Why it’s -approved: “There’s nothing I love more than a simple yet chic mixed-metal bracelet. This is perfect for everyday wear as well as when you’re getting dressed up to go out – a forever piece.” – Honey Sweet Elias, fashion market editor

Why it’s -approved: “Otiumberg’s link chain will make a perfect addition to anyone’s jewellery collection. Handcrafted from sterling silver, with gold vermeil detailing, it’s a timeless piece that will elevate any outfit – and for anyone wanting to explore mixed metals, this is a great place to start.” – Charlotte Rutter, associate fashion editor

Why it’s -approved: “I’ve long been a L’Huile Prodigieuse devotee, obsessed with its nourishing botanical blend of tsubaki, argan, macadamia, borage, camellia, hazelnut and sweet almond oils. My only gripe? It can get messy, which is why this roll-on format is my new holiday essential. One swipe gives my lacklustre skin a glow, and all while imparting hydration and shielding the skin from external aggressors.” – Ellie Davis, senior beauty shopping writer

Why it’s -approved: “Old-school hairsprays smelled so toxic they made your eyes water and your nose burn, and made your hair so dry and crunchy that even the best restructuring mask couldn’t salvage it. Thank goodness, then, for Sam McKnight – British Vogue contributing editor and, of course, one of the world’s most revered hairstylists. His Modern Hairspray is great to use pre-curling or straightening: it gives you great hold and high shine, it smells divine, and your hair still looks, feels and moves like hair. Because crunch, we have come to realise, is essential for a great biscuit. Hair? Not so much.” – Funmi Fetto, beauty & wellness director

Why it’s -approved: “Besides taking your kids to school and cleaning your house, retinals and retinols – both forms of vitamin A – can do pretty much everything. Smooth skin, fade pigmentation, treat acne, stimulate collagen production... But so many people are terrified to use them. With Murad’s retinal overnight cream, there are zero concerns about downtime. The key to a great retinal – which tends to deliver faster than retinol but is difficult to stabilise and therefore difficult to get right – is a really great formulation. And this cream absolutely is one. The retinal is encapsulated, meaning it releases more slowly into the skin, thus reducing the likelihood of irritation.” – Funmi Fetto, beauty & wellness director

Why it’s -approved: “As someone who is fairly allergic to the idea of a lengthy beauty routine (I can’t even stand how long it takes to apply mascara), I’ve fallen in love with all things Merit due to its ease-forward approach. Anything that can be rolled or dabbed onto the face and then rubbed in with clean fingers is a win for me. (It also makes putting on your make-up on the Tube a lot easier!) Merit’s Flush Balm is a must-have through the winter months when you're in need of a little extra colour in your cheeks… I think of it as dabbable vitamin D.” – Laura Hawkins, fashion features & jewellery editor

Why it’s -approved: “Look, I love a machine. While I’ve yet to figure out how to use my phone for much beyond texts, emails and the occasional selfie, when it comes to beauty, I’m a self-avowed technophile. The latest addition to my gadget kit? The TheraFace Depuffing Wand from Therabody, a compact, rechargeable device that allows for the sort of lymphatic facial that dreams are made of, no pre-booked appointment required. Its standout feature, for me, is the contrast therapy setting – I especially love the cold setting’s ability to tighten the complexion and address even the puffiest of eyebags in a jiffy. While I can’t say I’ve become any more adept at using my phone’s camera, after using this, my selfies definitely look better.” – Mahoro Seward, fashion and style editor

Why it’s -approved: “To me, Burberry Her is the ideal everyday scent. The bright and airy burst of crushed berries feels so natural to wear, making it ideal for a busy weekend morning, an office day, and even dinner with friends. While it’s not overwhelming, you’ll find yourself hit with fruity hints that settle to a hint of musk as the day goes on.” – Rosa Weait, fashion assistant

Why it’s -approved: “As someone who tends to hibernate in the colder months, a pair of cashmere socks is a must-have for those lounging-at-home days. Loop Cashmere’s luxurious pairs are made from fine Mongolian cashmere and have become my cosy go-to this winter.” – Jack O'Neill, fashion assistant

Why it’s -approved: “While showering isn’t typically anything special, it is possible to make it a truly indulgent interlude in our otherwise prosaic daily routines. For me, the easiest way to achieve that is by stocking your shower with 39BC luxuriant shower oils. Drawing on extensive research of storied bathing cultures across the globe, the oils come in unique and transportive scent combinations – think frankincense, patchouli and sandalwood; or petrichor, moss and salt. There really isn’t another body cleansing product out there like it.” – Mahoro Seward, fashion and style editor

Why it’s -approved: “I take my sleep incredibly seriously. I’ve been known to skip sleepovers, pack my own pillowcase for holidays and even make an early exit from dinner in the interests of getting to bed at a respectable time. I’m a long-time fan of Verden’s body range (their Arborealist Oil is a fave), but the standout addition to my bedside table this year has been the Magnesium Night Balm. Blending 25 per cent magnesium with a calming mix of soporific herbs and lavenders, this shea butter balm is the final step in my wind-down routine. I like to smooth it generously onto the soles of my feet and the backs of my calves before climbing into bed, soothed and ready for a restorative night’s sleep.” – Ellie Davies, senior manager of audience development

Why it’s -approved: “Nothing sets the mood better than a great scented candle, whether you’re working from home, having a cosy evening in or decompressing after a long week of festive season parties. Neom’s Real Luxury Scented Candle is one I like to light just before bed – its intensely calming blend of 19 of the purest possible essential oils, including lavender, sandalwood and jasmine, feels like burying your head in a giant armful of lightly fragrant blooms. The perfect accompaniment to your nighttime skincare routine, before you slip into bed and sink into a new novel, it’s the ultimate end-of-year de-stresser.” – Radhika Seth, film & culture editor

Why it’s -approved: “As someone with a jaw-skimming bob and naturally wavy hair texture, it's a constant battle to stop my hair from resembling a triangular haystack, especially after using a hairdryer. ColorWow’s Dream Coat spray is one of the few products that can counteract the frizz effect. I spray it on liberally when my hair is wet and then rough-dry it; the result might not be poker-straight locks, but it always helps to create a smoother finish, which is quicker and easier to style.” – Joy Montgomery, commerce editor

Why it’s -approved: “You've heard of rosemary oil, but have you tried Manketti? From the Mongogo tree native to southern Africa, the botanical oil is nutrient-rich in all of the good stuff: essential omega acids for frizz reduction, scalp barrier support, hydration and repairing split ends. This one, specifically from the G.O.A.T that is Charlotte Mensah, infuses the Manketti with other soothing oils like castor and argan to create the ultimate protective concoction. I like it best as a sporadic couple of drops between wash days, but it can also be used pre-heat, for braiding or as a treatment on a broad spectrum of hair types.” – Riann Phillip, associate features editor

Why it’s -approved: “I am a beauty editor. But blending, buffing and deploying myriad brushes in various shapes and sizes to achieve a beauty look? Please. That is not my skill set. While I love a good finish, ultimately, I am more in love with ease. But these Kevyn Aucoin brushes tick all those boxes. True to the brilliance of the late, great make-up artist, they are beautifully designed to hold only the amount of powder you need at any one time; they blend product seamlessly into the skin, and they give the sort of finish that fools everyone into thinking you’ve had your make-up professionally applied. Oh, and when you wash them – and please God, wash them – half the bristles don’t end up in the sink.” – Funmi Fetto, beauty & wellness director

Why it’s -approved: “I find liquid eyeshadow is the easiest way to create a dramatic eye look with very little skill required. Simply swipe it across the lids and then blend with either a brush or your fingertips for instant intrigue. Lisa Eldridge has one of the best formulas, offering rich pigment, a silky-smooth texture and a beautifully luminous shimmer. The shade Emily is a minky taupe flecked with gold, silver, rose pink and magenta pearl. Universally flattering and timeless.” – Ellie Davis, senior beauty shopping writer

Why it’s -approved: “Charlotte Tilbury’s Beauty Light Wand is honestly a make-up essential for me – I love the gorgeous, healthy-looking glow it gives to my skin. The cushion applicator is built into the wand, making application quick and effortless. Just dot, blend and glow!” – Lois Adeoshun, fashion assistant

Why it’s -approved: “Tinted lip gloss? I've tried them all, from cheap-as-chips pharmacy tubes to high-end brands that cost more than I’d like to say. Most of them lost to bottoms of handbags and who-knows-where-they-are coat pockets. Not Ilia’s Overglaze Tinted Lip Gloss. One swipe gives a perfect sheer shade (my favourite way to wear), but it’s buildable too. And long-lasting.” – Olivia Marks, features director

Why it’s -approved: “A volumising lip serum of some sort is always a non-negotiable in my handbag, and La Mer’s is the best in my opinion. The formula is hydrating yet light without any stickiness. It’s perfect on its own if you like the barely-there approach, or layer it over your favourite lipliner or lipstick for added shine, and most importantly a plump finish.” – Mia Portet, commerce producer

Why it’s -approved: “I usually roll my eyes at products that promise to reduce wrinkles, but Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Vitale Elixir really lives up to the hype. I’m already a die-hard fan of the New Zealander’s natural formulas (her Skin Reset Serum and Supernatural Sleeping Mask are always on my bedside table), and the Supernatural Vitale Elixir is an excellent addition to the already strong line-up. Think of this as a bottled alternative to Botox – and a perfect antidote to the long nights that come with the festive season.” – Laura Hawkins, fashion features & jewellery editor

Why it’s -approved: “As someone who’s been acne-prone since my teenage years, I am very, very careful about what I put on my face – thank god, then, for Votary’s Super Sensitive Cleansing Cream, which is one of a small handful of products that don’t make me break out. It’s totally devoid of fragrance, allergens and essential oils – always a plus for us sensitive girls – and entirely vegan, too.” – Daisy Jones, news and features editor

Why it’s -approved: “Concealer is but a short-term fix for my perennially tired eyes. I’ve recently started incorporating eye-focused products into my skincare routine, and Revive Eyes is one of the best I’ve found so far. While its counterparts tend to target specific concerns, the Revive Eyes formula takes a holistic approach, focusing on rejuvenation and restoration of the whole eye area. It contains acetyl tetrapeptide-5 and glutathione to reduce puffiness, calm dark circles, and boost hydration and skin elasticity. Beyond the beauty jargon, it feels really good!” – Alice Cary, senior commerce writer

Why it’s -approved: “I wish I were someone with a 13-step skincare routine, but I am not – sleeping hours are too precious for those shenanigans, especially with a young child. So Laneige's Bouncy and Firm (two words I also wish applied to me) has my back: super hydrating and plumping, it's not only a great base for make-up, but it also restores what my skin's lost from all those sleepless nights.” – Olivia Marks, features director

Why it’s -approved: “I’m fairly fickle when it comes to skincare (working at means there’s always something new and shiny to try), but I do stay loyal to certain products, 111Skin’s sheet masks among them. I keep a stash of Cryo De-Puffing Eye Masks in the fridge at home, as they’re great for those weeks when you’ve had one too many late nights. Party season, in other words.” – Kerry McDermott, digital director

Why it’s -approved: “The cutest addition to this year’s calendar? Longchamp’s signature Le Pliage bag reimagined as a miniature coin purse. Wear it as a bag charm, or use it as a pouch to house your everyday beauty essentials. Pocket-sized, practical, and proof that the best things come in miniature.” – Laura Ingham, deputy director of global fashion network