I was lucky enough to get the Liberty Advent Calendar as an early Christmas gift from my husband. After unwrapping, testing and wearing all the products for the past month, it feels like an apposite moment to share the lotions, potions and scents that captured my heart, distilling the 25 beauty gifts into the seven keepers that I will be investing in in 2026.

Granado

Esplendor Fragrance, £135
Esplendor Eau De Parfum

I’ve never had more compliments about a fragrance than I did over the festive period with this one. Warm, spicy and comforting, it just smells deliciously cosy. With amber, vanilla and cashmeran, it’s the perfect pairing for winter knits.

Augustinus Bader

Rich Eye Cream, £170
Augustinus Bader The Rich Eye Cream 15ml Copy

I’m so glad I got to try this as part of the advent calendar, as I wouldn’t have taken the plunge otherwise. At 42, I have just started to notice the texture of the skin around my eyes beginning to change and, after only three weeks use, I can see visible improvements in smoothness and texture. A skincare investment for sure, but with a tiny bit delivering big results, it’s one I think is worth making.

Verden

Nocturne Magnesium Balm, £30
VERDEN Nocturne Night Balm 75ml Copy

I haven’t worked out yet whether it’s just the ritual of rubbing a balm into my feet before bed that makes it so soporific or the magnesium formula from Verden itself. Either way, I will be stocking up and sleeping like a baby in 2026.

Trish McEvoy

Mulberry Lipstick, £22
Trish McEvoy Sheer Lip Colour In Mulberry Copy

I almost rejected this deep berry lipstick from Trish McEvoy as being too dark for me. I’m glad that I gave it a go. The gelee texture and light sheer wash of colour makes it the perfect ‘your lips but with a healthy glow’ shade. Obsessed.

Mirror Water

Smooth Body Oil, £27
MIRROR WATER SMOOTH Mini Body Oil 50ml

I’ve been a fan girl of OG influencer, Estée Lalonde for a long time, but this is the first product from her bath and body range I’ve tried. I love the rich plant oil texture that sinks into damp skin, with its grounding, spa-like scent. I will be investing in the full-size bottle as soon as I use the last drop.

Emma Lewisham

Reset Serum, £85
Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum

Even in the month that I have been using this I have noticed my summer pigmentation fading and my skin brightening (no mean feat in December/January). I love that it’s naturally derived, yet evidence-based and refillable too.

Charlotte Mensah

Manketti Oil Conditioner, £26
Manketti Oil Conditioner 250ml Copy

I had forgotten about Charlotte Mensah’s amazing hair pomade, so when I unwrapped the conditioner version, it was like falling back in love. The scent has to be smelt to be believed – it’s highly addictive, as are the hair softening properties. I won’t sleep on this one again.