The Cosmo-approved holiday beauty list to help you glow through party season

Winter beauty is a different ball game. Skin gets drier, hair gets moodier, and suddenly everything needs to work a little harder to earn space on your vanity. That’s where this edit comes in. From warm-toned makeup that flatters without looking flat, to science-backed skincare and hair heroes that actually understand winter stress, these are the beauty essentials we’re reaching for all season long. Consider this your official Get Ready With Cosmo winter edition—tested, trusted, and very much cold-weather approved.

Joon's Solid 1 for warm winter vibes 

If you had to describe how winter smells, how would you do it? For us, it’s sweet, woody, and warm. Enter: Joon’s Solid 1 Citrus Woody Perfume. The solid perfume fits comfortably in your bag, is travel-friendly, and offers fuss-free application. With notes of cardamom, bergamot, and sandalwood, the smooth texture, alcohol-free formula, and moisturising qualities also make it an ideal buy for those who want to be kind to their skin.

Cadiveu Nutri Glow Miracle Booster for a hair refresh

Dry hair? Frizz? Rough texture? All typical to the seasonal change. One product that can take on all these challenges? Cadiveu Nutri Glow Miracle Booster: 12 Oils, One Miracle. As the name suggests, the product can help battle damage, including harm caused to colour- treated hair, and also promises shine and nourishment. The miracle booster is loaded with multiple oils, including argan, cotton seed, green tea, and myrr, which are ideal for winter self-care.

The Colorbar Sinful Liquid Lipcolor for an indulgent pay-off

How many lipsticks are too many lipsticks? When it comes to the Colorbar Sinful Liquid Lipcolor range, that’s a tricky question to answer. Available in 12 transfer-proof shades with a smooth matte finish, it offers high colour pay-off and won’t budge come what may. Choose between winter-perfect nudes, brown finishes, deep reds, and a sensual burgundy. The creamy mousse texture only adds to its ‘buy now!’ factor.

Etude House Dear Darling Water Gel lip and cheek tint for that perfect hint of colour

 

Who said tints are reserved for summer? Available in seven bright and vibrant hues, the Etude House Dear Darling Gel Lip and Cheek Tint claims to add extra vitality to your lips. It is also rich in vitamins and berry fruit complex, which will keep your lips super hydrated. Oh, and it absorbs quickly, is non-sticky, and stays on for far longer than its counterparts. We keep one stashed in every bag, FYI.

Forest Essentials' customised skincare will be going everywhere with us this winter 

Your 10-step skincare routine be damned, because luxury beauty brand Forest Essentials has launched a customised skincare service for each one of you. It is an immersive Ayurvedic experience wherein facial creams and serums are handcrafted to address your specific and unique skin concerns. To receive the product, you must first fill out a detailed skin questionnaire on the brand’s website and then sign up for a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor. Consider us sold!

Kay Beauty Hydra Cloud Cushion foundation for unreal coverage 

The Kay Beauty Hydra Cloud Cushion Foundation is an antidote to the cakey makeup of your nightmares. It is easy to apply, gives full coverage in a single dab, is lightweight, and super comfortable to wear. And did we mention, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and squalane, and offers SPF 40 PA++ protection too! Need we say more? Repeat after us, “Thank you, Katrina Kaif.”

L’oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Advanced hair growth serum to the rescue  

The L’Oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Advanced Hair Growth Serum offers a transformative and science-led solution for hair fall. It claims to reactivate dormant hair follicles and helps maintain proper stem cell functioning. It is also lightweight and non-sticky unlike most hair-growth serums and oils, and is silicone and sulphate-free, too. So, what we’re hearing is, that a few drops of this wonder potion will make our hair more voluminous? Sign us up!

What you see is what you get with Max Factor's Miracle Pure Hydratint Essence

The iconic global beauty brand has launched a few of their products in India, and we speak for everyone when we say we absolutely cannot keep calm. The Max Factor Miracle Pure Hydratint Essence is a sheer and radiant skin tint that will give you instant, lasting hydration. Something makeup artists swear by, this product is 71 per cent water-based and claims to give up to 24-hour-long hydration. Add to cart, stat.

Pucker up with Typsy Beauty's Glacier Glow Plumping Lip Tint

Typsy Beauty’s Glacier Glow Plumping Lip Tint is the epitome of ‘your lips, but better’. Available in five different shades, it is a product of Korean innovation (so you know it’s good) and features an oil-in-water coating system that locks onto the colour. And as if we weren’t already hitting the add to cart button, it is also packed with powerful ingredients like ceramides and aloe vera extract.

This article first appeared in Cosmopolitan India's November-December 2025 print edition.

Also read: The cutest festive manicure ideas that will match every holiday mood

Also read: The beauty drops currently living rent-free on our vanities