to the old pump version. Vitamin C is the powerhouse ingredient that brightens skin and creates a healthy-looking complexion, and here it has been blended with vitamin E, aloe vera and rosehip oil for extra hydration and soothing benefits. Plus, it creates an instant pearly glow to the skin, making it suitable for wearing alone or under makeup.”
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The classic winter nail hue
Mii Cosmetics Confidence Nail Polish in Bloodline Cherry, from £9
“If you’re looking for a new classic, and festive, red for the season then let me introduce you to this new shade from Mii. It’s bright but gets richer and deeper after each layer. The curved brush genuinely makes it easy to apply – even for the most novice nail painters like myself! And it’s a bargain price too”
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FLORENCE SCORDOULIS
GTG Contributing Editor
The candle that screams Christmas
Neom Christmas Wish 3 Wick Candle, £55
“If you can’t wait to dig into sticky pudding, this candy-striped charity candle from the aromatherapy pros at Neom will keep you going next month – with a greedy 50 hours of burn time. Think ladle-fulls of brandy butter wrapped up in notes of zesty mandarin, cinnamon spice and cosy tonka bean that will have you salivating. Plus, ten more soothing essential oils to help you stay zen during the hectic party season. It comes in two sizes with one (£38) or three wicks, but they donate £10 from every sale of the larger to The Mental Health Foundation, which runs Mental Health Awareness Week – so don’t be a Scrooge!”
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The perfect perfume tester set
Miller Harris Bestsellers Collection Gift Set, £64
“A great idea for perfume commitment-phobes like is this set of five mini Miller Harris fragrances (7.5ml each) – all inspired by dreamy stories: from Scherzo, a flowery, sunshiny ode to the 1930’s Riviera, to smoky Staccato’s tale of forbidden love and tomato and tea infused Celadon, evocative of dewy rain showers.. And, although small, one spritz has hours of staying power. I love that you can chuck them in your handbag on the go – or pack travel-size for holidays – instead of lugging around heavy glass bottles.”
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The Wicked inspired bubble bar
Lush Glinda’s Wand Bubble Bar, £10
“Sorry, Team Elphaba: my favourite launch from the new Wicked x Lush collection is this pink and white Glinda wand, which you can swish under the tap to create instant, fluffy princess bubbles scented with rose oil, vanilla and orange. (Fans of Lush’s cult Rose Jam perfume will love this). It’s reusable too, and, trust me: a few spells go a long way. There’s also a gold-dusted Wizard of OZ bath bomb that fizzes luminous green, rival Elphaba and Glinda body sprays, an intricate lime-scented Emerald City soap and plenty more magic to get you defying gravity ahead of this week’s much-anticipated movie release.”
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The Outset Lip Oasis Glossy Treatment, £23
“Who doesn’t want to pack a pout like Scarlett Johansson?! Well, the star has just released a new daily lip conditioning treatment, via her sensitive skincare brand The Outset. It contains the brand’s signature ‘hyaluroset complex’: a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid, which moisturses and plumps out fine lines, without irritating the skin. It also has a subtle plumping effect (but no minty zing) and an instant glassy shine that really isn’t sticky. I’m obsessed with the wide-tipped applicator and one generous swipe ensures full coverage.”
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