W&H shopping edit: What to buy in December

As the year draws to a close we look back on some of our favourite launches this month in fashion, beauty and lifestyle

A selection of images from the w&h shopping edit in December 2023.
(Image credit: Future)

Christmas is nearly here, and as we get ready for the festive season, we're rounding up the best new and exciting products in the world of fashion, beauty and lifestyle this month.

If we're not shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts at this point in the month, here at woman&home we're thinking about our winter capsule wardrobes and planning our outfits for Christmas day, as well as for festive parties and gatherings.

We're also shopping for dinner party perfumes to impress with over the festive season, as well as researching Christmas hosting tips while we prepare to welcome family and friends for food, wine and lots of relaxation. You don't need to spend a ridiculous amount at this time of year, but here are our favourite Christmassy and wintry essentials that have earned a place on our wish lists recently.

What to buy in December: The W&H shopping edit

Beauty

Image

1. Flora & Curl Curl Volumizing Foam

RRP: £17

The words ‘mousse’ or ‘foam’ might conjure up memories of sticky, crunchy hair products, but this Flora & Curl foam avoids either issue. It’s super lightweight, meaning you can add it to your roots and use it liberally, without worrying about weighing down your locks or causing a greasy effect. Plus, it smells delicious.


Image

2. Beauty Pie Fruits & Flowers Facial Sculpting Kit

RRP: £150 for non-members

Sponsored

You may have seen facial sculpting tools a lot recently, but this luxe roller also comes with a bottle of a skin-restoring blend that can be applied to the skin alongside the roller. Some of the oils included in the bottle are rosehip, sunflower seed, Argan, sea buckthorn and avocado. Top tip: if you often wake up to find your face feeling sensitive and puffy, pop the roller in the fridge overnight.


Image

3. Inlight Beauty Neck Firming Serum

RRP: £25

While we may be used to applying SPF to our face everyday, it’s often easier to forget the neck. This can result in sun damage, leading to thinner and compromised skin on the neck - but this firming cream features natural retinol, vitamin E and grapeseed oil, as well as natural UV protection and pleasing notes of juniper and cypress.


Image

4. Beauty Pie Gift Membership

RRP: £59

Sponsored

If your beauty-obsessed loved one hasn't yet been converted to Beauty Pie's subscription service, gift them this card and they'll have almost £60 to spend on a range of beauty, wellness and skincare goodies. But the best part is that they'll be able to shop member's prices with this card, meaning they can save even more.


Image

5. Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Bundle

RRP: £48

We've been using this hydrating shampoo-and-conditioner duo for several months now, and have definitely seen a difference in the state of our hair. Perfect for repairing damaged or naturally dry locks, the products are ideal for textured hair types, and feature nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, coconut water and blue algae.


Image

6. Plantopia Energise and Uplift Face This Glows

RRP: £26

This rich serum features brightening AHAs, skin-loving vitamin C, and ginseng and lemongrass for a subtle scent alongside a non-greasy, hydrating feel. Serum can be scary for those with sensitive skin, but we can attest to the fact that this works on all skin types, even those prone to redness. The drops also last for a long time, which is a bonus.


7. Beauty Pie Firewall Blend Skin-Nourishing Aromatherapy Bath & Shower Oil

7. Beauty Pie Firewall Blend Skin-Nourishing Aromatherapy Bath & Shower Oil

RRP: £50

Sponsored

One of the best beauty stocking fillers, gift this to the friend who needs to be reminded to take a breath and soak in a bubble bath this festive season. Essential oils in this include frankincense, peppermint, niaouli and eucalyptus. 


8. ZIIP Halo Facial Toning Device

8. ZIIP Halo Facial Toning Device

RRP: £379

One of the best facial massaging tools and working in a similar way to the NuFACE, this device uses nanocurrents and microcurrents to promote lymphatic drainage and create a firming effect to skin. Used by Jennifer Aniston and Margot Robbie, this investment tool is one that will pay off.

Fashion

1. M&S Collection Cable Knit Midi Skirt

1. M&S Collection Cable Knit Midi Skirt

RRP: £35

Sponsored

Truly a winter essential, this knitted skirt will keep you warm and also goes with everything. An elasticated waistband and stretchy material makes it ideal for lounging around in over the festive period, but dress it up with a sparkly top or some high-heeled boots and you've got the answer for what to wear on Christmas Day.


2. Pour Moi Cosy Check Brushed Cotton Pyjama Gift Set

2. Pour Moi Cosy Check Brushed Cotton Pyjama Gift Set

RRP: £45

Available in three different colour combinations, these cosy PJ's feel like the best luxury pyjamas but are very affordable. Made from a soft brushed cotton, they're super soft while also being breathable enough to wear in warmer months, and as they come gift-wrapped within a Pour Moi gifting ribbon, they also make for the perfect gift this year.


Image

3. M&S Collection Recycled Blend Ribbed Roll Neck Jumper

RRP: £36

Sponsored

When it comes to autumn/winter outfits, you can't go wrong with a cosy, soft white/cream roll-neck jumper. However, if you'd prefer to opt for a pale blue or blush colour, this M&S jumper comes in all three shades. With a slightly oversized fit and a ribbed material, this jumper goes with everything and is a thoughtful gift for a friend.

Lifestyle

1. Casetify The Powerpuff Girls Stickermania Case

1. Casetify The Powerpuff Girls Stickermania Case

RRP: £61

If you’re searching for 18th birthday gift ideas or 21st birthday gift ideas, look no further than Casetify’s huge range of phone cases. We particularly love the Powerpuff Girls cases, and there’s a range of different designs to choose from to keep your giftee happy.


2. Raise and Replenish Caffeinated Drinks

2. Raise and Replenish Caffeinated Drinks

RRP: £42

One of the best self-care and wellness gifts, or just a treat for yourself if you’re thinking of ways to start a healthy routine next year. The caffeine blends come in a range of different flavours and vibrant colours, and will replace your morning coffee with a plant-based latte that revitalises, supercharges or aids with recovery, depending on which blend you opt for.

Hannah Holway
Shopping writer

Hannah is the UK Shopping Writer for woman&home. As a shopping writer, Hannah has written on everything from period pants to wine subscriptions, and is especially interested in sustainable alternatives to well-known products, as well as books and homeware accessories. 

Before she joined the team at woman&home Hannah headed up the social media accounts for Wonderland in 2019, where she was also a Contributing Editor for the magazine’s sister titles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hannah also explored evolving shopping trends at New York Magazine’s The Strategist UK, researching everything from face masks to status candles and even pens.