beauty

'I traded my $100 moisturiser for this $20 one.' All the beauty products we're loving this month.

Mamamia's beauty roundup series is your monthly look at the products our team are loving — from the latest launches in skincare, hair and makeup to the old faves we've fallen for all over again.

For more beauty roundups, head to our hub page here.

It's December and… how did we get here? We don't know either, but if you're behind on your Christmas shopping or just in need of a little treat for yourself (relatable), we have a big ol' lump of new beauty launches to share with you.

Yes! We love it here, too.

Watch: Speaking of beauty, why not take a peek at Emily Vernem telling me all about her heatless curler hack on You Beauty podcast. Post continues below.


Video via: Mamamia/You Beauty

The Mamamia team have tried and tested plenty of new skincare, makeup, hair and body products in December. — and our beauty round-up is positively bursting with some banger recommendations this month.

Before we get into it, listen to Mamamia's daily beauty podcast, You Beauty. Post continues after audio.

Ready? Let's go!

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Maybelline New York Superstay Lumi Matte Longwear 30H Foundation, $34.99.

Maybelline New York Superstay Lumi Matte Longwear 30H Foundation

"While I usually steer clear of anything with the word 'matte' slapped on the front (I have annoyingly dry skin), I have to say, I'm actually loving the new Maybelline New York Superstay Lumi Matte Longwear 30H Foundation. Truly shocked! I've been using it as my everyday coverage, and love how lightweight it feels on the skin. I've experienced no caking, flaking or patchiness so far and really like how it gives your skin the perfect hint of radiance, while still keeping it shine-free. It's also currently on sale at Chemist Warehouse, if you're looking to switch up your usual coverage." Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

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Kotia Hydrating Day Cream SPF15, $70.

"I've sung praises about this product from Kotia before, and I just gotta tell you again in case you missed it — because it's a very lovely time for your face. If you're looking for a solid everyday moisturiser, this one contains 100 per cent pure New Zealand deer milk (!), which sounds weird but is actually packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and gives your skin lots of lovely hydrating and anti-ageing benefits. The best part? It's currently on sale for $59." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

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Tarte Shape Tape™ Glow Bar Palette, $71.

Tarte Shape Tape™ Glow Bar Palette.

"This palette!!! I've recommended it to so many people. Think of it like another very popular illuminating face palette but with just the essentials. I've hit pan on all three powders." - Charlie Begg, Audience Editor.

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Urban Jungle Grime Fighter Body Wash, $36.

Urban Jungle Grime Fighter Body Wash.

"I've been using this body wash from Urban Jungle and it smells delicious (apricot seed oil!). It's formulated with lactic acid (a chemical exfoliant that polishes off dead skin) so my limbs feel extra smooth, soft and radiant. It's currently on sale at Sephora for $25 — so be quick!" - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

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Revlon Illuminance Glow Filter, $34.95.

Revlon Illuminance Glow Filter.

"As it gets warmer, I've been trying to go more natural with my makeup. Not only because I hate the feeling of heavy products on my skin but also because I'm trying to lean into my texture and pigmentation rather than constantly covering it up. The Revlon Illuminance Glow filter has been my go-to recently for foundation. It gives me a cute little glow, is a nice sheer coverage and it doesn't transfer!" - Em Vernem, Writer and Podcast Host.

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Lady Jayne Claw Grip, $8.

Image: Supplied.

"If you're looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers, these claw clips from Lady Jayne are so cute! There are lots of different designs and colours — perfect for pulling your hair back (stylishly) in the hot weather!" - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream, $149.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream.

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"I've been using the Magic Cream for about five years but I wanted to try something that would sit lighter on my skin. Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Water Cream feels just as hydrating but not as heavy. I'm a big fan." - Tara Wason, Senior Entertainment Writer.

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Moisturiser, $47.95.

La Roche Posay Rosaliac AR Moisturiser.

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"As a rosacea-prone girlie, I am obsessed with my latest discovery: La Roche Posay's Rosaliac AR moisturiser. It's green, meaning it neutralises redness while also hydrating and protecting your skin. Love this queen!" - Tina Burke, Entertainment Editor.

e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick, $12.

e.l.f. Stay Cool Primer Stick

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"Pretty much my entire makeup kit is made up of stick formulas right now — I can't get enough of them! The newest addition? This cute primer stick from e.l.f.. I'm a big fan of the OG Power Grip Primer (IYKYK), so was keen to give this a whirl — and it's honestly just as good (if not better!). It keeps my dry skin happy and hydrated while making sure my makeup doesn't budge throughout the day. It's going to be a summer holiday staple — I can already feel it!" - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $53.

NARS Creamy Concealer.

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"NARS Creamy Concealer is a beauty. Hydrating and dewy, it's annihilating my under-eye circles and not settling in my lines either. New fave." - Ruth Devine, Group Executive Producer MMOL.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum, $59.99.

Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum.

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"This non-greasy formula absorbs into your skin instantly, and I love how it does the heavy lifting without irritation thanks to a combination of retinol and niacinamide. It's also fragrance-free — which is a big plus for a sensitive-skinned girlie!" - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

The Ordinary Nightly 3 Piece Set, $42.20.

The Ordinary Nightly 3 Piece Set.

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"One of my best friends has been asking me for an affordable retinal she can switch to and the best products to use alongside it — so I've snagged her this cute The Ordinary night pack from Priceline for Christmas! It has everything she needs to continue on her retinol journey (it's a step up from what she was using before) and includes the popular The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion and The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. It's the perfect trio to up her night routine, and not too harsh on the bank account, either." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

Etto The Lip Shield, $25.

Etto The Lip Shield.

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"I have year-round dry lips and with sunburn and stress, I can get the occasional cold sore. This has been a lifesaver. It keeps them really well hydrated as well as being a preventor with Australian Tea Tree, Lysine, Zinc, Manuka honey and SPF 15. It has a metal applicator which is cooling as it's going on and the mint ingredient makes it feel so fresh." - Annaliese Todd, Lifestyle Producer.

St Tropez Luxe Body Serum, $59.99.

St Tropez Luxe Body Serum

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"I think I've told everyone in the Mamamia office about this product you can grab at Priceline. Instead of your typical tan mousse, you can apply this before work and by midday have the most perfect natural-looking, deep fake tan and not need to shower. Brilliant." - Charlie Begg, Audience Editor.

Sukin AquaBoost 3D Hyaluronic Acid Night Cream, $30.

Sukin AquaBoost 3D Hyaluronic Acid Night Cream

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"I will admit I have spent alllllot on night creams over the years hoping they'll fix all my problems, but when our beauty ed Erin Docherty recommended this savey option (you can read her full review here) I was willing to give it a go — and WOW. It has made my dry skin really soft and hydrated — and I am basically making money because it's so affordable. It's girl math." - Stacey Hicks, Deputy Editor.

ProDermaCol, $89.95.

ProDermaCol collagen sachets.

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"My goal for the new year? To *finally* be consistent with taking collagen supplements (in fact, I wrote a whole list of my beauty resolutions for 2025 here). I've heard an awful lot of Good Stuff about this. It's called ProDermaCol and it's formulated with hydrolysed collagen peptides, alongside ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, biotin, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10, and zinc. Gang's all here! Put simply, it's a big ol' cocktail of skin-supporting ingredients that promise healthier, rejuvenated skin — and I am READY. The best part? It doesn't taste gross." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

QV Face Nurturing Night Cream, $24.99.

QV Face Nurturing Night Cream.

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"I have to recommend this QV moisturiser — I'm OBSESSED. 10/10! I have recommended it to so many people including two of my colleagues, my mum and now my boyfriend — who have all converted to it. It is truly a crowd favourite amongst everyone who gets their hands on it. I first got recommended it on IG from Harmony Butcher when she was suffering from acne and her derm recommended it — I too was dealing with acne at the time, and since then I haven't bought anything else. It's a deeply hydrating moisturiser, super nourishing, no fragrance, no nasties and you wake up looking so fresh! If you like Drunk Elephant's whipped moisturiser you'll love this. I used to be a sucker for a $100 moisturiser from Mecca, but this is only $24 and is better than all of them." - Issy McConaghy, Senior Sales Executive.

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Mecca Max WATERCOOLER Calming Hydration Serum, $26.

Mecca Max WATERCOOLER Calming Hydration Serum.

"Mecca Max Water Cooler serum is my budget-friendly pick for when you feel like you have been overdoing it with the products (guilty!) and need something calming. Perfect for soothing and hydrating my face during these warm summer mornings." - Yvette Bay, People & Culture Manager.

MCoBeauty Miracle Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, $35.

MCoBeauty Miracle Hyaluronic Tinted Serum.

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"I've been an IT Cosmetics devotee for years, but I decided to give this tinted serum from MCoBeauty a go and I haven't gone back. It feels really lightweight and dewy, my freckles still shine through and it lasts even when I'm a sweaty mess walking to work." - Stacey Hicks, Deputy Editor.

Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum, $92.

Paula's Choice 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum.

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"I've been using this newbie every morning — and yeah, it's bloody good. Brighter, more even skin and not a sniff or irritation. It's expensive but wayyy more affordable than my usual staple, so I'm actually SAVING money by buying it." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

Dp Dermaceuticals L.E.D. FACE Mask, $653.

Dp Dermaceuticals L.E.D. FACE Mask.

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"I've been using this Dp Dermaceuticals L.E.D. FACE mask for probably five months now and the difference has been insane! I suffer from eczema on my face and was a bit weary about using L.E.D but I've seen such a difference in the texture of my skin and fine lines. It is an investment but also feels super low maintenance because I can just do it in bed while winding down!" - Kelsey Harper.

Essano Needle Free Filler Concentrated Serum, $32.99.

Essano Needle Free Filler Concentrated Serum.

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"Injectables in a bottle? Go on, then. I've been trialling this newbie from Essano over the past couple of weeks, and while it's too soon to see results, I'm seriously loving how it's made my skin feel softer and smoother. It features a whopping 16 per cent peptide complex and promises lots of nice things like plumper, brighter skin and a reduction in fine lines. The best part? It's playing nicely with my sensitive skin. Watch this space!" - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

The Emma Lewisham Essentials, $145.

The Emma Lewisham Essentials

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"Anyone that knows me knows Emma Lewisham is the skincare hill I will die on. The products have just done extraordinary things for my face, both in my skin texture and overall appearance. The Essentials set of minis is a great introduction to the range (and a pretty nifty Christmas gift to self, I reckon). Consider it a skinvestment — you get seven of their best products to try, plus they're the perfect size for travel." - Tamara Holland, Mamamia's Fashion Writer.

Rimmel Thrill Seeker Glassy Gloss, $21.95.

Rimmel Thrill Seeker Glassy Gloss.

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"THESE. I can't stop using them. They're so glossy and yummy and make my lips look nice. My fave is shade 500 'Pine to the Apple' (seriously, look how much I've used) because it gives me the perfect hint of peachy pink that's perfect for everyday wear. The applicator is cushiony, the scent is subtle and fruity and it gives you the perfect glassy shine. Catch me using these all summer long." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil, $51 - $123.

Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil

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"It's rare I use a skincare product that I just fall in love with - it's usually only makeup products I go crazy over - but I adore this oil from Charlotte Tilbury. It's super hydrating without being heavy on the skin and leaves my skin with the most beautiful glow. I've got through two bottles and will be getting another for this summer." - Charlie Begg, Audience Editor.

Tbh Rebound Skin Milk Cica Toner, $29.95.

Tbh Rebound Skin Milk Cica Toner.

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"This is a fairly recent launch from tbh and was created in collaboration with pharmaceutical scientist and skincare influencer Hannah English — so you know it's good stuff. It's a hydrating milk toner that helps calm and strengthen the skin barrier, for happy, balanced skin." - Erin Docherty, Beauty & Lifestyle Editor.

Have you tried any of the above products? What are your thoughts? Share them with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/Canva.

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